Resolved 2G 420A maintenance

[OneSlowL36]

I couldn't find any info since most 420As seem to be boosted!

Ok so I recently acquired a 98 Eclipse N/T from my sister. Its pretty boring, auto, n/a, etc. Got 124k miles on it, paid 500 bucks Anyways its gonna make a great DD that I may do a few bolt ons to.

My question is, since I'm new to this world. What would be a good maintenance list for this car? I really don't plan on a turbo or a 5 speed swap since I'm not investing too much in it, but I need to know if there is anything I need to watch out for (crankwalk, timing belt, etc.)

So my list is as follows:
Plugs and wires (I like NGK plugs for my Camaro, good pick for the 420A too?)
Fuel filter, if I can find it
Belts
Of course oil and filter
Transmission filter/pan gasket
Coolant flush
Brake fluid flush
Compression check
Possible timing belt

Feel free to point on specific brands you guys like for these engines.

As far as performance I like the sound of Greddy headers and Greddy EVO2 catback, any downsides to that combo? I'll put an intake on it, but it'll most likely be an Ebay intake with a K&N cone. If compression checks out and rings are sealing I may put a small shot of nitrous on the car as well.

Last thing is the converter - I've seen a few advertised and none had a rated stall speed/STR. Any help on that? Thanks guys!

 

[Locke]

All engines can crankwalk, but the 420a is not known for it - don't worry about that.

The 420a is an interference engine, so if the timing belt were to break you have a great chance of bending valves. Replace the timing belt if you are not sure when it was done last.

Most 420a's use a hydraulic tensioner which can go bad with time, a bad tensioner can cause the timing belt to jump which can also lead to bent valves. Check the condition of this when changing the timing belt.

NGK is the preferred spark plug brand for the 420a.

I had a difficult time finding a fuel filter in stock also, I'm using one for a Lexus that had a similar shape and fittings.

Check that your engine harness isn't touching your EGR pipe in any place - this is a somewhat common problem with 2gnt's.

 

[OneSlowL36]

Sweet man thanks for the info. Do you know where I can find the PN for the NGK plugs? Also I remember hearing about replacing the tensioner with another kind but I forgot what....

 

[Locke]

The plugs are NGK BKR6E(s)-11 at ~ 0.045" - 0.050" gap. I'm not sure of the stock number off the top of my head.

You can replace the hydraulic timing belt tensioner with a mechanical one. Get it at PartsDinosaur, Phoenix, Arizona, wholesale engine parts and kits

 

[OneSlowL36]

Sweet thanks, I've actually ordered from them before.