Ok, my dad's got a 1989 IROC-Z 305 TPI, 5-speed convertible (gotta love fast red convertibles) and the mechanic told him that he needs a tune-up to the tune of $500, and all it ended up being was just the Mass Air-Flow Sensor (which my friend pointed out). My question is, what is needed to do a tune-up to the car, it's having trouble starting up now and does need some work, although once it's up and moving, it drives like a dream and is quicker than sin.

If ya'll could plz post what all parts I would need, and what all I'd need to check, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

A basic tune up on a TPI car consist of
1)new cap and rotor
2)new plugs and wires
3)oil change
4)pcv valve
5)fuel filter
6)check TPS voltage
7)check timing
8)new O2 sensor
Performing these steps will give you a much easier start and a little more bang for the buck around too. Have fun

 

Im gonna go ahead and post tomps major tune-up since it's what I am currently in the process of doing and it's very detailed.

Tom P's Major Tuneup Info: 3rd gen (82-92) F-body series

Here's the Major Tuneup stuff- this covers alot more than a garage would do for you, and it'll wind up to be cheaper (or at least the same price)! First, buy a Haynes 82-92 Firebird (or 82-92 Camaro) manual.. they're about $15 from any auto parts store. I like them alot better than the Chilton's manuals (which aren't what they used to be 25 years ago). And of course, the ultimate manual is the GM Service Manual, available from http://www.helminc.com - I paid about $60 for mine back in 1994.

Replace: Distributor cap/rotor, spark plug wires (use aftermarket), spark plugs, air filter (use K&N replacements), PCV valve, fuel filter, engine oil/filter, auto trans fluid/filter (or manual trans gear lube), and rear axle gear lube (use limited slip additive if required). Check and reset the timing to stock specs (in Haynes manual). Check and reset the TV cable if you have an automagic (in Haynes manual). Do a lube job and get an alignment done- the car will go faster "easier" if the front wheels are straight. Buy a can of "Intake and Throttle Body Cleaner for Fuel Injected Engines" by Gumout (yellow or gray can, with a red cap), and follow the can's instructions to clean out your intake. DO NOT USE CARB/CHOKE CLEANER- this removes the protective coating fuel injected engines have. Put a bottle of injector cleaner or my "red magic" (STP Gas Treatment) into a full tank of good gas.

It's also a good idea to replace your coolant, check your brake fluid level and p/s fluid level, check the belts, and check your brakes while you're at it.