Ok I have had my TL for the last 6.5 years. I want a new car but I really dont think its worth it. I was thinking of just getting the normal repairs done to mine.

I have 95k miles now.

I already got the timing belt service done.

Now I have a sputter and I think its the EGR valve. I found it online for $90 plus shipping, but how hard is it to replace?

Next getting the front end repainted, total cost can be est to be 500 to $700.

I seafoamed and need the sparkplugs changed, so thats about $100+

Now also how hard is it to do the sparkplugs at home. I read you can get the plugs for like $40 bucks and its a quick thing to do. But dont I also need to know how to adjust the spark plug gap. Also what are the best plugs money can buy.

I will also be looking into getting a intake,headers and exhaust to. I wonder how much that will cost to replace. I also dont want the car to be noisy jsut something low and deep.


I just want me car to feel lively again. any other cheap mods that will help the engine run smoother, and also make the car quicker.

 

Best plugs for the TL are the NGK Iridium at $7 each- easy DIY if you have basic tools
Seafoam requires a good hard run after to burn off gunk, you may have loaded the old plugs
I would not replace the egr until its been diagnosed, 99s had an issue the 01 dont seem to have.
Clean the throttle body with a spray cleaner made for that, and install a K&N air filter for better performace.
That should fix you up good

 

see i have the K&N and it really didnt give me that great of expectations. The mpg is still the same. Gas is just killing me in the TL. I drive the TL and TSX the same. The TSX gives on average 30 mpg and the TL 19

 

Man the AEM intake pretty expensive! Also from reading around, what do upgraded pulleys do and were do they go?

 

I seafoamed about 2 weeks ago and just ordered a set of the Iridium plugs on ebay for 40.00. Cant wait to see the difference

 

Will you be doing this on your own? If so let me know the process. I have never changed plugs before but I really dont think it will be that hard.

 

yeah I will....it is pretty easy. Except for the 3 in the back

 

there may be a DIY on it. I will see what I can find for u

 

I actually did a search but no luck with pictures, but then again it looks I just need a extension for my wrench, gap tool thing, hex key, six sparks plugs, and plenty of times.

 

The plugs are very easy. The basic tools you will need are a 5/8" spark plug socket (the one with the rubber insert in it) a standard 5/8" deep socket (no rubber insert). I use the rubber insert one to pull the plugs out and the standard one to put them in. If you try to put the in with the spark plug socket, you won't be able to pull the socket off the spark plug once it's threaded in. You'll need a 9" extension (or 3 3" extensions) a ratchet, the hex key, flathead screwdriver and some anti-sieze. You won't need to gap the plugs, they are pre-gapped, but double check from where ever you but them. They should be at .044. I have an 02 TLS so this may be a little different. I didn't have to remove any extra components on the back side. If you spin the coil pack around, it should come out. It may seem like it won't fit, but if you spin it to the right angle, you should have no problem. Make sure you put some anti-sieze on the threads of the plugs but it's not the end of the world if you don't. It normally takes me only about 20 minutes to change my plugs but the first time I did it, it took a little longer.

 

what do upgraded pulleys do? And whre do they go

 

they replace your stock pulleys, they are lighter, so your engine can be more efficient. You'll get like, 12hp or so at the crank.

 

Would you know any good DIY for this.

 

Ordered the XS headers and not for intake and exhaust.

 

how many miles do you get on a full tank?

 

usually 300 to 320 last time I got 400. But I drive 60 miles total for work

 

hey i bought my tl last august and i fell in love. but know ive been wanting more power just like you. Ive had my xs headers sittin in my closet since august and finally last weekend i decided to put them in. A nice import shop quoted me 250 to install them. But after doin a little test install this weekend it seems i can do it (and im a huge newb) there is an okay diy on this and basically you just need some nice tools, also i bought some freeze off to crack the rusted bolts...cuz from what i understand thats the worst part! Im probably gonna try to completely install them in 3 weeks or so cuz ill be out of town. Let me know if you have any questions but i would definitely install these myself rather than pay 250!

 

dnd2984:

look at the DIY sticky. spark plugs should be in there

 

do you know if they are carb legal? what i mean is would i be able to pass smog with them on?

 

already done..did them 4 weeks ago

 

any more info you are looking for? someone just put up a good diy for cleaning the egr port and installing thermoblok spacers. you don't need the new tube or whatever for the egr port, you just have to clean it out. i'm sure you've already done some reading on this, but dont get the new tube and pay someone to do this. it is very easy to do and you will be able to do it on your own. and you might as well get the spacers and put them in while you have everything apart. they are i think $101 shipped from Outlaw Engineering. they separate the intake manifold and throttle body away from the rest of the engine to keep them cooler.

 

I actually just got the direction start from thermoblock e-mail to me today so I am debating....