BULLET CHEWING TIME!

[INFINITINUTCASE]

OK Folks, here goes!

I know my old 92 Q (showing 144K)is worth next to nothing (dealer, et al, telling me so in rather cold, cruel, terms!), so I must admit I toyed w/ spending, or not spending (about $2,200 at T-3 in ATL) serious bucks on doing some things, specifically the under plenum work. I bought set of new Exaltos when TR recently had their sale and rebate, so they are sitting in garage to be installed later this year (put a set on the M30 and the handling was totally transformed!). Got the under plenum rubber kit from Joe at IOS some years back when he had a special, and it is still in the OEM bags awaiting installation. I will also have knock sensors installed, and may go ahead and have new O-2 sensors installed. Upper links and tension rod bushings will also be installed w/ new tires. Local mechanics begged off when the timing chain issue cropped up way back in 2000, honestly telling me that they would rather not take the job on, advising me to go on over to T-3 and getting it done there, which I did. New shop manager here says he has experience and they can handle the job, this saving me the long trip over to ATL and having to RON there for at least one night. I continue to enjoy the Q, driving it more of late than any of the other way-too-many vehicles I have, amazed that - when topping off the tank yesterday - I still got 20 mpg, even after quite "spirited" driving! I have non-ethanol 93 available and I attribute mileage/performance to that fuel. The car still performs flawlessly for a near-20 year old vehicle!

OK, for those w/ more knowledge than me (most everyone!)...what else should I order from Joe for this job? This will be done in the fall when we return to our east coast home from New Mexico, sadly having homes in both places on the market but, succinctly put, there is no market so dealing w/ all that hassle.

In advance, thanks for your help as usual!

John

[OwnerCS]

For non-spirited highway driving (e.g. holding it steady at 65 mph) mine consistently delivers 22.5 MPG running 93 octane E10.

It also gets better town/suburban MPG than my 2006 Honda Ridgeline.

[OwnerCS]

I forgot my question.. How long to you plan to own the Q?

[INFINITINUTCASE]

I forgot my question.. How long to you plan to own the Q?

....uhhh, looking at KBB/Edmund - and hearing insults from dealers - and if not torching it, I will own it friggen, absolute, drop-dead, forever! Can bury me in the thing! Must say, though, that I am on the look-out for G35X, or M35X to use at NM place, the "trail" to the property challenging even in dry weather! Rain/snow.... get a motel room, cause you ain't gettin home less you got AWD, or want to hike in! Keep an old LX 450 out there, but wife pretty much monopolizes that!

[Q451990]

If you're keeping it forever here's my list:

-all new hoses under the plenum including to the heater core
-new knock sensor subharness and knock sensors
-new fuel lines
-new new injector subharness... or just wait until you can't get e-free fuel and have to replace the injectors.

And I would seriously consider taking it to T3, even with the overnight stay. I feel sure your local shop could handle it, but Byron (assuming he's still there) has so much experience on these old beasts and that's worth something in terms of long term results.

Heath

[OwnerCS]

I forgot my question.. How long to you plan to own the Q?

I will own it friggen, absolute, drop-dead, forever! Can bury me in the thing!

Same here..

As for value, we are in that 20 to 25 year bottoming out period..

Many years ago, I remember turning my nose up at a nice 63 red two door Corvair Monza with 3-speed stick on the floor at $199. No rust and original vinyl bucket seats..

I didn't want it because they were prone to oil leaks and it didn't have a V8..So much for being 16 and not having any long term investment ideas..LOL

Today that car would start at about $5,000.. The used market for the Corvair has drastically changed over the years.

The VH45DE has some unique qualities that just aren't available on newer engines at any price..

[INFINITINUTCASE]

Excellent point, Heath! Last time I spoke w/ "Tye" at T-3, Byron still there, and - in fact - he did the guides, oil cooler, new receiver/dryer, brakes, all fluids changed out to M1 synthetic, etc., etc., way back in 2000, plus lots of other things! E-free fuel not all that common, I have found.

I note you ae no longer trying to sell your G35. Put about 5K miles on one in 06, but have not yet driven an M. Regardless, just another (definately NOT "needed") toy!