This might sound a little simple, but I usually pay others to work on my car and this time I am going to do a tune up myself. So my question is this, what is the best brand of products to buy? I don't need race worthy products and I don't necessarily believe the most expensive is best, but what should I buy for the car?

Also, I wanted to ask this, I don't have a timing light, but I was wondering how to go about adjusting the timing, because I have some drivability issues like rough idle, delayed reaction when I drop the pedal, and REALLY bad gas mileage (13 in my dart). Or is this not something I should attempt?

I'm not stupid, but I am a carpenter and not a car guy, so any help would be great.

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1973 Dart Swinger Super 6 with 71k
1976 Datsun 280ZX with Mopar I-6

If you have a points distributor it's possible to static time the engine with a test light or voltmeter on the distributor lead but that is really adequate only for initial timing after reinstalling the distributor. That method won't work with an electronic distributor. The best advice... get a timing light. They don't cost much and are a necessary tool for tuning your engine. You would try to cut a moulding without a router; don't try to tune your engine without a timing light.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

ditto on the timing light thinking...

in addition to timing i would sure check the valve lash and be sure to look for any vacuum leaks. i would also work on the carb adjustments, but that's a whole different post.

replace the fuel filter and air filter.

as far as filters go, i have had good luck with the purolator line of parts, they are middle of the road as far as expense.

tune up parts are different....i do like to get the higher end parts for this....brass contacts in the distributor cap for example. a few parts stores will have this piece, but you'll have to ask for it. if its $4.99, it probably doesn't have the brass inserts. the aluminum inserts will work fine, just not for as long. it would be nice to find low resistance wires, copper core if you don't care about radio noise.

sb

FYI, I bought a decent timing light at a local pawn shop for $10. Now I need to find a vacuum gauge.

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to buy a light before I mess with anything I guess. I was planning on using Autolite stuff for my tune up, unless anybody thinks there is a better brand.

I had my valves lashed in September, but it was done by Ron's Automotive in Vancouver, and based on my experience it's totally possible they did it wrong. I replaced the fuel and air filters about 2 months ago. The plugs were replaced in September too, but I didn't have a total tune up done. I don't know about doing anything with the carb, I might have to get that looked at by someone.

I want to go on vacation in a couple months, but if I can't get my mpg up where I know it should be, it's going to be a spendy trip.

Thanks everybody for your advice.


BTW, I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and I don't know why anybody would ever leave Oregon to move *there*. heheheh Get your @ss back to Oregon, buddy!

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1973 Dart Swinger Super 6 with 71k
1976 Datsun 280ZX with Mopar I-6

Strongly recommend you read and follow this post if you're new to working on your own car.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

In my experience, the best tuneup parts hands down are Standard's "Blue Streak" line; they're much better than the standard stuff, but more expensive. I also go with Blue Streak if I can get it.

W.r.t. ignition wires - cost does not equal quality! I've been disappointed in Belden, Motorcraft, and *especially* MSW brand (sold by PepBoys).

If you buy it from a store, inspect the wires carefully before you buy - do not believe what's written on the box! In particular, one MSW set I bought was Ok, the next was NOT USA made and NOT helical core - just cheap carbon core imported junk (not even close to the right lengths) despite what the box said on the outside. MSW included a note in the bottom of the box to the effect that they were foreign made to their "exacting specifications". MSW never answered my complaint I sent them.

There may be other good brands, but I've settled on Magnecor - excellent quality, but hard to find - I got mine from Apex performance.
[FYI: their documentation says you can cram their 8mm wire into a 7mm loom - that didn't work too well for me.]

I agree, it's difficult to go wrong with Standard's Blue Streak line. There are a couple items I prefer other brands on (Echlin CS-851 non-piereced breaker points and NAPA Echlin long-tip rotor # MO3000 but I won't touch an Echlin distributor cap.

Also agree on Magnecor wires, www.magnecor.com .

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Hey buddy, I'll send a PM...if your schedule and mine permit (new job is having a 'flood' of work and OT is mandatory until the emergencies are over...)

I'll be available next weekend during certain times, if you want to go shopping for parts and get a tune-up and learn how to time your car...

-D.Idiot