soccerman58

Hi guys
Like many of you, I fell in love with a third gen F-body Firebird as soon as I saw one. For me this was in 1988. I have just found an 88 that is even the same color as the 1988, except this one has the 5.0 Formula rather than the 4-cyl version I first saw at a dealership (lots of room in THAT engine bay!!).

This one has 105,000 miles on it and it looks in good shape, BUT we have to move from Boston to LA and we have to drive AND we have to tow a little 5x8 U-Haul trailer. Do you think I'm nuts to even contemplate this? I know I can get a trailer hitch kit for it, but I'm thinking about the GAS. I have no idea really what to expect, although I suppose I can expect more efficiency out of an injected version. What do you guys think please?

Also, from what I am reading, the 5.0 only developed 170hp when it was NEW. Wouldn't Pontiac have had to work really hard to ONLY get 170 horses out of a five liter V-8? And, assuming it is stock (as I believe it is) how many horses do you think it might have left please?

Or, am I insane to even think about this - even though I feel like I am looking at a picture of a long-lost love (that hasn't aged in 30 years).

Thanks
Phil

drdave88

iTrader: (3)

Is the car an auto or manual? These cars weren't really made for towing, and I'm going to assume this trailer is going to be fairly loaded up. I can't say I'd do it, even if it had a trans in really good shape. You're likely to run into some hilly areas.

phanormthtrodex

That's quite a drive. I'd be nervous about the car making it on its own, but towing a trailer as well? You'd really be putting it through the paces. Like drdave said, the trans would be a major, major concern. Things are even more dicey since you haven't even bought the car yet, so there's no telling what shape everything's in.

My advice? If you love the car, buy it. Then save yourself tons of headache/heartache and pay to have it towed on a flatbed across the country. That will almost certainly save you money versus ending up stranded in Iowa with a burnt-out transmission.

And yes you may be a bit insane....but we all are..buying a 20-30 year old car with a mountain of repairs ahead of us. But nothing is more satisfying than driving a car that you'll have dang near built yourself.

And honesty, what's more crazy - buying a cheap, awesome used car that may cost you a few thousand more to get it 100% - or paying some bank like $500 a month for the next 4-6 years?? (Not to mention, our cars are *increasing* in value, while the bank's car is heavily depreciating)

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

Have you given any thought to getting this car to pass California's emissions test ? .....

paulo57509

The 1987 owners manual does not give trailer towing specifics such as trailer weight, tongue weight, total GVW, etc. It also states to contact the dealer for specifics.

"This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people."

There should also be a tire loading sticker on one of the door jambs. This lists the weight limit of all passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight. This weight is the design limit of the vehicle not just of the tires (although tires do affect this limit).

Tire loading sticker from my car:


Seven hundred and one pounds isn't a lot of cargo weight.

If you really want a 3rd Gen, can you wait and buy a rust-free CA car instead of one from the rust belt?

Restrorob

iTrader: (7)

I suggest renting a smaller U-haul truck to load all your stuff in and a tow dollie to pull the car......

Joe Tag

iTrader: (4)

You may be a little nuts, aren't we all? You ever get a psych evaluation? Rent the U haul and buy a car in Cali. Save a ton of gas over towing it and prolly a lot of headaches with the emissions. 20-30 Y/O cars in areas with no emissions tend to not have them kept up with and removed. A car bought in the Cali area most likely is already able to pass a visual and sniffer emissions test.

Stauf

iTrader: (2)

Definitely not meant for towing. Also, if you decide to drive the 88, you will encounter issues going through the Rockies due to the thinner air. The car is going to feel like it is starving for power. And it actually will be.