I just bought a 1991 Firebird 3.1L V6 4 Speed Automatic with Overdrive.

I've done all my own work on all my cars before. Nothing too major though. Changing radiators, calipers, etc.

I've got to identify the transmission and fuel system in my car before I can start learning more, my car didn't come with any paperwork. I don't have the VIN handy either without going outside to get it, so it'll have to wait until morning.

I think a swap to a V8 might be too much for me but I want to do any V6 upgrades I can. The car has 77k miles and drives great. Has a knock in the engine which sounds like it might be a rod bearing, which is bad. I don't know how I could fix that.

 

welcome to the site

ok your car should have (came stock with) a 700 r4 automatic tranny, the fuel system is a mpfi (multi port fuel injection) speed density system.

any other questions feel free to ask

 

Ok. I figured it was MPFI because that's what I remember reading when I first bought the car (about a month ago)

What are the first and best things to do to the car?

 

Welcome aboard! Those v6 engines can take a fair bit. Assuming you get that knock taken care of, your next step should be to upgrade the intake and exhaust. Those eninges love to get more air, so do some searching and devise a custom intake that you like.

Oh, and if you give anyone your VIN number, dont forget to make up or x out the last 6 digits.

 

OH!! YOU HAVE A KNOCK!?!?!.....at least yours doesnt sound like a deisel truck.... ignore me im weird

 

Welcome. I surprised to hear of a 77K motor with rod knock. These motos are notoriously hard to kill for the most part. I know I trashed on my 2.8L several times before I swapped in the 3.4. If I were you, I'd go ahead and start hunting a 3.4 replacement. Swapping over is a cake walk, and should take you about 2 days to do. Motor should last you a long time after that. I don't hear of any 60 degree V6's with rod knock...interesting.

 

ok, 1st things 1st. find out fore sure if the sound is a knock. once you know you are going to keep the engine it's time for the all inclusive TOMP Tune Up™ . a link to it can be found HERE

WOW, it took me like fifteen minutes of searching for that. somone make that a sticky somwhere.....

 

I agree the tomp tuneup is best thing to start with.

I would really start looking into the knock also. Either have it rebuilt, or swap in a 3.4 which is a bit time consuming, but not hard to do. Only special tool it takes is an engine hoist.

Welcome to the boards. If you think its a commen question, it prob is so use the search button. If you cant find it after about 5-10 min of hunting, just ask.

Welcome to the boards.

 

Welcome to the forums! If you want the best paperwork, check out the sale at http://www.helminc.com to get the original factory service manual for a heck of a discount! You can also buy the original owners manual from them too, if ya want that. I bought both back in 1994 and it was $75, $60 for the service manual and $15 for the owners manual.

 

i bought both about a week ago and spent 46.95 after shipping.30 for the service manual and 10 for the owners book. the rest is shipping