Engine performance governed by computer?

Hi. Me again. How is everyone? Good I hope...

My 1997 Miata (34K miles) is an automatic, with a sports override. Not sure if that is a standard thing with these but I have been playing with it more than I ever dis with my 1996 Miata M. I drove a stick most of my life but just got tired of it in Dallas traffic so been driving auto trans last 3 cars. The sports override works fine, just can't play the clutch, but this is a stock daily driver anyway.

Shameful apologies aside, the Miata STO I have now doesn't seem as fast as the '96 M I had years ago, which is why I've been playing with the override more. In regular mode, if I goose it, then it automatically downshifts and tears off as expected (my M would lay 2nd gear scratches which impressed me). However, when in semi-manual mode it doesn't seem to have the same thrust. It's not bad, just lacks the punch a bit.

Is this the work of a governor? In other words, when I punch it, is the governor getting temporarily disabled? Or, could there be something else at work here. A dirty fuel filter or something? If the governor, is there a good replacement that will not be so...governmental?

Is the hold light on the dash blinking? If it is there might be an issue with the AT system. Last I know on that transmission the TCM receives inputs and decides when to shift. Look under this place for the AT service manual, might be useful if you decide to troubleshoot.

http://mellens.net/mazda/Mazda-Miata-1997/index.html

There is a physical and ECU difference between a manual and an automatic engine. Don't know all the details.

I do know the auto's are lower HP.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sammm

There is a physical and ECU difference between a manual and an automatic engine. Don't know all the details.

I do know the auto's are lower HP.

---

I think they have lower compression.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Vissi

I think they have lower compression.

---

I think it is a camshaft difference, but I am not sure.