Well, I thought I would post this in mechanical... but then I realized it was a performance issue as well... and now I'm starting to realize that this should be out for everyone, just in case you may be suffering anything similar, so here goes....

As some of you know, I have felt as though my car drags tremendously when I accelerate... My one remotely accurate 0-60 time was just under 20 seconds... :?

The other day I did 4 things...

1.) Battery had died, bought new one, replaced. (it was due) :P
2.) Changed oil, switched from using dino oil to Mobile 1 Full Synthetic.
3.) Felt that the IAC in the rice pipe was sort of hanging out (not pushed in and snug), so pushed it in as far as I could.
4.) Took a rubber sledge to the catalytic converter to see how goes it before I officially switch to the hi-flow.

And now the car accelerates like nothing it ever even hinted at being capable of before! We're talking feeling the difference from a luxury touring car to a sports car! It'* like driving a totally different car!

So....

Question 1... I was always under the impression that the battery was 90% for starting the car, and 10% for running electrical while the car engine is not running. However, my dad and I have both witnessed (on the previous SSEi) that if the battery goes out, the engine will turn off and not run. Is there something special about Bonnevilles that uses the battery for more than the norm?

Question 2... Synthetic rocks (not really a question). Runs cooler to say the least.

Question 3... I am assuming that even though it tends to slightly disrupt the laminar flow of air, you want the IAC as close to the middle of the flow of air as possible to get best readings? (At least in the flow, rather than just barely poking through the hole)

Question 4... When I hit the cat several times, it rattled like a baby toy. Is it possible that even though it'* falling apart, I knocked some clogged crap loose, allowing better flow?

Tis quite a conundrum. Thanks for any and all input.

my guess would be knocking something loose in the cat got you more power.

other than maybe the battery thing but im not an expert on that...but i can see anyof the others causes you to run a 0-60 in around 20 seconds :? ...

Whoa....

Just as an added piece of info to give you a feeling of the difference we're talking about here...

First 0-60... Just under 20 seconds.
Tonight I just timed another 0-60... 11.72 seconds... WTH!

Hah, and at 11.7 seconds, you are STILL going way, WAY too slow. My LN3 does 0-60 in 10 flat. I hope that the cat clears up the problem.

Yeah, I didn't hit WOT either though. Was trying to play cautious

(Some police officers around this side of town have gotten so sick of ricers with oversized exhaust and the motorcycle racers late at night that they'll ticket you for excessive engine noise if they catch you.)

Good chance you knocked a blockage loose in the cat. You are getting a better air temp reading and if your battery is on it'* last legs it'll drag the whole car down.

Ignition voltage is key..without decent voltage you get a poor spark.

Thank you Bill!

I had a feeling that the battery had something to do with it, but I must admit the cat was my number 1 suspect.

My new hi-flow (Magnaflow - 94006) was just delivered this morning. Of course, with very little money, I'll have to wait a little to have a shop weld it on. Can't wait!