help my slow z26!

[VTHokie517]

Recently bought a 96 Z26, but its my 2nd beretta. Years ago had a 91 also. They were both the 3.1L V6, but i remember my 1st one actually having better acceleration than my z26. Really, the pickup is pretty bad. Just went over 100K, so Im due for new spark plugs or a whole tune up. I've heard though on newer models, a regular "tune up special" isnt worth it on newer cars due to lack of points, timing, idle etc. Is my car old enough to be worth it? Was also considering a fuel-injection service too...these good ideas or a waste of money because I just got an old, slow piece of crap? thanks

[IsaacHayes]

I bought mine with 104k on the clock......... Right now it's somewhere over 220,000.

Even your old 91 didn't have points (no distributor).

I'd check the resistance of the spark plug wires, check the plugs, replace both if needed. DONT get bosch plugs get AC DELCO R44LTSM6. Or NGK TR55.

Also the O2 sensor probably needs replacing if it's old. That will pick you up some power and MPG since when they get old they report as lean so you end up actually running rich. Don't get bosch once again, go for AC delco or a DENSO brand. http://www.sparkplugs.com has denso OEM replacement for a good price.

Check the air filter, maybe replace the fuel filter too.

You don't have any check engine lights on do you?

The 3100 SFI in your Z26 is rated at 155hp. That's more than the 91 3.1L MPFI.

The Z26 has a 4speed auto, which does rob a fair amount of power before it gets to the wheels, and also has really tall gears.
The 5spd manual and even the 3spd auto (not sure which your 91 had) are geared a lot lower so the low end will seem a lot better with those older trans despite the engines having less power.

The 3100 really shines in the upper RPMs where the older 3.1mpfi ran out of steam at around 4500 RPM.

Hope that helps.

[Money pit Beretta]

The 3.1 has more low end power and the 3100 has more top end. Also the FD gear was lower with the 3T40, your 4T60e has a high FD ratio. This is why I bought a Grand AM trans for my 95. I'm going from a 2.94 to 3.33 that will get me off the line faster. As for a tune up ther are many things to do. You know about the plugs and wires(get low Ohm wires and AC plugs). A new fuel filter, O2, some injector cleaner(Sea Foam in the tank) and some Sea Foam down the brake booster hose when the engine is running. If your are running low on money you can steam clean the valves and chambers. All you need is a spray bottle full of water. Take off the intake tube then with the engine running crack the throttle open a little and spray the water in the TB. Spray most of the bottle in. The engine will run ruff for a short time after. It's better to put Sea Foam down the booster, but the steam does work. In other words I 2nd what Isaac said.

[IsaacHayes]

Grand am 3100 trans has same FDR... Do you mean grand prix?

Unless you mean quad4 4t60-e N body trans... some of those had like 3.73 FDR and like a 2300 stall or something.

[Money pit Beretta]

Sorry, the Grand Prix trans is the one I got(it's at the house now!). My dad has a Grand Am. That's why I posted that, oops. I got the converter today and the box has this stamped on it: 125c,44CT4
2095stall
I have a 4T60e and it looks like it will work(checked their site, Precision is the maker).

[Asylum]

That is essentially the FD converter. Same one I have in my 3500/3t40.

It should be fine.

[Money pit Beretta]

Cool, thanks Eric. Do you have the same brand? The FD converter? What does that stand for?