Thread: At Dyno Losing Power - Need Help

Figured I'd post on here also.
Alright guys. I've had my b13 se-r for about 4 months now. I've been lovin' the hell out of it so far. I decided to head out to dyno and see what base numbers I was getting with the currents mods that I had. [Most were from previous owner except I re-did the exhaust piping to a larger 2.5".] I was disappointed to see results. Thanks to WiredNJ, I have dyno chart below showing I made under 100 whp (around 96) . My car's HP/TQ are the solid blue/green lines.





Specs:
As far as I know car has never been dyno'd
USDM sr20de
146k miles
SSAC Header and DP
Stock Cat
2.5" cat back
Edelbrock muffler
Pop charger intake
Mobil 1 oil
As far as I know it has a OEM flywheel and clutch w/ around 70k on it ("changed" at around 80K).

There's got to be something wrong when a stock sr20 gets 120-125 whp, correct me if I'm wrong. From talking with guys at shop and others that were there, I'm thinking that it might be a compression leak in a cyclinder(s) which is causing problem. Is this the culprit or could it be something else? What's the first steps that I should take to fix the problem, compression test? Could it be the tranny not delivering power to wheels? I am still somewhat new on the sr20 motor despite reading up on it for years. There's a difference now b/c i actually own one.

Any help, feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Is the cat original? I have a feeling the cat is clogged to hell. Get a hi-flo one and you'll be much happier with the dyno results, I think.

Compression test would be a good start.

Typical tune-up stuff should be done as well. Check for proper ignition timing and good working ignition components.

Reset the ECU, ensure it's cleared of all codes, then do a compression test. If that's good, plugs/wires/cap, timing, fuel filter, and if that's the stock cat from day one, get an inexpensive HFC like Northeastern (?) or similar.

The cat is actually not mine originally but I put it on when I changed out my rusted exchaust loast month. Originally there was none when I bought car. There was a constant toxic smell throughout. It is a used one in good condition from another forum member. I really hope this isn't the problem since I just put it on.

Other than that I will look into reseting ECU and getting a compression test done also.

toxic smelll?


hmm i love that unbunt gas smell......make you feel ALIVE!!!!

Something is wrong from 3500rpm.. how car feels on the road?

It feels ok I guess. I thought it felt good but I guess not. I am no experienced person though b/c this is my 1st 5spd manual car and 1st sr20 motor.

like stated, i would begin by checking the ignition timing and all other basic stuff like plugs cap and rotor, then begin with leakdown and compression check

^^+1 on timing, i have had 3 of my 4 vehicles be off by 5 degrees, helped immensly when i set them back to stock.