Have a 96 Camaro 3.8 V6. Last few weeks been having an issue where it seems lose/not gain power or bog down when going uphill. Almost like something is holding it back from accelerating. Car is a 5 speed so if im in 5th gear and down shift to 4th to pull a hill it just seems like it doesnt want to go. Then it will make a tick/ping noise for 5-10 secs and go away. Took it to a shop and they checked vacuum lines and said everything was good. I changed the fuel filter yesterday and still doing same thing. Not sure if it could be a clogged cat causing it to do that or not. Wanted to see if anyone had any input on it or not.

 

Partially plugged Cat would be the most common issue. Did you check fuel pressure? could also be a stretched timing chain. Could even be a sensor in the computer system reading off.

 

Havent checked fuel pressure yet. not getting any check engine light coming on. Clogged cat is what i have been kinda suspecting but just wanted to get some more input on it.

 

Clogged Cat or stretched chain does not normally set a code. If your O2s are working right a fuel issue should set a lean code but I have seen it not set one

 

Would I have any other symptoms with a stretched timing chain?