Slow '89 Carmy

[jasonck08]

So a couple days ago my grandparents (now 87 and 91) handed me their keys to their '89 Toyota Camry. It was kind of like a graduation gift (I just graduated from HS).

But anyways it seems really slow. I haven’t driven any pre 2000 cars in a while, but I guess I expected more out of the little 2L 115hp engine. The car that I have been driving a lot was a mazda 626 2L 125hp and its a 2001.

I imagined the car would be about 30% slower than the mazda, but its a lot slower than that.

Initial acceleration when its in first gear is pretty slow even if I floor it... Throttle in general is not very responsive at all. Once it gets up to speed I have no problem cursing at 65-75mph. My main concern is merging onto the freeway. I mean usually when I try and merge I can only get it up to like 50mph.

I don't know much about cars, but I'm looking for some simple ways that I could improve trottle response and acceleration. Fuel filter? Air Filter? Spark plugs? Spark plug wires? My guess is that 0-60 would be in the 15 second range right now.

Also, what are some fuel or oil additives that you would recommend using to give the carb, fuel injectors, pistons etc, a good cleaning? Thanks a lot guys!

[jasonck08]

No responses? Could someone just tell me what to look for, what is likely causing my car to run so slowly? Thanks!

[aych]

um. tune up! theres so many posts on it.. change the wires the filters. run a can or two of seafoam through it and try the AFM mod. use search

[jasonck08]

I spent about 6hrs today cleaning up the car. I washed it, cleaned the windows with rain-x, vacumed the carpets out, sorted through a bunch of old papers / maps that were in the car, shampooed the carpets, wiped off all the grease around the doors, cleaned out the engine compartment and a few other things... It's looking a lot better now!

I went to a super walmart to see what they had. I need seat covers real bad! They didn't have any seafoam (I'll go to autozones later though). I ended up picking up some Prestone complete fuel system cleaner. I also bought some Engine Restorer & Lubricant. It's supposed to improve the seal between the piston rings and the cylinder walls for better compression. Anyone ever used it?

I'm not even sure what dip stick is for the regular engine oil. There is one the is yellow and one that is red. One on the right as your facing the front of the car and one on the left. I'm thinking the one on the left is the engine oil because I think I see the oil filter. I checked them both and they both are at the top of the "full" line. I'm not sure if I added this 325ml can of restore if that would be a bad thing because the oil is already full...

[aych]

usually u'll drip enough oil out to add it. a little over full isn't too bad usually

[jasonck08]

Is the dip stick on the left when your facing the car oil or is the one on the right? Also how much oil does it hold? Thanks!

[atobe]

4 quarts. the one on the right is your tranny oil dip stick..

[jasonck08]

Ok thanks! Also I did a rough test of the cars 0-60 time and it was 13-14 seconds with two passengers. Might be 12-13 without them... Is this normal for a car of this age?

Also where is the fuel filter located, and about how much would a new one cost?

[atobe]

sounds normal enough... i think it's 11 seconds stock... it's under the hood on the passenger side... near the big charcol cansiter.. well look up autozone or something for prices

[PhatRoyale]

how many miles does it have?

[jasonck08]

It has 144k on it. Also I'm wondering of a K&N style cone air filter would do something to performance? There about $40 shipped on eBay... Also what about the oxygen sensors, is that easy to mess up with a new air filter?

[atobe]

it'll make it sound louder.. but you also need a MAF adapter to use it.

[jasonck08]

Does this kit include a MAF adapter? Link If not where would I get one? Would it make any difference as far as HP goes?

[CharmCityES]

the acceleration sounds about correct....my 2003 SE 4cyl 2.4L with 155hp goes around 9sec from 0-60, and having driven numerous gen 2's i can say that it takes about 11 seconds for that 2.0 3sfe to get off its ass and move to 60....it may be slow, but you sure wont complain about gas prices or relaibility....
as for maintenence, just change the oil/ filter with fresh 5w30 and a toyota oil filter, change the air and fuel filters, spark plugs and wires...be sure to use correct parts specified by toyota for optimum life and performance...try dropping in a K&N drop in air filter for a tiny bump in power, and run some seafoam through the engine to clean out the carbon deposits time has left in the engine...youre ahead in the game with the fuel additive, and lastly consider some product such as "restore" to aid in keeping the engine running up to spec....also, keep an eye out for small oil leaks, as older camrys like to leak oil!
best of luck with your camry!

[jasonck08]

Well the 13-14 second 0-60 was actually with two passengers inside. I'm guessing it might be more like 12s with just me in there. I hope so at least. I'm going to try and check on the spark plugs soon. Are there any brands that are recommended?

Where is the fuel filter located?

From what I have read, its best to use seafoam then change your oil shortly after. I'll try and get some next time I'm near an autozone. I already purchased some "Restore" and plan to put that in the oil soon, but I think I need to drain a tad bit of oil out, because its really full. My grandfather had the oil changed recently...

Oh and I'm in the process of building a HHO generator to install in the car. I hope to increase MPG from 30ish to 45-50. I'll keep you guys posted on how that goes. I just picked up all the supplies so I'll be building for a few days.