Turbo Coupe Maintenance
Tips to keep your Turbo Coupe running longer:
- Oil changes - The oil should be changed every 2000 miles or less with a turbo-approved oil. Change the filter each time as well. After changing the oil, disable the ignition and turn over the engine a few seconds to prime the turbo bearings before actually running the car. At each oil change, check the turbo supply line that it is not hardened or cracked. It is affected by the heat of the turbo but it is crucial that it is not hardened.
- After a hard drive - Let the car idle for 1 to 2 minutes to cool the turbo system. This greatly increases the life of the turbo.
- Wastegate signaling hose - Watch that the turbo wastegate signaling hose does not get hardened or cracked. This gets hardened by the heat of the turbo. Problems experienced from a bad hose include detonation and over-boost.
- Keep it cool - A popular thing to do is to place a switch in line with the A/C fan to use in case of bad traffic or busy around-town driving. This allows the driver to control the fan on/off times, keeping the car cooler.
- Cooling system - Check the cooling system frequently that no air is present. Replace the fluid every 3 years, purging all air from the hoses and radiator.
- Timing belt - Replace the timing belt every 40,000 miles. Replace the tensioner whenever the timing belt is changed.
- TPS - Make sure the Throttle Positioning Sensor is working properly. It can be checked using a voltmeter, but probably works unless the car is idling high and won't idle below 1500-2000 RPM.
- Clean the throttle body - Clean the throttle body unit every 30,000 miles. Clean it using brake cleaner, not carb cleaner. Brake cleaner leaves no film or deposits. Spray and wipe out thoroughly.
- Driver's side motor mount - Shore up the driver's side motor mount. They are prone to letting go under stress. If it does, plan on a new hood and an intercooler purchase.
- Tires - Don't let the tires go too bald, as they will mess up the suspension. Make replacement tires 245/55/16 or 255/50/16 for maximum performance.
- Exhaust - Super turbo mufflers are available for the Turbo Coupe. They are high flow and add a nice throaty sound. Far better than conventional mufflers. Take 0.1 to 0.5 seconds off the 1/4 mile time with higher flow exhaust systems!
- Air filter - Change the air filter every 10,000 miles. For better performance, add a K&N filter. The K&N filter can take 0.1 seconds off the 1/4 mile time.
- Rough running - First check points should be that all hoses are attached properly and are not leaking. Then check the distributor, spark plugs, and wires. Also, the fuel pump can cause erratic problems.
- Too much exhaust - If the exhaust is black or smells very strong like gas, the fuel regulator is likely the culprit. An adjustable regulator (better than stock) is available to set the fuel pressure level manually.