I'm working on getting an 85 firebird with a 2.8L V6 running smothly again I was wondering what type of fluids were suggested.

 

Any DOT4 or DOT3 brake fluid.
Plain jane antifreeze/coolant - Green "Prestone Extended Life coolant" in the *YELLOW* jug works fine.
Any dino - 5w30 up north, 10w30 down south (GA, FL, SoCAL, TX) - or if your very high mileage without a rebuild - 10w40. Personal preference really, I would not use synthetic except after a rebuild on an 85. All the wear has already happened...
Dexron/Mercon III or IV - any brand for the tranny
Find out if you have a posi rear (pull the cover) - to determine if you need limited slip additive. Otherwise any brand differential oil.
PS fluid isn't critical.
I use chevron 87 gas in my 89 firebird.

 

Thanks the only other thing that the car needs is a new battery, alternator, and belts (the car has been sitting for a while) but the car does run and I only payed $500 for it and does anyone have any other suggestions on things to check

 

I'd stay away from ANY parafin based oil, I freakin hate quaker state (hell more like sludge city) I prefer castrol GTX (and when needed GTX High Mileage) rear diff oil, go lucas. trans fluid I really don't have a favorite. power steering and brake fluid doesn't matter, just as long as it's in there. spark plugs (I know you didn't ask) bosch platinums with accel wires. If you ever have to replace any gaskets GO FEL-PRO I refuse to use anything besides FEL-PRO gaskets, I've never had a failure from them. These are the tricks to keeping a motor running like new.

PS if the tranny has a slight slip or leak, use some Lucas trans fix and conditioner, this stuff is as thick as molasses and is the only reason my buick even moves.

Peace!

 

well hopefully you checked everything out before you bought it

like how the trans fluid looks and smells, and so forth

do a basic tuneup and change the trans fluid, flush the cooling system, check the brakes out see how worn they are, replace whats needed, im sure the rears are worn out or damn near it

as they usually always are on stuff this old



good luck

 

I did give the car a good look over, and started the engine (to make sure it would) before i pulled out the check book i haven't gotten the car here because the guy i bought it off of is getting married tomorrow so he's been busy and i have only payed half of the price so far, but as soon as the car gets here I'm going to give it a full tune up (as suggested at the top of the V6 thread) and then ill get a new tranny (manual preferably) and get posi put in.

Thank for the suggestions.

 

I'll make sure to keep my progress posted here looking forward to this

 

Im looking into getting a T56 Transmission but im not sure what to look for to make sure it will work with my V6 . Can I get some input on weather it would work or not, or where/ how to figure out if it will?

Thanks in advanced

 

If im correct, the T-56 is a v8 only tranny. I believe the M5 is what you need. Someone correct me if im wrong.

 

Im looking for a tranny that i can get some speed out of but at the same time not over work the engine. Any suggestions?

EDIT: I am also wanting it to be a manual that i can modify later (I like to tinker and tweak until i like each part)

 

As of right now, the only one that fits is the stock BG WC-T5. Someone on here was checking into getting things built to adapt the t56 to it, but its not done yet. As well, this person has ALOT more power then most on this board.

 

what is the rear axle ratio for an 85 firebird i cant seem to find it.
i ll post what gear ratios are for the custom tranny im wanting to get

 

the t56 can be made to fit with an adapter plate,but its not worh it imo unless ur putting dowwn some serious power,cause it is a very exspensive swap due to the fact u need a custom one off clutch disk,bellhousing,and u still have to buy or buiold ur own cross member.
i played with the idea for my car but its just really to exspensive.

 

I'm planning to just custom build a tranny and see how it goes but ill still have the auto to fall back on but i need the rear end ratio to tune the gears the way i want them I've been researching and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. if some one could help me out with the ratio it would be appreciated. requested!

 

as long as the rear is original and noone changed the gear ratio u have 3:42 gears.both the auto and stick in 85 got 3:42's

 

I finally got the car and have had a chance to look it over really good and for now Im not going to do a lot of work to it. For now im doing the tune up but other than that im leaving it alone, it runs great, i need to look at the starter, its acting up
thanks for all the help

 

I checked the number on my rear axle against the haynes Repair Manual 82-92 and it didn't mach up with any of them could you help me? the code id 9J C C155 2 Thanks