Dumb Question - Number 1,139,654 - About Tune-ups

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I am starting to mod my 1998 X. So I start to think about doing things to improve it. One question or must do item is a tune-up. Since it has only 70K on it, I know it is due. It runs like a kitten though. So far I have purchased a set of red Spiral Pro plug wires and 8 Motorcraft Platinum sparkplugs and a Mac Intake System with a custom air flow thingie, LOL. Then I start thinking that maybe I need to take it to the dealership and let them tune it up right first, then do things like put on new plug wires and the Mac Intake, since they will already be putting in new platinum plugs.

My question is - What does a dealer do that makes there tune-up so high priced?

Couldn't I do the same thing if I replaced plugs, wires, fuel filter, and the other little filters and valves around and then get a "Flasher" from Apten and do a computer flash on it? Would cost about the same plus I would still have the flasher from Apten to gain performance at dirrent levels.

Thanks,
HotDogs

I remember the days of condensors, rotors, etc. Was so much easier.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by BBQ_HotDogs
My question is - What does a dealer do that makes there tune-up so high priced?

They can do no magic' you are paying out the nose for their "labor".

You can do it yourself and save $.

Good luck.....

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

But how can I do a tune-up myself? When I use the programmer, is that tuning it up?

HotDogs

 

[section525]

Tuning up nowadays just means changing the plugs and wires, and changing fluids and filters. You can't adjust the timing anymore.. or the carb.

 

[unclemeat]

The secret to doing a tune up is to disconnect the battery while doing the work. When you reconnect the battery and restart the engine the computer will relearn what is the most efficient tuning of the engine. It does the work for you.

 

[jimbo74]

a tuneup nowadays is pligs wires and fluids/filters or sensors... about it

on the older cars it was all that plus cap, rotor, carb adjustments, and timing set.....

obd2 emissions systems have basically emiminated all adjustment other than stock performance as far as a tuneup goes....

 

[MattPersman]

a lot of places now a days only do the plugs. when you see the coupon like 39.99 or something like that its just plugs, everything else is extra.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

So basically what I am grabbing here from all of you is that -

I change all my plugs, spark plug wires, all filters and stuff, disonnect the battery when I begin this operation, then after everything is changed from the PCV valve to gapping new plugs, it is tuned??? Then if I insert a power chip or even better, run that new program that Apten has out, planning on getting that one, it is the "SAME" as going to the dealership for a tune-up?

Thanks,
HotDogs

 

[aldive]

Better than the dealersjip. It will be done right; nobody will take better care of your truck than YOU.

Good luck.....

Buy your truck a new toy with all the cash you will be saving.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Well well. The way I look at it Aldive, and correct me if I am wrong. With the costs of a few parts, plugs, wires, etc, what the dealership "would" charge me, is about the SAME cost of a new programmed chip from
Apten. So if I do it myself, then in reality I am getting a brand new Apten Chip - FREE!!!!

I can afford that one may times. LOL.

HotDogs

 

[Robb]

5.0 Plug Replacement:

Rule #1: Wrap your knuckles in duct tape (or similar product). Either that, or a roll of gauze for afterwards.

#2: Go through the fenderwell for the rear plugs. Think outside the box.

#3: Long socket extensions and "universal joints" are your friends, use them.

#4: Two-drink minimum (eight drink maximum)

#5: Make sure no children are around. The swearing probably isn't appropriate for them.

Replacing the O2 sensors is always a good idea with a tune-up, although they can get expensive on a 5.0. Still a good idea though.

 

[aldive]

Jump all over that Apten chip; you will not be dissapointed.

 

[MONMIX]

Keep in mind with labor rates.
Mechanical labor rate can range any where from
$70.00 PH to $110.00 PH depending on where you live.

 

[Brian97V8]

Originally posted by MONMIX
Keep in mind with labor rates.
Mechanical labor rate can range any where from
$70.00 PH to $110.00 PH depending on where you live.

Not if the service writer cuts you a deal

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

OK, I'm gonna do this. I use to be able to bust a knuckle with the best of em about 40 years ago, LOL, but we won't talk about that. I already have in my hand, 8 new Morocraft Platinum Sparkplugs, 1 set of new Red Spiro Pro Spark Plug Wires, a new Mac Intake, and a custom calibrated Pro-M 75mm Mass Air Sensor, chromed.

Now, the big big dumb question. What else do I need to "get" if I want the job done "complete"? I just don't know all the details of the parts names since everything has gone computerized now. So my ignorance shows. LOL.

Remember this is for a 1998 5.0 By the way, how many cubic inches is that motor?

HotDogs

 

[aldive]

What do you currently have for exhaust?

 

[section525]

Originally posted by BBQ_HotDogs
Remember this is for a 1998 5.0 By the way, how many cubic inches is that motor?

Three hundred and two.

Plugs are too easy on a 5.0L. Do them all through the fender well. It's 400x easier.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

What do you currently have for exhaust?

My current exhaust is just stock. I am unable to get headers for it since they are not made anymore. I will be upgrading it though in the summer, hopefully EE will come out with the dual set-up they are working on. If not, then it will be a Borla or a Gibson exhaust cat-back system.

HotDogs

 

[aldive]

Until you open up the exhaust you will not feel the potential.

Go to a local muffler shop and have them make a custom cat back for you.

 

[unclemeat]

One useful trick when changing spark plugs is to get a piece of fuel line about 8 inches long. Get a diameter that is big enough to firnly fold the end of the spark plug. Add a drop of oil to the spark plug threads, and use the fuel line to begin the spark plug into the block. This technique will allow you to reach into difficult spots and will prevent you from cross threading the plugs into the block.