My car was in the shop the past week, on the top of the list is fuel pump and gaskets for the block which they say will come to about $1000 and they also say there is about $2000 or more in repairs needed and it's not worth fixing (even if it is rare) Most people I know think I should abandon any money pit situation but at least one co worker thinks $1000 would make some very good progress and most coworkers think my mechanic is ripping me off and taking too long, although he is has been our family mechanic for ages.
Also I am able to make payments in installment which REALLY work for me on my budget.

I'm just not inclined to sell but will need mucho cash to fix the problems...looking at engines on eBay...any ideas and advice for my situation?
You guys inspire me when other here would tell me just to keep moving to a better car and not get attached. Yeah, right! eh?
I dunno I see alot of good cars fairly priced but mine IS paid for already too. I assume this is not QUITE the right section of the board but I post here most often.

Bill

 

Dude Do the Fuel pump yourself. You will save lots of money.& it only takes a few hours to do.

As for the gaskets on the engine. cost ya right about $200 for all of them & a weekend for taking it apart & putting them back on.

Most car shops out there are for those people that dont know cars. If you think you going to need help call on a few friends & buy the beer & pizza.

 

I have to agree with Krazzycowgirl. Why pay this guy? Just do the work yourself, or are you not mechanically inclined?

 

After asking co-workers, no one is really willing to help me out.
I'm not mechanically inclined with cars as I work on stereos more often, but also have no garage or tools for a big job... Since the pump is in the tank, it makes for a challenge I'm not familiar with.
I was told the gaskets can take 5 hours or so to do and cost more like $400 for an expert.
Right now I'm looking for a winter beater in that price range.
I'd tackle a job, or help a backyard mechanic but I wouldn't attempt [first time] repair on my own. I do minor external repairs but it's quite cold here too...in the 40s.

Bill

 

Call your local parts store & price the gaskets. Either that or go to www.summitracing.com

What gaskets are you replacing anyways?

Chaging the fuel pump doesnt need to be someone who has Mech know how just the time & help doing it. With Gaskets just remember when you take parts off the engine mark them on where they go. If they are wires get a piece of tape & put a number on it & same with the conection part. (Same number)

 

If you gotta get rid of it I might be interested.. oh wait I am building a house for my wife Darn...Darn...Darn

JOhn

 

Sell it to me, i wouldn't mind a Formula convertable

 

Well, I'm pretty set on repair but it is daunting. I'd told myself if I did sell ...it'd have to be for $7000 or more due to it being a true ASC conversion and with good power options along with the 350 TPI, and in fairly good shape [was stored in winter prior to me owning!]...although there are many more in better shape of the Firebirds from 1988-90.

There's a 'tuner' pump on eBay for around $150 and it sounds nice, but was told the shop's would be $120 and seen them on eBay for $100 or less. How do you work with gas in the tank?
Not sure I'd attempt with the fluids to deal with. The guys who are mechanically inclined aren't eager to tackle my project and I'd need the full funds to do it and I'm not that prepped.

I did just BIN some TPI gaskets...Felpro

Bill

 

If I didn't mention it, I have upcoming profit sharing next year and it's one of those...do I pay off the credit card or buy a new engine and also try to get it in the car (well advised in that respect!)
I'm going to a place that did an engine replacement for me before...see if they're still around. I abandoned all my previous ideas for customizing and fixing my previous cars... It seemed to always stem from lack of money. We get harsh weather in the Midwest as well, with TONS of road salt and pot holes.... they should pay us to keep our cars running, it's sad

Bill