HELP: Pacemakers fitted --> Lost power !!!! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

BLACK XR6-VCT · 10-05-2003, 16:45

I bought a set of HPC coated Pacemaker headers, and had them fitted on the weekend. The results are absolutely terrible!!!

The car now feels lazy and slow off the line, and just dosn't seem to pull as hard as before at any revs! Also the exhaust note hasn't improved, and if anything the exhaust has become quieter, D'Oh!

Yes, I have restet the computer overnight - No difference!

It also feels like it hasn't enough back pressure, since when I change down gears to slow down, it dosn't pull up as eagerly as it did before when I changed say from 4th to 2nd to come to stop in a hurry. I have the VCT exhaust with both resonators removed, and single 3" pipe from the twin mufflers back.

Did the exhaust blokes stuff something up, or has anyone seen this before? I have booked my car in at the dyno, in two weeks time, so I will let you guys know what the verdict is.

If the dyno blokes can't provide an answer then I will be ripping the pacemaker's straight off, and putting the stock manifold back on!

Anyone want to buy brand new headers.....

Any help appreciated - Jake.

NZ · 10-05-2003, 17:11

Id be looking to see if its running the right mixtures. If you dont sort it out before the dyno itll definitly show then.

I had to raise my fuel pressure slightly after exhaust changes.

BLACK XR6-VCT · 10-05-2003, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ

Id be looking to see if its running the right mixtures. If you dont sort it out before the dyno itll definitly show then.

I had to raise my fuel pressure slightly after exhaust changes.

How do you change the fuel pressure ?
Is this something I can do myself ?

NZ · 10-05-2003, 17:19

The way ive been told is to compress the pressure regulator which compresses the spring inside there fore meaning it needs a bit more pressure before the fuel will flow through. You'd really need a fuel pressure guage on it to do it correctly and I have no idea what fuel pressure you'd need to run anyway.

LTDHO · 10-05-2003, 17:23

Are these extractors fitted with gaskets or putty? I'd look at the gasket, if it was fitted wrong the port will be partly closed. If too much putty was used, it'll take a few good rev's to clear it out.

Did you replace the CAT? How old is it? The guts may have collasped.

AU1SIXA · 10-05-2003, 18:21

Mine was collapsed on my Au when i got my Pace Makers installed. only around 100,000 km on the clock too.

Hope this helps

BLACK XR6-VCT · 10-05-2003, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDHO

Are these extractors fitted with gaskets or putty? I'd look at the gasket, if it was fitted wrong the port will be partly closed. If too much putty was used, it'll take a few good rev's to clear it out.

Did you replace the CAT? How old is it? The guts may have collasped.

The extractors were fitted with gaskets. It is the original cat, the car has fone 90,000. However the car was running great before.....

I think the guys at the exhaust shop may have botched something. They were rude bastards when I picked my car up, and I never want to see them again.

I can't beleive I've spent $450 and made my car go worse... I feel like an idiot. Hopefully I'll be able to get to the bottom of this without having to put the old manifold back on.

XR_Strider_GuY · 10-05-2003, 21:17

Did the exhaust shop cut and re-welded yr cat to the exhaust system or was it fitted with flanges and 2ndly check to see if yr exhaust sensor is mounted properly. I'm very curious as to why your car feels sluggish with a set of HPC coated pacemakers. I'm actually interested in getting one for mine.

Perhaps if the cause is due to too little back pressure, you could try putting a straught thru muffler in the system and see how the performance goes after that.

BLACK XR6-VCT · 10-05-2003, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR_Strider_GuY

Did the exhaust shop cut and re-welded yr cat to the exhaust system or was it fitted with flanges. I'm very curious as to why your car feels sluggish with a set of HPC coated pacemakers. I'm actually interested in getting one for mine.

The cat itself was moved further back. This is required to fit
the pacemakers. It was attatched with flange gaskets.

At the moment I wouldn't recommend fitting headers to anyone, but I
will let you know of my progress. The car will go on the dyno on the
18th Oct.

Jake.

EFJase · 10-05-2003, 21:24

Id your car gas?

Ive been told that gas cars dont get as good, if any, results from extractors. JMM is currently working on a set for gas falcons.

Just a thought