Newbie Questions - What model years interchange?

[rizzay]

Newbie here with a couple of questions. I did an extensive search and didn't find what I was looking for. Or I just didn't use the right key words in the search.

I have a '97 Q45 and needs some items for it. The car has a light beige interior (actual color name I've been unable to find). Various items need to be replaced, arm rests, trunk mat, etc. While cruising junk yards, ebay, craigslist, etc. What year Q's would have a compatible interior? All of the second gens? only '97-'99's?

What model years' powertrain would also be compatible? Nothing is broken right now, *knock on wood*, but for future reference.

This last question I actually didn't search for, but since I'm asking others, is there any general maintenance item I should look out for while checking over the vehicle and doing the typical tune-up?

Thank you gents,~Rizzay

[elwesso]

For interior parts like arm rests, you may be better off just getting them recovered.. Little things like that which you can remove arent really a big deal for upholstery shops, and those are common to wear out on Y33. In any case, 97-01 should be compatible..

Drivetrains from the same years should all be the same.

[maxnix]

Three concepts. G50, FGY33, F50.

All are distinct. Be sure to inlude your information in your profile.

[oldmako]

Congrats on the ride.

Everyone has given you good info thus far. I bought a 99 in December so I am just a few months ahead of you in the learning curve. It is pretty steep and can be expensive unless you are willing to get into it yourself and scrounge for parts. Many are dealer only, and rightly so as there are some fairly specific applications. Others can be procured at other vendors and/or picked up used depending on your tolerance and the depth of your wallet. Read past threads until your head hurts and you'll begin to get a feel for the what to buy as well as what not to buy. You'll also get a feel for what wears out what to keep an eye on.

As you read the threads bear in mind that the earlier cars are significantly different than ours, and it can be tough to keep the differences straight. Guys were posting on this forum for years before our model showed up, so they did not need to differentiate in their posts. It can be confusing to know if a procedure is applicable to your car.

As far as tune up, some things are the same as any car you've owned....other's are different but the principles are still the same. Keep the gas and air spotless on the way in with frequent and regular filter changes. Search BG44k and buy several cans. Buy a multimeter as it's pretty much essential for some of the troubleshooting.

It sounds as though with basic care (constant fresh oil and no overheats) the engine will last 300K. The trans is the weak link and expensive to replace. Some of the electrics also seem to be a PITA....the knock sensors live in a mean spot and cook and wear out, along with their harness. Ditto for the injection system, although the quality of the gas your car has sucked seems to be a mitigating factor. The brakes are robust and seem to be trouble free....there are very few threads regarding brakes....but plenty about pads themselves.

If yours is a t, then your suspension will require some extra $$$ to keep it happy when it wears out.

I'm just scratching the surface and I'm a neophyte. There are pkenty of dudes here who really, really know these things. Have fun and haul ***.

[StarPD]

"t" model rear suspensions are only different on pre-'95s. After that, differences are only a few added features and trim. Since yours is a '97, it matters not whether it's a "t" model or not. For your reference, your '97 is an FGY33 series, the first year it was produced. Most '97 through '01 should be interchangeable. Someone else here can point out any inconsistencies in applicable parts. If buying OEM parts, (recommended)always provide the V.I.N.

[djguilty]

i just picked up a 99 Q45T and i really need some suspension help!!so far only the dealer has a replacement.... Big $$ though. can i bolt up an after market shock that will fit event if i doesn't have the adjustable feature?

[oldmako]

My guess is that you'll find next to nothing aftermarket. There are only a few places who manufacture aftermarket struts (KYB) for a NON touring model and they aren't available in the US. The guys with the earlier cars can use Tokiko's (sp?) but they aren't avail for a FY33.

There is some info avail here (recent) regarding changing a t model to standard. It can be done, but the money you save on non t parts will get eaten up by the removal of plumbing and such.

If you find anything else, please post. I dropped plenty of cash on OEM parts when I did my front end this winter (strut cartridges, all mounts and rubber, tension rods).