New to cars in general...Wanting help.

[maxddr19]

I'm really new to everything about cars and I'd really like to learn. I've had my 97 eclipse for about a year now and I haven't done anything to it whatsoever. Because I dont know where to start or how to go about doing it. All I know is that is doesnt have the stock headers and has a cold air intake. Of course, I have no idea what those things do. I'd like to be able to add things to my engine, suspension, anything to make it run faster and more efficient. I'm 16 and plan on getting a 05-07 manual Scion tc when I move out of town for college. I have an automatic right now. While I have a chance, I want to learn how to be able to do all of those things. I'm a girl by the way, but I really do have interest in doing things like that. I love putting things together and fixing up anything in the how that needs to be fixed. During the summer I don't do anything and I have a lot of time on my hands that I could spend learning and working on my car, but don't know how.. I need some thorough, informative information on where to start and what everything does and what I could possibly do. My dad isn't really a car person but he knows the basic things that every person would know and I guess a little bit more. But thats it. He has tools though. Money is kind of tight for me but little projects I could do. PLEASE help me or message me if you need to.

 

[Mike02rt]

I'm really new to everything about cars and I'd really like to learn. I've had my 97 eclipse for about a year now and I haven't done anything to it whatsoever. Because I dont know where to start or how to go about doing it. All I know is that is doesnt have the stock headers and has a cold air intake. Of course, I have no idea what those things do. I'd like to be able to add things to my engine, suspension, anything to make it run faster and more efficient. I'm 16 and plan on getting a 05-07 manual Scion tc when I move out of town for college. I have an automatic right now. While I have a chance, I want to learn how to be able to do all of those things. I'm a girl by the way, but I really do have interest in doing things like that. I love putting things together and fixing up anything in the how that needs to be fixed. During the summer I don't do anything and I have a lot of time on my hands that I could spend learning and working on my car, but don't know how.. I need some thorough, informative information on where to start and what everything does and what I could possibly do. My dad isn't really a car person but he knows the basic things that every person would know and I guess a little bit more. But thats it. He has tools though. Money is kind of tight for me but little projects I could do. PLEASE help me or message me if you need to.

For starters, your vehicle has one header

Scion TC's are fun, they have 2.4l 4 cyl and are kinda quick for what it's worth. In college, you'll love the dependability and fuel efficiency if you go this route.

As others have stated, having a visual reference on hand is essential to working on cars. Nothing beats experience but it also doesn't help any to dive into projects by just guessing. Manuals save time and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Also, be prepared for things not going as planned: bolts snapping, important things breaking, etc. Become familiar with Murphy's Law and understand it's part of working on cars

 

[DeadlyScone]

I've never heard of this; it seems very interesting. Has anyone used it?

I used this in my Auto class in HS

 

[maddadgsx]

Go to school for auto mechanic, or self- teach yourself like I did. The internet and DSM Tuners of course, are great resources!

 

[maxddr19]

Okay, so here's a picture of my engine bay.

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I noticed a few little things that I had questions about. My timing belt is coming off of the thing it's on, kind of half way. I don't know if it would be a good thing to push it back on or just go ahead and get new belts for everything since I have no idea how old they are. I plan on changing the oil and any other fluids when I get the chance to and then the spark plugs and wires. If the timing belt is a problem, would it be a tough thing for an inexperienced person to attempt? Because that's what I would do next.
If not, I need to fix my headlights because they aren't balanced or whatever you call it..

 

[whooooop]

timging belt should be done by someone who know what they are doing.. serpentine belts are a little easier if you have experince doing the, but timing belts have to be put on and timed right or it will mess up the engine. btw engine and engine bay look pretty clean. nice find

 

[dsmspick]

Welcome! Btw some if the mods you were talking about you already have. The cold air intake is the shiny metal pipe with couplers. Then the 4 Shiney pipes is an aftermarket exhaust manifold. Like others have said do maintenance first! Your car does look clean! :thumbup:

 

[ricktb]

1 check fluids... oil, coolant, trans fluid (for automatic trans), power steering fluid, clutch fluid (for manual trans), washer fluid, brake fluid.
2 check air filter
3 check spark plugs
4 check hoses and wires
5 check belts
6 check brake pads
7 check suspension
8 check tires
9 check wipers

good luck and welcome

the haynes manual will get you started all you need to know about car care is in there.

 

[JusMX141]

Not all timing belts ride perfectly-centered on the gears....although it could be a sign of a failing idler or tensioner pulley which is causing the belt to ride off-centered a bit more than normal. Definitely worth looking into while it appears the cover is removed.

You also have an aftermarket header- not bad as some of these are fairly well-built, but the cheaper versions are prone to cracking or leaking at the manifold flange which may have been warped during the welding process. I see there's a tag on there- just can't see what brand it is.

 

[maxddr19]

It's Greddy.

 

[uummm]

Just something to think about... An engine, as some would explain it, is kind of like an air pump (very basic description). The more efficiently you can get air in and out, the more power you will make and thats why the cold air intake and exhaust header were put on there. Now there are many more factors like fuel and timing maps and such, but this is a basic idea of how to make it perform better.

Like others have said though, start with the basics and read manuals. Manuals will help you figure out why things work the way they do. Also the internet is a very powerful tool, you can literally find anything you need if you know where to look (and for your car, this site is a great place to start).

One word of advise when working on cars is to try to stay organized. When you take things apart, put the bolts and nuts in bags or tubs or something labeled what part they go to. And taking pictures before you start of what your going to work on can be helpful too.

 

[ThunderChild]

Not all timing belts ride perfectly-centered on the gears....although it could be a sign of a failing idler or tensioner pulley which is causing the belt to ride off-centered a bit more than normal. Definitely worth looking into while it appears the cover is removed.

You also have an aftermarket header- not bad as some of these are fairly well-built, but the cheaper versions are prone to cracking or leaking at the manifold flange which may have been warped during the welding process. I see there's a tag on there- just can't see what brand it is.

word. ive hardly ever had a T-belt ride perfectly centered.

i think its been mentioned before, but grab a haynes or chiltons repair manual. they are a very good reference that is cost effective. auto parts stores have them, but you may be able to order online cheaper, and overall cost should be under 30 bux.

the manuals are not the bible though, i generally use mine as a reference. it will help with identifying parts or processes you do not know off hand.

gl!

 

[maxddr19]

Well I just changed my spark plugs today. I don't know what I should do next. Either air filter or what?

 

[ForsakenLash]

When doing routine maintenance like your spark plugs, its a good idea to do your spark plug wires and fuel filter at the same time. Also do an oil change and change your air filter around this time too if you are able and check your serpentine belt for wear and tear.

An engine requires 3 things to make it run properly; Air, Fuel, and Spark. If you dont get enough of either one of these things then your going to run lean (too much fuel not enough air or spark), run rough, or not run at all. So by changing your plugs, wires, fuel filter, and air filter you give your engine fresh types of all 3 of these running into the motor.

As for the timing belt, if the belt feel loose (not enough tension) then it needs to be replaced. Im not 100% sure if the timing belts are connected to our water pumps but if they are then you may want to replace that when you do the timing belt so it doesnt go out and you have to re-time it again.

As for simple mods there arent really many more you can do to the motor that arent already on there. Cold Air Intake, Header for the exhaust, if it has an aftermarket exhaust on it then thats also a plus. You could always put bigger fuel injectors in and get performance spark plugs and wires. Suspension mods arent going to make your car faster, but they will help with handling.

I do not attest that all of this is 100% accurate, but its what I have learned and been taught.

 

[WES_393]

You need a way to tune in order to increase injector size. There would also be no point in larger injectors while the engine is naturally aspirated. At least not anywhere near stock power.

Spark plug wires won't increase horsepower either. They just restore power that was being lost through worn wires.

And the timing belt should not become noticeably loose as it wears. If the belt has excess slack, it's likely from a faulty tensioner or pulley. Known mileage and condition is the best way to determine when to replace the belt. If you don't know when the belt was replaced last, but it looks brand new, replace it anyways.

 

[ForsakenLash]

You need a way to tune in order to increase injector size. There would also be no point in larger injectors while the engine is naturally aspirated. At least not anywhere near stock power.

Spark plug wires won't increase horsepower either. They just restore power that was being lost through worn wires.

And the timing belt should not become noticeably loose as it wears. If the belt has excess slack, it's likely from a faulty tensioner or pulley. Known mileage and condition is the best way to determine when to replace the belt. If you don't know when the belt was replaced last, but it looks brand new, replace it anyways.

so adding a larger set of wires to increase the spark doesnt improve performance?

 

[bluehaze420a]

so adding a larger set of wires to increase the spark doesnt improve performance?

On a stock engine no you wouldnt notice any power gains. Your car will run smoother and start up better but thats about it.

 

[WES_393]

so adding a larger set of wires to increase the spark doesnt improve performance?

No, larger spark plug wires won't have a notable effect on engine performance. The larger diameter is mainly due to a thicker outer jacket; It's not an indication of the size, quality, or design of the actual conductor. Even with the best conductor core in existence, your still limited by the output of the ignition system. Performance wires are preferred because they look better and usually last longer due to their higher quality construction and materials. You can read more about it here:

Truth About Ignition Wire Conductors

 

[ForsakenLash]

I guess I should rephrase what I meant in my post... I meant that larger wires would give a better spark to help the car run better, not give an increase in HP. if this isnt true then I feel cheap and used!!!! .

 

[maxddr19]

I'm taking my car into the shop soon to get a front end alignment and have my trailing arm fixed so when I do, I am going to have the oil changed. But how hard of a tak would it be to change the fuel filter? The air filter will be no problem for me though. I just need to buy one.

 

[ForsakenLash]

fuel filters are simple and part of your oil change.