New-to-me G50, questions!

[Rrrracer]

OK so I am quite near closing the deal on this car, but I have a few questions.

The car is a 1990 Q45, 148K miles on the clock. It runs great, is quite clean and I do like the car. I've read all about the chain tensioners, injectors and other items to be wary of but there's two issues I have noticed with it...

#1: Under WOT acceleration there is a strong miss. At all other throttle inputs it drives very well, but to me feels a bit sluggish, especially at low throttle inputs. After a run at WOT, I get a sulfur smell.

#2: This thing is now at 1/2 tank after being filled and has only got 90 miles. With a 16 gallon tank, this roughly equates to a little over 10 MPG, with very easy driving.

I own a race/high performance shop for Mazdas, so my gut instinct tells me that, based on performance and mileage, the car might have a plugged cat. That doesn't explain the miss at WOT though...

Any ideas? I really like this car and can get it for a very reasonable price, but would like to know what I might be getting in to.

Thanks for your time and input! If you get a chance, check out what we do at the shop...

Shanehttp://www.aimtuning.comhttp://www.aimpowerstation.com

[CrimsonQ]

16 gallon tank?

iirc my last fill up was 22.3 gallons. What do i have some kinda race cell? lol

have no idea what sulfur smells like. If you live in a state like KS, just delete the cats. Unless you have morals. :P

How is the cars exterior/interior?Guides done or not determined yet?If you assume anything, assume their not replaced yet.

You gettin this thing cheap?

[maxnix]

With no maintenance history, hard to diagnose.

I recommend you budget for a full restoration. With the old chain guides, I wouldn't even turn it over.

If you are brave, look deep and do a compression and fuel pressure test. No mention about the condition of the fluids.

[Rrrracer]

16 gallon tank?

iirc my last fill up was 22.3 gallons. What do i have some kinda race cell? lol

Well that makes the fuel economy even worse doesn't it? LOL

Exterior is IMO very good for a car of this age/mileage, just a little rust by the rear bumper but otherwise paint is very good, and interior fair. Needs cleaning up more than anything else.

I will know more about the service history tomorrow, but specifically I want to know about the problems I have mentioned, the miss under WOT and the fuel economy.

Define cheap?? What is it worth? He bought it for $1500. I'm working a trade, a fairly rusty 94 Miata and a 87 TII RX-7, very clean but needs an engine, in exchange for the Q. And I get to keep selective parts off of both of my trades that are worth over $2K. So in the end, it's an even up trade for the Miata (which ironically I picked up for $1500)

ThanksShanehttp://www.aimtuning.comhttp://www.aimpowerstation.com

[Rrrracer]

Also, tomorrow I will be doing leakdown and compression tests on the engine, as well as a full underbody inspection. Anything in particular I should look for? If this thing were a Mazda I could tell you everything...

Also, any local Indy mechanics/shops that you would recommend? I work on enough cars for a living... willing to pay someone reputable and good to handle the Q for me.

Thanks again!!Shane

[maxnix]

In your area, Van Meter in NJ or T-3 in Atlanta is a toss up. So I'd do T-3.

Look for ATF on the wiring harness coming down the driver's side. Could be a leaking turbine revolution sensor which means transmission drop.

Check all rubber and for corrosion.

Diveshaft center bearing support and 3rd (transmission) motor mount. Motor mounts probably shot. Tap the Cats to see if they rattle.

Service history really helps a technician to focus.