2003ProtegeES

What i mean is how come when i step on the gas it will take .5 or 1 second to actually start going.

Anyone know what im talking about?

Esquire

Do you have an automatic?

If so then what you're probably talking about is just the transmission dropping a gear.

Mac Daddy

One word: stall....converter (oops!)

2003ProtegeES

^^
What?

Explain what you mean

JasonH

You didn't answer if you had an automatic or not. Automatics have torque converters, which convert torque (duh) and there is some delay in the application of engine power until enough torque is transferred to the wheels to make the car move.

Stall converter is just another name for it. His "oops" was because "stall converter" is not one word .

2003ProtegeES

OIC, thanks for clearing taht up

Pirana

Hey, good explanation. Thanks!!!!

NegatiZE

You could install an aftermarket intake to make the throttle response better. Also, I've found keeping the O/D off makes it a whole lot better when you're up to speed. It'll ruin your gas mileage though. Tightening the throttle cable might help too, but I don't think its that bad in our cars.

2003ProtegeES

Im not sure if you mean overdrive when you say O/D but i dont think i have that. But i do have the sportronic shifter.