1990 Q45
1990 Q45
Hey guys.I have been reading these forums for a while doing research and I am very impressed at all the info obtained here. I am in the process of getting a 1990 Q. A good friend has it in Georgia. No the chain guides have not been done, but that is high on my priority list. But it does have blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. I was thinking of doing the engine swap, but I have been told that maybe I just need to change the valve seals. I just want some good opinion's on this. I have done the search but I want more detailed info. The Q has 160,000 miles but runs very smooth and responsive. Overall the car is nice and I just want to bring it back slowly to very good condition. I am trying to save the money now to do the chain guides. I am going down to Georgia June 11. Just trying to get some input
First off, welcome to the boards! No more lurking around... you can post now :pface .
Congrats on the Q. The blue smoke is attributed to oil being burnt. There are a few different causes for this; they include having worn valve guides, piston rings and/or cylinders. Note the smoke residue builds up on the spark plugs over time and can eventually cause the engine to misfire and lose power. The two solutions to this (once you have the cause of the oil burning solved) are replacing the spark plugs or cleaning them depending on what sort of shape they're in.
All the best Pito.
Corey
Congrats on the Q. The blue smoke is attributed to oil being burnt. There are a few different causes for this; they include having worn valve guides, piston rings and/or cylinders. Note the smoke residue builds up on the spark plugs over time and can eventually cause the engine to misfire and lose power. The two solutions to this (once you have the cause of the oil burning solved) are replacing the spark plugs or cleaning them depending on what sort of shape they're in.
All the best Pito.
Corey
-
Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
160k is pretty YOUNG to have blue smoke, just proves somebody was bad with oil changes! So he probably acquired the Q with 120k or so?
Start up after over night smoking is ok [valve stem seals] but any smoke when accelerating is ring wear. [Do a compression test].
T3 only charges an hour [$70] for listing all the visible faults.........compression and serious road testing diagnosis would add $400 [6 hours] and you might as well change plugs at same time no extra labor just the plugs during a compression test.
Oil in plug well means the valve covers need resealing another $500.
Sure you want to get involved with a smoker, its warning you that seroius money is right around the corner.
Start up after over night smoking is ok [valve stem seals] but any smoke when accelerating is ring wear. [Do a compression test].
T3 only charges an hour [$70] for listing all the visible faults.........compression and serious road testing diagnosis would add $400 [6 hours] and you might as well change plugs at same time no extra labor just the plugs during a compression test.
Oil in plug well means the valve covers need resealing another $500.
Sure you want to get involved with a smoker, its warning you that seroius money is right around the corner.
Well as far as the money, one thing I have observed is that an owner needs to have the understanding that this is no honda accord or camry. This is a top of the line luxury car. I understand that and even though I am not rich I am willing to save and put money in the car. I plan on keeping the car for a while. The body is near perfect and the interior is pretty good. It has the normal Q problems IE: visor. Keep pooring on the advice fellas, it is well appreciated.
Pito, I commend you on your dedication to your car.
I too know how you feel and have also spent a boat load of money fixing my Q. Once the active suspension is functional the car will be in absolute pristine condition - as it should be for having completed a $9500 repair bill.
Then come the performance mods.
Now those... those I can't wait to spend the money on.
Corey
Just remember every penny will be worth it in the long run. Especially as you end up with a car which is as in nearly the same condition as it was when it came off the assembly line valued at $60k.
I too know how you feel and have also spent a boat load of money fixing my Q. Once the active suspension is functional the car will be in absolute pristine condition - as it should be for having completed a $9500 repair bill.
Then come the performance mods.
Now those... those I can't wait to spend the money on.Corey
Just remember every penny will be worth it in the long run. Especially as you end up with a car which is as in nearly the same condition as it was when it came off the assembly line valued at $60k.
Pito, welcome to the board! It's great that you realize if you get a 90Q you'll need to spend some money repairing problems. Blue smoke is something that should be looked at BEFORE you buy the car. There are other 90 Q's out there.
Take Q45techs advice and get a compression test because having leaking valve covers is not the same as piston ring wear and the expense to have it fixed is much greater. My 92Q 252K valve seals need to be re-sealed and I don't have blue smoke. I don't have any smoke at all!
Be smart and check this over carefully because there are others out there. If the car is in Georgia get it checked. Spending a little now could save alot latter on.
red
Take Q45techs advice and get a compression test because having leaking valve covers is not the same as piston ring wear and the expense to have it fixed is much greater. My 92Q 252K valve seals need to be re-sealed and I don't have blue smoke. I don't have any smoke at all!
Be smart and check this over carefully because there are others out there. If the car is in Georgia get it checked. Spending a little now could save alot latter on.
red
1990, for performance buffs, is the year to have! I like my 92, since it seems to have softer suspension and lighter steering -- but not too soft like in later years.
Funny how I bought the Q just for luxury and the name, and came to love it for performance. Put 20k on it in a year, by the end of the month will have spent $4500 including chain guides. Im -very- happy.
-Jesda
Funny how I bought the Q just for luxury and the name, and came to love it for performance. Put 20k on it in a year, by the end of the month will have spent $4500 including chain guides. Im -very- happy.
-Jesda
Thanx guys and yeah I am sure I will love the car.
I will definately like the power since I am leaving a 1992 thunderbird sport with the 5.0 HO motor.
How do you think these two cars stack up against each other in the power department. Which one do you think is faster. I know my t-bird is fast but do you think the Q is faster.
My t-bird isnt exactly stock. It has a "less restrictive" exhaust
I will definately like the power since I am leaving a 1992 thunderbird sport with the 5.0 HO motor.
How do you think these two cars stack up against each other in the power department. Which one do you think is faster. I know my t-bird is fast but do you think the Q is faster.
My t-bird isnt exactly stock. It has a "less restrictive" exhaust
I've got a 92Q with 252k and have not been seriously challenged by a single car yet, not one! I haven't deliberately gone out and challenged anyone, but you aways get someone on these Carolina roads who thinks his Mustang or Camero can whoop some tail and wind up ignoring you and not even acknowledging the fact you just ran with them and left them wondering what the heck kind of car just toasted them. And my high mileage Q loves it!
The power of the Q will surprise you. T-bird doesn't come close IMO.
red
The power of the Q will surprise you. T-bird doesn't come close IMO.
red
The gearing on my t-bird is 3.73.
I did run against a 97 or newer Q and I handed him his a$$ on the highway. When I got of my exit he passed by acknowleding the power of the t-bird. Now that said a 90-96 Q would probably win just of the extra horsepower. The thing that gives the t-bird a shot is that the power is available down low and then more available at 4,000 rpm. I just dont put the car in overdrive until I run to about 5,000 rpm and then shift into OD.
So I dont believe a Q would destroy a t-bird but will pull of in its infinite luxury stlye with class.
I did run against a 97 or newer Q and I handed him his a$$ on the highway. When I got of my exit he passed by acknowleding the power of the t-bird. Now that said a 90-96 Q would probably win just of the extra horsepower. The thing that gives the t-bird a shot is that the power is available down low and then more available at 4,000 rpm. I just dont put the car in overdrive until I run to about 5,000 rpm and then shift into OD.
So I dont believe a Q would destroy a t-bird but will pull of in its infinite luxury stlye with class.
No offense pito, but your 5.0 doesn't stand a chance..
Do you understand what I said?
my stock 91 had no problem against stock SVT cobras on the freeway..
5.0 tbirds are slow at speed. the low end torque is nice to 60..
BTW y33s are dog slow on the freeway..
I raced my friends e320 droptop in a y33. He pulled on me from 80 all the way until he hit his speed governor, at around 130..
Trust me, the tbird doesn't stand a chance..
Do you understand what I said?
my stock 91 had no problem against stock SVT cobras on the freeway..
5.0 tbirds are slow at speed. the low end torque is nice to 60..
BTW y33s are dog slow on the freeway..
I raced my friends e320 droptop in a y33. He pulled on me from 80 all the way until he hit his speed governor, at around 130..
Trust me, the tbird doesn't stand a chance..
ok I get your point
But the Q does cost a good $30,000 more than the t-bird so I would expect it to have more power. But hey two different cars two different levels so I expect two different reactions. Well the t-bird will be leaving soon and the Q will be here soon.
In terms of power how about a better comparison.
A 2001 Lincoln Ls V. 1990 Q45
Who would win.
I have driven the LS and all I can say is whooooooo weeeeee!
Post those opinions guys
But the Q does cost a good $30,000 more than the t-bird so I would expect it to have more power. But hey two different cars two different levels so I expect two different reactions. Well the t-bird will be leaving soon and the Q will be here soon.
In terms of power how about a better comparison.
A 2001 Lincoln Ls V. 1990 Q45
Who would win.
I have driven the LS and all I can say is whooooooo weeeeee!
Post those opinions guys
-
Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
3600 pounds and a 4.0 V8 vs 3970 and 4.5 V8
http://216.239.39.104/search?q...hl=en
The 1990 Q accelerated from zero to 100 mph in less than 17 seconds or just at 16.0 with JWT ecu
http://216.239.39.104/search?q...hl=en
The 1990 Q accelerated from zero to 100 mph in less than 17 seconds or just at 16.0 with JWT ecu
Sorry to keep hating pitto, but the LS doesn't stand a chance...
The LS v8 until very recently, was a joke..
The 2001 is equiped 252-hp, 3.9-liter V-8 detuned jag v8
The first gen LS v8s were such a joke, the v6 manuals could out pace them 0-60..
Take a new LS V8 with 280 hp or so, and it would be a good race.
Pitto: sorry to be negative, but I like being straight forward about a cars performance.. I will tell you when a car is faster then a Q, just like I will tell you the opposite..
It's one of my big annoyances when people spread mis information about a cars performance.. It's a silly little thing, but it's stupid, and I will correct it every time..
The LS v8 until very recently, was a joke..
The 2001 is equiped 252-hp, 3.9-liter V-8 detuned jag v8
The first gen LS v8s were such a joke, the v6 manuals could out pace them 0-60..
Take a new LS V8 with 280 hp or so, and it would be a good race.
Pitto: sorry to be negative, but I like being straight forward about a cars performance.. I will tell you when a car is faster then a Q, just like I will tell you the opposite..
It's one of my big annoyances when people spread mis information about a cars performance.. It's a silly little thing, but it's stupid, and I will correct it every time..
The LS V8 is a solid, powerful car. Its comparable to the new Q and the M45 in terms of performance, if not in terms of technology. Runs 0-60 in just under 6 seconds. IMHO one of the best looking luxury sedans on the road (I have a thing for American style).
Off the line, the Q would lose to the T-bird. On the highway, thats another story.
Off the line, the Q would lose to the T-bird. On the highway, thats another story.
I have driven the LS on regular streets and on the highway. There aren't many competitors with this car. Dont overlook the fact that these cars come with a 5-speed transmission. When you use the autostick option this car is a beast. I have gone against beamers and a 420 benz. I didnt blow by them but this car has a very nice balance of power and handling. As far as car stats, the stats on a car are one thing, how far you push the car is another. The lincoln is a formidable opponent on the road especially with the traction control off.
Thanks Jesda for the backup
The LS V8 is a monster on the road. That 5 speed shows its colors on the highway. The suspension is very well suited. By the way my friend has the new york edition. I dont know how much of a diffence that is but for the money for a 2001 used which I have seen for $20,000 it is a good bargain.
The LS V8 is a monster on the road. That 5 speed shows its colors on the highway. The suspension is very well suited. By the way my friend has the new york edition. I dont know how much of a diffence that is but for the money for a 2001 used which I have seen for $20,000 it is a good bargain.
The REAL reason people buy a LS or an ode to the LS driving experience by Stanny1
#749 of 790: Right On Ray (stanny1) Mon 20 Nov '00 (04:53 PM)
The real turn-on is when you take that sweeper at near terminal velocity. You're really doing a controlled 4 wheel drift,teasing the Firehawks with just a little more throttle. The tires are getting a real greasy feeling,and you know you are at the limit and you know the limit,and you are one with the car.You lean to compensate for the G force,your heartbeat climbs and the adrenalin flows.The turn is only for mere seconds,but time seems to standstill.This is the LS moment,when you and the car are one.As you straighten out,you look in the rear view mirror.The 5 series is so far back most people couldn't recognize the marque.You now remember that there is a difference between just owning an ultimate driving machine and driving one. The LS owner knows the difference.He owns to drive,not drives to own.
#752 of 790: Joe Lincoln (stanny1) Mon 20 Nov '00 (06:10 PM)
I just wrote it from "feeling".I have this banked 180 degree turn near my house,part of a temporary off ramp related to freeway construction.It's an "off-camber" turn (right hand) which my modified Toyota Cressida five speed could never do because it's battery was at the front driver's side.But the LS has the battery in the trunk -that's magic forfront to rear balance and a concept called "polar moment of inertia".An incredible amount of engineering went into the LS suspension.It belongs on a Formula 1 and not on a street car.It so outclasses a BMW Macpherson strut that they aren't even on the same planet.If you had to put the essence of the LS into a few words,they are"balance","handling","control".That turn is signed at 25mph;I take it at 60+.I never thought Firehawks,especially ones rated at 500 wear,could grab like that,since I have paid hundreds for Goodyears and Fuldas gumballs with ratings of 160-240 that don't have that kind of grip.My conclusion is that the LS suspension is so sophisticated,it keeps the tire at the optimum "slip angle" at all times.If my ball joints were loose,I would have hit the concrete barrier on that turn months ago.I value handling more than any attribute in a car,and the LS is the best value inhandling out there.The DEW98 platform also gets credit for its incredible stiffness.I don't think a cross brace would help a bit.You would have to spend a lot of bucks on this chassis to get just a small improvement,and you might just screw it up just as easily.The only improvement I could imagine would be lightweight alloy wheels (non-chrome) in the exact factory offset,perhaps in an 8" width.And we're talking real money here,over 2 big ones for a set.And you may need instrumentation to tell the difference in handling even if you are brave enoughto use it. so,Joe, go find a good off-ramp and have some fun.Leave a little space for the slide.The LS can do excellent four wheel drifts.But don't tell the guys in the Chrysler 300's to try it!
#749 of 790: Right On Ray (stanny1) Mon 20 Nov '00 (04:53 PM)
The real turn-on is when you take that sweeper at near terminal velocity. You're really doing a controlled 4 wheel drift,teasing the Firehawks with just a little more throttle. The tires are getting a real greasy feeling,and you know you are at the limit and you know the limit,and you are one with the car.You lean to compensate for the G force,your heartbeat climbs and the adrenalin flows.The turn is only for mere seconds,but time seems to standstill.This is the LS moment,when you and the car are one.As you straighten out,you look in the rear view mirror.The 5 series is so far back most people couldn't recognize the marque.You now remember that there is a difference between just owning an ultimate driving machine and driving one. The LS owner knows the difference.He owns to drive,not drives to own.
#752 of 790: Joe Lincoln (stanny1) Mon 20 Nov '00 (06:10 PM)
I just wrote it from "feeling".I have this banked 180 degree turn near my house,part of a temporary off ramp related to freeway construction.It's an "off-camber" turn (right hand) which my modified Toyota Cressida five speed could never do because it's battery was at the front driver's side.But the LS has the battery in the trunk -that's magic forfront to rear balance and a concept called "polar moment of inertia".An incredible amount of engineering went into the LS suspension.It belongs on a Formula 1 and not on a street car.It so outclasses a BMW Macpherson strut that they aren't even on the same planet.If you had to put the essence of the LS into a few words,they are"balance","handling","control".That turn is signed at 25mph;I take it at 60+.I never thought Firehawks,especially ones rated at 500 wear,could grab like that,since I have paid hundreds for Goodyears and Fuldas gumballs with ratings of 160-240 that don't have that kind of grip.My conclusion is that the LS suspension is so sophisticated,it keeps the tire at the optimum "slip angle" at all times.If my ball joints were loose,I would have hit the concrete barrier on that turn months ago.I value handling more than any attribute in a car,and the LS is the best value inhandling out there.The DEW98 platform also gets credit for its incredible stiffness.I don't think a cross brace would help a bit.You would have to spend a lot of bucks on this chassis to get just a small improvement,and you might just screw it up just as easily.The only improvement I could imagine would be lightweight alloy wheels (non-chrome) in the exact factory offset,perhaps in an 8" width.And we're talking real money here,over 2 big ones for a set.And you may need instrumentation to tell the difference in handling even if you are brave enoughto use it. so,Joe, go find a good off-ramp and have some fun.Leave a little space for the slide.The LS can do excellent four wheel drifts.But don't tell the guys in the Chrysler 300's to try it!
Check out this LSIt is not my friends but a good example of what the LS is about
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/510004
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/510004