Hey Fellas

New guy here. Have been thinking about getting a car that will get better mileage than I have now. Looking at an 1987 Firebird. Graphics at the bottom of the doors reads Formula 500 LE . Seller said it is a 2.8l and has fuel injection. Also,that it needs a fuel pump. Started it up a couple times, it runs for a few seconds then dies. Oil pressure comes up to 45psi when the engine runs. It has a 5speed trans. The body is pretty good, interior needs some help. All, in all not too bad of a car, for its age and price.

What eles should I look for on this car(pitfalls)? About what kind of gas mileage can I expect, if the car runs well?

Hilljack

 

Just to let you know, there are no formula firebirds with any size v6, so if it's a 2.8, it's nothing more than some stickers on the door. absolutely nothing special, and nothing worth spending extra on, there is no Limited Edition to my knowledge for '87.

To answer some of your questions, i have heard of 30ish if handled gently on the 2.8 V6s, and for pitfalls, rotting behind the door ahead of the wheel, floor rot, front strut mounts rusting/rotting. I think that about sums it up. Just make sure it's a clean body. If i was to assume that your from New Mexico (NM??), the car shouldn't be all that bad, and if it's a 5 speed v6, it won't be terrible on gas. Have fun dropping that gas tank to change the fuel pump though, lol.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, New Mexico, the body looks rust free. Will check out the points you brought up, though.

Hilljack