Author Topic: $1000 to throw at my cabrio for underhood preventive maint -- what to do? (Read 3478 times)

ducatipaso · « **on:** February 16, 2009, 08:48:58 PM »

so, I had a small windfall -- I decided to budget a chunk towards some preventive maintenance on my cabrio.

she's got 130k on her, and has been so reliable, not much has been done over 25K in 10 years.

things I've got on the list:

AC inspection and charge [this might take a majority of my budget!]
plugs
wires
air and fuel filters
belts
any hoses that seem due

other things i've considered:

eliminating 'that mess under the intake'
finally having that giant stock muffler removed, maybe a full custom catback?
a chip!

thoughts?

KenC · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2009, 09:38:52 PM »

If you want to do a COP conversion instead of buying new wires, I have a bracket that I'll sell you for a good price. I'm local too. PM me.

If AC is your priority, I'd get that all squared away first as it's not going to be cheap at all, esp if you decide to stay with R12.

Ken

strad · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2009, 10:33:14 PM »

If the "mess under the intake" gets done, I highly recommend you replace that plastic coolant pipe that runs alongside the block at the same time. Catastrophic failure of this part has taken out more than one perfectly good M42.

The dealer had the hose in stock when I did it -- that was illustration enough that they think it is a problem-prone area as well. edit: replace "hose" with "pipe" in that sentence.

ducatipaso · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2009, 12:21:03 PM »

well, AC is a *cost* priority, but it's not a maintenance priority. I can't imagine it'd go over $500-600 for a full tilt leakdown, repair and chargeup.

I won't be doing a COP conversion, as this engine is and always will be stockish.

vonkamp · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:23:29 PM »

Timing chain tensioner: 11-31-1-743-187-M40

MarkD 93 octane chip

coolant flush and change

ducatipaso · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:52:53 AM »

Quote from: vonkamp;66724

Timing chain tensioner: 11-31-1-743-187-M40

MarkD 93 octane chip

coolant flush and change

timing chain tensioner done 10k ago
chip being considered, markd at top of list

coolant flush, added to list. thanks.

KenC · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2009, 01:36:42 PM »

Aside from the AC service. I think you're going to have a hard time throwing that much $ at the engine. How deep are you looking to dive into it?

How's the suspension on your cab?

ducatipaso · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2009, 12:04:09 PM »

the suspension was rebuilt last summer [springs, shocks]
I do need to do my LCAs though and get an alignment

I dont want to use the whole grand, ya know