Strange problem!

[ZeroGuage]

For the last few month I have been experiencing a problem I have not been able to figure out. I started noticing a loss of power when taking a turn from a stop or when backing out of a parking space. This never happens when I take off from a straight start. When it does happen in a turn, once I get straightened out it runs fine. It is now getting worse and its to the point the car almost stalls. I'm not sure if this is related but I have also been getting horrible gas mileage. I filled the tank, drove 175 miles and was at 1/4 tank. I recently replaced the serpentine, plugs (ac Delco iridium's) and wires ( Taylor 8mm)

I took it to the Chevy dealer but of course they could not get it to replicate the problem so they were unable to make a recommendation. The only thing I can think of is they didn't have the airconditioner and stereo playing when they tested it. I do have an extreme audio system and I know its putting some strain on the alternator constantly. could it be the fact that the alt. air conditioner and power steering pump are all putting too much strain on the engine?

Oh yeah, this is a 99 3.8

[ July 26, 2005, 11:59 AM: Message edited by: ZeroGuage ]

[V8 Killer]

I doubt its voltage,Whats the voltmeter say? A car will function until the last spark is sparked...For power losses to be noticed the voltage needs to be extremely low to the point of stalling..Replace the Fuel and Air filters and PCV Valve.Run a bottle of fuel injecter/system cleaner.

[ZeroGuage]

The voltage does occasionally drop into the red. I have 3 batteries and will be ordering a new HO (200amp) alternator very soon. I did not think voltage was the problem though. I ran a can of seafoam in the tank about 3 weeks ago and the pvc was chnage about 6000 miles ago. Ill go pick up an air filter right now and see if it helps any. I'll have to wait on the fuel filter for a few days though.

[V8 Killer]

Originally posted by ZeroGuage:
I have 3 batteries

?

I would do the fuel filter the same time as the air.It might be clogged as ****.

[ZeroGuage]

Yes i have 3 batteries and a 1 farad capacitor. Im running somewhere in the neigborhood of 1800 watts rms. the extra batteries help for about 15 minutes of high volume music then the voltage drops. My alternator just cant keep up.

I live in an apartment right in the middle of downdown and have no where to replace my fuel filter myself. I have a machanic that does all my work for me. I'm getting my pads and rotors done next week so ill have him throw one on then. Is there any special fuel filter i should get? High performance?? or are they all the same?

[V8 Killer]

Just any replacement filter.

[ZeroGuage]

ok, i got the k&n air filter.... it seems like it may have helped a little but there is still a noticable drop in power. ill have a few other things done to it in a few weeks. Thanks for all the help and im still open to any other suggestions.

[ZeroGuage]

BTW ill be in long island in the middle of august. My nefew is getting baptized. whats the night scene like down there? Any places u recommend?

[V8 Killer]

Nothing much going on here at all really Do you know where you'll be staying? All our car gatherings and such always get broken up by cops...Any towns on the north or south shore on the water are cool to hang out at.

[ZeroGuage]

Im not sure exactly where ill be. i havent been there since my sister moved. Ill try to find out.