Won't go above 45 MPH

Mike · #1 08-16-2006, 06:48 PM

A buddy of mine recently purchased an '80 or '81 Trans Am that had been in storage for 9 or 10 years. The car has low miles and was owned by an older lady since new. The problem is that the car won't go above 45 MPH??? It has good take off but once it gets to 40 to 45 is bogs down. He's talked to two mechanics and they both said it needs a motor rebuild at a cost of $5K. He said the oils clean, it doesn't blow smoke and there's no apparent leaks anywhere. Are there any emissions controls that might be holding this car back?? Anybody else ever experience this before? I just find it hard to believe that it would need a motor rebuild from sitting for 9 years. I could see the valve seals needing to be replaced but that shouldn't cause the car to bog at 45.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike

**Mr70** · #2 08-16-2006, 06:51 PM

I had a car that did this.
It was the Exhaust Heat riser that was stuck closed.
Check the C.C.,or maybe a dead mouse in the tailpipe?

**olredalert** · #3 08-16-2006, 06:55 PM

Mike,,,It sounds like the catalytic convertor is plugged. I would go there first..........Bill S

**enio45** · #4 08-16-2006, 07:02 PM

Mike, exhaust related.........

**TDW** · #5 08-16-2006, 07:06 PM

Fuel filter plugged or collapsed?

Mike · #6 08-16-2006, 07:12 PM

I knew you guys would have some answers....thanks for the info.

I'll forward your suggestions and see if he can fix the problem.

Mike

**YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY** · #7 08-16-2006, 07:41 PM

I had this happen on an '86 Trans Am - it was a blocked cat converter. It's easy to test, just drop the pipe - and go for a noisy test ride

BTW: eventually, it will get worse to the point that it won't run at all - especially after it gets hot. The cat will completely block off the exhaust until it cools down.

budnate · #8 08-16-2006, 07:55 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Mike,,,It sounds like the catalytic convertor is plugged. I would go there first..........Bill S

[/ QUOTE ]

ditto....

**scuncio** · #9 08-17-2006, 03:07 AM

Gotta be the plugged cat...I remember doing a cool 70...60...50...40mph on I-75 in my '85 Parienne...ugh.

**mssl72** · #10 08-17-2006, 10:03 AM

I gotta chime in on the plugged CAT. My sisters '87 Buick had the same symptoms. The CAT was choking the life out of it. It was like a new car when it got replaced. And it was a lot cheaper than rebuilding the engine.