So yesterday I installed a new hardpipe kit, test pipe, exhaust, and intake. Today I have problems.

I noticed my car was feeling a little sluggish when accelerating. I've been keeping the RPM below 3k, but it was definitely slower. While driving on the highway I got a CEL, so when I stopped I popped the hood to find the coupler connecting the two pieces of my UICP came loose while I was driving, and I think that's the reason I got a CEL. I also noticed a loud clicking noise from the engine. I was reading a few people's threads and it seems normal, but it seemed a lot more audible now when my car was just idling.

My last issue I can probably look at when I can get the car up on jacks again, but it seems like there is rattling coming from the exhaust hitting the heat shield or something else.

I thought modding was supposed to be fun.... hope I can make it till Friday when I get my tune at CBRD! *Chad... save my car*

Until then... what are people's opinions? Am I just being paranoid?

 

Stay out of boost until you get a proper tune

 

Yea, I've been keeping the RPM's low and driving like a grandma.

 

do you have wideband and boost gauges? that'll tell you if you have a boost leak and/or if you're running too lean...

 

I think you are overreacting a little.. There is a large chance that the CEL is from the testpipe you put in... which is normal. And as for the UICP... just tighten it up better and keep an eye on it. If these small ( and I mean small) problems bother you this quickly, then I don't think modding is for you.

 

I have pretty much the same mods without and problems, and after about 5K miles I got a tune from CBRD. I live near Fort Meade, hit me up if you want to compare cars.

 

Yea I think the CEL is the test pipe. And the rattling could be the exhaust hitting something, especially if you got a straight test pipe instead of one with a bend in it.

 

Boost/Vac & Wideband AFR gauges come in on Thursday.

Sounds fun.