Poor response/power below ~2500 rpms? New car.

[Formula Vee]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Hi ya, @Formula Vee ......

I can identify with what you're feeling in your FR-S. I too went from driving an NC Miata for 7 years, into my FR-S.

At first, it seemed that my FR-S was sort of slow to rev up and didn't pull real well at the lower rpms. I was a bit disappointed, since it was rated at 30 more HP than my Miata, although the Miata was a bit lighter.

However, after the first 1000 miles, when I felt comfortable in opening it up, it seemed to pull better even at the lower rpms.

When I punch the gas on the FR-S it seems to take a while to spin up from 2,000 to 5,000 rpms ...... the Miata seemed to spin up faster.

I think after your engine gets broke in, you'll feel better about its power.

To satisify your concern, you may wish to go back to the dealership and take a spin in another FR-S.


humfrz

Thanks, humfrz; that's reassuring to hear. I was actually thinking of driving another one when I had the chance. I keep hearing that the engine/tranny "wakes up" sometime after the break-in period, and I'm hoping that's the missing piece.

I don't remember the sluggishness during my test drive before purchasing (different BRZ), but I do remember revving the snot out of it and staying well out of the low rpm range.

Thanks again.

[mitosis]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

I don't remember the sluggishness during my test drive before purchasing (different BRZ), but I do remember revving the snot out of it and staying well out of the low rpm range.

That's the difference right there. Your car is fine, it's a high-revving N.A. engine. I had the same qualms during my initial break-in period, as under about 4000 to 4500 RPM it felt like it had less get-up-and-go than my Honda Fit with it's little 1.5L inline four.

You will adapt, and once you're no longer afraid to rev it out as much as it needs to you will find that the car is plenty quick.

[CoupedUpSubie]

You will find that the car also continues to wake up well beyond the 1000 mile mark. I am at almost 6300 miles and I am still finding it keeps surprising me. As for being sluggish under 3k rpm's it will never really go away completely. I am comparing that to 6L v8's and newer diesel engines though. My impreza has to be kept up above 3500 rpms to be useful, loves 4500+(that tachs out at 6200 or so).

Once you feel comfortable a 1500 rpm launch is quite rewarding.

[Formula Vee]

Originally Posted by mitosis

That's the difference right there. Your car is fine, it's a high-revving N.A. engine. I had the same qualms during my initial break-in period, as under about 4000 to 4500 RPM it felt like it had less get-up-and-go than my Honda Fit with it's little 1.5L inline four.

You will adapt, and once you're no longer afraid to rev it out as much as it needs to you will find that the car is plenty quick.

Good to know. I'm not afraid to rev it out, just trying to follow the break-in protocol. Trying being the key word.

Originally Posted by CoupedUpSubie

You will find that the car also continues to wake up well beyond the 1000 mile mark. I am at almost 6300 miles and I am still finding it keeps surprising me. As for being sluggish under 3k rpm's it will never really go away completely. I am comparing that to 6L v8's and newer diesel engines though. My impreza has to be kept up above 3500 rpms to be useful, loves 4500+(that tachs out at 6200 or so).

Once you feel comfortable a 1500 rpm launch is quite rewarding.

This is all very reassuring, guys. Thank you for your feedback; you've put my mind at ease.

[Apex-Wolf]

I drive like a granny in the city shifting at like 2000 rpm it seems fine to me but then again i have 4500 miles on it and my last car was a Civic with a 1.6 liter non-Vtech motor...

[1086]

too low of an octane and quality of gas could easily be the issue as #3 suggested.

[atledreier]

My car knocks like a mofo down low even with decent gas. Get some high quality gas and let the ECU learn that gas. The car will still be a little limp below 2k, but it'll pull decent after you let it live a little.

[jflogerzi]

This normal. The car really dose not pick up till at east 3200-3500RPM. I would highly recommend a Open Flash Tablet. Cheaper then ecutek and you get free OTS maps for various setups. IE stock or E85 with Headers etc...