1989 turbo targa loss of power
 

After restoration of engine, exhaust manifold gasket, vacuum hose, timing belt and numerous other redo's and refurbishing, we mated the newly rebuilt 4 speed automatic and reinstalled in the car. We were amazed that the engine started instantly after being out for over a year. I had drained the fuel tank and after a fill-up, the vehicle ran very well for about 120 miles until Saturday and down to just over 1/4 tank, and it developed a loss of power and funky shifting of the transmission. We were able to limp a couple of miles in low to the friend's home where we did the work to diagnose the problem. Engine would spool to 3-4 thousand and return to idle and then occasional just quit. Restarts are no problem and the engine appeared to operate normally until it is under load. Starts off in 1st but at about 2,000 rpm under load the engines sputters and dies before 2nd gear was reached.
Thinking fuel filter, as the vehicle had been sitting for several years, I installed a new fuel filter. The old filter was definitely dirty, however another road test revealed the problem was not solved.
I am concerned that I do not want to damage this new transmission rebuild because the car will not achieve enough speed to shift properly.

I understand that the fuel pump is dependent on the Cam Position Sensor as a safety issue. Just wondering about the fuel pump and if it has a strainer that could be clogged and if this may be causing the drop-off and intermittent stoppage that would also cause the pump to stop and thus a circular cycle of stoppage.

Also, is the turbo able to spool up when the engine is sped up without load? I noticed that the gauge indicates there is no turbo cutting in during these road test.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

no, the turbo does not kick in while the car is in neutral.
My first suggestion / question.. Is to see if the car gave off any cells.. Did your check engine light come on? if so you have a stored code that you should read.. Do A diagnostic and see what your engine is telling you.. Heck check your tranny dio also. Doesn't sound like a transmission problem tho, sounds like an air problem. Theres a "how to" check your diagnostic here in the mk3 faq..

good luck, report your finding.

Thank you, this is good news for other visitors