2001 SL1 tune up parts recommendations

[Project84]

I'm about to do a tune up on my newly acquired '01 SL1 with 100k miles.

I was thinking of doing the following and wanted to know your recommendations on a few things.

Spark plugs - NGK's? What part number? NGK 7755? What gap, .040?

Wires - NAPA Premium Silicone is $20, NAPA Mileage Plus are $15. Both at 7mm, do you think it matters here?

Transmission filter swap. Should I also drain the oil and put new in? Mercon 3 I assume? I have a "drill-pump" so I should be able to drain the trans fluid through the dipstick w/o dropping the pan, pretty convenient. Should I go that far though?

Should I go ahead and do the fuel filter? I know they're expensive. Got a source for a cheaper one? I can get one through NAPA for $73.

I've already replaced the old PS fluid w/ synthetic ATF. Coolant looks good so I'm not worried about flushing it. ECTS seems to work fine, I will keep a spare in the trunk. Belt appears to be okay.


Thanks

[2NDSOUT]

Originally Posted by Project84

I'm about to do a tune up on my newly acquired '01 SL1 with 100k miles.

I was thinking of doing the following and wanted to know your recommendations on a few things.

Spark plugs - NGK's? What part number? NGK 7755? What gap, .040?

Wires - NAPA Premium Silicone is $20, NAPA Mileage Plus are $15. Both at 7mm, do you think it matters here?

Transmission filter swap. Should I also drain the oil and put new in? Mercon 3 I assume? I have a "drill-pump" so I should be able to drain the trans fluid through the dipstick w/o dropping the pan, pretty convenient. Should I go that far though?

Should I go ahead and do the fuel filter? I know they're expensive. Got a source for a cheaper one? I can get one through NAPA for $73.

I've already replaced the old PS fluid w/ synthetic ATF. Coolant looks good so I'm not worried about flushing it. ECTS seems to work fine, I will keep a spare in the trunk. Belt appears to be okay.


Thanks

Get the plugs and wires from the dealer, if you are want to support them. I know that Saturn of Florence is still in business (drove by there on Saturday). NGKs and the AC Delcos gapped at .040 should be good for you.

Doing a Trans fluid change; there is a drain plug on the bottom of the trans. Just drain as you would for an oil change, and then unscrew the ATF filter. I believe that the Auto trans take 6 or 7 quarts of ATF. You may want to double check that....the Manual transmissions take 2.6 Quarts of trans fluid.

Fuel Filter is located on the inside of the driver's wheel well. I've heard it's a bit tough to get to, but changeable....you may see if there is anything in the how-to section.

[Project84]

I get a discount through NAPA so I'd rather save the money than support a dealer who hires a-hole salesmen. I've been there for a few test drives and never had anything good to say upon leaving. They basically refused to find me an Ion 3 coupe 5sp also. Told me there was no market in them.

I never realized there was a drain plug on the bottom of the tranny. That'll make life pretty simple. Thanks for the tip!

I know the fuel filter on my '96 is different from that on the '01, but it shouldn't be too tough. I will take your advice and read up on any tips a search reveals.


Do you guys think it's worth it to pay the premium for a K&N air filter if I plan on keeping the car for 6 or 7 years? In that timespan I will have spend more money on paper filters and thrown them away than the cost of a K&N that can be cleaned and reused. Opinions?

[2NDSOUT]

On the air filters; I have used WIX filters exclusively for the past 5 years with no issues. Sturdier made product than the FRAM parts.

I like the WIX filters because they are more heavy grade. They will run about $15 or so. Maybe a bit more.

I've never been one for K & N filters.

[Project84]

I was just inside Mitchel OnDemand and it says this '01 SL1 auto uses Dexron VI. Is this correct?

[Project84]

Also, I thought it was widely known the newer style fuel filters were really expensive??

I just found on AutoZone's website they list it as part number FF897 for $34.99.

Everywhere else I've looked it's $75+ so why so cheap at AutoZone?

Can that part be trusted? Anyone used it? It pics of it show it being identical to the one shown on NAPA's website. Rockauto.com doesn't list one but I sent an email and they replied telling me its PN 21009427 at $99.80

[harley2003]

Replace the ECTS you don't need a spare one in the trunk you need a new one in the cars cooling system and it's very easy to change and be sure it's good .

[alordofchaos]

For an SL1, SOHC NGK BKR4ESA-11

Originally Posted by Project84

Also, I thought it was widely known the newer style fuel filters were really expensive??

I just found on AutoZone's website they list it as part number FF897 for $34.99. Can that part be trusted?

Nope. Combined pressure regulator/filter, which is why it's so expensive.

You'll want Wix 33931 - recently renumberd to 33731 (NAPA FIL3931 is/was the same filter, dunno if NAPA renumbered or not). I think it was about $55 or so shipped from rockauto.com (get a 5% coupon code at retailmenot.com)

edit: search for the Wix by part # at rockauto

Dexron III is the original fill and Dex VI says it is backwards compatible on all automatic transmissions that called for Dex III. However, Dex VI is thinner at temp than Dex III. I went with a synthetic on my manual trans.

I've read that you'll get 3.5~5 quarts out of draining the automatic transmission, out of a total of 6 or 7 qts in there. The How To Library has the exact amounts