well i just, 2 weeks ago, picked up a 1998 ZX2 w/ 102k mileage.
auto tranny
i am pleased with my purchase.
but have a few questions.
i have read thru several threads and they have given me answers to a few questions but here are a few more than i would surely appreciate any help on, and most definately share that knowledge in the future.
1)
where is my 2nd gear ? lol. its the auto tranny so given what i have read, this sounds like a typical issue.
2nd gear lasts about 2 seconds and then its right into drive. which absolutely kills my power as i am almost missing a gear.
its not a hard shift (that happens later) but a smooth one so i figured, as i have read here, the shift calibration is off.
2nd gear does last alot longer when i get on it, but skipping around town 2nd gear feels like its not even there.
2)
after about 20-30min of in town driving the tranny starts shifting very hard. even at very slow speeds the shifting is very hard, almost a slam. it reminds me of a tranny shift kit. the gears are not holding any longer than normal, just the shift is hard.
this will not go away until the engine/tranny cools down. ie; shutting the car off for a period of time.
i had an old's intrigue that did that and ended up selling it off because no one would tell us what it was. everyone had a different opinion of the cause.
i said it was a sensor, another place said the entire tranny, another place said the CAT would actually cause that if its clogged up (which i am not sure i believe since the CAT isnt linked to the tranny that i am aware of)
3)
i don't see anyone talking about the IAT mod, which is removing the IAT sensor (its the one with the green & green/white wires right on the air intake tube) and sticking a resistor in the female recepticle of the plug. the resistor makes the car think its breathing in cold air, thus making the vacuum system suck more and the fuel system give more gas. yielding 5-25hp. i did this and it is definately noticeable. my idle smoothed out (i had a slight surging idle in when i started it up first thing in the morning and late in the evening after work)
upon putting her to the wood you absolutely know that the little 99 cent resistor is doing its job. she goes like a bat outa hell.
my question is, this is more or less a passive mod, what kind of adverse effects could this have on the overall engine health. ie; advanced timing when idle or when proper timing should be in effect thus damaging something internally.
check engine light is on so atleast the engine knows i unplugged that sensor.
i would have though it would not have came on since the resistor just makes it believe cold air is being sucked in.
4)
tires, i would like to see a little wider meatier tire on the car. they are currently 185 something. i saw that the one ZX2 that they only made like 160 units of used a 225/55 which sounds alot better than what i have. is that a good size so that the tires are not sucked up under the wheel well all the time making the car look whimpy?
5)
air intake. was looking at using a new K&N intake or full cold air intake.
is this really worth it ? i mean engine appearance i could care less about. i dont run around with my hood off showing off my "little engine that could".
6)
Jaycoautomotive.com has the tranny kit which sounds like a cheap way to fix what could be my typical ZX2 tranny issues.
they have two listed, one for 80-ish and one for 65.
is this the one i want to use?
ZX2 Transgo Shift Kit
Fits 98-03 Escort and ZX2
F4A-III shift kit prevents or corrects the following problems: EPC and Cable Controlled Trans’s Rough 1-2 shift and band failure; 3rd clutch failure; premature pump and sealing ring wear ; high line; low line; accumulator seal and nibble wear—Won’t move. Fits 4 & 5 solenoid models. Includes pump regulator valve and spring.
Price: $64.50
thanks for all your advice guys/gals i really appreciate it.
and as always i will share the knowledge you share with me.
p.s.
last one.
is there an online place or a manual or book i can buy that really points out all these sensors and other engine components?
i am a touchy feely guy i have to see these things to make them sink into my thick skull and to really understand them.