Originally Posted by
pmsmith2032
I have a 2005 GT with approximately 117k miles. The car is used as a primary vehicle for our family. We are the original owners. I want to update a number of things in the hope of prolonging its life and bring back some of its original power (if not making it better). Below is a list I have come up with:
1. Clean throttle bottle - I've done this once or twice during the course of the car but it's been at least a year since the last cleaning. Always a good idea.
2. Clean MAF valve - This has never been cleaned and I'm not even sure exactly what it is. I just saw mention of it while researching these forums. Where/what is it exactly and how is it cleaned? Use MAF cleaner, can be bought at parts store. Just remove it, spray it down, let dry, re-install.
3. Replace PCV valve - Never been replaced. Doesnt hurt to replace, only cost 3 bucks.
4. Clean fuel injectors - I've used seafoam in the gas from time to time but it's been at least 6 months. I'm planning on trying Gumount with Regane...how many treatements/tanks? I've also tried running seafoam through a vacuum hose in the past. After further research, this may not be the best idea either. I'm thinking of spraying cleaner into the throttle body (maybe something that foams or seafoam in the spray can)? Seafoam works great, don't worry about the vacuum lines if its been run in the tank before.
5. Spark plugs - I just replaced them (along with the spark plug wires) last fall. If I remember correctly I used AC Delco Irridium plugs (and they were pre-gapped). Is this a good choice or should I replace them with something else. Best plugs for the car, so you are fine.
6. The oxygen sensor has never been replaced...do I need to? Is there any way to clean it? Can't be cleaned, they are a maintence item as over time they are less accurate. So at 117k I would change it if it was my car.
7. I've never replaced the main drive belt....does it need to be replaced? Yes, its likely dry rotted and soon will break.
8. I just replaced front brakes and rotors (for the second time) and the back have been replaced once. The brake fluid has never been bled so I plan on doing this. Its not a must do thing, but its cheap to replace, just takes time.
9. I replaced the coolant last year. The hoses never have been replaced though. I wouldnt worry about them unless you see damage to them or if they are swelled looking while hot, they could burst soon if so.
10. I need to replace cabin air filter. It's been replaced once but not in a couple of years.
11. The power steering fluid has never been replaced? Do I need to do so and if so, how? Again, not a must to me anyway, some say otherwise. You can suck out the old fluid, fill with new, drive it a couple days and do it again to make sure about 90-95% been changed out.
12. I replaced the transmission fluid last year. It was WAY over due. I also replaced the filter and gasket (dropped the pan). The transmission has slipped from time to time since then from first to second. I just checked the fluid and it was low so I just added some. I'm thinking we'll see if that was the issue. Should I replace the fluid again? It wouldnt hurt, but with early signs of slippage I would drain the fluid again and replace 1 quart with lucas stop slip, that stuff works wonders and can give it some extra life.
13. I've always just used regular air filters. I would like to try making a basic intake with a spectre filter. Will this benefit me in any way? I know it makes the supercharged Grand Prixs sound better...what about a GT? Engine noise will be louder, but there really is no gain from it. Its up to you if you want to build one or not.
14. I've always just use Penzoil 5W-30. Should I start using synthetic or maybe use a high mileage formula? It isnt worth it to switch at this point, keep running the same oil with a good filter and you are fine. Clean oil is good oil and conventional is cheaper than switching.
15. Should I be worried about any gaskets specifically? What should I be looking for? Intake gaskets, if they have never been done. Look between the intake manifold and head, if the gasket there is black they need to be changed. If the gasket is silver, the car has the better style gaskets that don't fail.
16. There are no ball joints, tie rods etc to grease, correct? Correct, they don't have grease fittings unless aftermarket replacements. It wouldnt hurt to shake down the front end for loose parts though.
17. The exhaust system is original...is it time for new? How do I inspect? The exhaust should be okay unless there are holes in the resonator or the mufflers. You'll know if you leaks if hear them standing next to the car.
18. The struts are original and the ride is REALLY rough. When I push down on the front and back it bounced a couple of times which doesn't seem bad. I would imagine it's time for new though? Likely it is time for new struts, should make the ride a little bit softer. I would look into sway links aswell, they can make clunking sounds going over bumps when bad.
Have I missed anything? What else should I be concerned with? Any other mods I can do without going crazy?
Thanks in advance!
