I got an 2.8l 89 firebird with only 80K miles...just bough it like 2 weeks ago...but I got a problem...

Its kind of hard to start it:

The guy I bough it from said It had not been started in about 2 months

-the engine rotates but takes a while to start...usually about 3 tries and holding each one for about 3-5 seconds...pumping the gas seems to help a little...Also when car is running and I turn it off...IT STRATS RIGHT UP everytime (I assume engine is still hot)...but after a couple hours or so of cooling off...It takes a while to start again
when started...engine sounds good...and tranny shifts fine...but when I start going and press the accelerator...there is a little clicking/knocking noise ( seems to be coming from the manifold or gasket area)

I have yet to do a tune up on it...which I hope will fix problem ...spark plugs...my friend told me my timing was probably off or maybe the gas filter was clogged

 

Get a fuel pressure gauge on it and monitor fuel pressure while the car is off. It should hold fairly steady. It kinda sounds like you have injector leak down. Just a first thought off the top of my head.

 

If that was the problem...how would i fix that?? replace injectors???

 

That clicking is probably an exhaust manifold leak. Sometimes the heads of the exhaust bolts would break off after years of cold-hot-cold heat cycling. If you have a broken off exhaust manifold bolt or a leaking manifold, it will produce a sound that some think sounds like ticking.

It could also be a rocker arm ticking under high power. You did say that it did this when you took off, didn't you?

 

It ticks/clicks EVERY TIME when I accelerate ...everytime I press the gas

If what you are saying is right...Is there something wrong with rdriving it like that? what effects does it have on the car?

 

You would either have to replace your injectors or have them cleaned. And I agree with the ticking, its most likely a broken exhaust manifold bolt....or more. Not uncommon w/ our cars in higher mileage. The most notable effects are decreased fuel economy, same with having leaky injectors

 

If you need new injectors or just want yours cleaned we will be more than happy to help.
We provide 24 hr. turnaround from the time we receive the injectors, with a before and after flow sheet.

www.southbayfuelinjectors.com