93 Ford Probe GT Problems Options

[93dsmowner]

My buddy recently got a 93 Ford Probe GT for $350. Runs decent. He supposedly did new plugs and wires at midas but they look the same as when he got it (Dirty plugs and corroded wires...)

Anyways, when you really get on it in his car, it picks up very nice at around 4-5k RPM (VRIS kicking in?) but it seems like it has a bit of trouble pulling to 7k RPM. Everything is stock at the moment as well.

Also, after 160 miles of mostly city driving, his car was hot. Gauge read fine but his car just smelled hot and radiated heat. The "tranny tunnel" was hot too.

His coolant is straight coolant. Not 50/50... (He's a dumbass... i know") so I figure that may be part of it.

We have Sea Foamed his car and it helped. Needs done again because it blew a TON of carbon out. Anything else I should have him do?

[JMoushon]

Napa, if it is here in town, gives you what you ask for, and may make suggestions based on what you tell them. Ultimately, if you pay too much or buy the wrong part, it's your own fault. Ever try to diagnose a car that is "making a noise" or "hiccupping?"

Pull the code to find out what the "dodgy" DTC is, and diagnose accordingly.

If it's a cat, you can verify by dropping the exhaust and taking it for a spin. Or, drill a small hole in front of the cat and see how much exhaust gets pushed out the hole. Or, pop the front o2 sensor.

Check the air filter before you do any of these things.

Find someone that knows dookie from a good piece of chocolate to work on the car, if the cat is bad go see Ryan at Meineke on Adams near Bartonville. Internet diag can be helpful, but it can lead to far larger problems than necessary.

Lastly, if Daddy pays the bill, why buy a $350 car?