what parts could you change on an old car to make it run as if it were new again?

Question

in other words, how could my torque and horsepower be fully or almost fully restored? which parts should be changed?
1991 honda accord 172,000 miles

i dont want answers like get a new car or get a new engine

so far, ive gotten a new fuel filter, which has made a pretty good impact on my car's engine performance

Answer 1

Depends on how the car was driven the prior 172K miles.
I would do the overall tuneup.
Plus, wires, distributor, pcv valve, air filter.
Flush all the fluids in the car and replace with new.
check the cat convertor...sometimes over time they can get a little clogged.
Oil Filter, acc belts and change the timing belt and have it timed correctly as well.
Those are small things that can make a good impact on a car's performance.
Might want to check up on the electrical system as well.
Keep up on the oil changes and use premium oil...or synthetic oil and your car can last longer.
Ive seen a Saab with documented 5,500,000+ miles go through a dealership...and it still looks great.

Answer 2

This question has a number of answers that all come down to how much you are looking to spend.

The least expensive things to do are:
new spark plugs and wires (particularly those for high milage vehicles or high performance vehicles)
Full engine flush and high performance Oil and filter (synthetic Oil for high milage vehicles)
Replace hoses, belts and filters.
High amperage battery (gel cell e.g. Optima Yellow Top)
Definately have the fuel injection system cleaned (some oil change places can do this otherwise a local mechanic)

Now for more money..
well for starters you could replace the engine gaskets (gaskets themselves aren't particulaly expensive so if you can do it yourself this is a great way to improve performance)this is very labor intensive so costs a bit.
you could replace the intake, headers and exhaust with higher performing aftermarket products, this will increase airflow to and from the engine allowing it to run more efficiently.
You might also check into replacing your fuel pump as 15 years is about when they start breaking down.
Finally no matter what you do to your engine or performance remember only one part of your car touches the road so make sure your tires are all matched are the correct tread for your driveing conditions and are filled to the optimal P.S.I.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Without knowing more about the specifics of your Honda, I would say that installing new spark plugs and wires, and a new air filter would make a big difference. Use platinum plugs if available. Also check timing, vacuum leaks, and the condition of your catalytic converter and/or the O2 sensor. Use the octane level gas Honda recommends. Change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Honda makes really good engines, so even at 172,000 miles, it will run well if you've taken care of it.

Answer 4

1986 honda had over 200,000 when i got rid of it. Take it to a lolcal, reputable shop and ask for a compression check, this will tell you how much "blow-by" the engine has if any. Replace regular stuff like others said. Air and fuel filters, this is where all dirt comes in from. Oil change regularly, and O2 sensor!!! Most people forget about this. Very important for performance. After all that...get a performance exhaust and intake on it. This is where most engines lose power due to noise considerations and emissions.

Answer 5

It's an old car that doesn't deserve a large investment. Do cheap/essential stuff only.
1. Replace spark plugs.
2. Put a bottle of fuel system cleaner in the gas tank and fill it up. I use Chevron Techron.
3. Replace airfilter.
4. Oil change every 3000 miles.

Answer 6

I don't know if you have your engine overhauled.

Usually, during overhauling, the rings and piston of engine are replaced with new ones. It makes the engine run like new. Also, as it is mentioned above, new plugs (might consider replacing them with the performance onces), new fuel filter, air filter etc. will give your car a new life and you'll have unmatch output from your car which comparable to latest cars.

Answer 7

Not knowing what you've done recently to the vehicle, all one can do is speculate. However, new spark plugs, distributor, plug wires, fuel filter, a new radiator, new belts and air filter, basic maintenance stuff, but they keep a car humming along. 1992 Honda Civic 164,000 and still going strong.

Answer 8

does ur car pass emmisions, burn oil or antifreeze???...if not it has all the power u can get out of a stock 1991 honda accord...if u want speed and performance get something with a bigger motor...or build the hell out of urs and blow it up in 200 miles...those engines arent made for lots of horspower so give up the fast and furious dreams unless u have a buttload of money to burn

Answer 9

Fuel Injectors Service or replace. EGR vavle check, PCV Replace, Try a K&N or similar air filter

Answer 10

All of them