Hello All, I've got a crazy couple of questions that maybe you can maybe help me with. I'm in the process of working a 2001 convertible with >200k miles. First off, I know the suspension is in dire need of attention; control arm bushings, tie rod ends, sway bar links, upper strut mounts, and struts. I've also got a leak on the oil pan and timing cover/front cover so I was planning on doing the guides, chains and tensioners while I was in there. Questions:
1) How can I tell if I need new front springs? Sitting flat on the floor, both springs measure the same at 15" to the bottom of the lower spring mount (still attached to the spring). Also, both springs have the "yellow" paint on them, not sure if that means anything to anybody.
2) I'm going with the power flex bushings for the upper control arm. I've been reading (and watching videos) on disassembly of the control arms for removal of the strut, and they all talk about remembering where the shims went/came from. Do the shims need to go back in with the new bushings, or would the tire place take care of putting new shims in when they do the alignment?
3) Now this is a tickler here, because I'm not sure what to make of this. I crawled under the car, endoscope in hand, to get the engine serial number. The previous owner ( I am #3) said he had the engine replaced sometime around 2006, so I figured I would need the serial number to get the proper timing chain kit (going with one offered by Christopher's Foreign Car Parts). The numbers I read were "10523 0046" which makes ABSOLUTELY no sense to me. Even if there is/was a number in front of the 1, lets say its a 0, that would mean the engine was manufactured on January 5th, 2023. which is an impossibility. Can someone help me with this dilemma?
I'm currently working on a customized tool (>$200 for a piece of metal with a handle and four holes is a little ridiculous) to keep the crank from turning when I go after the pully/dampener bolt which I'm hoping will be done this weekend. I really wanted to make the order for the timing kit, but am hesitant based on the engine code/serial number. Thanks for any and all comments, and if you have any questions about my questions, I will attempt to get you what you're looking for.

 

Okay, just figured out my answer to Question #3. Engine serial # is in the form of year/month/day time of day. So, the engine was probably never replaced as stated cuz its serial number states it was made May 23rd, 2001. Now, I can breath easier knowing this information.

 

If its a 2006 engine it will have the new improved timing chain..take the cam covers off first and have a look if its metal or plastic and any of the guides are cracked. How many miles on the 2006 engine.
For the front springs are the shock mount bolts central in the towers ..thats good and measure from centre of wheel to wheel arch to see if you need new springs..15 in

Dont spend money on old cars other than the minimum to keep it safe and legal.
Is it rusty underneath ?

 

Was it was pulled from another vehicle, or a factory replacement in 2006? In either case, the original serial # is likely to show a similar vintage to the car.