newbie automotive maintence or performance questions

[wylin]

lets start adding some of these. i mean this is wat sy as our resident wrencher and i can help contribute too this small part of the forum.

like examples of such are
1. how do i change my oil, sparkplugs, fuel filter, etc
2. maintence items such as clutch, tranny fluids, oil (dino or synthetic)
3. general/specific tuning quiestions/ such as adding intakes, turbocharging, igntion upgrade
4. permance driving questions Sy i know for sure is a good driver, and i have the basic theories down.
5.product knowledge questions (wylin's specialty) got a q bout a product and its benifits, scarcity, quality, etc.... thats for me.

post away! dont feel dumb too we're all dumb bout cars sumhow, like me i suck ass in wiring, i hate automotive/ stereo wiring w/ a passion.

[achtungbaby]

I'm definitely interested in the spark plugs one! Wow, you guys are doing a great job with this forum...

[wylin]

thats a primer for u! this ones about reading ur spark plug to tell how ur cars running got lotsa pix too!

http://www.pdm-racing.com/features/plugs.html

[mrazntre]

BTWW: if anyone needs to buy a new 02 sensor, just buy the universal type for your car, and either splice in the old 02 sensor's connector, or use the appropriately sized (either) quick connect male or female spade connectors (they could also be bullet style). the only difference between the direct replacement and a universal style is that the direct replacement is just that, they include the connectors. the universal style only has the associated wires sticking out. you have to make the connector yourself. there is no difference in operation of the 02 sensor.

02 sensor comes in two flavors (other than size and shape, 02 sensors are all the same):

1) non-heated

2) heated

the non-heated 02 sensor has a single wire which reads the exhaust gases to accurately (haha accurately) set your air to fuel ratio. quick and easy. no muss no fuss. problem is, when it's cold the thingy doesn't work as well so you'll be running in a rich state dudring cold start up which affects fuel economy (i would say.. uhmm not really too significant).

the heated 02 sensor has either 3 or 4 wires. you have a signal and a ground, which connect to the ecu and then a direct power and ground (which also runs off the ECU, but could also be completely direct runs). whereas the unheated 02 sensor must wait for the engine to warm up before at its optimum operating temperature, the heater on the 02 sensor artificially 'fools' the 02 sensor into thinking that the car has already warmed up completely and thus sets the air to fuel ratio at the optimum setting instantaneously. thus the less chance of running rich on cold start and optimizing fuel economy.