before i do any performance upgrades to my car, i want to check out the engine and make sure everrything is ok. its a 96 lx 118850k miles, so where is the best place to have the engine checked out , the dealer will probably charge a fortune, but ive had very bad experiences in the chicago area with ripp of shops and i dont want to start that cycle of taking it for one minor thing and then a week later more problems. any advice

 

Has the Timing belt been changed?
Do you have some sort of problem now?
What exactly do you want to have "checked" on the engine?

 

when i bought the car the dealer assured me that the belt and water pump were changed at 90k miles but i did not actually see any records proving it to be true.the engine seems perfect to me just like the day i bought it, only problem and very first problem is the exhaust pipe is broken and rusted out

 

I really wouldn't be worried about the engine bottom end, maybe you are due for a valve adjustment?
Great, the exhaust pipe needs replaced, now you can get one of those exhaust systems that makes the car sound like a pissed off bumblebee. LOL

 

lmao.... i got to give it to you dude you sure have a way with words ...lol lol

 

just doing it yourself would be gratifying and you would not have to worry about getting rip-off. if you have a manual with you just basicallyfollow the maintenance section. check your plugs, cap,rotors,plug wires for any corrosions or damages,or just replace themif you want(make sure you doNOT buy bosch type plugs). do oiland filters changeand air filter too. unfortunately you don't have the record ofthe timing belt replacement but for another 80,000 miles you could get it done just to be safe.vacuums lines are pretty good with this cars but check them anyway,they arecheap to replace. also your pcv valve is cheap too,just replaceit.hopefully this wouldhelp you out.