Just got my first DSM...

[ZAchAtTacK420]

It's a 1990 GS-T. I got it off a friend for $500 who needed to sell it to pay a fine. I had to get it towed because he busted the ball joint on the driver's side. This was about 7 months or so ago that he broke it. Well, it has been subjected to the hot desert sun and occasional rain since being parked in his yard. I put it on stands so I could look what it needs and aside from the ball joint, it looks to be in decent shape. The engine is clean, it looks brand new, the body is straight except for the paint. The car has not been started since the ball joint broke and when he had it, it ran smoothly, no problems whatsoever. My question lies in the fact that it has been sitting in the elements for over half a year and I want to know what I should do after the new ball joint is installed and before I drive it...I know I should change all the spark plugs, fluids and stuff along those lines. Is there anything that I should not overlook in repairing and getting my car running? I have to admit that my tuning knowledge goes as far as rigging a worn out 1994 Honda Civic LX to get to and from work everyday. I have worked a little on my 1972 El Camino with my Grandfather, but Imports just scare me with all of the wires and the fact that there is literally no room under the hood to work...I don't really know the first thing about imports and very little about cars. I had to look up what an intercooler is on wikipedia, that's how little I know. Any help or suggestions or would be great, thanks.

 

[ROOKIE1]

Included in the maintenance is also timing components . Check out vfaq.com .

 

[Defiant]

The plugs and wires should still be fine. Run that gas almost to empty, then re-fill all the way up with super. So long as the cap was on it, you shouldn't need any fuel treatment, but it won't hurt anything to run a bottle of your favorite through with the fresh gas.
Check the dealer for the balljoint recall having been done on that car.
If the belts are older than 25K miles, I'd go ahead and replace them, too. Replace the coolant with 30% Prestone. The belt job includes replacing the water pump. Drain and refill the gear boxes.

 

[caspers_dsm]

I will tell you, just having picked up a TSi.....the vafq.com is very helpful. Its a little rough on the eyes to read all that stuff, and like me, you will miss some things......but enjoy.

Its good to not be the only NEW guy....