Well, I didn't really know where to post this, but this looked like the best because I saw someone had asked about looking at a car in here before, so. I'm gonna go look at an 85 Firebird TA, and I was wondering what to look for for trouble spots. Heres the info I have on the car:

Original Owner
305ci 5.0L engine (Tuned Port FI isn't it?)
5 speed manual transmission
161k miles
radiator, water pump, power steering pump, starter, battery, front struts, idler arm, catalytic converter all replaced in the last 30k miles
options: Cassette Radio, Bucket Seats, Tinted Glass, Rear Window Defroster, A/C: Front, Power Steering, Alloy Wheels, Fog Lights

Tell me about it. Good to pass MA inspections if it runs good? (No CA smog **** here, but still) The mileage scares me a bit, its up there. I'd likely only put 10-15k miles on it before maybe putting a 350 in it. I've never owned a Firebird before, but I'm no stranger to GM. Also, I've got a mechanic (ahaha my dad) to help me who's familiar with GM. I just wanted some thoughts on it. Some other people I've asked have told me to avoid it like the plague because of the miles, and I thought I'd go to the source to ask about it. Thanks

 

they didn't produce a 5spd LB9 (5.0L TPI) until the 1987 model year. They did produce a 1985 L69 / T5 combo, as well as a 1985 LG4 / T5 combo, so that one will be (computer command control) carbureted if original.

Sounds like it's been maintained, but on an engine with that many miles, the valve guide seals can cause lots of oil smoke out the exhaust. An L69/LG4 SBC can go quite a bit past 160k miles; just depends on how it's maintained. Good luck.

 

Hmm. I don't know if I'd have enough extra cash to try to get it to pass emissions if its carb'd. Carbs don't like the emissions testing. I also forgot to mention, it has 4 wheel disk brakes and a positrac rear

 

Carbs will pass emissions testing. Do some reading on the carb forum here, and make sure your cat isn't hollowed out.

 

Will do. Maybe I've just had bad luck, usually takes a lot to get older engines with carb to pass.

 

It's got all the performance options, so if the body's in good shape, the price is right, you really want it, and you'll be dropping a new engine in it soon anyway, then why worry about the mileage? If it smokes a bit, use Valvoline MaxLife until you either change the valve seals or drop in the new engine.

But for reference, check the 8th digit of the VIN. If it's a G, then it's the carb'd L69 option(hard to find in an '85 and even harder to find in a Firebird); and if it's an H, then it's the standard V8, also carb'd.

 

its an h in the 8th digit. And I do want it, I only need the engine to last 15k more miles at the most. So, I'm gonna go look at it, any suggestions as to problem spots?

 

The engine should last way more than 15,000 miles, so probably no worries about that. And with most of the accessories being fairly new, you're prolly good there too. I'd think the most serious problem for you to worry about in your area would be rust.

 

yeah, thats the one thing I don't like about New England, all the nice older cars are rusty. But from the one pic I got, it looks good, so we'll see.

 

Check the major rust spots on these cars,namely the floors especially behind the front seats,also the quarter panels and the lower inside lip of the drvers door.I would first and mainly check the state of the floors though,that one can be a make or break on these cars.Good luck...

 

the bastard sold it yesterday afternoon like, an hour before I called. So, I'm hopefully gonna go look at an 88 trans am w/ t-tops. When I get some more info, I'll pass it on. Thanks for the spots to look for rust, i've never owned a third gen and was wondering where to look!