Making the Ship Sea-worthy. (94 Q45)

[SavageNerdz]

Hey guys, just got my Q back recently, valve cover gaskets have been replaced and injectors were rebuilt. So far all of the issues are quite small with the biggest being that the steering rack is shot. Also has some funky shifting, but i haven't had a chance to flush it.

To do List:
Air Filter
Oil/Oil Filter
Hood Struts
Transmission Flush
Inspect Driver Side Front Speaker (Super Quiet, hoping it's not busted completely)

^These are what i'm planning on for now, the rack will be sometime in the future. In the mean time however, would a transmission flush be wise? I've read that many would rather you the drain/drop technique, however i happen to work at a Valvoline express care and have access to the machine. I also get a steep discount on most if not all our services. I'm seeing that a lot of people are running 10-40 in their vehicles, any particular reason?
The Q i have believe it or not runs very well for it's age. Not much if any ticking and when you do hear it tends to be when the vehicle is cold-started. Being that I live in a northern state (IL) it is quite cold, and will continue to get colder. Our software is recommending: SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, SAE 10W-30 is preferred. (Above 61f) and SAE 5W-30 (below 61f).
I will be running a synthetic bland, roughly 40% synthetic, once again i know most say it is a rip off, but it will be less than $20 for the whole oil change after my discount. Planning on going with a standard air filter, seeing as I read that it is not worth getting a K & N on the Q, nor a CAI.

Anything else to add to the list of preventative maintenance?

[3Q Jay]

welcome
you have a base unless you have an active or a t. for model year 94 t has the HICAS, TCS, and heated seats. active has TCS, heated seats, and a bunch of hydraulic plumbing. if you don't have either then u r likely a base.
40wt oil is a joke to me.
I use 0w30 full synth. does valvoline make such a product?
change every fluid. include dot3 (not4) brake fluid flush, power steering, coolant, and TCS (dot 3 brake) if you have TCS.
also filters including the fuel filter.
bose speaker amps dying is quite common. the board can usually be repaired.

[qship96]

+1 on the 0w-30 in cold climates,full synthetic if the budget allows.

[maxnix]

Pray tell, how were the injectors "rebuilt?"

For injector servicing, I heartily recommend Mr.Injector in ID.

Much better than Deathwerks as he will test them on the whole rail if you send it in.

VH41DE has CAI standard. Stick to stock as you don't want an oiled element in the intake path. One plenum job will convince you.

[3Q Jay]

oh, don't forget the differential
Redline 75w90 (yeah, I know not your valvoline). forget the thick stuff.
your 94 is a VH45DE, but the point is still valid about dry element.

[maxnix]

Yeah, I had a senior moment there.

Dry OEM filter element the best.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

There's no reason to run a 40 weight anything in your Q unless you're chasing an oil pressure issue, and think a thicker oil would help. Given your list of options, I would choose the 5w-30. I run 0w-30 Mobil 1 in mine. I spent an afternoon reading "Oil 101" on the Bob is the Oil Guy site, and it really helps explain what those numbers mean.

ATF flush is a great idea. I'd consider the pan drop and filter screen replacement in addition to the flush, but clean fluid is always a good idea. There's some debate that flushing out built up gunk and varnish in a badly abused transmission on it's last legs is possibly bad, but if you're not in that situation, I'd go for it.

The door speaker is probably bad capacitors in the built in amp. That's the usual failure mode...