In the next few weeks I'm going to have the S put in the shop with a local specialist that is well respected. My '01 is now just a fun day and sometimes track car. When I say sometimes I mean 2-4 times per year.

I'm going to have it thoroughly inspected to make sure everything is in order considering she's an '01 with about 65k. I am the original owner. But I'm also going to update the oil bolts and do the hondata gasket/thermo/fan switch upgrade. I also plan to add an oil catch before I hit the track again.

In regards to engine safety and considering the age of the car, what else should I be considering since they're going to drop the pan and go into the block?

Thank you in advance for your input.

 

Since it's sounds like your car is not going to see general driving duty and more hard driving (in relative terms), and the pan is coming off anyway ... consider a baffled oil pan. This will help prevent oil starvation during track runs.

If you're not doing so currently, also consider going to a high quality synthetic oil.

It's never a bad idea to have the coolant and heater hoses (as well as the coolant itself) swapped out when you're getting a lot done to the car and you're above the 50k/5-year mark. Also consider replacing the accessory drive belt and water pump (Water pumps should be good until around 100k or so; however I always changed them in my other Hondas when the timing belt service was done at ~60k).

Most on the forum agree that the timing chain and tensioner is good for 100k+. Consider having your mechanic take a look at the chain for signs of any problems like distorted links or pins, or unusual wear on the cam pullies.

A valve lash inspection/adjustment is also a good idea.

 

if you haven't done it yet, have them check the valve clearances, assuming they are taking the head off as well. check the whole valvetrain if they'll be up there and replace anything with excessive wear marks.

belt and water pump advice is sound as well.

bassem

 

Check all pulley bearings and replace as needed. I changed them all.
Also, check the serpentine belt auto tensioner mechanism.

 

Thanks guys. Great advice. I'll mention all of this when I take the car over and have them inspect/replace/adjust as necessary.

I've been using a synthetic for 3 or so years now. Lubrication Engineers.

 

I would get new motor mounts and maybe a new steering rack and suspension bushings, too.