Next week I am planning on taking a road trip to OR and I would like to give my Max a complete tune up to make her a bit happier. I know changing the plugs is one the most important aspects of tuning up a car but what other suggestions would you reccommend for a trip like this?! I've upgraded and rebuilt my brakes, got brand new axel shafts up front, so far the last two things I've done to fix my max has cost me around $1700! I am in need to a tune up that will cost no more than $250!

Also, if there is no CEL on for the Knock Sensor...should I consider replacing that?! I know for a fact that it is still original so that's why I ask....Any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

If you haven't done so recently - here are some cheap tune-up items:
1. air filter
2. fuel filter
3. clean throttle body and IACV
4. replace PCV valve
5. replace plugs

All that should run you less than 75 bucks (assuming you go with NGK coppers).. if you use NGK plats - add another 50 bucks.

How many miles on the car? a Knock sensor will run about 100-130 bucks - probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace it - if its the original.

 

Other normal tune up things:
1. Oil change
2. Transmission fluid flush and replace
3. Since you did the brakes and axles recently you may want to get the wheels balanced, rotated, and aligned if you haven't already done so.

You shouldn't need to change the knock sensor if there's no CEL or error code. I'm still on my original one and I have close to 180k miles.

 

Well. Get a tool kit. Sounds like your paying someone else to do work you can do your self. $1700 is way too much for what you have described. Theres a wealth of information on this board that can save you a whole bunch of money.

 

Ah Pappa Grande, if you only knew the trouble I had on my brakes! I was cruising around town and my rear brakes locked up causing me to do some stunt moves in the middle of the street. Not cool...I was more just fed up witht he fact that I just got done "fixing" my brakes when in fact I most likely ruined them...I got it done right so this crap doesn't happen again.
To those who gave advice, thanks for your suggestions! I have 155,xxx miles on the 'ol beast and nothing but routine maint. has been done. The brakes finally went out and now I'm just wating on other potential problems to arise. I prefer to fix it at home versuses on the road to OR. Thanks again y'all!