High-Performance Vehicle Maintenance

 

Proper maintenance is critical to keeping your high-performance vehicle running at its best. Whether you're running higher power levels, using alternative fuels like E85, or utilizing a fully built engine, following the right maintenance schedule ensures reliability and longevity. Below, you'll find maintenance recommendations tailored to your setup.

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OEM Maintenance Guidelines

We provide access to OEM maintenance schedules for Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota vehicles. These guidelines serve as a foundation for routine upkeep and should be followed as a baseline. However, modified and high-performance setups require additional care beyond the factory recommendations.

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Aftermarket Maintenance Recommendations

 

Fuel System Maintenance for E85 and Alternative Fuels

• Fuel Filter Replacement: Every 10,000–15,000 miles (E85 is more corrosive and can cause buildup in the fuel system).

• Injector Cleaning: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to prevent clogging and ensure optimal fuel atomization.

• Fuel Pump Inspection: Regularly check for degradation, especially if using high-flow pumps.

• Ethanol Content Testing: Periodically verify ethanol content to ensure consistency and safe operation.

• Fuel Line & Seal Inspection: Every 10,000 miles, as E85 can degrade rubber components faster than pump gas.

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Walnut Blasting for Direct Injection Engines

 

Direct injection turbo (DIT) engines suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves over time, reducing airflow and performance. Unlike port-injected engines, fuel does not clean the valves, leading to excessive deposits. Walnut blasting is a critical maintenance procedure to remove this buildup, restoring lost power and efficiency. It is recommended every 30,000 miles at most to ensure optimal engine performance, fuel economy, and longevity.

Maintenance for Higher Power Levels

Oil Changes: Every 2,000–3,000 miles using high-quality synthetic oil (e.g., Motul, Red Line, or AMSoil), especially for turbocharged and high-boost applications. This will vary depending on usage, more frequent if the full power is used regularly.

• Spark Plug Replacement: Every 10,000–15,000 miles (colder heat range plugs may wear faster under high boost).

• Coolant System Flush: Every 15,000 miles, ensuring high-temp coolant is used for better heat dissipation.

• Transmission & Differential Fluids: Change every 15,000 miles under aggressive driving conditions.

• Turbocharger Inspection: Regularly check for shaft play, oil leaks, and performance issues.

• Brake Fluid & Pads: Flush and replace fluid every 10,000 miles (or more frequently for track use); high-performance pads should be inspected regularly.

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Built Engine Maintenance

• Break-In Period: Follow a strict break-in process (typically 1,000 miles with varying RPMs and controlled load).

• Oil Change Interval: Every 1,000–2,500 miles, depending on use and oil analysis.

• Compression & Leak Down Testing: Performed at least every 10,000 miles to ensure engine health.

• Boost & AFR Monitoring: Continuous logging recommended to ensure safe operation under load.

• Belt & Pulley Inspections: High-RPM engines place more stress on belts; inspect frequently.

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Performance-Oriented Inspections

Regular inspections can prevent catastrophic failures. We recommend scheduling a professional inspection and diagnostic check at least twice a year, especially for high-powered or track-driven vehicles. Parts wear over time, sensors become dirty and it can reflect in the data - a tune refresh is a great option to not only ensure everything is status quo but also to make any adjustments for changes since originally tuning.

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Custom Maintenance Plans

Every build is different, and your maintenance schedule should be tailored to your specific setup. Contact us to discuss a custom maintenance plan based on your vehicle's modifications, usage, and performance goals.

For expert service and professional maintenance tailored to your high-performance build, schedule an appointment today!