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gauging power after rebuild


joeb

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I did the headgaskets on my 96 STS. 110k miles. I had a miss at first but I changed plugs and made sure wires were routed and seated properly and now it seems to run ok. I never really beat on the car since it was my wifes car. I never layed rubber in 7 yrs of owning it but now since its mine, i am beating on it a little. i can spin the tires for about 20ft but and the traction control does not kick in. i would expect it too but i am not 100% sure how it should react. I am somewhat surprised by the lackluster performance. top end is good and it has good pickup from 30-50 mph. I noticed the balancer has a painted stripe on it. seems someone in the past may have been checking timing? anytime you pull the heads you are giving the opportunity to get the cam timing off. i am considering driving another STS of the same vintage to see how it feels.

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It sounds like you are starting in 2nd gear, you should not be able to spin the tires without the TC coming on. Are you getting any TC/ABS codes? Are you doing this with the TC off?, you know that if you turn TC off you default to 2nd gear starts right?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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yes, I disabled TC and watched the tach and could feel the difference. I did get the "traction enabled/disabled" message. I have had the service ride control error for a long time. I just hit the info button to turn off the message. it is code RS0016 which i think is RF solenoid grounded. I don't think the error would tell the computer to dial the engine power back. i checked the cyl compression and all are about 155-160psi. I am on original rings and did not touch the valves when the heads were off. I just think the car should have more low end grunt but maybe the 4k weight and average low end torque just don't mix?

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I think you are feeling the 2nd gear start, that said, its amazing that you can "spin the tires for about 20ft " in second gear.. We have had others state it feels like a pig in 2nd gear

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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ok, I am going out right now and play with it. I am pretty sure I am starting in 1st gear. I get no other codes or abs lights. maybe I just have a wimpy car. I will keep track of my shift points/rpm with TC on and off.

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If you can spin them for more than a few feet something isn't right, mine throws the Traction engaged after about 3 feet, tires make a diff. but not that much. As Mike said a 2nd gear start is a pig.

Let me check my manual

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The proper way for your TC to operate is for it to start in second when the TC is off, so that you don't damage the transaxle.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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The code shouldn't effect Transmission operations, sounds like its running right. " Burns rubber for 20ft, but seems slow off the line" Get new tires :lol: My 96 moves but it likes 3k-4k to set you back in the seat. As far as rings ( my engine is wore out) I've got 272k and she still moves out nicely

Good luck, Joe

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My 96 moves but it likes 3k-4k to set you back in the seat. As far as rings ( my engine is wore out) I've got 272k and she still moves out nicely

Good luck, Joe

Same here... at about 3000 RPM... it comes alive and really goes after that. Pulls real good, all the way to the 6500 RPM redline.

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Traction control will not engage if both tires spin at about the same rate. So if you're spinning BOTH tires at about the same speed, you could very easily go for 20 ft. without the traction control engaging.

Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond)

"When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?"

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TC off is starting in 2nd gear. I can feel a difference in acceleration. my 65 imp SS had a power glide. 2nd gear starts basically. never got stuck in the snow with the posi rear end. I have lousy tires with good tread depth but no winter traction. I live in MN so thats an issue but I am storing the car this winter. next summer I will get new performance oriented tires.

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