Hello guys;

I've got my engine's throttle body, induction elbow, egr valve and intake manifold...the car's lungs...out and on the workbench. I'm replacing knock sensors and connectors, chasing an egr electrical fault, fixing a coolant leak at the thermostat tower, replacing the part-load breather tube, having the fuel injectors cleaned and flow-tested, doing some cleaning and replacing every gasket I come across in the process. Snaps of the patient, lungs removed, can be found below.

Here's my question: while all of this top-end stuff is off, I have a lot better access to certain areas, such as near the fire wall, etc. What else should I consider replacing or upgrading while the access is good?

How about the heater hose "octopus?" No leaks right now, but would it be worth changing now (and would it actually be easier)?

There are two coolant hoses that run underneath the intake manifold...you'll see them in the snap below...I think I'll replace them both while the manifold is off.

What else? Am I missing something? Let me know what you think...I'd appreciate it.

 

Definitely the hoses and the octopus assy. while everything is out of the way.

 

Good news for me...I went through the maintenance records of the previous owner, and all of the heater hoses, including the octopus and under-the-manifold hoses were replaced about 31 months and 16,000 miles ago.

Fantastic.

I don't have to mess with any of it. I must admit, that octopus hose assembly looks like a major PIA even with the throttle body, induction elbow and egr valve OFF. I can't imagine what that job must be like with those pieces on.