1990 GXL Sputtering at about 3k RPM's
 

Hi guys, this is one of the first times that I have asked a question on here, however I have been a "browsing member" for quite some time now, anyways. I have a 1990 rx7 GXL so it is non turbo, but up until tonight it has been running great. All of the sudden, I am driving home from work and I go to get on the highway. First gear, everything seems to be alright, then I shift to second and go to take off like I always do... and basically nothing.... I get a check engine light, and I can hear that it is trying to go, but it is just bucking around and not getting any higher than about 3k RPM's. After about 30 seconds of looking like an idiot, I pull to the side of the road and even at a dead stop with the car in neutral, I cant seem to break 4k RPM's... It gets there and then acts like i am just holding it there... sputtering and not progressing. I get the car to a parking lot (very slowly) and I shut it off... About 20 minutes go by and I am tired of being wet, so I figure I will give it another shot... she works.... I am able to drive on the highway about 12 miles home, and as I am almost to my house... same issue... bucking and sputtering... no engine light this time though...

Well, I hope this is enough information for atleast a "this is what I would look at"
I appreciate any info.
:Wconfused

Mine did the same thing when the cats where clogged. It may be other things, but that's a good place to start.

what can I do about that? Can I replace it? and you are talking about the catalytic converter correct? also would you have any suggestions as far as what to buy if I can just replace it?

yea u can try to clean... i would suggest carb cleaner and a soft brush... and if that does not work u can buy an OEM replacement or u can buy an aftermarket if u want... i have a bonez high flow cat... if u dont have to worry about smog that is

I am in Ohio, so I dont think I have to worry about emissions. Thanks for the info. I am going to have to take a better look at it tomorrow as it is 1am here now. Thanks again for the quick reply!

Those symptoms could also be from a shitty oil metering pump. If the ECU detects a problem it will limit the rpm so you don't damage the engine with rpm since you now are not lubricating the seal correctly. I'd check that first since it is the scariest thing that can happen. then check the cat then the ignition. I wish I could find the part in the manual about the pump right now though. You could see what the check engine light is. It may be stored in the ecu still. That will help a lot.

Unbolt the cats after the exhaust manifold and lay them on the ground, but leave the rest hanging on the car. You can also just move it out of the way so the exhaust can get out without having to pass through the catalytic converters. If you can rev over 3-4k with them out of the way then there's your issue and you need to decide if you want to leave them on or not.

Since you mentioned you don't have to worry about smog i'd get a test pipe to replace the cats since it's about $100-300 to replace 1-3 of them. A muffler shop would probably fab it up for about $30. They can also check the cats to see if they are shot for next to nothing.