1989 Firebird Formula 350

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ttamrettus
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1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

I couldn't resist and had to purchase this car off Craigslist.

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Matt Sutter
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

I have the receipts for almost everything from the guy.

350 bored 0.030" over ( 355 )
Federal Mogul Summit Racing Premium engine kit $560
B&M Summit shift kit $38
Comp Cams roller rockers magnum steel $160
B&M Holeshot 2400rpm converter $370
BBK 58mm throttle body $335
AFR aluminum heads $1700
Hypertech Chip $201 (not installed)
Lakewood traction action lift bar lower control arms $315
subframe connectors
Accel Ignition Control module $51
MSD blaster coil $45
B&M shifter $172
Comp Cams 104224 $426
New radiator $131
New carpet set $250
misc weather stripping in bags/boxes ?

I put a new battery in the car and it cranks nice. It fired up for 2 seconds on ether. That was GOOD news. The gas tank has OLD OLD gas in it so I need to drop it and have it cleaned. The fuel pump appears to be dead too. The guy has an access panel in the rear hatch to get to the fuel pump part of the tank.

I'll get pictures when I can.
Matt Sutter
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TireSmoker
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by TireSmoker »

Damn dude, I think you got a smokin deal. There's a lot of good parts there.

But -- 72lb injectors? The ad says 72lb/hr, your receipt list says 24 lb/hr. Neither of those are the right size for that setup. I suspect that is half the reason it wont start. See this link: http://www.rceng.com/technical.aspx. At 500hp, you need a 39lb/hr injector.

When you get the pump out, take a good pic of it. I bought an in-tank pump from Summit a while back for one of my projects that I never used. I bet it would work for you.

That's a pretty mild cam, just a touch smaller than the GM Hot Cam. Could probably drive it everyday.

-Dave
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

Dave - How are these ?

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Matt Sutter
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TireSmoker
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by TireSmoker »

Gimme your address. This thing I have looks close enough to try. A while back at Summit, I bought an in-tank pump in the bargain section, said it was for a 96-97 Mustang Cobra. I'm willing to bet this could work for you.

-Dave
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

I am anxiously awaiting a fuel pump that Tiresmoker is donating. I guess I owe him some meals etc. at Carlisle 2014. I tried to hotwire the old pump to a small 12volt battery I had from a powerwheels and got a big fat NOTHING. So I am 100% sure the pump is toast.
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Basement Paul
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by Basement Paul »

That's the pump I have in my S-10. Mine is a 255lph, and I bet that's what kind of flow you need too. If Smokers won't work, there's a ton of them available aftermarket, and they're all made by Walbro and sold under different names.

Looks really cool. Good luck with it.

-BP
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by TireSmoker »

Fuel pump is in transit. Got it out late this afternoon. Fedex says 2 business days.

-Dave
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

Thanks. I'll let you know what happens.
Matt Sutter
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

I got TireSmoker's fuel pump and it looks like I can make it work. I removed the old fuel tank today and decided to replace the shocks and the sway bar bushings while I had the rear suspension apart. I located the "spin resistant rear end" label on the diff cover. I also located the 3.27 axle ratio tag on the diff cover. It is so amazingly clean under there is sick.
Matt Sutter
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

Yesterday the gas tank got dropped at the shop for inspection and cleaning.
Matt Sutter
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

Today I get a call from the radiator/gas tank shop and low and behold. The old tank has about a 100 tiny tiny weeping holes where the gas left acid/varnish in the tank and ate it's way into the steel. So I ordered a new tank. it should be here later this week. Then to test the sending unit and install everything.
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by Blue_69_malibu »

To put things in perspective, just those AFR heads and your tranny are worth what you paid for.....EVERYTHING.

Well bought, as they on TV at the auctions......
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

Blue_69_malibu wrote:To put things in perspective, just those AFR heads and your tranny are worth what you paid for.....EVERYTHING.

Well bought, as they on TV at the auctions......
Thanks. I was hoping I got a deal, it seemed like one in my head. Although I really hated to push the Roadmaster to the side. I really want to get it running.
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ttamrettus
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Re: 1989 Firebird Formula 350

Post by ttamrettus »

New gas tank arrived today. I also came across 4 WS6 rims and centers for $100. Hopefully installation and pictures will follow tomorrow.
Matt Sutter
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