I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

ok, 98 civic ex w/ greddy kit on it. running it with 8.5psi (approximately heh). Lately, when I floor it, the car stumbles like it doesn't want to do anything but you can feel it struggling. At part throttle and all it's just fine...

I don't think it's spark as I don't hear any detonation or anything. I think it's fuel related. possibly fuel filter? MAYBE fuel pump isn't giving enough gas at full throttle to compensate for the 8.5~9psi at full throttle as it only starts to stumble in gear under full throttle AFTER about 3200rpm. I dunno, but it's really starting to bother me.

I doooo usually run the tank down before refilling which I try to get away from doing...

need suggestions, help?

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Replace the fuel filter first. It might be that. Its also possible you need new plugs and wires.. a weak spark can't handle much boost.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Two step colder could be your problem.. one step is enough.. Maybe your fouling them out. If you pull a plug is it black? Gap them to about .030. Too large a gap will thin the spark out too much and under boost it can "blow out". Also don't run any of the high tech plugs.. Just get the good old fashion type.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

yeah, I think I used stock ngk plugs this last time. I was only wondering if maybe I NEEDED to go two steps colder is all. So I should only run .030 gap even with the msd ignition and coil?? It ran really good with the new plugs and all up until just about the beginning of last week when I started having this problem (I'd say about 3k miles and 2 months using them)....so maybe it COULD be the plugs?? I'll just change the fuel filter first and get the plugs at the same time and then if fuel filter doesn't do it then toss the plugs in.

just wanna make sure I get the gap right...but I'm taking it that changing the plugs with the oil is going to become a norm for a turbocharged honda??

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

if you have a good tune the plugs should be fine. Thats why I asked if they were black. if it was running fine before then its probably not the plugs.. I am thinking the fuel filter or something is bad. They are not that expensive though so try that first.. if the plugs look good then let them in.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Pull your plugs. Gap a bit tighter.
HTH

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

I had a similar problem with my car after the break in. First thing, like has been said, regap the plugs to between .25-.30 . Mine are down right around .25 because i still had some hesitation at .30 . IF that doesnt do it, check you MSD and see how far its retarding your ignition. I run a BTM right now and anymore retardation than around 1.3 degree's per pound of boost is almost too much at 10psi, which is where i run many tests and very close to your target boost level.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Whats base timing?

And what kind of fuel managment are you running?

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

what is controlling your fuel/spark? please don't tell me your using the black box that came with the 92-95 kit.....

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

I'm running the blue box that came with the kit (heh, it's not the black box though :P)

and I've got my spark going through a msd blaster ss coil and msd sci ignition box and msd 8.5mm wires.

A few people from other boards are telling me that it's my plugs are fouling out due to the blue box running the car sooo rich, does this sound about right??

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Thats possible.. pull the plug out and see what they look like.. ::)

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

I have the same problem as you are having. First off, dont drive te car. I kept driving mine and now I blew out the ring lands on the 1 and 3 cylinder. I was getting a ---- load of crankcase pressure. It was so much, it would blow the oil dipstick rght out of the tube, and it blew smoke and oil from the breather filter on the vave cover.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Try replaceing the fuel filter.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

replace your coil, I was having that problem, and I call msd and they to replace the coil, I did, and problem is gone, it could also be igniter.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Rudebwoy, what kind of coil did you have?

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

ok, I pulled and replaced my plugs and the new ones are gapped at .035 (that's what I found on msd's site for what they should be at with the sci ignition).

Looking at the plugs...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...7/fbfb961a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...2/fbfb961d.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...d/fbfb961e.jpg

they don't look fouled but I don't know what I'm looking at haha...

explaining the fuzzyness!:

black ring on bottom of threaded part with nice white porcelain and the electrode is mostly black except the part that I'm assuming conducts the spark which is nice and greyish/white

so I'm assuming the plugs were fine....

I replaced the fuel filter too and will be test driving the car after the rain lets up but this is just fyi for all the fine people helping me thus far :D

comments/suggestions??

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

I have a blaster ss coil, with a msd 6a ign.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

I have a blaster SS coil, but it still does it. How might it be the igniter?

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

greyish white?? hmm You're running lean
It should be nice golden brown .. or just brown.

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

Those pictures look like ass, have you been taking photo 101 with random-strike?

Re:I've got a big problem and I don't know what the hell it is!
 

if your rpm guage go crazy when rev its a igniter, or the coil.you will be driving down the road, and you floor the pedal your guage will just be acting wild, while the car feels like something is holding you back, I would say try a new coil, if its not bad you will just have spare coil, just give it a try.