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!

 

[Oblivion02]

I'm not sure what idlers are, but added them to the list to check them out.

@Icarus -> Very helpful. Thank you so much.

As for as the spark plug wiring... I bought Magstar Racing 8.5mm.

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 or Purolator Pure One
*New Additions to the list:
[ ] Fuel Filter
[ ] Thermostat
[ ] PCV Valve
[ ] idlers? [No idea what this is]

 

[eclispestar]

NEW Air Filter, NEW spark plugs, New spark plug wires, And New oil. Is the best tune-up you can do. Then check all the other things to.

 

[Oblivion02]

For this tune-up, I'm most likely keeping the platinum plugs. They do not want to refund them. But I was thinking... I have a Magstar Racing 8.5mm wires. These wires + copper plugs = ??? Every how often should I change the copper spark plugs if I have this wiring? [This wiring is supossively "wider" and sends "more" electricity] Anyone here have these wires?

 

[1gdsmna]

I Agree with the timing belt relpacement it is very important that u do this cause if it gose more problems will surface.....next ngk iridium plug i would take them back just get regular copper core plugs your best bet.......A friend of mine uses copper core and he's crankin 400 +HP

 

[Oblivion02]

What oil are you guys using? I was going to buy the recommended 10W-30 but my mechanic told me to get a 15W-40. What is the difference? Should I go with the recommended or not?

 

[project1g]

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

Agree on the mobile

 

[Loewen21]

I'd say depending on the the temperatures you're seeing is how you'd choose which oil to run. If your seeing 30+ celsius every day go with the 15-40, if only moderate 20s celsius or lower, stick with the 10w-30

 

[eagletalonjohn]

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!

i would try to locate the spark plugs ngk bpr7es. i personally use 20w50 pennzoil. i dont think synthetic is neccasary. i am always beating the piss out of my car so i use a heavier weight oil.. when you do the timing belt do the hydro tensioner and the all timing belt pulleys. you are in there and should do it right.

 

[Oblivion02]

I just bought some Valvoline 10W-30 Full Synthetic Oil. They had a 2 for 1 special, so I went for it.

Every how often should I do this tune-up? I was planning on changing oil and filter at least every 4-6 months. My car is not for racing, but every once in a while I have some fun in it. Would 4-6 months be too much for my oil filter to handle? Should I change the spark plugs as often as I change the oil + filter?

Right now its a more serious tune-up what I'm doing... But I was thinking of every 4-6 months change the:

Oil + Filter
Flush Radiator, add new coolant.
Change Spark Plugs

How does that sound?

By the way, since Im from puerto rico, I usually get 90 degrees farenheit or more, even on WINTER... My worst case scenario is 75-85. Thats about as cold as it has ever gotten here. For my next oil change, should I consider heavier oil?

Thanks for all your help guys. Everyone has been very helpful. If you guys ever need anything computer-related, or techy, let me know.

 

[eagletalonjohn]

every 6 months is good. if i were you as you mod your car more and more look in the faqs and see what people are doing to enhance the performance on there car. like for example you change the turbo, you want to see what else would be good to do when you install the turbo.

 

[tqmx1]

Change the pluge every 6 months! Man send me your old plugs Those iridium plugs will dam near go the life of the engine.

As for coolant changes as long as the system is in tip top shape every 24 months would be just fine.

 

[Loewen21]

For oil changes i would say it all depends on how much you drive your car. Every 3000 miles if your gonna put on alot of daily driving, but if your not going to put 3000 miles on in 6 months, then just change it every 6 months. And as for upgrading it, don't just slap on a new turbo right of the bat, that wont help anything at all. Follow this link for a nice upgrade path to follow.

 

[Oblivion02]

Just so you know, I'm not getting iridium, they are platinum. I want to change them every 6 months because next tune-up, im getting copper plugs. Not sure how much they last. Every how often should I change my plugs then? and wiring?

I do not recall mentioning an upgrade, specially to the turbo, but thanks for the tips anyway. I do not think I'll be upgrading the turbo however. Im 18 years old. My parents were a bit skeptical at first when they got me a turbo car. I cant imagine them upgrading my turbo.

The radiator flush and coolant change, I'll probably do every year then... maybe?

I'm not sure I'll run 3,000 miles in 6 months. Maybe more, maybe less. But I didnt think it'd be too much of an issue since my oil is full synthetic. I will keep an eye on my miles however, just to be sure

[Does the 3k mile mark still apply even to synthetic oil?]

Again, thanks to everyone for all the help! Someone should seriously consider writing an article for 1G Tune-Up. I cant write it since Im a newbie here, and have very little car knowledge. But someone can take the info written up here and write a nice article

Thanks everyone!

 

[eagletalonjohn]

good luck with all your dsm tune ups.

 

[Oblivion02]

I already purchased the Plugs, Wires, Timing Belt, balance shaft belt, timing belt tensioner, and water pump. I purchased the Purolator Pure One oil filter as well... Next is the water hoses, but I was wondering if any of you had some recommendations for fuel filter, thermostat, PCV valve, and "idlers"?

Can someone explain what idlers are as well? SHould I really change my ""idlers""? Thanks

 

[tqmx1]

Step 1 before you go much farther pick up a Haynes or Chiltons repair manual. It will cover most of your questions before you ask them

As for the idler & tensioner pulleys, there are a sealed bearing unit that the timing belt run over to change the belts direction. If the history of them is unknowen it is cheep insurance to change them out. If one dies it will leave you sitting along side the road with a broken engine. also along with that the auto tensioner should be changed.

As for the hoses, If it's rubber CHANGE THEM there are the upper&lower rad. hoses 2 heater and I think on the 91 about 6 bypass hoses.

It's one of those, Do right the first time and you will not have to worry for many miles

 

[Oblivion02]

Gotcha. Thanks. I will buy the service manual. Maybe I can learn some things myself and not have to be asking around. Maybe I could actually help someone!