flat spot???

**bobbyboy** · 23rd January 2006, 00:55

Ive had my 1.8 04 vec for 1 week now and have noticed its got a flat spot between 1000 to 2000 rpm, especially when pulling away quickly. Any ideas/remedies appreciated..

Also I know this isnt the electrics section but sometimes the head lights seem to dim after just starting and pulling away and when selecting reverse...weird or what? It seems to be related to when I let the clutch pedal out...any ideas anyone

Cheers...Bob.

**joules2.0t** · 23rd January 2006, 16:06

Had something similar with a Zafira 1.8 16v.
It felt like the traction control - I.E you try and boot it and it cuts in - thus getting a sort of hesitancy on the acceleration - hated it!

Have you taken it to Vx dealer for them to check for error codes?

**Bainie** · 23rd January 2006, 16:07

For the flat spot, a K&N makes a huge difference, along with derestricting the airbox, or it does on a 2.2 ...

**armoured farmer** · 23rd January 2006, 17:05

Ive got a 1800LS (ish) and i had a bl**dy horrid flat spot.I got rid of the airbox and filter and replaced with an induction kit ( my bruv-pioneer- replaced his panel filter with a k&n filter and modded the box and his flat spot has almost gone,).Took off the exhaust and replaced with powerflow pipes on "both" sides..It has improved by 90%, so,so much better..

**bobbyboy** · 23rd January 2006, 22:06

Thanks very much for the help gents..I think Im gonna try a k & n panel filter..as for modding the air box Im not sure how its done??? Is it some thing to do with the removal of part of the air intake inside the box??? any hints or help appreciated... (again!!!!)...

and....anyone have any ideas about the lights...they still seem to flicker.it mainly affects the head and reverse lights when letting the clutch out...weird...!!

**Bainie** · 23rd January 2006, 22:21

The top of the airbox needs cut back a bit, with a dremel or similar. The bottom pipe just clips out. If you don`t have a dremel Abyss will show you how to do it with a sledgehammer and wooden spoon

**redbullkid** · 23rd January 2006, 22:26

**Ian T** · 23rd January 2006, 22:41

Another filter panel option is one by ITG (foam) that's what I fitted to my 1.8.
They had to make it, cost last year was approx £40
Also removed bottom pipe piece.

**bobbyboy** · 23rd January 2006, 22:43

Originally Posted by Bainie

The top of the airbox needs cut back a bit, with a dremel or similar. The bottom pipe just clips out. If you don`t have a dremel Abyss will show you how to do it with a sledgehammer and wooden spoon

Thanks very much...I should be able to manage that .. It took me 2 hours to put 4 wheels on the other day..Not that im a numty, its just I havent used a spoon or a sledgehammer on cars for years....

cheers, Bob