Like the post says...I'm about to perform the scheduled maintainance on my GSR and was wondering if it was ok to use aftermarket parts like spark plugs, wires, cap + rotor, etc? I was told that its better to use OE stuff from the dealer. I ask because I'm about to do the first one since the previous owner did the last one when the car turned 60k miles....the car now has 85k. I have all the service records and the car was serviced at an Acura dealer all its life..should I just stick to that plan? Also, timing belt will be done this weekend too, should I stick with an OE water pump and timing belt?

And no, I do know how to perform all this work..i just don't want to risk my car running funny after I do all this....thanx!

 

Unless you're running high lift cams that recommend stronger timing belts, I, and probably most of HT will recommend an OEM timing belt. Go with the OEM waterpump.

Regarding the distributor rotor, go OEM as well. If you've seen aftermarket rotors, you'll notice that most of them do NOT have the shielded blade (I forget the correct term). The shielded blade is better for high hp or higher RPM operation.

Either replace your plugs with the OEM recommended or get a copper substitute. Copper plugs you'll have to replace more often, but they are cheap and I like changing my plugs often.

Now wires. DO NOT GET MOROSO. This is probably just my personal opinion, but the spark plug boots don't fit perfectly on the valve cover spark plug holes and may leak air, which means contaminants can run down that hole. I would go NGK here, cost effective and an OE replacement.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanx man.

 

im wanting to do an ignition system tune-up as well..... what is the general opinion of MSD here at HT?

 

MSD, is pretty much useless unless you have a lot of stuff done.
External coil-packs and such anyways,
If your car is stock or lightly modified, stick with the oem ignition.

 

my thoughts excatly!

 

The OEM ignition systems are quite good on our cars, no need for upgrades unless you are over 400 whp or something. But to freshen up the ignition system, use NGK wires and plugs, they are OEM quality at autoparts store prices. And don't forget the coil and ignitor are wear items also, so test them if possible.

I did cheap out and buy the coil, ignitor, cap and rotor from Autozone. Been two years without one ignition related failure, except for the rotor screw backing out, which was probably my fault for not torqing it enough.


Modified by Sam92Teg at 5:10 AM 3/28/2006

 

I've been to the dyno twice now and have seen 2 cars have problems with autozone distributors. The graph starts to cut out in places, usually upper RPMs.

If you're going to replace the ignitor or oil, I would rather buy used OEM ones if I couldn't afford the new OEM ones.

On a side note, my distributor king has been running strong... if only I could find an OEM rotor to replace this non-shielded rotor that it comes with.