ok tax return time what should i do

[fordfreak]

ok my car (being the everyday driver that it is) has aquiered some character aspects that need resolving. I have about $4000 to drop on it. Here's the list of what needs to be fixed. The main reason im posting is to see if any of you have a mor cost effective way to repair some of these. And if while in the process of fixing i can upgrade some of the components. ok on to the list.

1. motor mounts
2. valves brunt due to exaust leak
3. y-pipe got a few gashes (from not seeing a black unmarked speed bump)
4. driverside door panel need replacing
5. seats eed replacing (mechanical malfunction)
6. suspenstion (eibach springs and kyb struts)
7. radiator has small leak put coolant in every week (about a ltr)
8. tires (about that time)
9. wiper motor
10. fog lights
11. afew dings in rear quarter

the motor i would either like to rebuild or buy a rebuilt one. i currently have a 3.0 ( had to have the 5 speed) this car mean too much to me to just throw away and buy another one. I have thought of just finding a parts car but my search in my locale has turned up little. Your responses are appreciated. BTW if any of you guys near VA happen to have any of these parts i'll gladly come get them.

 

[Dylan King]

If you havent had the 60k tune up yet thats a must. That should be one of the first on the list.

 

[93redATX]

Here, I'll break down your list and give you my replies.

1. motor mounts

Fair enough. Nothing to add here, other than you should consider Extreme mounts or Kirk's reinforced mounts.

2. valves brunt due to exaust leak

No idea on this one. Have you had the engine apart to confirm this, or has someone simply told you this?

3. y-pipe got a few gashes (from not seeing a black unmarked speed bump)

Definately go aftermarket on this one. Performance Plus or SHO SHOP manufactures these. The stock MTX Y-Pipe is very poorly designed.

4. driverside door panel need replacing

Not a hard piece to locate; post something in the WTB section. The only way you *may* have a problem is if you need a black one, but even then the part can be found.

5. seats eed replacing (mechanical malfunction)

Again, easy enough to find. You can also go with a Gen III seat if you were so inclined.

6. suspenstion (eibach springs and kyb struts)

For the best bang for your buck, check out Moog Cargo Coils. Check around the forum for people who have them. I have heard nothing but good things about these springs. Not to mention, they would probably be a better fit for the KYB's. As an aside, bushings are an extremely important part of any suspension work. This cannot be stressed enough. Go with TPR; you will never have to replace your bushings again. Your car will tighten up considerably, and will just have a better 'feel' to it in general. Energy Suspension kits can be purchased through many places, including AutoZone.

7. radiator has small leak put coolant in every week (about a ltr)

Common problem. The plastic end tanks typically split on the seam and start to leak.

8. tires (about that time)

Endless options here, depending on what you want and what you want to pay. Check out the wheel and tire forum for more info.

9. wiper motor

Is the wiper motor actually bad, or is it the Multifunction switch? The MFS has a tendency to get clogged up with crap and starts acting goofy. People have had luck simply taking apart the switch and cleaning it up. Otherwise, it's time for a new switch (not very cheap, either ). If you actually need a wiper motor, I've got one on the shelf. PM me about it.

10. fog lights

Common issue. There are also aftermarket options available here.

11. afew dings in rear quarter

Can be an easy fix, depending on your level of expertise with body work. Personally, I'm not a body man, so I take things like that in :dunno:

As for the motor...why not just give yours a 60k and thorough refreshening? You'd be amazed at the difference if you checked valve lash, replaced timing belt, thoroughly cleaned the intake manifold, and changed the rod bearings (lumped in with other preventive maintenance, along with water pump, CKP, front main, etc.)

 

[fordfreak]

ok heres what i have come up with so far.

shoshop stage 2 perfomance package

and 60k silver kit

radiator im going to see if i can find one for under $150

door = junkyard if i can find a grey one

seats i can deal with for a little longer

i figure if i get all of this done i have a well running car with an extra 35 hp to boot

btw does any one know if SHO Shop will do any deals for the amount of stuff im buying from them?

 

[SHOMurph]

I would find a nice SHO for $4k that has some mods and use your current car as a parks car.

Sounds like your car needs alot of work. Buying a car with mods already on it will save you time, money and aggravation.

 

[fordfreak]

yeah i was thinking about that but i still owe around 2000 on my current SHO that plus the sentimental value of the car. i just dont want to give it up.

also keep in mind that i have been lazy about fixing these problems as they occured. the heads im not so sure have burnt valves the exaust leak cuases the o2 sensor to throw up a CE light every so often so i dont think that its that bad could be wrong will find out when i do the lash adjustment.

<small>[ March 06, 2004, 01:05 PM: Message edited by: fordfreak ]</small>