84 Challenge

I know of only one other besides myself who owns a 4-cyl 3rdgen on this board. Anyone else own of these fine automobiles? If so, tell me about it...condition, future plans etc!

Brandon

ChillPhatCat

It is odd... if I ever came across one I'd probably buy it. They seem pretty rare in stock form at least. I saw one in the paper 6 years ago... never again since and I look all the time.

There are a hell of a lot more four banger mustangs on the road.

nikh23

billsfirebird has a 4 banger in his bird, i'm sure he'll reply to this post real quick

CanadianCamaro

I had the chance to buy an 82 4cyl Firebird for about $320 us.... It was a very plain car only "option" was an auto trans; no spoiler, vinyl interior, idiot lites and 14" steel wheels with hubcaps. Unfortunatly I'm between jobs right now and don't have the cash, and of course now that it looks like I'm going to be employed soon, the car is gone

I wanted it for a winter car

MNformula350

iTrader: (2)

I have been looking for one to add to my fleet,i did find one the other day for sale but it's an 85 (i want a 82-84) and it's a auto (i want one with a stick)
but if i can pick it up for 5-600.00 then i may still get it
It's only got 66,000 on it.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Where have I been...?

99% stock. Gonna keep it that way too. This car was dirt cheap. Paid $500 for it in 98 and my dad, twin brother and I restored it to original shape.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Good to see we have another IRON DUKE owner on the board.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

I had a guy email me about a month ago and he wants me to send him high res pictures of my car to put into a book he's doing over the life of the fbody!

Pony Killer

i had one several years ago, back in 95. it was an 85 sport coupe....

In no uncertain terms i hated that car. it was noisy, slow and leaked constantly, if i'da known any of ya's back then i probably would have flat out given it to ya, if i didn't turn it into a drag car.

All considering it ran well.. .. meaning it started every time. had 168k miles on it when i sold it. I often wonder what happened to it..

The only option i know that car had was auto.
Base absolutely everything, i'd never seen a rpo sheet shorter.
Was white with red vynl interior, and the most horid "stripe" ever fitted to an fbody, four layers of earthtone.

philoldsmobile

Four pot F bodys are MEGA COOL!

Yet to see one in the UK, though I have a mate who runs an American car parts center (hi Dave!) and his old man runs the car sales side, he had one in once (firebird) and it sold in a couple of days! it's never been seen since!

Sad truth is that the four and (to a lesser extent) six pot cars are sneerd on in this country,they arn't seen as "proper" yanks, so it probably had and 8 dropped in

I'm amazed at the enthusiasm for the 4 cyl. and base model cars in the US, you guys are a lot more enthusiastic about your domestic cars than we are about anything other than football (sorry, socca) and rioting. USA 1, UK 0!

(by the way, I hate socca!)

84 Challenge

I knew Bill had an Iron Duke bird. Just checking for any others. There's only one thing I like about my car.....I doubt anyone else has one exactly like mine. Thought about selling it today for a V-6 car in much better condition. Can't bring myself to do it. Resoration has officially begun!

Bill......looks like you and I are the only ones for now.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

I guess so! Not too many people are really into 4cylinder cars. Im not going to mess with my engine until it croaks. Sometimes I think its almost there.

If the car ever dies and I will have to make it just another replaced v8...I'll hot rod it.....go all out.

84 Challenge

Me too probably....despite everyone telling me to keep a 4-cyl. I'm not into 4-cyl cars either. It's just that, I hardly doubt anyone has one like mine. That's what I like! But that's not the goal at this time.

Brandon

Brett Gutshall

You could always go twin turbo

camaro6spd

was that a twin turbo Iron Duke?

Brett Gutshall

I think so, Bill knows more about it if I remember correctly. I saved the pics from another thread.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

No that red 84 Trans Am is an all IRON Twin Turboed 350 V8. I wish I had that set up!

That Banks guy that does tuning did that to the car. There was an article on the web about it. Pretty interesting story. They got the car up past 200 mph!!!

88Stick350

My '83 used to be so I guess that counts for something right?





There are six other shots on my personal server too.

Looks a lot like billsfirebird's car doesn't it?

88Stick350

Here's your opportunity to buy another one for anyone who's interested!

Too bad it looks like it's got leak, err, T-tops though.

Pretty good looking car, especially with the 15" gold GTA-wanne-be rims. An ignition lock cylinder is an easy fix too.

84 Challenge

Do you have any engine pics 88Stick350?

88Stick350

Click on the link for my server and I believe there are two there. In case i messed up the code, it's http://pages.prodigy.net/paul.lorraine. There are also a bunch of pics of my '88 Formula that I sold a few weeks ago.

These are only "after" pics though. I bought the car from its original owner with 192K and he had already installed a 305 at about 130K and then a 700R4 shortly thereafter.

My new 305 is an H.O. short block (two piece rear main seal) with: an Edelbrock 600 cfm Performer carb.; Edelbrock Performer intake; Edelbrock Performer Plus cam and lifter; Edelbrock double roller timing set; SLP 1-5/8" tubular "off road" headers and tubular Y-pipe; 3" In/Out Dynomax cat.; 3" Hooker cat-back; Accel HEI Super Coil; Accel 8.8's; Made For You wire looms; modified '88 LB9 heads with 1.94" intake valves; TPI dual electric fan setup; HyperTech #4026 Cool Fan switch.

The suspension has been completely refurbished with PST and ES bushings, IROC front/rear bars; IROC front/rear coils, IROC quick ratio steering box, an OE "wonderbar", all new steering linkage and '89 Formula rims shod with V-rated 245/50-16 Yokohamas.

Hope you like it!

onebad82z

iTrader: (7)

Back in '91 my first third gen was a black '83 camaro..Iron Duke with a 4 speed.I never got it plated..just cruised it around the block.Kinda wished now that I had kept it for the "what the f**k?" factor when people see it but I sold it for $50 (I paid$20) to a friend of the family who blew it up and junked it.I would definitely pick one up if I see it for sale.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

88Stick350,

your 83 looks alot like mine! I love the look of the Formula rims on the car. I had a set like those and a flush set. I went with the flush formula rims for the sake that not many other people have them.

I haven't seen too many early firebirds with dark interior like mine. Looks awsome!

vortechLT1

I want those GFX where can I get some???

Firechick

I have an 84' Firebird Iron Duke! It maybe a 4 banger but, at least it's a Pontiac! The white one.

88Stick350

billsfirebird,

Yeah, I noticed your charcoal interior too right off. That colors makes it a real P.I.T.A. to find replacement parts although thankfully the only ones I really need are the bolt covers for the hatch struts.

I recovered my headliner and sail panel speaker grills a few months ago with black cloth since the fabric store's "charcoal" just didn't look good. The black gives a nice contrast with the stock plastic as well as my black cloth seats.

I'm trying to dye a set of tan cloth T/A style front buckets too as I'm trying to stay within its generation. However, I'm going to use IIG redbird emblems to cover the door panel holes once I get around to installing my power window regulators. I also have the IIG redbird emblems on my centercaps rather than silver WS6 ones.

Looks like yours has the TBI Duke that mine originally came with under the "bonnet".

If you ever come across a good passenger's side fender ('82-'84 only), please let me know; especially if its already red.

Paul

84 Challenge

billsfirebird.......have you ever had a fuel problem with your Iron Duke? Such as fuel pump?

Here's the deal.....

Friend said I have no fuel coming to the TBI. He suggested that a new fuel pump, etc would be your best bet. Ok....replaced all of that and no dice. Have any suggestions? I still do not hear the infamous "hmmm" from the fuel pump just before starting the car.

Thanks,
Brandon

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like it could be a ground wire problem. Check your wires and make sure all are grounded correctly. Check fuses, relays, and such. I bet its one of those things.


Hope that helps.

bill

84 Challenge

Ill bet you're right. Not too sure on the connection job I did on the new pump. Already changed the relay and fuse.

Brandon

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Check the grounds in the engine compartment. There was a few wires on my brothers camaro that were disconnected by the battery. The engine would crank but no fuel. We found the wires and grounded the properly. Turned the key.....hmmmmmmmm......Fired right up!


bill

84 Challenge

Bill....did find a wiring problem. However....I thought that infamous fuel pump "hmmm" sound was when the ignition was turned on. Mine comes on after attempting to start the car. Does yours?

Brandon

Randy82WS7

i helped stuff a 400 smal block into an 82 firebird 4 speed car about 3 years ago, it had a 4 cyl in it and i had another 82 firebird at about the same time that was originally 4 cyl too according to vin and someone already had yanked that engine out, i let it go to a guy for use as a dirt track car it was actualy in pretty nice shape for around here, i woulda kept it had i had it nowadays,

are quite a few 4 cyl cars around here but most all have 4 cyl ripped out by now. they musta made alot of 4 cyl ones for IL region sales. not rare by any means,.., just rusty bad now,

Berlinetta

Im curious here. Why the #@$! would you keep a 4 banger around? Its not like im pissed at you guys, just the people that designed the car. Its rather insulting to think that a Firebird or Camaro ever came with a four banger. In fact, the thought just pisses me off. My 2.8 Berlinetta was slow enough. The only thing i could see getting one for is the gas mileage but who wants to buy a Camaro for gas mileage anyway? BTW, what kinda gas mileage do they get?

MDv6man

They have them for the "WTF" factor -- which is perfectly displayed in your statement

Pacer

My question:
Why does the Camaro White Book state that 21,802 4 cyl Camaros were built in 1982 (at the top of pg 74), but on the next page under Factory Options, lists 78,761 4 cylinder cars??
This discrepancy appears in other years also ...

I'm thinking that the 78,761 cars were "optioned up" to V6's or V8's? But this is still misleading to me....any explanations anyone?

Pacer...

84 Challenge

Don't get me wrong.....putting a 4-cyl in a muscle car is a very insulting thing to do. But ....MDv6man just answered my question. The Iron Duke is rated somewhere around 92hp. The 2.8 of that same year (1984, mine) is somewhere around 108. Not that much difference. Why would you want a 2.8 V-6? It's purely a WTF factor!

I don't think 78,000+/- Iron Dukes were made. Thought there more like 20,000-/+ made.

Firechick

Pontiac claimed the Iron Duke, was just as fast as the 2.8 It was proved in 1982 by Hot rod magazine.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

It may have been as fast but not in accelleration...

I would race my brothers 2.8 Camaro and at the time it was 150K miles and bad compression. He'd smoke me everytime!!! My 2.5L was on a rebuild with only like 20,000 miles.


Ive got an old magazine...1985 I think.....at home that features the 1984 Firebird S/E and it was purchased by the mag to beef up and do cool performance things with it. Well it was an IRON DUKE! They were claiming suspension and motor upgrades. What ever floated their boat I guess. I don't have any subsiquent issues so I don't know what came of it.

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

FireChick.....so the white bird in your sig is an IRON DUKE? Mine most likely came with those same wheels but when I bought my car they were long gone.

Got any more pictures of your rides?

philoldsmobile

I stand by my theory,

GM realised that the F body had become a legend and wanted one that anybody could own. people were so bessoted with these cars, that they would go to any lengths to own one, even if it ment having a 4 cyl, they could have an icon on their drive.

I think it is a testiment to peoples love of the American car industry, and pride in the country itself (or maybe i'm just jelous coz I don't live there) that these cars exist, thats nothing to be ashamed of.

Detroit will be forever motown.

( I know they were made in california)

no 1 fave car : 70 1/2 Z28
no 1 fave car : 2002 Z28
no 1 fave car : my 1986 305 sport coupe

(I have a weakness for camaro's, though i hope to have a thirdgen in my stable for a long time yet. now, where's that 70 1/2 round tail light Z28 resto project? oh yeah, in me ed)

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Z?t+??Originally posted by philoldsmobile [/i]
I stand by my theory,

GM realised that the F body had become a legend and wanted one that anybody could own. people were so bessoted with these cars, that they would go to any lengths to own one, even if it ment having a 4 cyl, they could have an icon on their drive.[/QUOTE]


You totaly nailed it. When I was 18 and looking for my very own car to drive I knew that it HAD to be a firebird. I looked and looked for something that I could afford. I really wanted a 79 T/A with the 400. Too expensive and not economical to drive.

Then came my IRON DUKE. When I first saw it I knew I would like to have it. We talked it over with the owner and he said it had a four cylinder. I was young and nieve and really didn't care. When he said I could have it for $500 I REALLY didn't car what it was!!!!!

Well Ive got a car that I could afford and it is very economical but the BOTTOM line is its a FIREBIRD. All the naysayers on the engine goes in my one ear and out the other. I know its not fast but its a firebird.

Ive had my share of other firebirds since but this one is still my favorite. Sentimental reasons I suppose. :0)

Later,
bill

philoldsmobile

Bill, I'd take your car over all the rice in the world. nothing else has the same personality as an F body.

thats the one thing the japs can't copy. if people cant see the attraction, and reason that japs are quicker more reliable blah blah blah, then this is a secret better kept to everyone with a slanty cross or a poncho keyring in their pocket!

HAIL F BODY - IN ALL YOUR FORMS (R.I.P. as of last month sob sob snivel sniff)

Firechick

The Firebird that you are refering to Billsfirebird, is the Kelly Firebird. It was made for the Kelly Racing series. It could go up to 130mph. My Bird had the Rally IIs. He only came with 3. I have been trying to locate a 4th one for 8 yrs. I bought Arnie when I was 14, for $700. Obviously, our first cars were Iron Duke birds!

philoldsmobile

so, we're up to three Iron Duke cars from near 18 000 members! that's pretty rare.

This is how camaro's break down in the UK, from what i've seen

Iroc - Z : most
Z28 : quite a few
RS : some
V6 (almost all RS some sport coupe) quite a few
Sport coupe : not too many
berlinetta : rare (V6 or V8)
Iron duke : hens teeth / rocking horse poo!

Firebird (not too sure on this one, just going by cars at sothern shows)

T / A
Firebird formula
GTA
Base bird

Strangely there seems to be more V6 camaro's than firebirds!

at one local club night there were 5 thirdgens (out of 25 cars) two irocs ( one 305 vert one 350 hardtop) two Z28's (one hardtop one t top) and my t top sport coupe. all were V8's one ( t top Z28 was 400) one (hardtop Z was manual) the 400 was three speed auto all others were four speed auto

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

Iron duke fbody's were pretty common around here...well at least in the junkyards. I would go every other 2 weeks or so last summer and I would come across several. There were more v6 than anything though.

The dukes are getting harder to find these days I suppose. Makes me want to keep mine all the more!

later,
bill

84 Challenge

Which I know what rims came with mine new. Probably those flat Chevrolet hubcaps. Good luck in finding some!

Someone please ask that same question (why would you wanna keep a 4-cyl?) again after my rebuild. Should be just as fast, horsepower speaking, as a low end 84 Z28. Still debating on driving as a no A/C or radio car. Either way....hopefully it'll be back on the road in a year. Needs alot of work!!!

Don't forget the Iron Duke was used in the S10's for so many years. A few on the S10 boards had performace rebuilds done & are running 130+ horses. Not sure how reliable they are, though.

Brandon

philoldsmobile

is the iron duke just simply half a small block V8?

will things like small block heads fit?

I saw something on TV ages ago where there was a racing series of some sort (single seaters i think) that used an engine that was basicly half a small block! (but the block was ally) it revved to something silly like 8000 rpm's

billsfirebird

iTrader: (1)

The IRON DUKE is half of the Pontiac 301 Engine. No one really made the connection because the 301 died with the late seventies and the IRON DUKE didn't hit it big until the early 80's.

This is pretty ironic because I owned a 301 powered 81 trans am. Never made the connection.

philoldsmobile

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh!

so what did i see on TV ?!? it deff. had a chevy head,the narrator said so, but it was a billet aluminium (sorry aluminum) block! (plus 8000 rpm)

the poncho 301 never gained a great following in the UK, is there any chance that a 301 exhaust manifold and turbo of a 4.9 turbo T/A could be grafted into service?

hmmmm, is there a huge missed opportunity there?


two non GM related questions,

when are nickelback coming to the UK?

why is it so hard to get a visa to live in the USA?

84 Challenge

Yes...it's basically half a small block. Some parts, such as pistons/rods from a small black, will work with an Iron Duke. If you use a block from Kansas Racing Products, a V-8 head can be used. Check out this site....namely that pretty little engine. Yes....that's an Iron Duke. BTW....recently read about an individual getting 195hp out of his 2.5 Fiero. A tremendous abount of work/money was done to achieve this, though.

Brandon