30k Service location and questions
 

So this is what I've gathered for what I think the places will do for 30k service

oil change
rear diff fluid change
acd fluid change
tranny fluid change
transfer case fluid change
sepentine belt change
timing belt change
clutch fluid change
brake fluid change
general coolant flush
spark plug change (?)
tire rotation
general inspection

I'm thinking of taking and paying for this for the 30k, since car is new to me and it'd be nice to have everything done right the first time

Main question is on advice as to where to get this done? should i just go to the dealership (didnt buy the car from there) or is there a better place (i.e. english racing, cobb, etc) to get it done?

I'm looking at having them put shifter bushings in at the same time, so advice on these as well. i hear they're one of the first things you should do to the car

I was in the same boat as you... But ended up getting help from members to do all that except the ACD/clutch and belts.

Is the ACD even required @ 30k?

Yeah it is nice to have it done right the first time, but if you can do it right the first time, you will do it right everytime.

Offer to pay someone a little and buy the fluids then spend some time on your girl!

The only thing I'm not comfortable with is the timing belt and serpentine belt, those were the main reason I would be taking it to a shop and definitely something i'd be willing to pay someone to have done

fluids and all that i have a garage, jackstands, and friends who can help (may even have a 4-point lift if i asked my old shop teacher haha), but the belts...just something im not comfortable with yet

You don't need to change the belts. That's at 60k.

Derek is right. Do it yourself (ask for help on here), it's easy.

Don't know about the bushings.

mmm, well if it's not belts then i suppose there's no reason to take it anywhere. i have one squeaky pump / belt / something but only hear it in the mornings when the car hasn't warmed up all the way yet, ill update later with a video of it. coming from passenger side of engine. sounds a bit like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV3PV9yiakE but without the lifter noise (i mean obviously my car has some lifter noise, but it's overpowering in that video)

I thought I went over this in the "Introduce yourself to the people in the NW thread" The accessory belts need to be checked/replaced (if necessary) and the ACD fluid just needs to be checked. Timing belt replacement shouldn't be needed at 30k, unless for some reason the previous owner liked sharpening his blades on it. :D

i have the same squeaky belt issue - replaced it two times already and it always comes back - i blame the open hood for the issue really since it rains all the time here in wa

If I recall that noise is the belt touching the timing belt cover. The belt definitely doesn't get done at 30k. My buddy works for Mitsu, and said to just do the fluids and the spark plugs. I'd make sure if you do the ACD you do it with somebody who has done it before. That is one I definitely wouldn't do myself personally.

doing this stuff over the course of the next week or so, to make sure I hit everything:

oil change / oil filter change
rear differential fluid change
transfer case fluid change
tranny fluid change
clutch fluid change
brake fluid change
radiator fluid change

I'll be figuring out what on the serpentine belt is squeaking after i buy the stethoscope and listen around, but is there anything important that I'm missing from the list above?

Recommendation on fluids? I've read that going with OEM stuff is best, and synthetic (dont remember exact weight for evo atm) from higher-quality oil (amsoil, castrol, etc; people said not mobil1)

Alot of higher HP guys use the heavier weight Amsoil or Brad Penn. But at your power level I don't think it'll be as crucial unless you regularly track the car. Perhaps the Amsoil 10W-40 high zinc full synthetic would suit you if you do.

Just got back from lunch, forgot to glance at what was being put it in by previous owner. Yea, stock power, no track days

You'd be good to go with Mobile1 10W-30 synthetic with either an OEM, K&N, Mobile1, or Wix/Napa Gold filter. I used Mobile1 10W-30 synthetic in many different cars for years with no issues or complaints. I recently did a switch to Amsoil 10W-30 synthetic with a Wix filter with no complaints. In fact Ill probably stick with it or upgrade to the 10W-40 high zinc Amsoil synthetic and either Wix or Amsoil filter (if I can find one) next change.

I've heard/read that Mobil1 got rid of phosphates (I think that was it?) in their oils and they aren't nearly as high of quality as they used to be, which was why i was thinking of going with Amsoil

Those are what I'm planning on buying this week, is there anything on there that should be changed? DOT4 brake/clutch fluid?

Quantity	Part #	Description	List	Unit Price	Price
3	MZ690116	Oil Filter	$5.75	$4.38	$13.14
1	3775610	Oil, Lsd (4 Liter	$49.05	$37.38	$37.38
1	MZ313376	? Manual Trans Flui	$94.55	$90.45	$90.45
1	PK5WASHER	Drivetrain Washer Kit	$15.61	$11.89	$11.89
3	MD050317	Gasket,eng Oil Pa	$1.65	$1.26	$3.78

That's what I'm planning on buying, and then DOT4 fluid for brakes / clutch, does that all look right? I'd ask RussellM but he's been out of town and I'll need this before he returns