1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:41 pm

Let's start with the power windows. Yes it has 'em, but the doors don't come from the factory with speakers in them. The speakers are located in the dash pad in the front and in the rear on the door pillars behind the seats. I believe I have Infinity 6x9's for the rear speakers (I still have to check on their whereabouts).

I will be happy to give you the Sony CD and tape units that fit the car. If you know a good repair guy, it may make sense to get it fixed again. I don't really remember the exact symptoms at this time. I think I may even have the power amp I had mounted under the driver's seat. I removed that also.

If it's all the same to you, I think I'll just leave the entertainment part of this project to you, Matt. I'll just take the easy way out on this project and put the stock radio back in for the trip. I'll throw in the Sony and you can decide what you want to do later.

TheRookie · Post by **TheRookie** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:57 pm

Completely up to you and we have plenty of time. I'll have to spend that money sooner or later and I'd rather do it on a new unit that fixing an old one. That comes with a full install kit, so it might make life a little easier and you'd have a CD for the trip. I guess it all comes down to what's still laying around, etc. Just let me know. Here's what it comes with:

http://www.crutchfield.com/popups/offer ... erID=10008

TheRookie · Post by **TheRookie** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:23 pm

Well, I just bought my first performance part(s) for my car. I was just randomly checking eBay and found the correct Hypertech chip for my year car (they vary quite a bit). And even better, this is the stage 2 chip and comes with themostats (160 and 180). And the best of it all?? It was only $20 plus $11 shipping. Those are around $200 new (and it was never used). Should be good for around 20-40HP. Sweet!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0214959515

I almost hate to post since I think BP's thread is way more exciting (congrats!). But I'll need that chip if I want to try and catch up to him

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:54 pm

Well, Rookie, the Bird already has the SLP intake runners and cold air box kit along with the K&N air filter. The new chip should complement these nicely.
Sorry about no updates lately. I've been real busy dealing with my daughter's problems in Atlanta. Things should be cooling off in the next few weeks so that I can have a few spare minutes to focus on the things I like to do (like your Firebird). I have been starting her up and taking her out for short runs every week or so. She is still doin' just fine.

Basement Paul · Post by **Basement Paul** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:24 pm

Nice find on the hypertech stuff, that's WAY cheap for those, and should be good for a tenth or two. For $20, that's CHEAP performance, and like Walt says, will work well with the other parts already on the car. Keep in mind that after the chip, it's premium fuel all the time though, and if you plan to drive it in the winter at all, you'll have very little heat with the 160 thermostat (I had one in my '87 for awhile- brrrrrr).

-BP

TheRookie · Post by **TheRookie** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:42 pm

I'm used the to premium fuel all the time anyway with the TB SS. So no big deal. And the Firebird will never see snow and likely little rain. So the heater issue doesn't count either. And since I got such a good deal on the chip, it's more likely that I might get the exhaust done this year - especially if I can find a good deal on headers.

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:14 am

You can save your money on the headers. She's already wearing headers. If memory serves me correctly, they are Edelbrock's.

Basement Paul · Post by **Basement Paul** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:39 am

WXO, does the Firebird have an aluminum driveshaft?

-BP

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:37 am

No, does it need one?

Basement Paul · Post by **Basement Paul** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:28 pm

Yes, all third gen F-bodies need aluminum driveshafts. Rookie, I have a line on an aluminum driveshaft for that car. For something under $100, I'm sure Camaro Bob would relinquish posession of his (used to be mine). There's another tenth faster...

-BP

MostMint · Post by **MostMint** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:59 pm

wxo wrote:No, does it need one?

As much as it needs the chip and headers I reckon

TheRookie · Post by **TheRookie** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:33 pm

Gotta like making things faster with just electrons. Good call on the driveshaft. I'll chat with Bob.

In reality, it makes for a good question. WXO, what would you think is next on that car? BP seemed to think only headers were done, but not cat back. Still running the original 3.27 gear on that BW 9-bolt? Stall converter? K&N filter or full CAI? Just some guesses. I know you've done a lot.

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:59 am

Headers, yes
Cat-back, no
BW 9 bolt 3.27, yes
K&N with CAI, yes (SLP)
Converter, ??? (I know at one time I had a 1900 stall converter in her, I think it was put back to stock (1700 I believe) when the tranny was rebuilt)

ttamrettus · Post by **ttamrettus** » Fri May 16, 2008 5:57 pm

BUMP.

Any new developments?

wxo · Post by **wxo** » Fri May 16, 2008 9:07 pm

Nothing new. I've been tied up on many other things. I take her out for a spin every two weeks or so. That's about it.