I have a red (Crimson Blaze) 5sp. 99 SE-Limited with 60,000 miles. I just changed my fuel filter, new NGK Platinums, and a new drop-in K&N air filter. Wow, what a difference! You don't realize how much performance you lose gradually over time. The fuel filter was the hardest thing to replace but it was the second time I have changed it so I was prepared for the torture. But one hand blister later the car is running great. I am anxious to know if the K&N air filter will increase my mileage. If anyone knows if it will please enlighten me. Thanks.

 

Is it a drop in filter? It won;t be a noticeable difference by itslef but with all those things, you could see an increase in mileage. I just changed my plugs too and can feel the difference-especially at higher revs.

 

the drop in is pretty noticeable as well....i swapped mine out with a k+n drop in....i dont know if it was the k+n that did it, or just the condition of the old one (leaves + dirt = nasty), but i definately noticed a difference when i changed it....

 

It is a drop-in K&N filter. I know this first tank will not show better mileage because I have been getting on it more since the car is back to running like new. I imagine it will be better on the highway though at a constant speed. I used to get over 30 mpg when I was traveling alot.

I have noticed an increase in the acceleration when in 5th gear at about 70 mph. It has better passing power now in top gear.

I didn't replace the PCV valve yet. If that is in fact clogged, will I see a performance increase after that is replaced? Thanks in advance again for the replys.

 

when is the last time you had your PCV valve checked or replaced?

I got the car about 2 months ago at 62k. The last time PCV was done was at 40k.
Rather than take it out to check it I decided just to replace mine - seeing as it's such a b!tch to get out in the first place!
I have noticed the car runs a bit smoother - but that's probably the overall effect of plugs/oil/pcv/fuel filter.
The biggest difference I have is the shifting smoothness - I switched to Amsoil series 2000 75W90 MT fluid.

 

It's a cheap part - if it hasn't been swapped out in a while, go for it. You're not likely to notice a performance increase from a PCV valve, but it is an important part & needs to be in working order.

 

I just bought a PCV valve last night. I will install it today when I change my oil. I haven't changed the PCV yet so this one has 60K on it. I guess it is definitely time to change it.

You say your car shifts smoother with the Amsoil MT fluid? I am definitely interested in a smoother shift. I have heard of the Redline MT fluid too. What are the differences in the two fluids? And when you say smoother do you mean that it goes into gear easier?

Thanks again for the replies and answers.

 

A hint with the PCV Valve replacement - remove your FSTB if you have one, take the hoses off that round thing above the PCV Valve, and remove it from the clamp.
I took the hose off the metal tube that the PCV Valve hose connects to, then removed the PCV Valve with rubber hose attached. Put the new valve in the rubber hose then put it back in in reverse order.

On the Redline vs. Amsoil question - there's some useful info here
I decided on Amsoil for two reasons:
1. Nobody local had more than 4qts of Redline MT 90
2. I wanted the balance of proven protection for the trannie and smoother shifting.

The shifting between gears is noticebly smoother - less notchy, and with less resistance - especially when the car is cold. I can't believe how "Slick" if feels.
If you're planning on doing this, use the write up from StygianMax's Homepage - I used it - I didn't bother removing the driver front wheel though. I did have problems removing the drain bolt, so I removed the shifter sensor. Word of warning - if you drain from the shifter sensor, it comes out REALLY fast!
I had my drain pan under the hole and about 1.5qts missed the pan and ended up on my garage floor.