Just bought FTO - First Modification...?

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:57 pm

Hmmmm.......timing belt needs to be changed at 100 000km

Surely this would have been checked by the compliance guys? Is there any way to determine whether it needs to be changed myself, or would I need to see a Mitsu specialist?

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:01 pm

The compliance place will get the car roadworthy, and generally would not go into to much detail on efficiency.

All those things that were 'replaced' is cheap off the shelf stuff, and nothing to spec.

and as said, you DEFINATELY want your belts checked.

Not cheap is they decide to snap.

Save yourself the grief now!

The new cat is just a basic type one to, perhps invest in a hi-flow, that will give some benefit to performance.

By the way, the muffler is what tones down the volume of your exhaust output, for the FTO it is under the boot in a horizontal fahion.

your current... well, stock muffler, is like an S, thats how the gas passes through it, where as a staight through is like 'I' the gas goes right out, boost in power from less restriction, but slight gain in volume.
A canon is a louder shinier and ricier version of a straight thru muffler.
Canons are cheaper... but they're also for people who want that look...

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:17 pm

Thanks heaps for the clarification MAD-FTO. However, on the issue of the replaced items, the certificate specifically said that the parts were replaced to Mitsubishi specifications and most of them had Part Numbers. The cert. also said that the engine was tuned to Mitsubishi spec as well. What do you make of that? Thanks.

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:23 pm

Well, put it this way.
You can replace something
and you can improve something
take your filter for example. it is designed to do as its name states.
A performance filter, will do the same job, but allow a greater volume of air to pass due to the way its made, and what its made from.
Same as to the Cat, and what vital fluids are put in.
Fluids arent as crucial, if replaced with mitsu required, but typically, it's pull the plug, drain, replace plug, fill with oil and on its way. You could have sludge in the engine that was not removed, as well as old oil still in the chambers that was not removed. plus engines wear differently due to different use, you will want to accomidate what you fill the engine with, and not just whats writen on a piece of paper for 'standards'

A job can be done, and a better job can to.

I'm a bit more pedantic when it comes to engines, its the only thing that makes you go, once it dies, you have a slab of metal on 4 rubbers.

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:31 pm

mm, good point. I think maybe the best thing for me to do is just drive her round for a month, see how it goes, considering she hasn't been driven for about 3 years, and if everything is fine, have a look at getting a new air intake for starters... How much do you think it will cost to get a straight exhaust on it? Also, I've read a lot about tappets, and I'm just wondering if there were something wrong with me tappets would I hear it when I rev the engine? Keep in mind, that may sound like a silly question but it's my first car and I've got a lot to learn and I wanna do the right thing by my baby lol.

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:33 pm

put the car on idle, pop your bonnet, put your head close to the cam cover. If you hear loud clicking, then your tappets need attention.
Common thing for these engines.

Seriously though, step 1, atleast have your cam belt looked at, otherwise you wont be driving very far or very long.

By the way, post up some piccies!!!

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:46 pm

Gah, I really don't wanna spend heaps of money having someone check my cam belt. Is there any way I can do it myself? As for the pics, not until the weekend. It's extremely dirty due to 3 years of dust accumulation and I won't photograph it until I've given it a thorough clean and polish this weekend.

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:48 pm

do a before and after shot

As for self inspection of belts, either someone will reply here, or check the DIY section.

I just took mine to an expert, bays to cramped for my liking, I do all my other engines besides the fto's :S

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:53 pm

Fair enough, I guess I'll just have to foot the bil and get it looked at...
Haha, I'll PM the pics to you on the weekend, when I've got it looking all nice and pretty, no dirty shots lol. There's not much to see though, just a stock silver 98 GPX with a GPvR wing for some strange reason (which I'm really happy about).

J · Post by J » Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:37 am

id recomend the CAI. Exhaust, struts after your general engine check up.

With the pod, dont go for a cheapy (eg. A $29 unknown pod from autobarn), if your going to do it, do it right and nice.... Upgrade the intake pipe aswell. A hks or apexi will do the trick nicely

Struts changed the way my whole car handles and can't recomend them enough, definately allot quicker and stiffer around corners.

zuihoujueding · Post by **zuihoujueding** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:54 am

knowhopetattoo wrote:
Dan22 wrote:Basically all of the above are listed on the compliance certificate and the car has only been driven literally 100km's since compliance. I swear they went over the car with a fine tooth comb. Would you still recommend a Mitsu expert to look at it anyway? By the way, it's done just over 100 000kms

Hmmmm.......timing belt needs to be changed at 100 000km
I'd get that looked into before doing any mods.....or even a lot of driving for that matter.

+1
I would first spend money on basic health care on your car like, engine oil, gear oil, brake oil, power steering oil, coolant, battery, etc. Then go into all the belts and change them if neccesary.
These will keep the car up and running healthy.
Then you can look into modifications. Reasons? You wouldnt want your modded ride, only to park along the road with bonnets open with hazard lights, waiting for the toll truck!

Dan25 · Post by **Dan25** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:25 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, they've been really helpful

xSlurpee · Post by **xSlurpee** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:45 pm

first off welcome to the club mate
i know how you feel about money ... i bought my car at 16 and i didnt care about servicing or getting experts to check the cars healthy-ness wise and just wanted things to make it go faster

but i highly recommend getting the car into a healthier condition first before doing mods