Is it just me, or does the 2.3 have a weird torque curve?

[EChid]

Especially when cold, I find the 2.3 (at least mine) has the most ridiculous torque curve. It fiddles about until about 3500 and then rockets off with absolutely no adjustment to the throttle. This is really only noticable when the engine is cold, but sheesh. Has anyone else noticed this? Is my car in need of a tune-up?

[xxSlidewaysxx]

If your engine is still warming up, then the fuel mixture is all over the map and probably running rich for extra heat. Extra fuel means extra torque.

The other thing is that around 3500 RPM is where the cam profile changes, thus more power....

Try this: Start the car when cold and check the RPM's. They are probably around 1500 or so, depending on the temperature. Don't drive the car anywhere until they drop to at least 1000. See how it feels, more then likely close to normal. Also, once your car is warm and you are stopped, check the RPM's then. Mine's around 700 once operating temp is reached and I notice that the "funny" torque curve is gone....

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I've noticed this, it was really bad in my car when my 2nd o2 sensor was not working it's better now but still noticeable.

[TheMAN]

its the TSCV valves in the intake manifold opening.... a protege 2.0l does the same thing with its VTCS valves

[Gen1GT]

Strange...my car feels faster off idle when it's cold.

[m3mtl]

yeah I've noticed this too. Pretty cool, its like an extra boost all of a sudden at 3500 rpm. Doesnt do it when engine is cold.

[m3mtl]

sorry i meant when engine is hot

[Nova 3 GT]

I stay below 3000RPM until the temp neddle move up 1 or 2 notches. It scares the $hit outta me if I go above 3K :whoa

[TheMAN]

VTEC kick in yo!

[Gen1GT]

I'd rather a proper 2nd gear ratio that can get me rolling faster from 1000 RPM than VVT and 100kph in 2nd. One should neverhave to downshift to first while rolling.

[EChid]

I'd rather have any type of useful below 3000 rpm. And yes, this car feels faster when cold than hot. The 2.3 always feels like it isn't as powerful as the numbers suggest to me (and yes, I do know about the hp standards changes in 2006/2007). Don't know if you guys feels the same. I'm comparing this to a 160hp 2.4cyl Accord. Feels waay faster.

[Gen1GT]

I agree...I think it's gutless below 3000 RPM. Either that or it's just too heavy of a car. You can't idle along in second gear in heavy traffic and you can't take city corners in 3rd. Both of which are easy peasy in my old Protege.

[m3mtl]

I have a 5 spd 2.3 and i find the engine doesnt choke easily at all. I can keep it in third as long as im over 25 km no prob. I keep in second gear in traffic to. I do agree that the car feels a little weak below 3000 rpm. The engine isnt all exciting not because its terribly bad, but because it isn like a honda where all the tourque is after 4500 rpm . The 2.3 has smoother acceleration throughout the rpms i find. Unfortunately it takes a little thrill out of the ride.

[EChid]

Yeah, as nice as the manual is to operate, its ratios are not well chosen for this engine. It doesn't hit the torque right (i.e. 3000-4500) and fifth is unncessarily close to forth. Fifth should always be a cruising gear (i.e. overdrive if you will).

[Donutz]

PSI reflash will give you that low end. I have no problem down low from 800 rpm in 1st and the engine doesn't labour at low rpm is 2nd like it did before the reflash.

[Woodman316]

Yes the 2.3 has lots of torque at the low end. Thinking it's made for a larger car. But a good man like you can make the 2.3 spin the tires in first and secound too make the 3 fly.