i got 1200 to spend on my engine...i no its not alot, but thats what i have right now. ill have more later. but for the mean time what would u guys suggest buying? i did the water pump, timming belt, plugs, wires, rebuilt the tranny, cold air intake, .....what would u guys suggest buying or changing to keep my cars engine running smooth?

 

What year and model?

 

lol..sorry guys...was cleaning the condo.....ok.........my car is a 2003 accord sedan v6 3.0...

 

That way you get an answer much faster..also put in your location like I have in the top right corner..Helps everyone know where you are if your buying or selling something..

WheelBrokerAng

 

open your owners manual and refer to the scheduled maintenance lists. to change all the fluids in the car was about $500 at the dealership (recommended every 30k mi.) there are 75k mi tuneups and 90k mi tuneups, etc.

are you trying to increase performance or just increase reliability? what is your end goal with the budget?

 

im trying to increase reliability. im a single dad and if something brakes on the car i might be in a situation where i cant pay for it right away. its my only means of transportation. i no about the saying that if its not broken dont fix it, but i just wanna replace parts as much as i can a lil at a time. some performance would be good but its a family car for me and my son so im not looking to race...car feels kinda ruff, and lil pressure is coming out the exhaust when the car idles. i can put my hand up close to it and barely feel anything..here is a list that i have. not sure if its a good one. but tell me what u guys think. and in what order should it be.

fuel pump
o2 sencor
radiator
hoses
cat
exhaust
light weight header ( maybe )
cylinder heads...and save my old ones for backup

 

I'd say save the money for future maintenance and repairs as needed.

 

For reliability, just make sure all the scheduled maintenance is up-to-date.

Got an auto-tranny? If so, probably change the fluid (use Honda ATF) more often than the book says. Drain & fill, don't have it power-flushed.

Brakes??? Are they approaching the point to need new pads/rotors?

Next oil change, send an oil sample for analysis. That might point out something that needs attention.

I wouldn't do any of the stuff you listed until it breaks. Save money so you CAN fix it when that happens.

Fuel pump & O2 sensor
Old O2 sensor can cause poor MPG before it sets off the CEL, so that one's a "maybe".

Radiator - not until it leaks.
Hoses - check if they feel limp or frayed.

Cat & exhaust
Excessive visible rust? Otherwise save $$ & wait till it begins leaking.

Light weight header
Can't. Manifold is built into the head (just look).

Cylinder heads...and save my old ones for backup.
NO.