Originally Posted by
philt
That's interesting, do you feel the variable valve timing coming in - my car is as you would expect low down in the rev range, but seems a bit flat at the top end. Is it possible that the VVT is not working - has anyone come across this before? Is the VVT progressive or "on-off"? The EML is not on so I would assume there will not be any fault codes in the ecu.
You don't feel the variable intake runners opening, at 5k you'll hear a slight change in tone in the revs.
Common failure points on these that tie in with the lack of power is the inlet manifold runner control failing, it can either fail open or shut. Other symptoms will be very excessive fuel consumption. The standard control cam is plastic too that pulls the cable it snaps, there are replacement billet ones available.
Gearing is very tall on these too, you have to keep them at the top of the rev range to keep them on the boil. Off the line it won't set any records. Through the box 3rd to 5th is where they're at their best.