Tobert
03/23/2007, 09:53 AM
I'm thinking about a 2500+ mile trip in my '99 VX and am trying to figure out what all I want to do to it in preparation. It has 110k on it. Besides the obvious fluid flushes, I have the following list:
* timing belt + water pump (I didn't replace them when I did the head gaskets but the belt looked worn)
* new PCV or PCV elimination
* serpentine belt
* O2 sensor
* diff oil to Mobil 1 synth.
* grease anything with a fitting
* rotate tires
* Seafoam treatment (I have the diesel sound too)
Already done:
* new oil pump (thought it was the source of a leak -- wrong)
* EGR cleaning
* NGK Iridium plugs
* transmission filter + synth. fluid
* wheel bearing repack w/ synth. grease
* Mobil-1 engine oil
Secondary/tertiary to reliability, I'm also thinking about the fuel efficiency and cargo loadout. What things can I do to improve fuel efficiency on the highway (I get about 15mpg on average now according to the autometer)? Would manual lockers make a significant difference? How about a high-flow catalytic converter? Would a K&N or similar air filter pay for itself in time? I realize most mods aren't going to pay for themselves in a single trip, but I currently have an excuse to justify the expense to the wife ;)
As for cargo, I plan on the usual cooler(s), clothes, and maybe camping gear so I don't have to pay for motels. I'm also thinking of using a small trailer or one of those hitch-mount cargo carriers that would hopefully have a minimal impact on efficiency. I already have Tone's hitch installed. I've thought about getting a roof rack, but am not sure I really want one. It would be pretty cool to take my motorcycle and mountain bike, but I could live with just the mountain bike if it's going to cost me another few hundred dollars in gas to drag a trailer.
Thanks in advance,
-Al
* timing belt + water pump (I didn't replace them when I did the head gaskets but the belt looked worn)
* new PCV or PCV elimination
* serpentine belt
* O2 sensor
* diff oil to Mobil 1 synth.
* grease anything with a fitting
* rotate tires
* Seafoam treatment (I have the diesel sound too)
Already done:
* new oil pump (thought it was the source of a leak -- wrong)
* EGR cleaning
* NGK Iridium plugs
* transmission filter + synth. fluid
* wheel bearing repack w/ synth. grease
* Mobil-1 engine oil
Secondary/tertiary to reliability, I'm also thinking about the fuel efficiency and cargo loadout. What things can I do to improve fuel efficiency on the highway (I get about 15mpg on average now according to the autometer)? Would manual lockers make a significant difference? How about a high-flow catalytic converter? Would a K&N or similar air filter pay for itself in time? I realize most mods aren't going to pay for themselves in a single trip, but I currently have an excuse to justify the expense to the wife ;)
As for cargo, I plan on the usual cooler(s), clothes, and maybe camping gear so I don't have to pay for motels. I'm also thinking of using a small trailer or one of those hitch-mount cargo carriers that would hopefully have a minimal impact on efficiency. I already have Tone's hitch installed. I've thought about getting a roof rack, but am not sure I really want one. It would be pretty cool to take my motorcycle and mountain bike, but I could live with just the mountain bike if it's going to cost me another few hundred dollars in gas to drag a trailer.
Thanks in advance,
-Al