Hey guys,

So my engine doesn't feel like it's running the best lately (I made a thread about this a while ago regarding a vacuum leak) as it's a little sluggish pre-4500RPM and is getting 350-420KM to a tank of 98. I read up a little on the T-VIS system so I'm going to investigate that. Now I'm pretty sure there's nothing extremely wrong with it, however I want to go ahead and do a bit of maintenance and servicing to everything I can within reason using my limited skillset/knowledge. So far I've managed to:

- Change spark plugs (exact plug unknown - they were Bosch Quad Sparks though)
- Check Ignition Timing
- Check for vac leaks

What other general/beginner maintenance things can I do to ensure the engine is healthy?

have a crack at replacing your distributor cap and rotor - I found that made the biggest difference on mine

+1 And maybe invest in new genuine Toyota plug leads too 
 
Is your car is a Bathurst?  
If so it will have ACIS.   TVIS is different.
 
Easy to check it's initial operation.
The vacuum actuator on the end of the manifold should pull in when you start the motor, closing the ACIS butterflies. They should open again around 5k rpm.
(If the motor is stopped the actuator opens the ACIS butterflies)
 

Eric
have a crack at replacing your distributor cap and rotor - I found that made the biggest difference on mine

Dizzy cap is the dome that all the sparks hook up from right? If so, where can I go about finding a replacement? Wouldn't want to order from Toyota cause I can imagine the prices are ridiculous

Reddtarga
+1 And maybe invest in new genuine Toyota plug leads too 
 
Is your car is a Bathurst?  
If so it will have ACIS.   TVIS is different.
 
Easy to check it's initial operation.
The vacuum actuator on the end of the manifold should pull in when you start the motor, closing the ACIS butterflies. They should open again around 5k rpm.
(If the motor is stopped the actuator opens the ACIS butterflies)
 

I'll probably have to have a look at the leads as well. Is OEM always best or is aftermarket decent as well?
And yeah, it's a Bathurst. I thought T-VIS was for the N/A and ACIS was turbo engines, my bad haha.

I'll have to locate this butterfly valve you're talking about, found a guide linked below but I don't 100% understand what I'm looking at.
http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/kn...atid=9&kbartid=276

Yep just the part where the leads connect too. You can get them from repco for 80 dollars. Just make sure you tell them if your leads clip on or slide on

Eric
Yep just the part where the leads connect too. You can get them from repco for 80 dollars. Just make sure you tell them if your leads clip on or slide on

I'll look into it next week. But hopefully that helps make a difference.
The installation is fairly easy right? I'm still in the very early learning stages

Edit: I just looked online at SCA cataglogue, and they have 3 Bosch units. How can I tell which one I'm after? I also need to find out which rotor to purchase.
http://www.supercheapauto...or-parts.aspx?id=50304

There are only 2 different types of dist caps used on all 3SG motors, both NA, and turbo.
 
The Toyota part number for your motor should be as in the pic.
 

Genuine Toyota replacements probably fit/work better, especially plug leads.
The cost all depends on where you buy them, and the local the local Toyota dealer would be the most expensive. 
 
For the rotor try  https://www.amayama.com/en/search?q=19102-74040
 
 
 

I'll get a quote on the price and suss out if it's worth going genuine. Thanks for that mate!

Also I'll order that rotor from Amayama. Is that a third party Toyota parts distributor? (For future reference)

Hoonsy
I'll get a quote on the price and suss out if it's worth going genuine. Thanks for that mate!

Also I'll order that rotor from Amayama. Is that a third party Toyota parts distributor? (For future reference)

Yes I believe they are independent of the dealers.
 
For genuine Toyota parts it can pay to shop around.
You have to consider shipping, but you could also have a look at Lithia Toyota parts, and Twos'r'us

Got my quote back, don't think I'll be ordering genuine parts from Toyota haha