Last minute checks
 

Hey everyone! It looks like my firebird is ready to hit the road. I have spent the last year fixing it up. I plan on registering it next week. Im just nervous about driving it for the first time. Everything seems well when its in the driveway, but Im worried it may leave me stranded. What are some last minute check ups I should do before driving it? Remember, 89k miles.This is what I have done so far,

New...
Spark plugs w/wires
air filter
oil filter
fuel filter
brake pads
brake cylinder (drum)
Water pump
Radiator and cap
PCV valve
Radiator hoses
Radiator
180 degree thermostat w/ gasket
Thermostat housing
Alternator
Tranny fluid
Tranny pan gasket
All fuses
Cooling fan relay
Belts

Changed the oil when I got the car, sea foamed the engine, flushed the cooling system and i did a cooling system pressure test, no leaks. The motor doesnt knock, rattle or make any funny noises. Never died when I had it idling.

Ill just drive it around the block for 5 minutes so I can start trusting it. Anything else I should do? Thanks.

Re: Last minute checks
 

just drive and enjoy!!!! i personally after having lots of old cars never asume to be able to make it anywhere and always expect to need the tow truck. that way when i get somewhere i feel beter and its all good, or if i break down well s*@t happens ...... its all a mind set ;-)

Re: Last minute checks
 

id drive it around the block a few times, to make sure it warms up to operating temp. then get it out where you can do cruising speeds for a bit, like a nearby highway. that way you get a feel for all conditions.

Re: Last minute checks
 

My firebird has 150000 miles and it never leaves me stranded and its never had any thing nothing done to it, it has the factory spark plug. So it sould be fine.

Re: Last minute checks
 

You'll be fine. The only thing I can suggest is dumping in a can of 'Restore'. The only time my 'maro died on me is when the battery terminals got so corroded it lost contact. I have screw-in terminals from a '92 now.

Re: Last minute checks
 

if youre talking "factory" plugs as in the original plugs that it drove off the car lot with, theres no way, even if theyre platinum plugs, that starts pushing the envelope. they may be factory brand, but not original. you wouldnt have an electrode left to run on at that kind of mileage. just need clarification on that.

Re: Last minute checks
 

Thanks guys, I feel better now. I just insured it and now im waiting to register it. Woo! Cant wait.

Re: Last minute checks
 

Sorry off topic question. Does that restore stuff work? I have been wondering if it was worth to send a couple of cans into my car.

Re: Last minute checks
 

Yeah I was wondering the same thing.

Re: Last minute checks
 

Update! I took it out tonight for a spin and for the most part, im impressed. Drove for 5 mins and it didint die on me....lol Some things i have noticed, steering wheels a bit loose, shifting from 2 to 3 had a bit of a delay and rattling exhaust under heavy acclerationg. Keep in mind, car has been sitting for 2 years, so it may need a re-break in...lol

Re: Last minute checks
 

your "rattling exhaust under heavy load" may be spark knock, you may wanna have that checked out. see if it does that in park or neutral just by revving the engine, if not, you have spark knock, and that is VERY bad for the engine.

Re: Last minute checks
 

It rattles when im in N or park as well. I almost sure its the exhaust because i wiggled the exhaust pipe and its a bit loose.

Re: Last minute checks
 

The 2-3 shift flare is a common problem with the early 27 spline and v6 th700's. Easy fix, just swap in an LT1/corvette servo. Here's a thread with a list of things I did to my '85 th700 to get it ticking better. -> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...ly-th700s.html

Re: Last minute checks
 

Cool thanks...the real question is how easy would it be to swap the servo? What steps does it involve?

Re: Last minute checks
 

Pretty easy, just pop off the servo cover, pull out the old one, pop in the new one & o-ring and refill the tiny bit of oil it dribbles out. Only hard part is cramming your hands between the trans tunnel and the trans to get it out.