Recommendations for tune-up parts, stock lo-po 5.0...

[King_V]

Ok, so I'm very belatedly doing a tune up on this thing, finally.

It runs smoothly and all, but since it's been at least 30k miles since I bought it, and I don't know how long ago the previous owner had the car tuned up, I figured might as well - plus, every once in a while I feel a SLIGHT miss or hesitation at idle, almost like I might be imagining it, but I don't think I am.

In any case, it's probably due.

Now, I don't want to go overkill or anything (mega performance oriented tune up stuff with bright colors, exotic materials, etc) that would make no difference for a stock lo-po motor . . but on the other hand, I don't want to go with cheap crap that will give me headaches later.

So, what is good vs bad available at local parts stores? I think Autozone carries Bosch plug wires, and I assume that Bosch makes quality goods, but . . . if this were your car, what would YOU pick for plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, and why?

Local places near me are Napa, Autozone, Pep Boys, Advance, and of course the dealership (ugh, that said a metal replacement bushing for my TV cable didn't exist, until I finally showed up with a part number...)

Thoughts and recommendations?

[sly]

vacuum lines, cap, rotor, wires, plugs.

If any are original... replace. Otherwise... check and replace if bad.

Also, fuel system/injector cleaner may help.

as for brands... motorcraft/autolite plugs for a stock lopo. The FRPP wires (they're numbered for cylinder so they're easy to put on), brass terminal cap and any rotor should do (I like the Summit Racing brand on this one... you can get it as a set and it's still cheaper than the rest of the options out there). I would suggest some new wire guides/clamps/whatever they're called that hold the wires in place so they don't drape randomly. Definitely match wire size on the wireset you get.

[Piece-it pete]

This can be your friend

http://www.rockauto.com/RSS/vehiclefeeds.php?carcode=1434359&m=wc&l=en&html=true

I've generally bought Bosch wires simply because the first set of them I got seemed good quality, and since then too. The Goodyear belts I bought off Rock were Gatorbacks.

Tranny filter? Main wires? Diff oil? T-stat? Rebuild the engine?

Pete

[jaywish]

No slight to the other brands mentioned but you may consider Standard. Most of it is still made in USA and is good quality. Nice 8mm wires, brass contacts etc.

Do not forget to clean/replace the pcv screen

Jay

[King_V]

I haven't seen them around in a while . . who still carries Standard? Is the "blue streak" line still available?

And Standard makes ignition wires, too? That I didn't know about...

[jaywish]

My local independent flaps carries or can order standard. They have a store in Rockland County, mielie auto parts.

[King_V]

Hrm, didn't realize Summit carried ordinary tune up parts.

Going to go with the FRPP wires (I guess I'll pick a color at random), and the MSD cap and rotor kit, unless there's a serious reason not to.

Noted the local auto parts store carries regular Autolite plugs for $1.99 each, and the platinum ones for $2.99. Any arguments for or against going with the platinum plugs? Is it all hype, or are there real benefits to going with platinum?

[sly]

Plats will run hotter and may cause issues. That said... I like the autolite plats on newer cars (higher revving ones). But the regular copper work find there too unless you're really building it up. For the lopo however... just stick with the copper plugs.

[gadget73]

Autolite is made in China now. I had problems with the last batch I bought. I've been running Motorcraft ever since and the car seems happier for it. Motorshaft are Hecho en Mexico.

[sly]

bah... china crap. yeah... go with the motorcraft.

[zoomie]

I am dead set on iridiums, they perform well , however plain jane copper ones work as well. my buddy swears by ngk. its all a matter of preference.

[Lincolnmania]

i had lousy luck with msd cap and rotor
get the autozone gold cap and rotor, lifetime warranty.

[rick99601]

copper plugs FTW

[King_V]

So speaketh the experts . . so it shall be. Autozone gold for the cap and rotor it shall be . . . and I think I will stick with the Motorcraft plugs.

[GoFordBroke]

I have had two box wagons, and both ate plug wires.. maybe it's the underhood heat, I don't know. Anybody else have this problem? I have had (fairly expensive) Accel wires on my car for a couple of years with zero problems; I had to replace plug wires every tune up before. I also run E3 spark plugs... My experience with them has justified - to me - their expense. After two-plus years there is no visible wear on the plugs, and the mileage and performance both had modest, but noticeable, improvement. I personally think that the best ignition upgrade for street cars is an MSD box; the multiple discharge really sharpens the low-rpm performance where the stock spark is weakest...