Hey guys, I've done some lurking on this forum but honestly spend most of my time on my Harley sites....The FIREBIRD is my wife's and she loves it dearly. Unfortunately on our deployment and moving cycle (Both Army) it's fallen into disrepair and has been stuck in storage. Short story version is it's time to pep it up and she doesn't need big performance. IS IT BETTER or MORE COST EFFECTIVE to rebuild the engine, or just replace with a long block style gm L03 or say a Jasper rebuild, which I can't seem to find anywhere although I've heard a lot about them. I'm new to the car game, but I've got thick skin, so let me have it. I appreciate your time guys and thanks in advance.
I've only seen the car once, but here is the break down that I know....
1990 Firebird Formula 305 L03 5.0L
700-R4 trans.....160k mi on all
Wont start, sitting in outdoor storage for 3 year or so (texas) and I know it's not just from a dead battery
Someone tried to steal once, so steering column needs replaced/repaired
Along with that the wiring harness behind stereo..(also affecting windshield wipers)
The headlight motor no longer funcions, neither does the A/C
All this is mostly what my wife's told me, and we want the car reliable so I figured just rebuild/replace engine, most dry rot possible parts, tires/brakes and let her start over.
Put a 5k limit on it for now, hopefully this info helps.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

From what you describe, an engine rebuild or replace probably won't address any of your known "issues". Those engines will last for a long time with basic maintenance (oil changes, occasional spark plug/cap/rotor/wires replacement). At worst, the valve stem seals would dry out and crack, but they can be replaced without pulling the engine out, or even removing the heads.

But, it's been sitting a long time, so gasoline residue (varnish) can be in issue for the in-tank electric fuel pump. Brake refresh is probably in order. Of course, fix all of the messed-up wiring. Flush/fill the cooling system.

If you did an engine rebuild or replace, you'd probably be "fixing" things just because you'd be replacing what needs to be replaced as "might-as-well" stuff.

 

five7kid, thanks for the perspective. Like I said personally knowing so little about the vehicle I automatically jumped to just rebuild or replace. And I know the wife would feel great about either one. Honestly what you suggest saves a LOT of time and money. Any references on how to handle the in-tank pump issue??? Any experience on where to get a replacement for the headlight motor or what goes wrong with those? Thanks again, thanks a bunch.

 

It might be best to find a low mile replacement car... sell what you have. Fixing a basketcase car is for people who like headaches and bloody knuckles. I can appreciate saving a car from the junkyard but I don't like to see someone drop 10 grand in a car when they can find a beautiful low mileage replacment for 6-7 grand.

If it needs an engine, it might also need a trans, a rear axle, complete new fuel system, and a lot of electrical gremlin chasing. Let's not get into paint and interior work just yet. These guys will have some good ideas for you. I'll listen but that's my two pennies worth.

 

Well, it's a hands down decision that this car stays, I have my bike so she gets her car. Basket case included.......if it's got **** or wheels you're gonna have problems with it at some point!

 

HA, thats great. Is the car still sitting in TX? If so where abouts?

 

ITS RIGHT THERE IN FORT WORTH!!! Wanna swing by and check it out?

 

Ive got my car in pieces and tryig to get it ready for the statewide meet, but I dont see a reason I cant stop by sat and take a gander...

 

Trav, I was kidding. I am sure you have the best of intentions but I wouldn't send someone I didn't personally know to my storage unit if it WERE still there. Any thoughts on the fuel pump or the headlight motor? Do those motors go out often or is there usually another problem with those pop up headlights?

 

I never owned a firebird so I have no clue when it comes to those headlights. With it sitting 3 years, chances are the fuel has gone bad and will need to be drained and the filter changed. Not all that difficult since you have an elec fuel pump. Just disconnect the fuel feed line by the tank, stick a hose on it and run that hose to a gas can. Then apply 12v to the pump and use it to pump out the bad gas. After that, Id replace the cap/rotor plugs and wires and change out the oil and see if it would fire up. If you out a battery charger/jumper on there and still get no power to anything than more than likely the battery cables need replacing.

The LO3 has a tendancy to run good for a long time with basic maintance so a rebuild shouldnt be necessary from just sitting. Now if theres strange noises/white/black smoke/engine seizing/ect...then Id suggest a rebuild.