Hi,

Since there is no "hey I have a new ride" forum here and I have a few questions anyway, I will also use this topic as a small introduction

During the last few months I've read a few hundred topics in various sub forum and got my "new" Trans Am shortly before christmas (had a V6 of the same year during my college years and I've missed it ever since. Everything which could break, actually did so on that car and nonetheless it was just sooo much fun! --> keep in mind any Firebird/Camaro is rather exotic here in middle Europe )

My car is a 1989 305 V8 with a good service history and good paint (was completely re-done around 5 years ago by the previous owner, also the engine was rebuilt and maintained nicely, all invoices still available etc and I've got a one year warranty from the dealer on top of that) --> I got rid of the wheels since I didn't like them and want some nice original ones

The only issue I have is an idle problem ("Ternandes" was really a great help for me and gave me a lot of valuable tips to look for as soon as the weather gets better, thanks again! )

Now to the actual topic:

I want to make a order in spring/summer from sites like hawk's, summit, Rockauto ... to get the most common needed stuff for maintenance, must have's etc (it's not that easy to get some parts here in Austria or to ridiculous prices ) and would really appreciate your comments/opinions --> I'm aware that anything can break any time but I want to avoid losing a few summer weekends due to a missing sensor for 10 dollars

My list so far:
-IAC
-Wonder Bar (maybe)
-Air Filter
-o2 sensor
-spark cables
-Belts
-new battery tray (mines rusted a little bit, the only rust I've yet encountered)
-Air Filter (maybe)
-ICM (thanks @OrangeBird)
-Ignition Cap and Rotor
-suspension bushing kit (for a bigger haul over)
-203FF bearings
-Spare headlights
-wheel bearings

Any other sensors, maintenance parts I should get "just in case"? (for stuff that easily and often breaks)

 

By far , the single most common "It ran fine yesterday and now is stone dead" component would be the ICM (Ignition Control Module) . As you likely know , this is mounted in the distributor and is cooled by "thermal paste" (sometimes called "thermal compound") which transfers the module's heat to the mounting place on the distributor . The thermal compound that comes with replacement modules is garbage , so when you buy your new spare ICM , take the little tube of goo that comes with it and put it in the trash . Then go to any reputable electronics supply store and get some of the good stuff like the serious computer builders use . Using the better thermal paste in all ICMs I install , I have never , EVER , had a replacement ICM fail .......


PS , Congratulations on your new ride and welcome to TGO !

 

Have added it to my list --> Thanks!

 

Cap and rotor, you might never need it but it would suck to have your fuel pump go out.
Maybe you could get extra stuff you don't need and sell them were you live. If your feeling like a project than a suspension bushing kit is fairly cheep and would be a great maintenance item to install. No mater how well a car is taken care of 25 year old suspension bushings will have seen better days.

 

A couple 203FF bearings. GM used em for a ton of stuff in the accessory drive, including the alternator front and the idler pulleys.

 

Thanks Guys, have added the items to my list!

 

Spare headlights, spare ICM (Already mentioned), extra serpentine belt (already mentioned), wheel bearings, inner and outer, full eletronics repair kit (wire cutter, crimper, cimp splices/solder splices, solder gun).

Specialty tool kit that you carry with you. This is a set of screw-drivers, torx drivers, wrenches, sockets that you use on your car. These are only the most common ones, so not a full kit. This way if something does happen on the road, in your trunk you have a few small parts and the hand tools to hopefully get you going again.

Also, a Chevy S-10 spare tire, fully inflated will fit where our spare tires normally go. That might be helpful as well.

Lastly, since you are in Europe, I'd suggest getting a hold of Robin Grey in London. He runs a shop called "AutoPontiac" where he does all Camaro/Firebird and other american car related repairs. He can get anything. Might be easier for him to get and mail to you than to order from the states. Just a thought.


AutoPontiac

Hope this helps!

 

Nice, thanks a lot for that tip, never heard of this shop, I will check it out!

 

You know a spare parts car would just about fix all your needs

 

Also thought about that and if I come across one with the right parts/from the right year I may be really tempted (have more than enough space to store one) but if I would have to give you an estimate I don't think that there are more than a few hundred 3rd gens (Camaro and Firebird combined) in Austria, maybe even a lot less. You really never see any around and only a handful of 4th gens...

For sure I see a lot more maserati quattroporte's around than any Trans Ams

So it seems like the Internet is the best way for now
(just got a nice set of tail - lights and a really nice set of GTA rims for a good price^^)