Question for the Firebird enthusiasts! I have an 85 Firebird, stock 2.8, auto tranny! Recently purchased..have a couple of questions!
First off, does this vehicle have a computer chip for performance? If so, how do you change it?
Also, I have had a big problem with the car being gutless..no power, sounds and feels like a backfire on accelleration (unless I barely touch the pedal and creep into traffic).
Major vibration at 45 mph, tires have been balanced and check out fine, could the wheels be causing a major shake in the front end? or would it be a suspension problem?
I know, alot of questions for a newbie!
I was also told that I would be able to gain about 45 horses if I swapped for a 3.4 long block and put my efi onto it. Would that fit this car?
Help if you can!
Thanks,
John

 

Computer chip: http://www.jetchip.com/domestic/chip.cfm?id=31
-I'm sure it comes with instructions, i havnt personally installed one, so i dont want to give any bad instructions.

As far as the lack of power... have you checked the timing? if so, was the EST unplugged when you checked it? that made a BIG difference in my camaro.

As far as vibration, check for loose suspension components and so on, many things could cause this. The most common one is the wheels not being balanced, but you said you already had that done. Maybe check alignment?

The 3.4L swap has been done by several people on this board (52 maybe?). I am personally planning to do it this summer, and it will gain alot of power from what i have heard. There is a tech article with detailed instructions thanks to KED85:
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...apboogie.shtml

 

I wouldnt spend the money on the jetchip. Either find someone to burn you one, or leave it alone.

3.4 swap will net you about 25-30 horse, but about 45lb of torque.

Lack of power compared to what? Your engine is almost 20 years old, and will lack some power from what it was stock. But give it a GOOD tune up (search tomp tune up), check/replace timing chain. While doing the tune-up, pay the few extra buxs USUALLY for the performance part.

Vibration, front tires? Bent rim, out of alignment, ball joint bad, wheelbearing bad, bad shock/strut, bent part, could be MANY things. If your not experinced in automotive, I suggest you might want to take to an alignment shop, and pay them extra to inspect every part.

welcome to TGO

 

XSVortex and Dale...Thanks for your many words of advice! I greatly appreciate it!
Now that I have a good starting point, I can now figure out exactly what I want done to this car..Many thanks again guys!
John

 

Serious tuneup needed, it sounds like! Timing chain, brass cap/rotor, wires, plugs (AC-Delcos), oxygen sensor, and check the maf (tap on it while idling - if it stumbles, you need a new one).

Start with those small things.