Engine Tune-Up [1G]

[Oblivion02]

Hey there!

I just recently bought an automatic 1G Mitsu Eclipse GSX 91. Im currently in the process of doing a pretty major tune up. Just bought:new spark plugs [NGK Iridium Spark plugs]
and New Spark Plug Cables. I also bought a new set of gaskets, etc.

I was wondering what oil filter/ synthetic oil do you guys recommend?

I am also replacing the main timing belt, what else should I replace? Just looking for some general feedback as to what I should do, and what I should not buy.

I do not want to change the tranny oil, because flushing it will most likely mess up my tranny. I'm pretty sure the previous owner didnt take much care of that. Basically I just want suggestions as to what do you guys recommend? I do not want my car to be super fast, speed isnt a priority. I want it to perform well in the streets, and be a reliable car.

Thanks in advance guys! Tomorrow I can give more details as to what I've already bought, its just I do not have them at hand. If you guys have any doubts, let me know. Thanks! Hope to hear from you guys soon!

 

[blkwidow]

Replace the timing tensioner. As for oil I usually use mobile but I don't use synthetic. It's really up to you.

 

[Oblivion02]

Any reason why you do not use synthetic? I had heard/or read somewhere, that synthetic oil was recommended if the car was turbo.

 

[TURBOKIDD90GST]

Plugs, wires, timing belt, balance shaft belt or balance shaft elimanator, timing belt tensioner,waterpump since you are there. and replace any gaskets that are leaking. as far as changing the trans fluid. I flush mind and refilled with gm syncro mesh and have no problems. I also did this on my other car (98 eclipse auto) and had no ill effects.

 

[TURBOKIDD90GST]

As far as oil goes everyone has different answers and sugestions about what works best. Use what you want there are many threads about this.

 

[blkwidow]

No reason at all. I just don't use it. I just change mine frequently. I've never used it and I've never had a problem. I would hold off on eliminating the balance shaft. Very difficult to do unless you pull the whole motor out. Just buy a new belt. Infact I would change all belts.

 

[Oblivion02]

This is what I have in my list:

[X] Plugs = NGK Iridium
[X] Wires
[ ] Timing Belt
[ ] Balance Shaft Belt
[ ] Timing Belt Tensioner
[ ] Water Pump
[ ] K&N Air Filter
[ ] K&N Oil Filter

Anything else I should add? I was thinking of getting Valvoline Synthetic Oil. They have 2 for 1 special in my local Advanced Auto Parts dealer. I was also wondering if anyone has had problems with NGK Iridium Spark Plugs. Thanks to everyone for their help! I really apreciate it.

 

[Oblivion02]

Just curious... Any specific reason why I should change the water pump?

 

[greddyturbo19]

well for oil i use GREDDY 5W-40 AND A GREDDY OIL FILTER BUT IF YOU CANT GET THAT THEN I USE TO USE ROYAL PURPLE 15-40 AND K&N OIL FILTER.

 

[greddyturbo19]

Oh And As For Spark Plugs I Have Ngk Spark Plugs But I Am Thinking About Switching To Pulstar Spark Plugs Check Them Out At Pulstarplug.com They Seem Very Sweet

 

[Oblivion02]

Problem with Greddy Oil Filter and Greddy Oil is that I cant find it at my local auto part stores. I live in Puerto Rico.

 

[Oblivion02]

I just checked out pulsestar. Since I already bought my NGK Iridium Spark Plugs, I do not plan on changing them right now. They last a very long time, and are quite expensive. But when the time to change my plugs comes again, I will consider pulse. Looks sweet. Anyone else have any experience with pulsestar?

 

[Loewen21]

Dont buy iridium spark plugs they dont run any better in our cars, some people report them running worse actually. Stick with the tried and true copper plugs. $2 each NGK BPR6ES is what you want.

 

[tqmx1]

Just curious... Any specific reason why I should change the water pump?

The reason for the water pump change is it's the last thing to come off on the front of the engine if you do all the work and don't change out the pump and 2days later it springs a leak, guess what off comes everything you just put on.

It's just cheep insurance.

 

[Oblivion02]

I have already purchased the Iridium Spark Plugs, and they were quite expensive. Has anyone had problems with these? Its too late now to change them. What type of problems have people had?

 

[Oblivion02]

Can someone help me finish off this list? This is what I have until now.

[X] Plugs = NGK Iridium
[X] Wires
[ ] Timing Belt
[ ] Balance Shaft Belt
[ ] Timing Belt Tensioner
[ ] Water Pump
[ ] K&N Air Filter
[ ] K&N Oil Filter

Anything else?

 

[Auto RS T]

Fuel Filter

Thermostat and gasket (since the coolant is drained allready and its cheap)

Check condition of Radiator and Heater hoses replace as needed (not too soft, not hard either)

Flush radiator, block, heater core

Oil cap gasket and valve cover gasket are most likely leaking so check those

If it were mine, I would also be replacing the trans fluid and fliter.

 

[blkwidow]

I have already purchased the Iridium Spark Plugs, and they were quite expensive. Has anyone had problems with these? Its too late now to change them. What type of problems have people had?

Do a search. Use the tried and true. Try to get a refund or exchange them. Trust us.

 

[Oblivion02]

I will try to go during the week and change them. They are brand new, and I have the reciept. I do not think I'll have any problems. I tried talking my Dad out of it, but he said that Platinum[They werent iridium, it was platinum] is better, bla bla. I'll try to work this out. Every how many miles should I change my plugs? Should I buy the colder ones? I have a GS-T.

 

[Oblivion02]

Here is an updated list

Current List:
[X] Spark Plugs
[X] Spark Plug Wires
[ ] Timing Belt
[ ] Balance Shaft Belt
[ ] Timing Belt Tensioner
[ ] Water Pump
[ ] K&N Air Filter
[ ] K&N Oil Filter
*New Additions to the list:
[ ] Fuel Filter
[ ] Thermostat

I already plan on flushing the radiator and such, plus changing the oil, etc.

Is there any specific reason why I should change the Fuel Filter or Thermostat? I'm a computer geek, not too car-wise. Can someone give me some insight here?

 

[blkwidow]

Because it would suck to know that you're stuck on the side of the freeway when all you had to do was purchase maybe 20bucks in parts. Its all about preventive maintenance.

 

[tqmx1]

Computer screws up you reboot, Car screws up you call a tow truck. The more things you change first the less chance of the tow truck.

 

[Oblivion02]

Gotcha Makes sense. Actually, not always when the computer ####s up, you need to reboot. Its mainly windows that is very annoying and asks for reboots every 12 seconds. But when a #### up is pretty bad, you usually end up reformatting. Its besides the point, but Thanks guys. This list sounds good. Anyone considered writing an article on Tune-Ups for 1G DSM?

 

[4G63_Attack]

When you are changing your timing belt it is a good idea to change the water pump at the same time so you don't have to go in there again. tensioner and the 2 idlers as well. If you are doing the work yourself might as well change all the water hoses, radiator cap, and all belts. As for the auto transmission I would just drag and full the oil and call it a day.

Oh don't for get the balance belt.

 

[Icarus]

Searching would answer a lot of your questions. Here are a few changes that should be made

-Spark Plugs: NGK BPR6ES, best choice without a doubt for your car.
-Spark Plug Wires: Lot's of discussion here, but NGKs are a solid choice.
-Timing Belt kits are sold by vendors that you can find on this site with everything you need including things like the hydraulic tensioner which should be replaced.
-Water Pump: Because it's cheap enough to replace and if you have the rest of the front cover off for the timing belt you should do it for the extra piece of mind.
-K&N Air Filter: This is great choice along with the intake free mods.
-Purolator Pure One Oil filter: I have done a LOT of research on this matter. The Pure One is as good if not better than K&N. Very similar to Mobil 1 oil filter. Oh yeah it costs about $5 at my local grocery store. Get the one listed for the 3000GT (PL14459) it's a little smaller, leaves room for a big downpipe.
-Fuel Filter: OEM or better, do yourslef a favor and don't replace it with a Fram.
-Thermostat: OEM the best, other will do just fine.
-Also PCV valve: OEM read a few threads about others not working properly.