Tune Up Info & Suggestions Needed...

[reject]

Just got a new ride, my first TD ... first Turbo anything actually. Need to know what youguys think would be the best plugs/wires/oil to throw in it for it's first tune-up after I get it.

It is an 88 LeBaron, all stock and probably going to stay that way for a little while. Only things in the immediate future are a 2.5" exhaust and a new stereo.

I've heard Mobil 1 is the best oil for these particular engines, and seeing as I have always been a Valvoline guy, I am gonna go on a limb and take your words for it if that is the case.

Thanks in advance for any and all help sent my way.

-Rob

[Polygon]

Oil:

I always used Valvoline 10W30 in my 1989 LeBaron GTC and it ran perfect. Synthetic is much better for tubos though. My 1990 GTC project car will get nothing but Mobil 1 10W30 after the engine is broken in. As for filter I just use a standard Fram filter. I ddon't know why you guys hate them so much here. I only don't like the Double Guard since it has teflon in it. I used the standard Fram filters for the life if the 89 GTC and it was problem free.

Note: Do not use synthetic if you're breaking a motor in. Use a standard oil first until the motor is broken in, then you can switch to synthetic.

Plugs and wires:

Avoid the Bosch platinum plugs at all costs. They last for about three months anf then they burn up and start to mis. I have also heard that turbo engines don't like platinum plugs and will burn them up regardless. Some of the guys here just like some good old stockers but I like the NGK Iridium IX plugs. There was a huge difference between those and the Bosch. They also are supposed to last for around 100,000 miles. I would go with Magnecore wires 8.5mm - 9.0mm.

Here are some tips for maintaining the car.

Only use 91 or higher octane. Anything lower can cause detonation. This will keep you from blowing holes through your pistons.

Don't use fuel addetives or oil addetives except for fuel system cleaner. The rest are snake oil and they do nothing good fir your car and sometimes are harmful.

When driving always let the car warm up to normal operating temp before running at high RPMs or quick acceleration. And after spirited drives drive around at a calm pace for about five min to let the turbo cool and always let the car idle for about 30 seconds before shutting off the car. This will ensure a long lasting turbo and engine.

I might have forgotten something, if so I will post it if I remember.

[Kid Doc]

If it is a new engine, or has less than 30,000 on it, then Mobil 1 is the way to go. If the engine has some miles on it, avoid the mobil 1. Why? The molecules are smaller and have a tendency to leak past small gaps in the old gaskets... result? Oily engine. So stick with a regular oil if it is high mileage. ~~Heath

[OneFastBaron]

Quote:

Originally posted by reject Just got a new ride, my first TD ... first Turbo anything actually. Need to know what youguys think would be the best plugs/wires/oil to throw in it for it's first tune-up after I get it. It is an 88 LeBaron, all stock and probably going to stay that way for a little while. Only things in the immediate future are a 2.5" exhaust and a new stereo. I've heard Mobil 1 is the best oil for these particular engines, and seeing as I have always been a Valvoline guy, I am gonna go on a limb and take your words for it if that is the case. Thanks in advance for any and all help sent my way. -Rob

flush radiator, change the thermostat, change the tranny fluid and filter, clean the tb, PCV valve replacement (make a downdraft hose for it to keep oil out of the airbox), replace fuel filter and fuel lines (make sure its FI Line) and just stick with champions.... i run rn9yc's gapped at .32 and no problems at all with fouling. im sure i forgot some things too..

[glhsken]

We like the stocker plugs because they work. EVERY car I know running 12's or lower runs Champion plugs. No reason to mess with success.

BTW, most do not run the stock RN12YC (althought they are fine), RN9YC is the plug of choice. There are no fouling issues if the car is running right.

[reject]

thanks guys ...

will be sticking with the champions most likely .... probably the RN9YC's ...

as for the oil, since it was mentioned to stay away from the mobil one if the engine is higher mileage ... i guess i will get some good synthetic valvoline

thanks again and you guys can pretty much be sure you will be seeing a lot of more of me around the tech forums