I got a 96 STI from Japan 2 months ago. Just recently when accelerating hard, sometimes it seems to like 'hiccup' (kinda like when you run out of petrol when it jumps). My mate was following me when this last happened and he said he saw white smoke come out the exhaust.

This doesnt do it very often (done it about 4 times all together), but still, I am getting a bit worried about it. Anyone know what it is? It happens even when I have a full tank of petrol (although it is the usual unleaded petrol)

 

Sounds like overboosting or fuel cut. Feels like the car has hit the biggest brick wall in the world, you lift off the throttle then back on and the car goes like **** again.

 

I have this prob with my 96 sti, put it on a dyno and foung out my maf is knackered making the car run lean ( apparently common on imports) so getting new maf fitted and hopefully will cure the prob. By the way my car had an aftermarket panel filter that caused the prob, it started stuttering occasionally and became more and more often. Finding out on sat if it's fixed, will let you know.

 

Could you let me know how expensive it is too please?

 

Apart from your hiccups... are you still grinning from ear to ear? I am and I got mine in February

 

Hehe.....yep!!!

 

i don't know if it will fit but if my95 uk wagon maf is the same i've got a good one for sale. Thought my maf had gone, but sent off to the scrappy for one £80 + vat and postage but mine was ok so got one for sale for £55.00 + del.if you want.
Went to buy one from dealer and he wanted nearly £200 inc. vat.

 

i don't know if it will fit but if my95 uk wagon maf is the same i've got a good one for sale. Thought my maf had gone, but sent off to the scrappy for one £80 + vat and postage but mine was ok so got one for sale for £55.00 + del.if you want.
Went to buy one from dealer and he wanted nearly £200 inc. vat.

 

Hi, got my maf fitted and the car now runs fine, but i put the zero sports chip in and it started detting again so now running standard chip. Take it the chip was mapped for jap fuel.

 

Reib

Unleaded in a Jap STi is asking for trouble I believe ... Jap cars expect 100 octane fuel, out unleaded is what, 92 octane, super unleaded a bit higher say 95, Optimax 98 plus I think.

Use optimax, and preferably some octane booster.

Your problem didn't sound too much like fuel cut, more like ECU couldn't retard ignition enough for the lower grade fuel?

 

When I was travelling back from Cornwall I was desperate for a shell garage and couldnt find one so had to chuck in a tenners worth of super unleaded - noticed the effects immediately - very sluggish... One of the first things I remember reading here about my car was to always use optimax. A BP garage worker once told me theirs was 98+ but not sure how true that is.

 

Reib

Always use optimax in import imprezas, + octane booster. Your prob sounds like overboost+fuel cut, but standard 95 RON fuel will make your car det badly. Get a knocklink (~£140 from BRD) and use the best fuel you can. An extra 3-4p/litre fuel is far better than a £3-4000 rebuild IMHO.

Simon

 

Yeah that is what it feels like! Any ways of sorting that (apart from going to a mechanic)?

[Edited by Reib - 9/10/2003 4:52:39 PM]