Bought DSM recently, timing components and exhaust ?

[mhuffman]

Hi all,

Recently bought a '91 FWD turbo, completely stock except for the aircan mod. This website is truly amazing. I have a few questions:

1.) When doing the timing belt and balance shaft belt, which components are REALLY a good idea to replace? I read on here that quite a few of the components can replaced at that time, like seals, tensioners, ect...

2.) I plan on sticking to stock turbo(14b), full exhaust, intake and MBC and running less than or equal to 15psi. I want to keep the catalytic converter. Should i go with a 2.5" or 3" exhaust? Which ones sound decent?

3.) Can i get Hawk HPS pads for the rear brakes as well? I can only find front ones!

4.) Are polyurethane shifter bushings and engine mount inserts available for 1st gen DSM's? How much do engine mount inserts increase vibrations?


Thanks.
-Matt

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

1) Replace all belts. Inspect alternator, and a/c components if you ahve them. Changing the water pump might not hurt. Just check all the pulleys and make sure they are not worn down or chipped or have any kind of visual problem.


2) 2.5 will be enough for your car

3) I am only finding for the fronts as well.

4) Yes, its not that noticeable, if at all. You get used to the car and you wont be able to really tell.

 

[mhuffman]

1) Replace all belts. Inspect alternator, and a/c components if you ahve them. Changing the water pump might not hurt. Just check all the pulleys and make sure they are not worn down or chipped or have any kind of visual problem.

2) 2.5 will be enough for your car

3) I am only finding for the fronts as well.

4) Yes, its not that noticeable, if at all. You get used to the car and you wont be able to really tell.

I've seen how to make custom shift bushings, but does anyone have poly underhood shifter bushings?

Also as far as the engine mount inserts, is it neccessary to do them all or can you get good benefits from just installing the inserts on the two lower mounts?

 

[bob11187]

The shifter bushings a a cheap and easy to install mod that will get some of the play out of the shifter. I personally put ball bearings in for mine, you can find them in the classifieds here or on ebay. And yes replacing any of the motor mounts will help as well as increase vibration slightly.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

Since you just bought a 15 year old car....................do all the maintenance first (everything in post #1, look at post #9):
http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239375
Yea, it's not glamorous, but you know you have a good base to work from.

Remember..........cars are not a POS, people make them a POS from lack of maintenance.

 

[mhuffman]

Yep i have a HUGE list of maintenance things to do before i do any modding.
I have a few more questions for those of experience around here:

- Is our A/C system R12 or R134a?

- I have a leather steering wheel but the leather is falling off and stuff. Can i simply remove it?

- Roughtly how much gain would i see by switching to a 2nd gen exhaust manifold if i am running intake, exhaust, and MBC set @ 15psi ~ Basically, is it worth it?

-What 2.5" exhausts sound and/or perform well? How much does a downpipe help?

Thanks everyone.