Hey, I've got a question about the TPI 5.7 that hopefully someone can give me some insight on. I found a really nice 1989 Formula with the 5.7 in my area. Looks great, and i can afford it, but the thing is, the motors an original 350 and it's got 151k on it.

My question is, do you think this motor could hold out much longer? I know it depends on how it's been maintained for the past 20 years, but in general, is 151,000 miles a little too high to be dependable with this motor? I know I could just do a rebuild, but that wont be an option for a long long time. I'd need the motor to be dependable. The car is set for a real good price, but like I said a rebuild isnt an option for awhile, so it'd need to be somewhat reliable.

I dont mean to confuse as I know this isnt a yes or no questions, but out of experience and in general, is 151,000 a little too high to be expecting out of? I've heard stories of these lasting past 200,000 if taken care of, but I've also had a friend who had a 89 IROC 5.7 in which the motor died out at like 90,000 (Didnt beat on it very hard, but did drive it for what theyre know for . So generally if these motors are well maintained, should they still be going strong at this high mileage? Would you buy one with 151k?




Thanks for any help, really appreciate it,
Ryan

 

just do the reg. checks, check if it smokes, uses coolant, check oil pressure hot & cold, idle quality..yadda yadda.... these engines can run way over 15)K easily IF properly maintained .

 

Pretty much what he said. I have over 150k and my car is running great so far. Of course you'll have to put some money into like any old car. Its really a gamble! If it was taking care of, like oil changes, tune-ups and so on then go for it!!! Plus if you find one with low miles. probably gonna cost way more too!

 

You be surprised actually how hard it is to kill these motors. The motors are very dependable, mine is daily driven, even though i only have 80k on the clock right now. The trannys are what are the weakest link in these cars mainly. 700r4... go figure, there sucky transmissions unless there built right or been taken care of. I would just pay the 40 bucks to have the motor inspected by a local shop for any kinds of major issues they can tell you to watch out for or whats already wrong with the car.

 

So you guys think it's worth it? Heres the deal: I've got an 84 Trans Am right now. Great car, 120k original miles and 30k on a remanufactured 305. Good shape, very little rust. Thing is, when I got it, it got backed into in the driveway. Pass. fenders got a dent, and the front bumper got pushed a bit into the fender. (I started a thread on it here with pics, if you want to search it).

That happened in April, and since then Ive had absolutely no luck finding parts. Much less, it's cost more to get it the new fender and nose painted and I wouldnt be able to get a great match up job without spending alot of money. It's driving me crazy having to drive it like that, so I put it up for sale and I've got an offer for $2000. If I take the offer and get the cash, I can buy the Formula. 3 and 1/2 hour drive back from where it is though.

I'm just worried about the car giving out on me with al those miles. Like I said, the owner says its in good shope. 700r4 just flushed during the summer, and he says the motor only smokes a little bit at start-up. Not black smoke, says it doesnt use/burn any oil, probably just needs a decent tune-up.
I'd only be driving it for about another month before I took it off the road ( Refuse to drive it in the snow, and I have another running vehicle that I use when I need to. I'd like to not have to rely on my Grand Prix for a year if the Firebird gives out though haha).

All in all, you think I should go for it? If everything seems ok, you think this Bird will last me a decent amount longer? ( Plus it has the WS6 suspension, Headers and dual cats, a new Vortech cat-back, a new battery, and still has the AC! - after many many jobs on it I'm sure - but it gives me hope that the previous owners cared enough about it not to run it into the ground).

 

My car has over 180,000 miles on it. Its been through more transmissions than anything. The rear end just went out on it. It may have been rebuilt before but I don't know... You never know until you try it out. My 85 berlinetta had just over 200,000 miles on it when I bought it. stock carbed 305 never rebuilt. It was just taken care of well...