IÆm interesting in determining whether my 1990 SWB 3.0l auto Gen1 Montero is underpowered. I think it is and need input from yaÆll before I shell out the pesos to have it diagnosed and/or the cat replaced. IÆve searched the 4X4Wire Mitsu forums (and have seen the thread on sick cats). Hairballs and vets aside, the relevant info is as follows. The compression is fine, just had it checked. Vehicle has 102K miles. Running 32ö BFG tires; I still have auto front hubs (soon to upgrade with RugRidge locking hubs). Plug wires look new and I just had the injectors cleaned which helped increase power a bit. But it still tops out at 65 on the flats and this with the accelerator mashed to the floor. I can get it to 70 but only by crushing the pedal for a half mile or so. Uphill grades are the devil incarnate (IÆm now on a first name basis with semi drivers on I-70 in the mountains of Colorado, not to mention the volume controls on their airhorns). So what do you all think? Is this normal for a Gen1 Monty? How fast will your 3.0l go on the flats? Thanks! RockDoc

I cruise at 90 in some spots of I-5, Auto w/OD on a non EGR 3.0, stock wheels.

Back in my 'boy racer' days, I was stopped for 108mph in my gen 1 4 door v6 w/ 33's.<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />
No he didnt give me a ticket. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
This was close to sea level though.

With 33" tires my 89 SWB 3.0 A/T will do 75-80 mph all day long.
90+ mph takes a little effort but is doable on flat ground, lower elevations.

We pulled the hill eastwards up to the Eisnehower tunnel coming back from Basalt via Glenwood in my bro's stock 89 LWB. We were pulling a covered trailer with two sleds in it. Topped out at 25mph. It was actually scarry as I didn't doubt there wasn't someone out there mind numb enough to plow into us (flashers on). I think the semis were going faster.

Something the matter there for sure. 90 is no problem with mine. I never tried to go faster, but I'm sure it would. I cruise at 75-85.

I had my needle at 110 a few times in both my 4dr and 2dr 3.0 Try freshening all your fluids. Engine trans transfercase and rear end. Also, if you have a brake that is sticking it will definitely slow you down.

Thanks for the replies everybody and apologies for the following tome. I pulled out the cat this afternoon and as far as I can tell, there is nothing in it except for the screens at the ends of the enclosed unit. I shined a strong LED flashlight through both ends and the light was not obstructed by anything but the screens. Anybody got any ideas what is going on here? Did the ceramic interior burn up completely? The screens themselves look just fine. The vehicle was registered in California for over 20 years. Wouldn't an empty cat lead to a failed emission test? Remember I am trying to increase power and this seems to indicate the cat is not the problem (power should increase with a bored or empty one, right?). I don't get it...

With a helper holding the throttle wide open with the pedal, pull the intake hose off the throttle body and make sure you are getting true wide open throttle. Replace the air filter, and check all the intake hoses for obstructions (I found a shop rag in the intake plenum of one once). Reset the ignition timing the right way. You got something out of whack on yours.

Check the floor mats, make sure it's not between the pedal and the metal. Are you hauling anything?