So i just got a car iv alwayd wanted. Its a 1987 formula 350 firebird. It sat for 20 years and it starts but it wont idle steady. Iv changed the plugs oil. Have coil and plug wires on the way. What eles should i do before to try get it to idle right.before i take it for a drive?

 

Clean and reset the IAC (idle air control valve - https://www.thirdgen.org/tpimod2/). Clean the MAF. Clean Throttle Body opening. New dist cap and rotor. New fuel filter. New air filter, old one is probably almost dust...

Then you'll probably want to check all rubber vacuum lines, replace as needed. Then get a fuel pressure gauge on it and make sure pressure is good.

Welcome to the Formula 350 club. Don't rush her, treat her right. 20 years slumber is a serious hibernation.

Edit: Radiator hoses, coolant, tstat... power steering fluid. brake fluid. brake lines. are the calipers good? Clean them or replace them. Think of any maintenance item, and it probably needs done just to due age and unknown condition.

 

Congrats on the cool car! What he said ^^^ especially the coolant and thermostat and make sure to take it very easy first time out. Let it warm up, don't push the trans. The brakes will take some time to get biting again. You may need new pads anyway, but I would give those a shot.

 

I will give them all a try. And dont worry i wont go out and beat on it right away I've. Wanted one since i was a kid. Finaly have it. Want to get her running right before i take it out

 

Idle problems can be a gummed up IAC or the passages in the throttlebody, or ignition, or fuel. Aside from the basic tune up items already suggested, if idle problems persist the injectors would be highly suspect.

 

But other than that it has 100,000 miles and i only gave 800 for plan on keeping untill i can one day pass it down to my son. Soon i get to go get the plug wires and coil ill clean everything up and let yall know how it gos