Just got a 98 GTP, and...

[blazindave]

i am going to give it a little while and then check - I am thinking of getting a complete tune-up, with new plugs and wires... And I should probably get an oil change - haven't done it since I bought it, and I would think it would be good practice, since I don't *really* know when the previous owner did it...

edit: how much should I expect to pay for the complete tune-up with new plugs and wires?

[StevePT]

I would get the AC Delco Platinum plugs, which are about $6 a plug.

For the wires... I'd take an ohm meter and check the resistance of each wire. If they're all close to each other, don't bother changing them. Spark plug wires are very high quality these days and don't need to be changed constantly as a "tune-up" item.

[richtazz]

an acceptable resistance for spark plug wires is 500-600 ohms per inch. Anything higher or lower indicates need for replacement. If the wires have the cylinder numbers on them, they are original, and are most likely in need of replacement due to age regardless of mileage. Change the plugs at the same time if it's over 75k, and check the filters and pcv while you're in there.

[BNaylor]

And while you have those spark plugs out take a reading of them. Here's a link to a spark plug reading chart from NGK:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinf...q/faqread2.asp







Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[GTPgirl]

Maybe I'm the exception rather than the rule, but I drive with my Performance Shift on all the time, occasionally I will race some little rice burner or whoever comes along feeling froggy, I generally drive like a bat out of hell, and I'm getting 22mpg. Well, anywhere from 21.8 to 22.1. Are you burning at least 91 octane gas? I've found I get better mileage out of the higher octane gas, not to mention these cars need it to keep from knocking.

[blazindave]

yeah, i've been putting in 93 octane - around here (Lawrenceville, GA) you either get 87, 89, or 93 at most all places...

i mean, i can see how i am getting slightly less mileage now than before, as when I first got the car about a month ago, I had to drive 25 miles hwy to work, one way... and now I have moved, so I only have about a 1-2 mile trip, no highway...

it'll be at least next weekend before I can get around to changing the plugs... how hard is it to do - I am a bit cautious of the whole motor-mount removal, rocking the engine forward thing to get to the back plugs - is this easier/safer/simpler than I expect?

Anybody got a good link to various GP maintenance/repair walkthroughs/tips/explanations, etc - i have seen some good ones on here, but just looking for a compiled list...

oh, and the steering wheel radio controls have been working much more freuqently lately...

[richtazz]

yes, rocking the engine forward is very simple. The two easiest ways are:
1. buy/rent a special tool that you put in place of one of the upper mounts, then ratchet the motor forward.
2. Put a block of wood between the trans pan and a floor jack, and with the upper mounts removed, slowly jack the trans up to roll the motor forward. Make sure you use a piece of wood to spread the load across the pan, or you'll dent it.

I've known people to put the car in gear with their foot on the brake and let the motor rock forward, then set the e-brake to hold the car in position, but that sounds like a good way to wreck stuff if you ask me.