Need help troubleshooting an engine issue: (vibration/miss at WOT, low rpm)

captdistraction

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I can't figure this one out. Since I last installed this motor (I've had it out once for rebuild, and once again after the build to adjust a number of things), I've had this weird vibration/hesitation/miss at WOT in higher gears at lower RPM ranges (anything sub 3000 and presumably higher but I'm afraid to stay in it). Car is smooth otherwise, including high RPM operation.

I've checked the following:
-Verify that the motor mounts and trans mount were tight
-Unplugged knock sensors to see if it was timing being pulled (I have monitoring gear, timing did not change with the sensors unplugged) Its possible the banks are flipped due to the harness, but it seemed like it only went on one way for the two sensors
-Switched tune revisions, and try a previous tune from another vendor
-Tested on two throttle bodies

During this time the spark advance is usually between 15-17 degrees, AFR around 12.2. No codes, which is frustrating, coolant temp of 179. Car drives fine all day long outside this issue. No abnormalities on the highway when cruising.

I did find a leak in the inlet tube after the maf and before the throttle body, but I've resolved it and while the engine runs more smoothly at wot, its still breaking up.

The builder believes this could be the clutch having a weird wear issue (and there's merit to the thought as I used a mcleod RXT on a stock flywheel, which wears the overhang 1" or so on the inside of the flywheel disc). However the more I test this, the more I feel like its engine management or something in the motor. It also happens close to wot, but I believe these cars consider over 80% as wot? I am not terribly educated on the subject but wouldn't any sort of misbalance in the clutch or any part of the rotating assembly show itself at more than just wot?

I'm going to clear the memory on the car, reprogram it with the latest tune I have from AED, and do some datalogging. Additionally, I'm going to feed the car some 100 octane (as I just use 91 per the tune and availability) in a blend to see if this is knock-retard.

After logging and sending the logs off, the next step for me should be to take the car to a shop or dealer to have them run it through their diagnostic processes as I have no idea what could cause this.

Anyone have thoughts? The engine build is below:

MMR 1000 shortblock, 11.5:1 compression
Boss 302 heads
Boss 302R exhaust cams (the factory boss 302 cam)
Boss 302 intake
JLT Cold air intake
Accufab throttle body
fresh o2 sensors
CJ competition pulse ring (just added on the last install)
stock ford plugs (gap unmodified from box, though I thought the instructions say not to alter those?)
stock coils
AED tuning
stock exhaust manifolds
jegs cat deletes
stock mounts

I'm at my wit's end, just can't figure this out. Any help is appreciated, this is the last thing between me and enjoying my car.

Being this is S197, I know, eff MMR etc. Either way I'd like help in getting to the bottom of this.
 

stkjock

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vibration/hesitation/miss

A vibration IMO is a very different thing than a hesitation/miss.

Vibration = mechanical

Hesitation/Miss = tune (most probable)
 

captdistraction

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Stock balancer

and I know I've been very vague about what I feel. I'll record some video and you guys can tell me what you think. It feels like its not making power during this.

At this point, descriptions really need data behind them. Wouldn't a ignition miss yield a P030X code or a bunch of them?
 

19COBRA93

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If it doesn't consistently do it at a specific RPM or speed, then I would rule out vibration or balance issue and focus on a miss of some sort.

Have you tried another new set of plugs?
 

captdistraction

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If it doesn't consistently do it at a specific RPM or speed, then I would rule out vibration or balance issue and focus on a miss of some sort.

Have you tried another new set of plugs?

That's another item I need to do.

Possible that I fouled some? I hadn't read them in a few weeks, but I should at least pull them and read them again.

edit: could this be a gap issue? Is it possible that I'm "that" stupid? I may have installed them out of the box, but then again, I don't remember having issue before pulling the motor out the last time to install the CJ ring, fix leaks, etc).
 
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stkjock

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in a n/a application I would think gap would not matter nearly as much as a FI combo
 

wbt

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Last time I recall you having a similar issue it was related to the ground strap on the motor mount. May be worth revisiting all connections.

On another note, doesn't sound like you have had much success with this MMR build......
 

CPRsm

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On another note, doesn't sound like you have had much success with this MMR build......
can't blame a builder for a goof on re-install. Probably something dumb.
 

captdistraction

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Compression test?

Yeah, I was hoping not to have to go there, although I'll note the last plug read was all dry and the motor operates smoothly otherwise.


edit: chances are this is something dumb. Its incredibly infuriating as I just can't figure it out, and I may hand off the car to a shop as its very likely that I shouldn't be in charge of figuring this out at this point (since I'm going in circles in the doubt game).

Going to try a set of plugs (might as well have spares anyways), make sure the gap is set correctly, and gather some datalogs.
 

stkjock

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I believe he is FI

doesn't seem to be from the list he posted.

11.5:1 CR in a boosted application???


@ Dustin - well if the rotating assembly is not balanced correctly you could........ :crazy: (not saying that's the case here)
 

CPRsm

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True, but a balance issue become more noticable w rpm.
 

wbt

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can't blame a builder for a goof on re-install. Probably something dumb.

Something overlooked possibly however after the first install he had a rear main seal leak. That shouldn't happen on a new motor.
 

Jefro

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If it doesn't consistently do it at a specific RPM or speed, then I would rule out vibration or balance issue and focus on a miss of some sort.

Have you tried another new set of plugs?

x2 on the plugs. One could have gotten dropped and cracked the porcelain or electrode which would cause a miss. Better to know they are good and fresh and go from there.
 

captdistraction

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doesn't seem to be from the list he posted.

11.5:1 CR in a boosted application???


@ Dustin - well if the rotating assembly is not balanced correctly you could........ :crazy: (not saying that's the case here)

wouldn't that show up at more than just WOT or would it be more of a harmonic (like in say a dryer with a misbalanced load or a tire)
 

stkjock

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wouldn't that show up at more than just WOT or would it be more of a harmonic (like in say a dryer with a misbalanced load or a tire)

I don't think that is your issue, I was just poking a hole in Dustin's comment, sorry for the de-rail.
 

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