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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Preemptive Strike?
I have an 87 vert with only 41,000 miles, auto trans, pretty well all original equipment except for the alternator, brake pads, tires, radiator hoses, mufflers. Is there any advantage to replacing some of the parts before they go? The car is now over 17 years old. I am in the process of replacing the plugs, wires, coil, PVC valve, radiator cap, thermostat, O2 sensor, EGR valve, all hoses, fluids, and tranny filter. I am doing all this even though it runs perfectly. Should I go ahead and replace the sensors while I am at it? I'm thinking it might be a good idea to replace the TPS and IAC. Or should I just wait till they break? If I am replacing things, then what else should I replace? Am I just another crazed fanatic? :crazy: :crazy:
I fully agree with changing seals, gaskets, fluids and hoses but I wouldn't mess with sensors if you aren't having issues with them to begin with. I'm not thrilled with the quality of replacment sensors from GM. Aftermarket sensors very in quality by brand.
I agree- if you drive the car, you'll "develope" problems all on your own and thus have a reason to pull things apart. Often I'll tear into one project and then discover another, etc... so save your money and wait for something to crop up 'naturally.'
I recently confronted this as well. But I was in a different spot. My wife's C4 had over 106K on it, and I didn't know the service history. Once the fuel pump died and left us stranded, I decided to do, as you put it so well, a peremptive strike. I like that.
At any rate, I replaced the fuel pump, all the sensors, had the injectors blueprinted by Rich at Cruizinperformance, new valve springs, cap and rotor, ignition module, plugs, wires, and now, the cam and lifters. Basically, once it's back together, I want to know it will be dead reliable, and the tow truck won't be making another visit for quite some time.
So I don't think you're crazy. But I do agree with others, that at your mileage, your sensors are probably okay. I'd be more concerned about hoses and such. All the rubber parts.
technically, it's called "Preventitive Maintenance". and I am a firm believer in it.
the older C4's have issues with wiring harnesses and heat damage... I cannot believe that the original sensors are better than a new part. And the last thing I want is an old part failing, at the most inopportune moment, when I have to spend $$ at a dealer for the replacement.