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Tom P's Major Tuneup Info: 3rd gen (82-92) F-body series

Here's the Major Tuneup stuff- this covers alot more than a garage would do for you, and it'll wind up to be cheaper (or at least the same price)! First, buy a Haynes 82-92 Firebird (or 82-92 Camaro) manual.. they're about $15 from any auto parts store. I like them alot better than the Chilton's manuals (which aren't what they used to be 25 years ago). And of course, the ultimate manual is the GM Service Manual, available from http://www.helminc.com - I paid about $60 for mine back in 1994.

Replace: Distributor cap/rotor, spark plug wires (use aftermarket), spark plugs, air filter (use K&N replacements), PCV valve, fuel filter, engine oil/filter, auto trans fluid/filter (or manual trans gear lube), and rear axle gear lube (use limited slip additive if required). Check and reset the timing to stock specs (in Haynes manual). Check and reset the TV cable if you have an automagic (in Haynes manual). Do a lube job and get an alignment done- the car will go faster "easier" if the front wheels are straight. Buy a can of "Intake and Throttle Body Cleaner for Fuel Injected Engines" by Gumout (yellow or gray can, with a red cap), and follow the can's instructions to clean out your intake. DO NOT USE CARB/CHOKE CLEANER- this removes the protective coating fuel injected engines have. Put a bottle of injector cleaner or my "red magic" (STP Gas Treatment) into a full tank of good gas.

It's also a good idea to replace your coolant, check your brake fluid level and p/s fluid level, check the belts, and check your brakes while you're at it.

Call Summit Racing at 800-230-3030 for a free catalog, then you can pick and choose a spark plug wire set and get your K&N air filter(s). (You can also find this stuff through their website, at http://www.summitracing.com , but it's not as thorough as the catalog.) When you leaf thru the catalog, you WON'T SEE any parts listed for a 2.8l v6 - you need to call them and ask them for part #'s/availablility. (Same goes with exhaust, etc.) If you're like me, and can't want to wait for the catalog in the mail, call them and order one anyway! Then, go to their website, at http://www.summitracing.com , look up their ignition wires, decide on a brand, and give them a call for a part # and price.

But definately do a tuneup first... you'll see the best improvment from the "fun" parts when your car is in good running condition.

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

use Accel cap,rotor,and plug wires. they are for high performance applications. i have always used them and i see a minor increase in horse power.

 

awesoem thanks dude, as soon as i get my next paycheck i will do it, ill let you know what the outcome is

 

Tom always posts good stuff!
I have always used Liquid Gumout in the White plastic bottle. Since 1978. Never a problem on any of my fuel injected engines. Whenever I do a smog check, I use two bottles of that stuff (in carb applications and fuel injection applications) and preminum gas. ALWAYS WORKS!
BUT, I never had any luck with STP gas treatment stuff.
My only feedback.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

K&n makes oil filters too. I saw them at advance auto in my town. My friend also has one on his 1987 firebird with a 2.8. It cost him around $10. go for 20w50 motor oil too. Its for high performance applications.

 

I don't know about the 20W50 stuff, man, I don't think we need oil that thick in the engine.

Plus, here's something you'll like, v6camaroman! Next time, don't put on a short oil filter. Your car's spec'd for the Ac/delco PF47... go after the Ac/Delco PF52. It's twice as long, and thus holds an extra 1/2 quart of oil- and you get twice the filtering area. If you go into an auto parts store and need a cross-reference for another brand (like Purolator), look up a 90-92 Camaro/Firebird with the 3.1 engine. GM started to spec the PF52 for the 2.8's in 1988, and continued the spec for the 3.1's.



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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!