faster but inexpensive

Asked by Phoenix2023 Nov 02, 2018 at 08:51 AM about the 1985 Pontiac Firebird SE

Question type: Car Customization

i have 1985, not much to it, needs a carburetor and valve covers before i can even see if it will start.  if i decide to GO with it, what should be done in order of importance , cold air intake, headliner, paintjob, new tires, wheels, something to make it fast, redo seats (rough but driveable)  ??? blower ? supercharger ? new spark plugs? change oil, has no radio,  something to make it fast ???   it has been sitting for 2 years, had a raccoon living under the hood.        (:

2 Answers

26,835

What engine does it have? That will make a big difference in how much it will take to make it "faster". I believe that the 85 SE was powered mostly with the LB8 V6. Not a real powerhouse of an engine but adequate. Doing things to it would not get you where I think you want to go. If it has the 5 liter GM engine of the same vintage, the options are much better. Is it fuel injected or does it have throttle body injection? Anyway, the best, and least expensive things, you can do to assess its power needs would be to get it running after changing all fluids like oil (and filter), trans fluid, coolant, PS fluid, and rear end lubrication. Check the air filter and replace it if it appears clogged. Things like spark plugs, ignition wires, dist cap, etc. will depend on how well it starts up and runs. Then you can go into serpentine belt condition, brake fluid, clutch oil (if its a manual trans), front end lubrication, tire condition and pressure, and battery condition. After that, you can address other stuff like seats, radio, paint, wheels, and, oh yeah, blowers and air intake systems. Got the picture yet? This car will take a long time and many $$$ to get you where you want it to be. Good luck if you have the time and money.

1 people found this helpful.

it is a 305 , currently no carburetor, it was a free car, son is 13 . so i have more time than money , haha. i have a carburetor question now, since the carburetor was stolen while its been sitting , someone suggested oreilly auto parts and just spend the $350 and but a holley 600 part#1406... my question is if that same carburetor will fit a mustang why cant i just use a carburetor that came off a mustang ??? learning as we go

Your Answer:

Firebird

Looking for a Used Firebird in your area?

CarGurus has 367 nationwide Firebird listings starting at $6,991.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1985 Pontiac Firebird

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samuel Moore
    Reputation
    1,600
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    1,340
  • #3
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
656 Great Deals out of 8,335 listings starting at $3,240
Used Chevrolet Corvette
802 Great Deals out of 14,500 listings starting at $4,999
Used Ford Mustang
939 Great Deals out of 19,771 listings starting at $1,950
Used Dodge Charger
789 Great Deals out of 14,493 listings starting at $2,500
Used Pontiac Grand Prix
192 listings starting at $5,722
Used Ford F-150
6,489 Great Deals out of 168,949 listings starting at $1,871
Used Porsche 911
398 Great Deals out of 4,441 listings starting at $12,900
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
5 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $3,500

Used Cars for Sale

2002 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
52 listings starting at $6,991
2001 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
7 listings starting at $10,995
2000 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
21 listings starting at $10,000

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.