I recently bought my first car. Its a 1991 RX7 with 171,000 miles, 13B non-turbo engine, and a 5 speed transmission. My problem is that my engine doesnt have enough power too pull the car up hills. What is causing this lack of power? Is it easily fixable, or should I get a new engine? I need fairly cheap ways of fixing it, since I'm making minimum wage at my job. Any help would be appreciated.

 

step one is to see if its an engine problem or something else (exhaust, plugged fuel filter etc).

 

Welcome to NP.



First run a compression check to make sure both chambers are making running pressure.



If that's OK, then we'll need a very detailed decription of what exactly it's doing.



They can actually run pretty smooth on one rotor, but obviously have no power.



Cheers

 

ever check the air filter? also when the car is running put your hand about 6 inches away from each of the exhuast pipes and have someone rev it up a little... you should feel alot of exhuast pressure coming out. if all you feel is heat and not alot of pressure then chances are you catalyctic converters are clogged. check your spark plugs also. how about the clutch? is it slipping any?

 

it has a new air filter, a good clutch, and all new exhaust. i haven't checked the spark plugs yet.

 

Is the motor original at 171K miles?

 

as far as i know, its original

 

It could be something simple, but chances are at that mileage you have low compression. The motor isn't "blown" ..it's just weak. Run through the normal stuff that the others suggested, like the fuel filter, etc...but I would definately do the compression test when you get a chance...I'm betting it's not great...