When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Joked around about getting a car to work on/enjoy last summer, but never really thought much of it until I started to actually look at cars over the winter. I really thought about it and came up with what I admittedly found to be a ridiculous set of requirements: Not an import, V8, Common enough to have parts, but unique enough to stand out. I work in IT, and the only experience I have with cars is everything I've done on my own 2001 Corolla.
Turns out, an older lady we know was selling a '91 TBI Formula w/ 140k. Covered outside/garage kept its entire life, one owner, every receipt and record of services done on time, open checkbook towards maint. But it's been sitting the past year, ran when parked, etc. Bought it on the spot even though it didn't run. Got it home, cleaned out all the spiders and decaying plant matter, and figured out after a lot of help from this forum that the fuel pump was gone. I'm taking care of that next weekend but in the meantime I set out to do whatever I can in the meantime. So far, I've done the following:
Fuel filter, Replaced blown fuses, hood supports so I can ditch the stick I was using, new tail lights (old ones were cracked), new headlights, new battery, new injectors, rebuilt throttle body, wash/claybar/polish/wax, interior clean, cleaned out the engine bay. In the past 10,000 miles it's had a slew of new things put on it that I won't go into here. I'm super excited to finish bringing her up to spec and then slowly working my way into modifications.
Wow! Nice car man. You can tell it was really taken care of. A TBI car is usually pretty trouble free and excellent on gas also. Even with 3.73 gears I have got close to 26 mpg on long highway trips with mine. If I were to replace the fuel pump I would get one for a TPI car in case you want to bump your fuel pressure up with later mods you will already have that done.
Yeah, do you know what the LPH/PSI of the TPI pumps is? I might go for a walbro 255 just to be ready for anything, unless that's deemed overkill.
And about the cleanliness haha, Honestly there are some things you can't see too well, the clearcoat on the wheels is pretty bad on a couple of them, and I got a lovely surprise of water in the carpet in the rear pass. seat area from sitting out. The smell... I can't even describe.
Yeah, do you know what the LPH/PSI of the TPI pumps is? I might go for a walbro 255 just to be ready for anything, unless that's deemed overkill.
And about the cleanliness haha, Honestly there are some things you can't see too well, the clearcoat on the wheels is pretty bad on a couple of them, and I got a lovely surprise of water in the carpet in the rear pass. seat area from sitting out. The smell... I can't even describe.
Don't bother with the TPI pump.
Just go with a Walbro 255.
TPI fuel system is 43.5psi. Walbro 255 can output up to 70psi I think.
Great, thanks. I think the first order of business once she runs is going to be a new intake.. stock one is ridiculously rusty and I just flat out don't like it. I've read about TBI injector spacers to lift the injector housing up allowing better airflow to the plenum... is this actually something that's useful/worth it?
And she's off to have her fuel pump/sending unit done.. then I'll be driving her home! I really wanted to do it myself but other factors intervened but I'm getting it done for a generous rate. Look forward to seeing everyone out on the road!
SHE LIVES! Took her out today and noticed I must have looked like a drunk the way it was steering. Took a look at the steering components and there was leaked grease ALL over everything. Cleaned it all off, hooked up the grease gun and went to town. After that the steering's much much better.
Issues that have come up:
- Belt tensioner is wobbling. will need to be replaced.
- Rear drums don't appear to be working too well, if at all. Rear brake lines are in terrible shape as well.
- Started throwing a code 32 (EGR) halfway through the day intermittently.
In any case, I have no regrets joining the ranks of third gens. Loved every minute of driving.
Met Justin and saw the car in person tonight. Its definitely in excellent shape appearance wise.
Get some miles on the TBI, if it isn't eating oil, and run smooth then it will last a long time. Long enough for you to decide which direction you go for upgrades.
Also, it seems a great deal of car guys are IT guys during the day. Crazy how that works. We must be detail oriented then.
SHE LIVES! Took her out today and noticed I must have looked like a drunk the way it was steering. Took a look at the steering components and there was leaked grease ALL over everything. Cleaned it all off, hooked up the grease gun and went to town. After that the steering's much much better.
Issues that have come up:
- Belt tensioner is wobbling. will need to be replaced.
- Rear drums don't appear to be working too well, if at all. Rear brake lines are in terrible shape as well.
- Started throwing a code 32 (EGR) halfway through the day intermittently.
In any case, I have no regrets joining the ranks of third gens. Loved every minute of driving.
Good looking ride, my red 91 Formie 350 is awaiting a floor pan install, so I can finish the LS1 swap.
I would have someone you trust check out the front end for you. If that much grease leaked out and it got that much better, I would be suspect that its been like that awhile and you might have some parts ready to fail on you.
I would add replacing the TBI gasket as well, known item to be eaten on TBI vehicles.
04-14-2016, 08:36 PM
