New 5sfe, need help with tune up

[STLMR2na]

I just got a my 1991 NA out of paint looks great and runs good
it's bone stock engine wise

Buying a intake pipe with K&N cone
heard about changing timing 14 degrees? and seafoam?
What does this mean, and how do I do it?

also buying NA 4-1 headers and down pipe(de-cat), using the stock piping after words and right after the curve in the pipe after the axle, cutting off and putting on a magna flow.

Already put ngk iridium spark plugs in, need to get new wires as suggested

and running plus gas

any suggestions or advice?

one more thing, the exhaust makes a slight noise like paper fluttering in it, first i thought it was an exhaust leak, but in only does it while i accelerate sometimes, like certain rpms, what is making this noise?

[wagonis]

First 2 suggestions:

1.) Do not bother with the intake pipe and K&N cone
2.) Stop using plus gas, regular is good enough

[STLMR2na]

Stop using plus gas? couldn't i adjust the distributor to take advantage of the higher octane?

[kbrew8991]

Originally Posted by STLMR2na

Stop using plus gas? couldn't i adjust the distributor to take advantage of the higher octane?

if you're running extra timing then use the better gas

that fluttering sound may be a baffle or something of that sort coming loose in the muffler. Its also heavy and worth a few horsepower, but finding something that sounds good is tough...

[killermillermr2]

The intake pipe and filter wont gain you much in hp, but it will free up a bunch of room in the engine bay. There is a lot of useless plastic intake crap.

[STLMR2na]

i kno the intake dosn't do much,

Kbrew, what do you mean by running extra timing?

[kbrew8991]

stock timing advance is 10* (iirc, check the BGB to be sure). Bumping it up to 12-14* will get a bit better power, but it will also need higher octane gas to avoid detonation.

[STLMR2na]

i don't know timing or how to do that =P ugg

[grjr]

you would need a timing light gun to do the adjustment (or someone who has one). There is a service connector in the engine bay that needs a jumper placed in it between two of the connectors (don't remember which ones off hand) then you would check the timing by pointing the gun at the crank to view where the timing marks are on the crank pulley while the engine is idling. to adjust the timing you loosen the two mounting bolts for the distributor and rotate the distributor until you get the timing where you want it to be. After it is set where you want it, tighten down the mounting bolts and remove the jumper, that's about it.

[kbrew8991]

changing the ignition timing isn't that hard, but if you've never done it before it wouldn't hurt to have a knowledgeable friend looking over your shoulder to help

[STLMR2na]

k i'll see if i lend my car to my friend and if he can do it at school

still don't know what seafoam is or how to apply it

[Maruki-kun]

you can advance to 14 and not use premium. but when you run 17 like I did, then yes, it helps.

[Medusa]

For the last week or so I've been running my car at about 19* before, and it didn't ping or detonate or anything. No problems whatsoever. And I run 89 octane.

But I just turned it back to about 14* yesterday, because running 19* of advance was doing nothing, if not actually hurting my power.

@kbrew8991 - Yes, stock timing is 10* BTDC. Almost all computer-controlled cars use 10* of advance nowadays.

[STLMR2na]

do u think not using premium when ur were at 19 was y ur power sucked?

[Medusa]

No. I was not getting any detonation or pinging. Our motors have knock sensors, which listen for the pinging and when they hear it, they tell the PCM to retard the timing to stop the pinging.

The only way you'll lose power by not running 91 octane is if you're getting pinging.

I would never run 87 octane in my car though. Like I said, I always run at least 89, it's better for your engine. There are additives in the gasoline that help your engine run a little better.

[killermillermr2]

91-92 dont have a knock sensor. only 93^

[STLMR2na]

i knew running 89 was better, someone told me regular did the same, i knew i was right

[STLMR2na]

would running premium be a waste for my car right now since it's running 10

since i cant change it to 14 myself

and is it hard to change a seepentine belt?, mine needs to be replaced, and i don't want to be stranded

[Maruki-kun]

Originally Posted by STLMR2na

would running premium be a waste for my car right now since it's running 10

since i cant change it to 14 myself

and is it hard to change a seepentine belt?, mine needs to be replaced, and i don't want to be stranded

Serpentine Belt?

we don't have one, just timing belt and accessory belts.


the accessory belts are easy, but the timing belt is kinda hard.

[grjr]

Originally Posted by STLMR2na

would running premium be a waste for my car right now since it's running 10

since i cant change it to 14 myself

and is it hard to change a seepentine belt?, mine needs to be replaced, and i don't want to be stranded

Running a higher octane than what is required for your particular setup is a waste of money, there are no advantages to running higher octane gas than your car requires. There are exceptions though of course, such as increasing the timing which may require higher octane gas.

there are three belts: the timing belt, the alternator belt and the air conditioning belt.

the alt and ac belts should be tightened if you are getting squealing or they should be replaced if they are cracking/have pieces missing.