Tune Up Help

[Headhunter]

My girlfriend acquired a 1996 Chevy Cavalier last year. Having been previously owned by several young teenage girls, and now herself in her mid 20's, you can guess the car has not been properly maintained. It now has close to 130,000 on the odometer and, according to her, is in dire need of a tune up. Below is the VIN number.

1G1JC124XT7194722

Can anyone tell me:

1. What kind of engine it has?

2. Is the iginition system electronically controlled?

3. What is the correct timing? Is it electronically controlled, or can I adjust it? If it's electronically controlled, do I need to bypass the ECU before adjusting the timing, and if so, where is the jumper located for the ECU?

4. Assuming it's not DOHC, how hard is it to adjust the valves, and what is the correct valve lash?

5. Asside from the usual tune up items - fuel filter, air filter, plugs, and plug wires, can anyone give any other tips, or specific things to look for.

6. What are the best spark plugs for this car?

Thanks in advance.

-HH

[brnwlms]

Well, I have never had that car or worked on one, so I dont know the answers to the questions you have. Go get one of the Haynes repair manuals. They have all the information in them, important and not. It will have all the information you are looking for.

[70Nova]

Hi headhunter,you have a 2.2 liter 4 cyl. Yes,the engine is electronically controlled,don`t mess with the timing,but have the timing belt replaced(if it hasn`t already been done). These should be changed before 80,000 miles to be safe. It`s not a DOHC,doesn`t need adjusting. I prefer Bosch platinum plugs for their price and quality.