Hello! New guy, new car, and questions.

[EubeenHadd]

Hi! I'm new to both the website and Integras. My father owned one when I was 8, but that's all the experience I had before now. Now, I'm the proud owner of a 1991 LS, And I love it. Especially for $1000. It isn't perfect (Just take a look at these photos. The paint, the rust, the handle... http://imgur.com/a/ELhvd ) but it runs, and it's quicker than any car in the family. I suppose the worst thing about it is it sounds a bit ricey because the previous owner decided to put a loud pipe on it. I've fallen in love, especially with the 5 speed.

However, I've got questions, because this baby has 214000 miles on it and I want it to run at least another 100000 before it dies and I revive it anew.

Are there any big issues that I need to be afraid of? Any red flags that mean impending engine or tranny failure?

What tools should I keep in the car?

The trunk release next to the fuel door release doesn't work. Is this an easy fix or should I just deal with having to open it from outside?

Lastly, where should I search to find a driver side door handle? My mother broke mine less than 24 hours after I brought it home.

Any assistance is welcome, but most of all I'm glad to join the community.

 

[Aussie]

Not bad, fairly decent shape. You'd have to remove the door panel to replace the handle, easiest place to pick one up is pick and pull or junkyard.

If you want it to run another 100k I'd start with doing a water pump, timing belt, and change all fluids. Flush coolant, brake fluid, change trans and engine oil. You can check if valves are correctly adjusted, ignition timing is set to 14*, and see if compression is good as well.

 

[EubeenHadd]

Water pump+belt were changed at 160, should I do it anyway?

This car has only ever seen Mobil1 Synthetic according to the previous owner. Should that factor into anything?

I was already planning on doing the oil at the end of the summer, so I may do a total fluid change then too.

As far as valves, timing, and compression go, I'll check some forum posts and get those done today.

 

[Aussie]

I don't take anyone's word on things, when I buy a car I assume nothing has been done for xxxxxx miles. Unless there's a invoice from a shop it's fair to say change it. But if it's not something YOU can do easily, it might not be worth it. No sense paying more in maintenance than a car is worth.

 

[EubeenHadd]

They did include maintenance logs, so either they were 2k overdue every oil change or they used synthetic. I plan on using it anyway, I want to baby this thing. With the belt and pump, I'm gonna leave it for now until I get some spare change. Maybe when I'm comfortable with opening things up.

 

[EubeenHadd]

Testing gave 155, 135, 146, 145. A bit low, but not too bad. Quick question: What should the plugs be torqued to? Is there even a spec?

 

[Aussie]

Hand tight + 1/4 turn or around 96in/lbs

Compression is a little low but it might be the gage or just not warmed up enough. It's good enough so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[EubeenHadd]

Yeah, it's a bit low, but the car has 214000 on the odometer, so I won't really complain. However, the car was pretty warm, I had to go to the next town and back to get the tester. Either way I'm getting 30 MPG so I'd say I'm doing good enough.

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.