I want to give my car a tune up, but I'm at a loss as to which components and brands to pick up. Here's what I'm thinking I should replace:

Plugs (which brand/type?)
Wires (which brand/type?)
Distributor (same as above lol)

Is this all I should replace at the same time? What else would a good tune up entail on my car? The previous owner hasn't maintained it well at all, and I'm sure I'm losing performance with worn plugs, etc.

Any help is appreciated!

 

Bump... hmm.. is this not in the right section? Thought it was a fairly straight-forward question lol.

 

I prefer msd brand but its more pricey. it really depends on what you wanna do with the car. just a daily driver? pick some up from autozone!

I'd also reconmend depending on miles
-Coolant flush
-Transmission flush + trans. filter
-Rear end flush

 

Plugs - NGK TR55 Iridium
Wires - Stock Delco (Packard) 7mm replacements
Distributor - Leave it alone unless you have definite evidence that it is failing. If you do have to replace it, AC Delco/Delphi replacement. The MSD is not worth it.

Add to the list of fluids - complete brake fluid replacement.
Check brake pads and rotors for excessive wear

Air filter - clean the K&N with the correct K&N cleaner and oil
Fuel filter
PCV valve
Check all vacuum lines for cracks/leaks
Verify radiator cap is correct 18psi, and working
Pre-cat O2 sensors if your fuel mileage is not what it should be
Dielectric silicone grease on weatherstrips
Check serpentine belt for cracks, fraying, wear

 

That's good info, thanks guys!

Couple questions:

I see Injuneer, you said use just stock 7mm wire replacements. I've seen 8mm advertised as being "performance"... 7mm would be just as good? And the distributor... I'll take your advice and leave it alone, there's no evidence that it's failing that I can tell.

Serpentine belt DOES need to be replaced, good catch man! I went and checked it out after I read your reply and it's in pretty bad shape.

Nick, flushing the tranny + filter, and flushing the rear end... that's great advice man, thanks!

Ugh, I feel like such a noob, I should have known to do these things

 

Goodyear Gatorback belt is a good one.

The "mm" refers to the thickness of the insulation - nothing else. You can get 10.4mm wires, but the wire inside is the same as a 7mm wire. I ran the factory wires (7mm) with a several of the popular "bolt-on" HP items and a 125-shot of nitrous. No problems with the wires. I actually had a set of Taylor 8mm wires break down with the same setup. It was caused by an excessive plug gap, due to burned electrodes, so it wasn't really a fault of the wires. The 7mm wires fit easily in the stock looms/spacers, and leave adequate clearance to the exhaust manifolds.

Currently running MSD 8.5mm SuperCondutors, but I have an upgraded ignition system to support 800HP, and the extra insulation is a bit of insurance.

 

That makes perfect sense, thanks

I actually just bought a new gatorback belt off ebay for 16.99, glad it's one you recommend!

Thanks again for all the help.