I have a 2001 RS with 72,000mi. For mods: short ram intake, custom header, full custom exhaust and a dope steering wheel cover

Lately, it has been idling a little rough, and sort of lurching. It runs poorly at low RPM and ok at high RPM. I replaced the fuel filter, wires, plugs @ 60K, recently (last 3K mi) replaced the valve cover gaskets because I was getting oil on the plugs.

About a week after that, it started running like ***. It's intermittent with no rhyme or reason. Not just when it's wet out, not just when it's cold or hot...

My initial theory (as I was a little low on coolant) was that an air bubble had gotten into the coolant, and it was fking with the temp sensor. I topped off the radiator (it was pretty much all the way up, but I filled it till some came out when I put the cap back on) and I filled the reservoir way up. It was ok for the drive into work the next day, so I thought I was golden. On the way home, it started to suck again.

Since I have a custom header and get a cat CEL all the time, I don't know if the CEL has more than one error on it. I don't have a reader, and haven't had time to get it read.

Wires/plugs... already? Still air in the coolant? Flush the radiator? I'm low on cash and I'm trying to avoid throwing parts at it. Please weigh in, you guys are usually right on (I read a lot of posts...)

Thanks
-=SHAZAAM=-

 

Get the CEL read. I once had a problem with my 2001 rs and the cel came on. It ran roughly, weird mpg, and the cel only came on when i got my car past 4,000 rpm's(right when i was trying to race someone). I got the CEL read. It came up to be a p0130 which is a front oxygen sensor malfunction. I replaced the front oxygen sensor and i don't have any more problems. See if anyone in your area from i-club has a code reader. If not, take it to a dealer and see what the code is.

 

pilot- thanks for the feedback!

I've had it read in the past, and it's a cat inefficiency error (I forget the actual wording of it, but it's due to custom header and exhaust). HOWEVER, you raise a good point- it could be that there is a second error code coming and going, but the first error keeps the light on all the time. I should get it read. Maybe this weekend. And someone in my area from i-club - I live in Vermont, not too many members out here.

-=s=-

 

Autozone will read the OBDII for free. Also check your PCV valve, it may be clogged. You may want to pull a plug and see how the engine is running. You should be able to cure the Cat CEL for less then $50 bucks. If you have the rear O2 sensor installed and it's throwing a code I'd do a mechanical fix. Rallitek has the part you need for about $30. http://www.rallitek.com/products.asp...Y&HB=&ACC=&SP= Otherwise if there isn't a spot for the rear O2 I'd do a electrical fix. This will cost even less at about $15-20. They sell this part on ebay and a bunch of the Suby Hypo sites. Hope this helps, Good Luck.

-Sal