Firebird Tips?

[PsychoCid]

Hey all, I'm new to these forums and would appreciate any help I can get.

I intend to purchase a Firebird soon--looking for late 80s, maybe 90s. T-Top with a manual transmission is what I want. Engine condition won't be a big deal, I have a friend who can help with engine swapping. Paint, also, because we can give it a paint job. I also intend to buy and install a Knightrider kit.

My question is, are there any years or engines that were particularly good or bad? Any problems or issues I should watch out for?

Any other comments you might have would be nice, too.

Thanks for your help!

[wolfdogs]

i'd try and find a bird with a 350 in it. the 305 is a slug and needs alot of work to make it hoot....

no offense to any 3rd gen owners...we had two of them ourselves...and 84 and an 87 with the iroc motor.

just my 2 cents.

[Mr Nice Guy]

I agree with Ken. Get the 350. Only problem is that that motor only came with an Auto. Aparently the 5spd used in those years couldn't handle the power from the 350. If you want a manual your most likely gonna need a stronger tranny maybe the T56 6spd. You may look for one with a blown motor and swap in the LT1 and 6spd. Would make a nice third gen.....Later

[PsychoCid]

Thanks, but that's not exactly what I was looking for. It's my fault for not being more specific, though.

Are there any firebird-specific problems I should be looking out for? Faulty factory pieces, things that aren't tuned right, things like that?

Thanks for the help, though.

[Detroit_Bird]

On the early 3rd gens (I think 82 - 87) there was fuel pickup problems, so during cornering with low fuel it would momentarily die, then come back.

There has always been rattle / squeak problems with F-bods, although the 4th gen solved most of them, and the noises usually are indicative of high mileage, although not always.

As far as things not tuned right, nearly every 305 that rolled off the line without TPI was detuned severely for emissions and not power, so personally I would either go carbureted and dump the stock electronics or go TPI.

The 4th generation is a good option also, now that prices are lower you can pick up a decent V8 model for ~4000 to 5000. The 4th generation allows you to have a stick and a 350 from the factory, and solved some of the 3rd gens problem areas, but also created others. The 4th generation is also a bit harder to work on.

[PsychoCid]

Wow, what useful tips!

Momentarily die and come back--now THATS personality

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.

[FROGGER13]

I have a 85 Trans Am,350 tpi that needs work done,but its automatic.$800.00 takes it.www.frogger13_2004@yahoo.com,e-mail me if you want pics. or you can come see it. I live in San Fernando valley.