Hey, I just looked at a 92 Firebird with the 3.1L V6. It looked real nice and seemed to run good. It's got 114k miles but they only want $1800 for it. I'm looking for a new Firebird since my 86 is almost dead. I'm just wondering if there are any known common problems with the 92 3.1L. It's also got a few minor mods done to it, catback exhaust, cold air intake, and a chip.

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1986 Firebird
2.8l V6 MPFI
Cold Air Intake
K&N Filters

 

From what I've heard, fuel injectors get weak around that time. Other than that, I haven't had any problems with my car. My car just passed 106,000 miles. Try to get his price down!

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1992 RS 3.1L Bone Stock

"Yeah, it's a V6 SO WHAT!?"

 

If he has never replaced the injectors have him take sevral hundred off the price. mine are starting to gone and once in a while the car wont start. It was a problem strait from the factory. Once in a while they just wont kick in. You have to total disengage the ignition (pull the key) and try agian. 9.5 time out of 10 this works for me. I guesee i should just replace the dam things.

 

BtchnRS, that might be your fuel pump, too. It might not be able to hold pressure (the pump primes when you first turn the key to run). Do you "jump the key"? As in, going right from "off" to "crank"? That's not giving the fuel pump enough time to build pressure. If I do that, my car will crank all night and not start! Next time, turn the key from "off" to "run"- where all your dash lights come on. You should hear a "buzzzzz" from the fuel tank area, which will shut off after about 3 seconds. When the "buzzz" stops (or after three seconds), turn the key from "on" to "crank" and see if it starts easier.

My injectors were fine right up to the 180,000 mile mark- and that's when I swapped them for cleaned/flowtested ones. I haven't heard of any problems with the 3.1's... they have the speed density airflow system, which is less "fragile" than the MAF design. Plus, if it's got an automatic trans, the 91-up 700r4's (and 4L60's) were the best design- GM finally got 'em right.



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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

TomP,

I let fuel pump prime before I start. I found out shortly after I got the car that I needed to do this. A week after I had it I ran the tank prety low on fuel and thought the car died. Well when you have no fuel you don't get any ware. After I tanked up I still could start the car. I fustration I stoped turning the key and I heard the buzzing when it stoped I tried again and bang the strated with no prob's. Just my story stupidity.

Here is the information I got on the 1992 RS from www.carpoint.com . it looks like both V6 and V8 had some problems with the injectors. Mine have been on my car about 157,000 miles. So I wouldn't doubt that they are all crudy and trying to give up on life.

CEngine Common problems on this vehicle are failures of the Coolant Fan Temperature Switch (VIN E TBI-V8 engine only), the Fuel Injectors (V6 engine only) and the Electronic Control Module (ECM), and a periodic problem is failure of the Fuel Injectors (PFI-V8 engine only). Failures of the Fuel Injectors may prevent the vehicle from starting.The cost to repair the Coolant Fan Temperature Switch is estimated at $9.00 for parts and $19.50 for labor.The cost to repair the Fuel Injectors (V6 engine) is estimated at $126.00 each for parts (total of 6) and $175.50 for labor.The cost to repair the ECM is estimated at $134.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor.The cost to repair the Fuel Injectors (PFI-V8 engine) is estimated at $134.00 each for parts (total of 8) and $338.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

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Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

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Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

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Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

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Heating & Air Conditioning This vehicle was originally charged with R-12 refrigerant which is no longer being manufactured. The refrigerant is still available, but it is very expensive ($25.00-$50.00 per pound, 2-5 pounds per vehicle). Conversion to the new R-134A refrigerant is possible, at an average cost of about $100-$250 parts and labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

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Starting & Charging An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Ignition Lock Cylinder. This failure will prevent the vehicle from starting.The cost to repair the Ignition Lock Cylinder is estimated at $50.00 for parts and $97.50 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

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Accessories An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Temperature Gauge Circuit.The cost to repair the Temperature Gauge Circuit is estimated at $1.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

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Well I must say my injectors have 106k and are fine... But that 100 plus for conversion to 134 is a crock. I did mine for about 55 bucks.

 

I have 160+ on my engine, no problems. 1800 for a 92 model is a very good price. Grab it.

 

Why you guys using R-134a when the is R-414B it is 20% more efficent the R-134a and 12% more efficent then R-12. It's called HotShot and sells for $6 bucks for 16oz. REAL nice stuff to work with.

 

If i rember right the the R-12 system can't go to the R-414B system with out replacing dam near everything including the compresor. With R-134a you just need to make sure the system is empty and replace a few fittings. you can pick up a R-134a conversion kit for about $39, and it comes with the charge and oil. Not a bad price I'm waiting until winter to do it. Just in case I screw something up I don't have to do with out it. It regularly hits 100 degres ware I live.

As far as the injectors. I have some who have had simalar problems and some that do not. I must the luck of the draw, but it was a big enough of a problem to be noted.

 

I don't think much has changed from the 90 to 92. My 90 has ~155,000 still running strong. I've replaced the alternator about 6 time in it life time. Havn't had any problems with the injectors. $1800 is a good price. I'm trying to sell mine for more.

 

Oh, wow, thanks for that info, Btchn'! I didn't know this was actually documented somewhere... too bad they don't list my year of Firebird.

Hey would that injector info be a recall, or in a technical service bulletin?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

Tomp, where did u send it (injectors) and how much did it cost you, and how long were they gone from?