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#2: REPLACE THE ENGINE BELTS
Streetcars run with an accessory belt to spin the power steering, alternator, A/C and water pump pulleys. While it may be obvious for some drivers to notice when this belt snaps (i.e. from the noise, firm steering, or noticing the alternator light going on, etc), it can go unnoticed for others. This can cause an overheating situation because the coolant has failed to get pumped through the radiator. Therefore, it’s important to keep tabs on this belt.
The timing belt is even more crucial because the valves can potentially make out with the pistons if it goes, causing pretty bad engine damage.
While our Mazda’s accessory belt looks good, we still ordered a new replacement from Gates—the biggest name in the belt business. We also use Gates belts in our 800whp Project Supra and BMW E46 M3 builds.
For over 100 years, Gates has been manufacturing belts for numerous automotive applications, including original equipment for the manufacturers. What many don’t know is that Gates also manufactures OE and aftermarket stainless steel hydraulic lines, power steering hard lines, water pumps, coolant hoses, and engine tensioners and pulleys.
When we removed the oil filler cap, it was nice to see a timing chain that won’t have to be serviced, rather than a timing belt. Owners of BMWs and some Nissans—like the 370Z—can also consider themselves lucky with timing chains as well. But since most cars run a timing belt, owners need to have them checked or replaced roughly every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (refer to your owner's manual).
Gates timing belts can be found on anything from OE cars all the way to the 10,000 horsepower NHRA Nitro cars. Click here to see for yourself!
#3: FLUSH ALL DRIVETRAIN FLUIDS
A car has oil in its transmission, differential (if applicable) and engine, all of which directly impact the torque delivered to the drive wheels. The more friction that is reduced, the freer the components spin. Also, the more the oil is capable to keep said components from overheating, the longer these expensive parts last.
Street engines also have coolant that keeps the engine running at an optimum coolant temperature to ensure the air under the hood is oxygen-dense cool, and the ECU’s ignition timing is optimal. If it gets too hot, the cyclinder head can warp and bad things can happen Thus, the cooling system also has an affect on overall engine performance and longevity.
Royal Purple is a high-end synthetic oil company that specializes in lubricants for engines and drivetrains, varying from anything on the road to full blown, multi-thousand horsepower professional race cars.
Since you can’t always clearly see the condition of the drivetrain fluids, it’s always a good idea to perform a flush. Starting with the engine, the MPV got Royal Purple’s fully synthetic and zinc/phosphorous fortified engine oil in 5w-20 weight, which the owner's manual calls for.
Royal Purple's Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) satisfies a plethora of specifications, as recommended by the car’s manufacturers, including for Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW and Hondas (see their website for all applications). For manual transmissions Royal Purple also has a product called Synchromax, which we use in our Project Supra’s 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox.
