Only 75% Power When Hot

[Calebnc302]

My 03 gt 5spd with nitto 555s will throw u in the back seat at WOT after a easy 2 or3 minute warmup to about half way to operating temp. But once it gets hot then it has this lack of accelerating like it stays in lower Rpms for a longer period. It's like it lost 20% power. I have replaced fuel filter, plugs, air filter, cleaned maf. It runs good, no sputter, or cutting out, it just loses acceleration. Also no cel or codes. Could the heat affect it this much? If so, what can help this?

 

[trinity_gt]

Do you have an aftermarket intake on the car? If so, what type?

Theory: A cone filter open to the engine bay is sucking hot, underhood air. High IATs result in less dense air and retarded timing to prevent detonation.

 

[Calebnc302]

Car is 100% stock accept for o/r x and knn air filter. So is this normal for an all stock gt on an 85' day?

 

[trinity_gt]

Airbox snorkel/silencer removed or still intact?

 

[Calebnc302]

It's there.

 

[Calebnc302]

Any help people? Is this normal?

 

[Gary Ugarek]

Cars love cold air. My 2000 GT, with 108k on the clock, in the morning when it is about 65 outside, runs like a raped ape. When I get off work and it is 90, I feel s power loss, I wouldn't say 25%, but there is a small loss for me.

 

[Calebnc302]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm losing more than I should be when it's hot. I'm prolly exaggerating with 25% but its definitely noticeable loss of acceleration. What could be wrong?

 

[Calebnc302]

Hey Trinity gt my car does not have the air silencer/snorkel. I was mistaken about this. Do u think this could be my problem on a warm day sucking in more heat? Like I swear it feels like I lose 20hp maybe more when it's hot.

 

[trinity_gt]

Hey Trinity gt my car does not have the air silencer/snorkel. I was mistaken about this. Do u think this could be my problem on a warm day sucking in more heat? Like I swear it feels like I lose 20hp maybe more when it's hot.

Without the snorkel the engine is pulling air from the under-hood environment through the big hole in the side of the airbox. If you have high under-hood temperatures you're losing charge density and the PCM is probably pulling spark timing. I think the factory tune is pretty mild when it comes to timing and IATs because the 2V lacks knock sensors and is factory-rated to run with 87-octane fuel.

See what you can do to get cool air from the fenderwell and see if that makes a difference.

 

[Calebnc302]

Ok will try that next. Thanks for the help

 

[Mustang5L5]

My 03GT i bought brandy new was a dog when it was hot. Toss the A/C on and it felt completely gutless. I've never had a car with as much power loss when it was 90+ degrees out as that one.

 

[Calebnc302]

Haha that's good to know that there's nothing major wrong then. I guess it's just the 4.6 nature

 

[PULMEOVR]

For what it's worth, mine also feels like a dog when it's hot out. I think thats just the nature of these engines. In the nice cold air it feels much much faster.

 

[Calebnc302]

Yeah I guess so. At first I thought maybe something was wrong but after hearing other people say the same I guess it's just the it is.

 

[runningONfumes]

I might be misunderstanding what you're reffering to... do you have problems at car op temps or outside weather temps? Don't rule out internal problems if its not extreamly hot outside. Last summer at the track temps were over 100 degrees and i had no performance issues. Do this test... next time youre on the freeway and you feel your car is doing what you explained above, once you've shifted into 3rd and you're at wot... back off the throttle just a touch...say 3/4 throttle. If your rpm jump up in any way have your ride checked for compression and valve accuracy.

 

[COramprat]

Hot outside temps. My car is a brick in hot weather.

 

[Calebnc302]

Yes it is the hot temps cuz these last few cool days have been great

 

[runningONfumes]

Yes it is the hot temps cuz these last few cool days have been great

Good to hear that bro!