General questions

[99GTCoupe]

Hey all, I have trouble with the Search option at times and cannot find what I am looking for. So please, don't shoot me if these questions have been asked

1) If I wanted to start using premium fuel, then the best way would be to drain my tank till the Low Fuel light comes on, and then fill 'er up?

2) If I start using premium fuel, would there be any issues if I stopped and downgraded?

3) Has anyone used Q Power, and what are your comments on it? is there anything that is comparable/better?

4) I will be having to replace my front two tires soon. My back ones are great looking tread-wise, but the fronts are kinda low. I currently have Goodyear Eagle LS 225/50R16 91S all around. I would prefer to keep all the same brand/type and am looking into used tires (unless I find that new would be better), but am running into the trouble of funding for them (farking expensive tires). Is there any tires that any of you would suggest to put on my car, with the Goodyear's most likely going up front (for the balance/rotate)? I'll also be getting a semi-needed alignment afterwards

5) I also have an issue with a slightly higher than normal idle when I first start my car for the day. It will stay at 1k, then drop slowly down to the normal 650 after several minutes of running (I try to let it run in the driveway before I leave to avoid complications). Is this semi-normal or what could be causing this?


I put all of these here, in his general Tech section for the sake of consolidating space. Please answer kindly and post links if you have found things that I haven't. I get sick of Searching sometimes, cause as I said before I can't always find what I need

Thanks in advance

[SikMindz]

1 & 2) 93 Octane

4) Check the Tire Thread sticky in the Wheels section.

5) Normal.

[Mike Jung]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

...1) If I wanted to start using premium fuel, then the best way would be to drain my tank till the Low Fuel light comes on, and then fill 'er up?

2) If I start using premium fuel, would there be any issues if I stopped and downgraded?...

DON'T run your gas tank to the bottom !

Some people here found out fast (the hard way) that our fuel pumps do not like it.
The fuel pump requires gasoline to keep it cool.
They are expensive $$$ to replace.

Just start filling up with premuim next time & every time after that.
Eventually, your gas tank will have all premuim in it.

No problems down-grading afterwards; unless you have a modified PCM.

IMO, would not recommend going below 89-octane gasoline; because of the ethanol blending that most places are now using.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

...4) I will be having to replace my front two tires soon. My back ones are great looking tread-wise, but the fronts are kinda low. I currently have Goodyear Eagle LS 225/50R16 91S all around. I would prefer to keep all the same brand/type and am looking into used tires (unless I find that new would be better), but am running into the trouble of funding for them (farking expensive tires). Is there any tires that any of you would suggest to put on my car, with the Goodyear's most likely going up front (for the balance/rotate)? I'll also be getting a semi-needed alignment afterwards

Trust me...
Get focking all new 4 tires !

Your stock Goodyear Eagle LS tires are now over 8-years old.
It doesn't matter that your tires still have treads left.
The rubber is now old & not as sticky.
& are cracking.
All major tire manfacturers now recommend changing tires after 6-years old.

I changed my stock GY Eagle LS tires at 5-years with 5/32" tread left.
But spider like cracking was also starting to showing up.

I am also thinking of changing out my Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 winter performance tires this season; that are going on their 6th winter season with 6-7/32" tread left.
But they don't seem as sticky anymore.
& + I am loving/jealous of my Mom's Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi winter tires (that I bought her last winter)

& why is your tires not wearing out evenly ?

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

...5) I also have an issue with a slightly higher than normal idle when I first start my car for the day. It will stay at 1k, then drop slowly down to the normal 650 after several minutes of running (I try to let it run in the driveway before I leave to avoid complications). Is this semi-normal or what could be causing this?

Normal.

You should see/hear it at -30°C/-22°F outside after over-night

[SikMindz]

MJ is the Search Button Guru.

[Mike Jung]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

......Is there any tires that any of you would suggest to put on my car...

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires

Are really good, if you want a all-season tire; that is technically not a "performance" rated tire.

[99GTCoupe]

, Goooooo Mike Jung!

Thanks Sik, for 5 I wasn't sure because it did that before, but it would top out at 800, then now starts up at 1k. But I figured everything was fine

I never run tanks down to Empty anyways, and try to stay over 1/2 at the least (usually fill up every 3/4 tank ), I know going below 1/2 tank wastes more gas anyways.
With the tires, they are not the stock ones The guy I bought the car from has replaced all four at least once (I have the recipt and he got a HELL of a deal, $90 per LS!!!), and I don't know why they aren't wearing out evenly. I suppose it -might- have to do with the fact of when I first bought it, I tended to be heavy on the pedal and he may have been as well. I know that will run your fronts down faster (did that with my first car, hehe).

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

[b]You should see/hear it at -30°C/-22°F outside after over-night

ROFL

I also wanted to ask, in regards to my questions in this thread:
Struts Q's

Thanks again

[eaglesrealm]

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires

Are really good, if you want a all-season tire; that is technically not a "performance" rated tire.

Mike - I agree, I have been extremely satisfied with my GY Assurance Triple Tred's. Switched to them after the stock's came off on my 01 GAGT. Well, technically my 2nd set of stocks, since the dealer gave me 4 new ones right at 36K because I complained about the infamous tire noise issue. Of course, the idiots at GM only allow them to change the front 2. You then have to go home, rotate them, come back and tell them the noise came back after you did a rotation. LOL
What a waste of freaking time.

[99GTCoupe]

Yeah, I like those tires, my buddy at Belle Tire suggested them. I wanted those, and then realized they don't offer them in 18s. But then again, I've pretty much quashed my ideas for getting 18s on my GA, just won't have the money and by the time I do, I will probably get another car

Anyways, what about if I just wanted to get two tires for now to replace my current front ones? Would the x3Tred be fine for the rear (cause of the rotation) with the LS' up front? or just leave the LS' in the back, switch them, and put x3Tred up front?

[lone_wolf025]

Since we're on the topic of tires, how do the triple treads compare to the

BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS
g-Force ultra high performance year round

in terms of performance?

[99GTCoupe]

Also, anyone know anything about the Q Power and related 'Q' products?

[Mike Jung]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Also, anyone know anything about the Q Power and related 'Q' products?

Quaker State synthetic motor oil

Pennzoil motor oil =
Especially, their new Pennzoil Platinum (EOP based) synthetic motor oil.

* reference source from Bobistheoilguy.com forums: from a guy that works at/for Pennzoil (which owns Quaker State; & Pennzoil is owned by Shell)
(Pennzoil motor oil always uses better stuff, than Quaker State motor oils.)



I myself use Castrol Syntec 0W-30 (PAO based with esters blended) synthetic motor that is made in Germany.



PS: Oh, & there is always the Mobil 1 EP (PAO based) synthetic motor oils.
If money $$$ is no object: Red Line (Ester based) synthetic motor oils = over-kill for a NA GA though

[Mike Jung]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Yeah, I like those tires, my buddy at Belle Tire suggested them. I wanted those, and then realized they don't offer them in 18s. But then again, I've pretty much quashed my ideas for getting 18s on my GA, just won't have the money and by the time I do, I will probably get another car

Anyways, what about if I just wanted to get two tires for now to replace my current front ones? Would the x3Tred be fine for the rear (cause of the rotation) with the LS' up front? or just leave the LS' in the back, switch them, and put x3Tred up front?

You really want to open a can of worms, don't you ?

from: Walmart Rant

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

You should only have:
4- snow tires on the car (not a mix of snow up front & all-season on back) &
4- same model of tires on the car;
whether or not same size is debatable, as small tires have less traction than larger tires of the same model.


See what Michelin says & Watch the video from Michelin
Having less traction tires in the rear could case the rear to spin out.

Don't even think about putting "directional" tires in the mix; with your 2 old ones.

Example: You put the new directional tires in the rear; & you won't be able to easily to rotate them without unmounting them from the rim.

IMO:
Get 4 new tires like the Goodyear Goodyear Assurance TripleTred's.
or
Get 2 new Goodyear Eagle LS tires & put them on the rear.


But before doing that:
Get you front end suspension fixed & aligned !

[Mike Jung]

Originally Posted by lone_wolf025

Since we're on the topic of tires, how do the triple treads compare to the

BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS
g-Force ultra high performance year round

in terms of performance?

You can't compare them.
It is like Apple & Oranges; a different category.

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

...Are really good, if you want a all-season tire; that is technically not a "performance" rated tire.

Not a Goodyear Eagle model.
Not that they have many good performance tires IMO.

& IMO I would not run BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWS all-season tires.


Here are some suggestions below:


Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS tires (Which replaces the RE950's, which I currently have.)



Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires



Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires


& Of course you take them off, when it gets below 5°C/41°F (for the winter); even though these are "all-season" rated, which really means 'nothing' IMO (in terms of winter driving performance). (If you want more details PM me, & I'll make a new thread about all-season tires.)
& get your winter rubber on
For maximum traction in the winter time (yes, I am a )

[99GTCoupe]

First off, a little update. After reading on the premium fuels and such, I decided to just go with 89 midgrade. It seemed a better solution, as many times I read that 93 grade is overdoing it, and 89 was a nice inbetweener.

Anyways, here's my thoughts
1) I can't find any threads on motor oil that discuss the different weights and such. I would like to know what a good weight for my GA (stock, except for GM High Performance plugs/wires and K&N drop-in filter) would be. I would be looking for something that the best bang (not literally ) for my buck.

2) As for tires, unfortunately I do not have the money to buy two sets of for. You must remember, I'm technically poor Heck, I would like to get a couple used Eagle LS' to replace my current two (done it before with another car) so that the tread will be close to what's on the back right now. However, if I find out that new would be the best to do for my two tires, I will do so

3) As for the suspension, are you referring to my strut mount problem? That's in the rear and I plan to get it fixed in a few weeks via the aid of a friend and the proper tools As for the alignment, I was under the impression that it should be done after getting new tires, to make sure everything is correctly positioned, but I could be wrong.

Also, I was kind of surprised about the Pirelli PZero Nero M&S being on $99, I thought all Pirelli's were expensive As for the Bridgestone, looks nice but I think I'd rather go with Michelin or Pirelli (for that price hehe). I hate being on a limited budget, and not having much to spend to cover needed repairs on my car ><

I think that's it for now, I know I'll remember more later so

[Sprucegagt]

Have the alignment checked first. If nothing is out of spec then an alignment should not be needed. Any competent place doing the alignment would do this anyway.

On a stock GA you really don't need anything other than 87 Octane, even with the 10% ethanol blend. (Sorry Mike)

[99GTCoupe]

Well I can tell a nice difference in how my car runs (almost 8 gal of 89) with the midgrade in. I'm just gonna stick with it, cause there's no real point in premium unless I go and get a new PCM. It starts better and runs smoother than it did

[Mike Jung]

IMO:

About 87 vs. 89 Octane Gasoline

PS: What happens to GAGT's in the summer time heat (& are load up with weight, like for a road trip) when running on the highway with traffic ?
Knock retard starts to happen.
So sometimes 'Premium' does do alittle better, as there are 2-fuel tables for our GA's.
But the controversy will go on forever; but I trust some of the guys here that scanned their GA's for knock retard, when running 87-octane in the summer heat.

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

...1) I can't find any threads on motor oil that discuss the different weights and such. I would like to know what a good weight for my GA (stock, except for GM High Performance plugs/wires and K&N drop-in filter) would be. I would be looking for something that the best bang (not literally ) for my buck...

xW-30 grade is recommended for the GA; specifically 5W-30.
But it depends on the specific oil.

Like I would not run just any 0W-30 motor oil in my GA; as some are made for only extreme cold/winter use only.

& in some cases: for the summer 10W-30 is better than 5W-30.
But in most cases 5W-30 has better technology behind it; & is better than 10W-30 in the summer.

In the winter: 5W-30 (or 0W-30); but some 0W-xx are not really much better than 5W-30 until it is below -30°C/-22°F. (Like German Castrol Syntec 0W-30 & Mobil 1 0W-40; which both are European spec oils.)


Best bang for the buck depends on what is important to you & how you do your oil change interval.

Like some will do short oil change intervals with like a "cheap" (but good) dino oil like Havoline 5W-30 that I heard is cheap in price in the US but does good in the handling wear in the engine (but I don't really follow dino oils that much).

To people changing their oil once per year or if the oil change light comes on:
with premuim synthetic motor oil like: Germany Castrol Syntec 0W-30, Amsoil (not counting the XL-line), Mobil 1 EP, etc...

[99GTCoupe]

Well I always do 3k oil changes, and just want a good all around oil to use. Basically would it be worth it to start using Synthetic oil? Also, I'm due for a change atm, but can't get it done until Wed, since I am taking it to a dealership 'close' by cause they will do a full service, plus a free wash for $26.99

Yeah, it's a lot, but I can't get my oil done myself yet. I wanted to do one last good oil change before I start (plus cause I have to get it done ASAP, I want to find a good oil to use myself).

[99GTCoupe]

Also, I was wondering what would be some good normal pads and rotors to get? Should I go semi or ceramic? What is a decently priced brand for the quality?

[lone_wolf025]

Stepping back to the gas part real quick. I don't have any numbers on hand but I believe that BP tends to be best in terms of cleanliness of fuels. I also know that Shell and I think BP (as well as others) have recently comitted to having their fuels within the stricter guidelines suggested for ideal purposes from the Big American 3. Basically they've been making cleaner fuels with more detergents to help prevent issues with injectors.