Just bought a 1997 Camaro for $800. I like it 'cause it has the 3.8 Liter Series 2 Engine with a 5 speed. When the car is cold, it runs great! Lots of power and pulls like it's supposed to. After it warms up, the car doesn't rev up when in gear right. Like it has no power over 2k rpms in gear. However, it revs up just fine in neutral. In gear, it hesitates and doesn't get to speed like it should. If I keep it in gear the car will stay at a high rpm, doesn't miss out, but struggles if I try and accelerate.

Only things that have been replaced is the spark plugs and wires. Not missing out. Fuel pressure regulator? Mass Air Flow? The rear O2 sensor isn't connected and wires frayed, the previous owner removed the cat. I have a code reader, but it doesn't come up with any codes!

Any ideas or solutions would be FRIGGIN' SWEET!
Thanks!
VT247

 

It would seem that the problem takes place after the PCM goes into the closed loop mode. This is usually caused by a sensor that is not giving the PCM proper information. Unplug the wire from the MAF sensor. This will force the PCM to stay in open loop, and see if it runs better after it has warmed up. If does, it proves there is a bad sensor.

 

What pete said, but I would plan on installing a new fuel filter also.