Maintenance Basics
Maintenance Basics Just wondering what you guys would recommend for the following:
Plugs - for just a stock DD application - just go with Delco plugs or maybe NGKs I know I don't need anything hotter or colder, just something that if I swap them out they should last a while
Fuel Filter - same kind of question, I figure changing it out on a regular basis is probably the best step rather than make of filter but just curious
Also anyone know of a good air intake thread here? Meaning comparison between different air intakes? When I bought the car it came with the SLP Blackwing lid, but it has a paper filter and does not have the scoop. I figure for the price of adding the scoop and air filter I am pretty close to a brand new intake from Maryland Speed for like the Volant CAI kit, and I have always like the Volant kits I have gotten in the past, plus I used work with the guys from their shop back when I worked at an exhaust shop about a block away from Volant in Rancho Cucamonga.
TIA
Plugs - for just a stock DD application - just go with Delco plugs or maybe NGKs I know I don't need anything hotter or colder, just something that if I swap them out they should last a while
Fuel Filter - same kind of question, I figure changing it out on a regular basis is probably the best step rather than make of filter but just curious
Also anyone know of a good air intake thread here? Meaning comparison between different air intakes? When I bought the car it came with the SLP Blackwing lid, but it has a paper filter and does not have the scoop. I figure for the price of adding the scoop and air filter I am pretty close to a brand new intake from Maryland Speed for like the Volant CAI kit, and I have always like the Volant kits I have gotten in the past, plus I used work with the guys from their shop back when I worked at an exhaust shop about a block away from Volant in Rancho Cucamonga.
TIA
NGK TR55 plugs, cheap and effective
stock fuel filter, just change it every few oil changes
if your car has a blackwing lid either keep it and add a ram air scoop or sell it, buy a regular SLP lid and use the insane profit to buy the scoop, a good lid/ram air setup is better than the Volant
a paper filter is fine...there is no power to be gained from a filter
stock fuel filter, just change it every few oil changes
if your car has a blackwing lid either keep it and add a ram air scoop or sell it, buy a regular SLP lid and use the insane profit to buy the scoop, a good lid/ram air setup is better than the Volant
a paper filter is fine...there is no power to be gained from a filter
NGK TR55 plugs, cheap and effective
stock fuel filter, just change it every few oil changes
if your car has a blackwing lid either keep it and add a ram air scoop or sell it, buy a regular SLP lid and use the insane profit to buy the scoop, a good lid/ram air setup is better than the Volant
a paper filter is fine...there is no power to be gained from a filter
stock fuel filter, just change it every few oil changes
if your car has a blackwing lid either keep it and add a ram air scoop or sell it, buy a regular SLP lid and use the insane profit to buy the scoop, a good lid/ram air setup is better than the Volant
a paper filter is fine...there is no power to be gained from a filter
I do appreciate the info on the plugs and filter
I stick with GM/ACDelco replacement parts, so that includes the fuel filter and running the "new" GM recommended for Gen III/IV iridium plugs (AC 41-110).
You'll also want to swap in a new PCV valve (unless you want to do the '04 LS6 PCV conversion).
You'll also get a bunch of different opinions on filters here. I'd either stick with ACDelco or do what I did and get an Airaid Synthamax dry filter. The oiled types generally aren't good for those running the older style (like we have) MAF sensors (compared to the newer "card" sensors).
The best price I've found for ACDelco is Amazon.
You'll also want to swap in a new PCV valve (unless you want to do the '04 LS6 PCV conversion).
You'll also get a bunch of different opinions on filters here. I'd either stick with ACDelco or do what I did and get an Airaid Synthamax dry filter. The oiled types generally aren't good for those running the older style (like we have) MAF sensors (compared to the newer "card" sensors).
The best price I've found for ACDelco is Amazon.
I have the Holley oiled filter. I have come up with a way to maintain it so that I don't have any issues.
The first thing is buy a large aluminum baking pan and a paint brush. Fill the pan with hot water and mix in the filter cleaner. Using the paint brush to get to the bottom of the tucks and then swishing the filter back and forth. This does a great job on cleaning the filter, keep changing the water untill it becomes clear.
When I oil the filter I like to leave it out in the sun for an afternoon so that it will disperse the oil throughout the filter.
The first thing is buy a large aluminum baking pan and a paint brush. Fill the pan with hot water and mix in the filter cleaner. Using the paint brush to get to the bottom of the tucks and then swishing the filter back and forth. This does a great job on cleaning the filter, keep changing the water untill it becomes clear.
When I oil the filter I like to leave it out in the sun for an afternoon so that it will disperse the oil throughout the filter.
Really good replies thanks again! I will look up some pics of the Air Raid filter, which lid are you running with that?
I forgot about the PVC been a while since I owned a car with a serviceable one but I agree that is true might as well replace that every or every other oil change. I will look into that conversion as well.
Really great information thanks again everyone!
I forgot about the PVC been a while since I owned a car with a serviceable one but I agree that is true might as well replace that every or every other oil change. I will look into that conversion as well.
Really great information thanks again everyone!
I have the Holley oiled filter. I have come up with a way to maintain it so that I don't have any issues.
The first thing is buy a large aluminum baking pan and a paint brush. Fill the pan with hot water and mix in the filter cleaner. Using the paint brush to get to the bottom of the tucks and then swishing the filter back and forth. This does a great job on cleaning the filter, keep changing the water untill it becomes clear.
When I oil the filter I like to leave it out in the sun for an afternoon so that it will disperse the oil throughout the filter.
The first thing is buy a large aluminum baking pan and a paint brush. Fill the pan with hot water and mix in the filter cleaner. Using the paint brush to get to the bottom of the tucks and then swishing the filter back and forth. This does a great job on cleaning the filter, keep changing the water untill it becomes clear.
When I oil the filter I like to leave it out in the sun for an afternoon so that it will disperse the oil throughout the filter.
I had a friend that used to used the NoToil stuff for his KTM air filters for the twin air filters, that stuff worked amazing to clean out all the dirt! Plus its biodegradable and all.
I agree about the dry filters, the last car I had came with a air intake with a dry filter and I found it much easier to maintain, meaning a quick clean and dry and ready to go.
I think the oiled stuff is great but overall adds a bit too much maintenance and all that really isn't necessary for a street car, plus even race applications have moved away from it since it can also lead to issues with the filter becoming clogged trying to "trap" too much.
Thanks again though, really interesting read on your process
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I also agree that what Orange Juice mentions is way too much work. It obviously works, but screw that effort
I'll also mention that as for the "intake" -- presuming you're referring to the cold air kits -- that most people just do the "free ram air" mod or go with a SSRA/chris1313.
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I like the Delco OEM plugs, but NGK's are just as good if not better.
My car came with the whole SLP lid air thing(the one with the aluminum air channel). Seems good to me.
I never recommend using a oil filter on our cars since most of still have a MAF. My z28 came with the K&K which I just sold and put in a paper one.
My car came with the whole SLP lid air thing(the one with the aluminum air channel). Seems good to me.
I never recommend using a oil filter on our cars since most of still have a MAF. My z28 came with the K&K which I just sold and put in a paper one.
I have a SLP lid (their "aftermarket" lid, not the OE blackwing). I found after switching to the Airaid that the fitment in the back (the bain of lid fitment) is leaps and bounds better than it was with the paper filter (unknown what filter brand; was on the car when I bought it). I also had a problem with the passenger side clip popping off the front -- not so with the Airaid filter.
I also agree that what Orange Juice mentions is way too much work. It obviously works, but screw that effort
I'll also mention that as for the "intake" -- presuming you're referring to the cold air kits -- that most people just do the "free ram air" mod or go with a SSRA/chris1313.
I also agree that what Orange Juice mentions is way too much work. It obviously works, but screw that effort
I'll also mention that as for the "intake" -- presuming you're referring to the cold air kits -- that most people just do the "free ram air" mod or go with a SSRA/chris1313.
I like the Delco OEM plugs, but NGK's are just as good if not better.
My car came with the whole SLP lid air thing(the one with the aluminum air channel). Seems good to me.
I never recommend using a oil filter on our cars since most of still have a MAF. My z28 came with the K&K which I just sold and put in a paper one.
My car came with the whole SLP lid air thing(the one with the aluminum air channel). Seems good to me.
I never recommend using a oil filter on our cars since most of still have a MAF. My z28 came with the K&K which I just sold and put in a paper one.
You can check my build thread or fquick for pictures of my setup; however, I don't really have any pictures of the lid/filter fitment as one couldn't really "see" the issue.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I have the AC Delco iridiums in my '02, and NGK TR55s in my '98. I am happy with both, but the iridiums will last much longer.
I've always used AC Delco fuel filters.
I would rather have the Blackwing (or any aftermarket lid) with a paper filter than to have an oiled filter for these cars. Like mentioned above, an oily film tends to build over time on the MAF when those sorts of filters are used.
I'm not a fan of the Volant at all, but that's just my opinion. I think a lid looks much better/cleaner.
I've always used AC Delco fuel filters.
I would rather have the Blackwing (or any aftermarket lid) with a paper filter than to have an oiled filter for these cars. Like mentioned above, an oily film tends to build over time on the MAF when those sorts of filters are used.
I'm not a fan of the Volant at all, but that's just my opinion. I think a lid looks much better/cleaner.
+1 for the paper filter. No oil issues to deal with gumming up the maf. Might as well clean the maf while you are there. I also am using the Delco 41-110's in my 99 with long tubes. Delco labelled them as the gas saver "economy" plug. Also using the Delco fuel filter as well.
Think I will go for a dry filter.
I'll also pick up a fuel filter & PCV when I get stuff for the next oil change, its time to do it on the Ram so might as well do them both.
I'll also pick up a fuel filter & PCV when I get stuff for the next oil change, its time to do it on the Ram so might as well do them both.
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From: Bucks County, Pa.
I use the NGK Laser Iridiums ONLY because I just CANNOT STAND changing plugs on these cars, even if they do not function as well as the 'reflex suggestion plug' (NGK TR-55s copper core V-Powers) everyone on here touts as being superior.
They seem to enjoy changing plugs much more often for various reasons (some of which I AGREE with), BUT they also ALL have longtubes with NO more emissions equipment under their hoods to decimate/shred their arms/hands.
I use an Amsoil dry EaA 83 air filter in the salt powdered winter, and an aFe dry filter in the spring/summer.
They seem to enjoy changing plugs much more often for various reasons (some of which I AGREE with), BUT they also ALL have longtubes with NO more emissions equipment under their hoods to decimate/shred their arms/hands.
I use an Amsoil dry EaA 83 air filter in the salt powdered winter, and an aFe dry filter in the spring/summer.
Yeah I think I am going to with the aFe filter myself. Not really sure about doing headers at this time, so I will probably hold off on plugs until I make a solid decision about headers and there are more miles on the car. However definitely time for some maintenance basics like oil change, PCV, and fuel filter.
I can't remember why I went with the Airaid over the aFe filter... I looked at them both, so I'm guessing one can't go wrong with either.
As for waiting to do plugs until doing long tubes... that's what I'm doing. I've starting compiling parts but just can't bring myself to put the plugs in when I know it will be a lot easier down the road.
As for waiting to do plugs until doing long tubes... that's what I'm doing. I've starting compiling parts but just can't bring myself to put the plugs in when I know it will be a lot easier down the road.
To be honest I have never heard anything bad about an air raid intake or filter, I do know the AFE process very well having had a chance to go to their shop in Corona as well as getting several parts directly back when I owned my truck accessory business, to my knowledge Volant and AFE actually are partnered behind the scenes but AFE filters are built to their specifications, and I do like the alternating microns for the gauze mesh to trap more elements - of course that was really developed more for turbo diesel applications but they just use 4 layers of gauze rather than 7 that they use for diesel applications. I am definitely on board as well with a dry filter and really appreciate you guys all reminding me of the fact to steer clear of the oiled filters. Like I mentioned above my last vehicle came with an air intake with its vehicle package; which happened to be a dry filter and it extremely easy to take care of I also am familiar with the construction of the AFE filters and they use the more rigid material that a company like K&N only uses on the corners, though I bet most filter companies have examined their process of air filter manufacture because their seems to be less and less issues of people with filters pulling away from their housing of the filters
I also am familiar with the construction of the AFE filters and they use the more rigid material that a company like K&N only uses on the corners, though I bet most filter companies have examined their process of air filter manufacture because their seems to be less and less issues of people with filters pulling away from their housing of the filters 