Hot weather = less vroom?

[Kermit]

Afternoon all,

Lazy acceleration advice needed:

This past week, my usually fantastic LC has just not been quite as eager to pull when the turbo spools up. Yes it goes, but the urgency with which it usually dispatches 50 to 80 in third on the motorway has gone... not so much a wall of acceleration past 2000rpm anymore, more "yeah ok, I'll accelerate now, but don't go thinking I'm entirely happy about it". It seems to run out of puff at the top end too - generally a little bit lethargic.

There's nothing obvious wrong, no warning lights, temps are fine (indeed the coolant temp sensor was changed not two months ago), turbo is spooling albeit with what can only be described as a heavy breathing sound coming from somewhere mid-engine when I back off the power (recirculation/dump valve??) but it's always done that I think. No modifications either.
The only things that have changed this week are:

1. Theres £35 worth of Tesco super-unleaded (99ron) in the tank, instead of the usual Optimax, and
2. It's been increasingly hot this week.

Could the hot weather be the cause? Have I just gotten used to the power? Or is it something more sinister like a popped-off hose from the intercooler after some 'spirited' driving last weekend perhaps?

Thoughts much appreciated!

Tim.

 

[Sisson]

do a search for "heat soak" been discussed before mate...

 

[GrayT]

I am always slightly suspicious of a change from Optimax. I don't have the same engine as you (and heat soak sounds likely with your symptoms), but mine has never liked a change from Optimax to super unleaded. It has needed a couple of tanks for the ECU to adjust - this factor should not be underestimated. Having said that it has always been the (unscheduled) change to a lesser octane fuel that has done it rather than moving to higher octane. I've not tried Tesco's 99 RON, although I've wanted to I know what it's like, but it's so happy on Optimax that I'm wary of trying anything else now. Can't get myself off Beck's beer for the same reason!

 

[rocket ronnie]

Get yourself a cold air intake fitted or modify the standard air box cold feed.

 

[Brummy]

Heat soak's a bitch, but it'll be cold again soon

 

[rocket ronnie]

Not too soon i hope........lovin this weather.

 

[Brummy]

lol weather is sweet......

 

[dj_hektik]

Well I am very familiar with this.

I live in Saudi Arabia. My car is completely different by day than by night. Daytime temperatures here are easily upwards of 100 degrees, often 120 early afternoon. By night its more cool.

Basically I have a Leon 1.8T FR at night, but in the heat it turns into a 1.4

the heat definitely affects the performance very noticably. But also the petrol may be an issue, i dont know about that.

see how the car performs at night...

 

[Kermit]

Thanks chaps.
I suspected the weather might be culprit as it's perkier in the mornings.
I just never appreciated that I might actually notice a difference - this is the first summer I've had my LC... still learning it's whims