Hello, I am hoping to make a topic about what things should be done to an imported car when it gets off the boat.
This list I hope will be useful to me and anyone else that is looking to import or is in the process of importing or even buying a used car.
(hopefully this topic will be of enough quality to make it to JDM FAQ)
As we all know these cars most likely have been sitting in a compound somewhere collecting dust and have not received routine maintenance.
Recently I have purchase a 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STi and I am importing it through William at JDM Connection, Shout out to him for all his help thus far,
and have been making a list of things to do to the car when it gets here.
Here is one of the pictures that have been haunting me throughout the waiting process of getting an import.
(more to come with my introduction thread when the car is sitting in my driveway)
That all being said I have made a list of things that I will be doing and would like to know everyone else's opinions on that list, eg. if I should add something to it.
If you are looking to import and would rather have all the fluids and things replaced (at a cost) talk to your importer, most times this can be arranged at a cheaper rate then getting a shop to do it in Canada. (I did it myself because I for sure know when it was done and I plan on doing all the work I can to my car in the future and see this as a good way of getting acquainted with it;))General Inspection of Vehicle conditionVery First: Fix anything that needs to be fixed
(in no particular order)
1.)Install a block heater (Canadian winters)
2.)Replace the coolant and add coolant conditioner to prevent head gasket failure (
OEM Subaru Long Life or Motul Inugel Coolant)
3.)Replace the tranny fluid (motul)(shout out for k_LX for being a good friend and ordering the majority of these parts/fluids for me, Also thanks to Ryan at VEX Performance for getting the fluids for my car)
4.)Replace the rear diff fluid
5.)Replace the air filter
6.)Replace the fuel filter (
Motul Injector cleaner also a good idea)
7.)Change the oil, oil filter (
Use OEM filter, good Synthetic Oil)
8.)Change break/clutch fluid (
If needed)
9.)Change the power steering fluid
10.)Drain the Intercooler Spray for winter (
and refill with windshield washer spray )
11.)Install daytime running lights(to pass out of province inspection)
12.)Replace washer fluid with winter washer fluid (importing in winter)
13.)Test battery, if needed replace (optima red top)
14.)Windshield wipers (replace if needed)
15.)Start looking for (
Good deals) on Coil Pack Replacements (I will do the spark plugs at that time)
16.)Winter tires (William already helped me get some on in Japan)
17.)
Clean Idle Air Control Valve and Mass Airflow Sensor if improper idle18.)
Clean, clean, clean!What are people's opinions of this list? Would you add anything? Take off anything? Thoughts, Concerns?
Thanks for your time and thank you in advance for your input.
*Updated Dec. 28th 2010, 10:48 A.M
