X's acceleration

[dansrja]

What is the consensus on the 2003 4.0 SOHC XLT? Seems to be underpowered. I did have 3.73 rear end on my sport (which was adequate)and have the 3.55 on this one.

 

[Majisto]

Under-powered, the SOHC? Damn, where did you come from, a Porsche You need to get some 3.73s or 4.10s put on there, and then see if it's still under-powered. I love my SOHC motor. Yeah, it doesn't have the toruqe of a V-8, but let it rev up all the way, and it will haul some serious butt.

You know, I think the 3rd Gen. is a bit heavier so this could account for the feeling of it being under-powered. Personally, I would NEVER get a V-6 in the X when they now have the oh so beautiful modular motor Now compared to the 4.6, the 4.0 IS under-powered.

 

[dansrja]

how much would a 3.73 or 4.10 cost to put on?

also the my sports probably did weigh alot less. any idea how much less???

 

[sunbum]

The V-6 4.0L isn't a bad engine per se, and unless you're frequenting serious hills, or doing some heavy towing, the V-8 is hard to justify being that it soaks gas like a chamois on steroids. (For those of us on somewhat of a budget anyhow...)

 

[dansrja]

i don't know... it seems like there is nothing there. have to take it to 5000 rpm to feel anything. beginning to wonder if something is wrong.

 

[biggs92EB]

as a not so proud ex-owner of a geo metro i am offended. you want fast? get a camaro ss

 

[dansrja]

im just saying... it feels like a 10-11 second truck whereas my sports felt like 8-9 seconds.

 

[Joey P]

You should get into a 1st gen 4.0L OHV. If you think the sohc is underpowered, try the OHV!


4.0L OHV

 

[biggs92EB]

must be an illusion my ohv with 110K miles get to 60 in 8 and some change im sure yours is faster i recommend type-r stickers they sure made a difference on mine!

 

[Jason_25]

Sounds like normal operation to me. The third gens weigh a few hundred more and you have to rev the SOHC for it to make power.

 

[Majisto]

Originally posted by Jason_25
Sounds like normal operation to me. The third gens weigh a few hundred more and you have to rev the SOHC for it to make power.

While this is true, my motor is almost 100K miles of abuse miles old, and I can accelerate upto 60 quite easily without even breaking 3K RPMs. The SOHC motor has peak toruqe @ 3,400 RPMs. You either are used to a Ruf Porsche, or there is something wrong with the motor. Goto autozone and see if there are any codes to be pulled. The motor should NOT have to rev upto 5K to make power.

 

[dansrja]

my first generation '92 felt like it had enough torque for me same with my 2001 and 2002. they all had 3.73 re. could the 3.55 make that much difference???

 

[03XLT]

How many miles do you have? My 2003 XLT was a dog when I first got it, but the more miles I put on the faster it gets. Give it some time.

 

[dansrja]

1600 miles

 

[Fhantazm]

I can say this, I live in the hills of VA, and after adding 31's on my 3.73 rearend, the poor 4.0 OHV struggles up some hills in 4th and 5th. However being the torque monster itis, 1st-3rd do friggin great.