I own a 1983 Firebird SE... It needs a little work, which I'm going to do as soon as I get the insurance $ from my other car, which I just wrecked I had a 1990 Audi VE Quattro... and I had bought the Firebird as a favor to a friend and because I've always wanted a third gen... Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do with the car? I'll post pics as soon as I find them, along with the VIN if anyone really wants me to.

 

Sure; do a major tuneup. You can run through the usual "major tuneup" post of mine https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...threadid=62882 , with the following exceptions: The plugs should be gapped to 0.035", instead of 0.045". You have a "breather filter" inside the edge of the air cleaner that you should replace. If you have an automatic trans, it's the 200C instead of the 700r4 like 84-up V6's. (I don't know about manual trannies for that year.) Your timing spec is different than the 85-up fuel injected 2.8's, and should be listed on the emissions sticker located on the inside of your hood. Your fuel filter (Purolator A736C) is inside the carb; be careful not to bend the steel feed line too much when you remove the filter, otherwise, the new filter will be a btch to get back in. And of course, you can use carb/choke cleaner for your motor.

That'll put your engine & trans & rear axle in tune, and it'll be a much better "baseline" to start improving on. If your engine's not running at it's best, why put aftermarket parts on it?

 

IN YOUR CASE
Like the car?
get it Cheap?
here's what ya do.
GET A V-8!
Easy to install, no computers, NO electronics, add your tranny that you get the wrecked V-8 drive train from.
One thing.
MAKE SURE, due to YOUR STATE smog laws, you can swap from a V-6 to (83 & above) V-8 without any problems.
Unless that engine is in primo shape to even work on, dump it and get a V-8 swap over.
Enjoy the project!!
PS GM sells this kit, but uses a V8 car to start with. #10185077

 

Hey KED85,
I have an 84 SE. I also bought a pontiac 326 off a good friend. I already know about this motor, but what's your opinion? It's complete with the tranny and still running.

Take care,
Jon

 

Sell the 326 to a Pontiac resto freak.
It'll be better for both in the long run!
Make it easy for yourself and get a Chevy 350 & 700R4 Tranny.
Do it right and solid and have fun!
You only win in the end, but same suggestion, make sure you can smog it legal.

 

i found a used 350 tpi with computer for $850, and a used 305 tpi for $750, i might get either one, most likely the 350.