New guy here!! flash67 :)

[flash67]

Hey guys... REALLY new to cars and what not... I'm a technician for computers and finally got a ride for free recently and decided to give it a go with engines.

Been doing a lot a research so far. I have a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with about 140k on it, and in pretty good condition. Was given to me from my Grandma because my Grandpa passed away about 4 months ago.

Anyways mainly I want some help doing some minor upgrades to the engine to really just replace the old crusty parts with newer/performance type parts (one by one basically).

Its a 3.1L V6.... So far I've put in a Yellow Top Optima battery (big stereo system in it now)... I work for futureshop so the gadgets are building up inside ... Got a upgraded air intake recently put on but having troubles trying to mount it... Any suggestions????

I'm going to take some pictures soon for a better idea at what I want to do.

Basically I know its not worth upgrading but the car is in mint condition and its my first car ever so Im having fun with it.

Can anyone point me into any direction of where I can get some like coloured hosing (that plugs into the air intake)... Premium (coloured) spark plug wires and performance spark plugs... Can I put in a performance alternator or anything?? Hate using the word performance because I sound like some ricer kid, but I just want some quality stuff to replace the shitty stuff thats already in there and of course make it look nicer as well, so I know I can make this car last a while...

Anyways any help is appreciated, any recommendations or anything... I am really new to this shit and I just want some help...

Thanks!

[SappySE107]

w-body.com is probably where you want to go for performance alternators and premium colored wires.

[flash67]

Thanks!! Didnt know my car was considered a W-body...

[robertisaar]

w-body.com is probably where you want to go for performance alternators and premium colored wires.

we're not all ricers over there ben...

i believe the CS144 alt can be used if you modify the bracket? that would get you from a 100 amp alt to 140. that's roughly and extra 550 watts to play with.

colored silicone tubing can be found damn near anywhere these days...

[flash67]

we're not all ricers over there ben...

i believe the CS144 alt can be used if you modify the bracket? that would get you from a 100 amp alt to 140. that's roughly and extra 550 watts to play with.

colored silicone tubing can be found damn near anywhere these days...

See I didnt know it was called silicone tubing... Simple things like that help... and thats exactly why I posted here... Thanks so much!

[flash67]

What benefits me by upgrading my alternator anyways? I just have more electrical power to play with throughout the car?

[pocket-rocket]

Mostly to support power drawing things like power seats, windows and booming stereo systems.

[flash67]

Ive been wanting to buy one of these Optima Batteries for a while and over the past week I ended up buying one. It really does make a difference.

http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batteries-8042-218-YellowTop-Purpose/dp/B00075OSDS

Thats the one I bought... it doesnt fit perfectly but a little push and shove and it finally went together pretty good.

ALL lights on the car are brighter, my stereo system is twice as loud and the turnover when starting the car is basically instant with no struggle. Used to be a bit sloppy and hesitant but its really nice now.

The only minor problem is the wishshield washer fluid tank doesnt sit far enough down on the battery because it has connectors on the top. Any ideas on what I could do?? Can I replace the tank with a better one??

[robertisaar]

the tank is probably ABS, so you should be able to heat it and push it up while it's still hot and basically make a custom fit washer bottle...

[flash67]

So I bought a pack of silicone hosing. It comes with 3 different sizes.

10' 4mm
10' 6mm
6' 8mm

Which hoses should be replaced by this hosing. I am for sure aware of a few but anyone else have any ideas?

[blowns10]

Welcome to the site, man!. Late.

[pocket-rocket]

Why not replace all of them? Considering the car is almost 20 years old now, I'm sure those original rubber hoses have seen better days. I would get a vacuum diagram if I were you so you know where they are so you can avoid having a split one later down the road.