"Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
"Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
By popular demand, I am starting this thread about my recent find.
Three weeks ago I found a 1987 Formula Firebird posted on Craigslist. The car was a one owner, and had been garaged since 2004 for (allegedly) failing emissions inspection. Quite possible though since it was around that time that Texas introduced the rigid emissions inspection laws.
So, short version, I got in touch with the seller and picked the car up from them a week later. $875.00 CASH!!! They also had a neighbor who owned a tow truck who brought it close to 60 miles to my house for $100!!
Got it home and started to bring it back to life.
Three weeks ago I found a 1987 Formula Firebird posted on Craigslist. The car was a one owner, and had been garaged since 2004 for (allegedly) failing emissions inspection. Quite possible though since it was around that time that Texas introduced the rigid emissions inspection laws.
So, short version, I got in touch with the seller and picked the car up from them a week later. $875.00 CASH!!! They also had a neighbor who owned a tow truck who brought it close to 60 miles to my house for $100!!
Got it home and started to bring it back to life.
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
So, to date, here's what has been done:
Spark Plugs changed and oil squirted into cylinders before installing new plugs.
Oil Change
Replaced upper radiator hose and flushed coolant
Replaced sway bar links (original bushings had hardened and shattered)
MAJOR cleaning event with my two boys.
Replaced all engine belts (yes, found the hidden power steering bolt LOL).
Rebuilt carb which had solid gunk in the fuel ports.
Changed transmission fluid, pan gasket, and filter.
Currently fighting the installation of the new mechanical fuel pump. Original one blew shortly after first startup last week.
Spark Plugs changed and oil squirted into cylinders before installing new plugs.
Oil Change
Replaced upper radiator hose and flushed coolant
Replaced sway bar links (original bushings had hardened and shattered)
MAJOR cleaning event with my two boys.
Replaced all engine belts (yes, found the hidden power steering bolt LOL).
Rebuilt carb which had solid gunk in the fuel ports.
Changed transmission fluid, pan gasket, and filter.
Currently fighting the installation of the new mechanical fuel pump. Original one blew shortly after first startup last week.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
OMG!!!!!!! I hate you!
The only thing you didn't bring was a mask and a gun!
Great find!
BTW, how many miles?
The only thing you didn't bring was a mask and a gun!
Great find!
BTW, how many miles?
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#8
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
2 tone white, not super common to see, also it has the Firebird badges which were not on the Formula, but everything else looks Formula. Odd indeed.
Curious if you have the RPO codes can see if it was 'converted' to a Formula? I'm thinking they thought the Firebird badges were cool and just added them on after-the-fact.
Curious if you have the RPO codes can see if it was 'converted' to a Formula? I'm thinking they thought the Firebird badges were cool and just added them on after-the-fact.
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
2 tone white, not super common to see, also it has the Firebird badges which were not on the Formula, but everything else looks Formula. Odd indeed.
Curious if you have the RPO codes can see if it was 'converted' to a Formula? I'm thinking they thought the Firebird badges were cool and just added them on after-the-fact.
Curious if you have the RPO codes can see if it was 'converted' to a Formula? I'm thinking they thought the Firebird badges were cool and just added them on after-the-fact.
OP, you did steal that car, nice work!
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Amazing that you found an '87 that still had a carburetor. I thought for sure that GM had swapped over to TBI or TPI by that time. Your car looks to be a fairly basic Formula, i.e., no T-tops, a 5.0 engine, auto trans, and only power windows. I don't mean anything derogatory by this statement. I actually see all those features as a plus. You may have a roller camshaft engine. You would know if the valve cover hold downs are center bolt; otherwise it is a flat tappet cam. For what you paid, you got a lot of car in really good shape.
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Thank you for all the comments!
Yes I realized that the price was definitely a steal!
Here's today's progress:
So I got the mechanical fuel pump replaced (with a lot of help from a friend).
Put new fuel lines and tried to start. Had to use starting fluid since almost no fuel is getting into the front fuel lines.
Best diagnosis I can come up with is that the fuel pump relay has gone out. No continuity on any of the relay leads. So new relay ordered and should be here this week.
Yes I realized that the price was definitely a steal!
Here's today's progress:
So I got the mechanical fuel pump replaced (with a lot of help from a friend).
Put new fuel lines and tried to start. Had to use starting fluid since almost no fuel is getting into the front fuel lines.
Best diagnosis I can come up with is that the fuel pump relay has gone out. No continuity on any of the relay leads. So new relay ordered and should be here this week.
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Car: 87 Iroc 5.7,67 SS Camaro,90 Formula
Engine: 355 AFR Superram LPE 219
Transmission: 700r4 3000 stall 4spd 5 spd
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Had same car but was an 88. Loved it.
#21
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Any ideas where the build sheet may be? I've checked under the seats and in the spare tire well. No luck yet.
#22
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
They were supposed to be thrown out when built so you may not have one.
#24
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Ok, so here is an update on my work on the Firebird:
2 weeks ago I got it started up for the first time in 13 years. Car ran fine, but I noticed that there was fuel leaking from the mechanical fuel pump up front.
Last weekend I changed the pump and the front fuel lines out. Noticed that the carb was not getting fuel. Car starts and runs beautifully if I spray starter fluid in the carb.
I also noticed that the wires to the fuel pump relay were frayed on a couple of them. Last night I changed out the wiring harness and the relay.
Still no fuel to the carb.
I know that there is the potential that the sending unit in the tank may have gone out, but trying to see if there is anything else that may be causing this problem.
Any ideas are appreciated.
2 weeks ago I got it started up for the first time in 13 years. Car ran fine, but I noticed that there was fuel leaking from the mechanical fuel pump up front.
Last weekend I changed the pump and the front fuel lines out. Noticed that the carb was not getting fuel. Car starts and runs beautifully if I spray starter fluid in the carb.
I also noticed that the wires to the fuel pump relay were frayed on a couple of them. Last night I changed out the wiring harness and the relay.
Still no fuel to the carb.
I know that there is the potential that the sending unit in the tank may have gone out, but trying to see if there is anything else that may be causing this problem.
Any ideas are appreciated.
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Is it getting any fuel at all? If so id say replace the fuel filter, who knows whats in it after 13 years of sitting. Probably sucked whatever was sitting at the bottom of the tank right up and clogged it when you had it running.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Wait...it has both a mechanical fuel pump on the engine, and an electric pump with relay?
#29
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
My '84 had an electric pusher pump in the tank and a mechanical pump on the engine as well. Maybe it was part of the 305 H.O. package? Does your car have an 8000 RPM speedometer, by chance?
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
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#32
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Ok. So here is the most recent update:
Changed out the inline fuse going back to the tank. Check voltage and it is good. Checked battery and alternator and they are good.
Ordered a new in-tank sender assembly. Got to be that since I have ruled everything else out. If the car sits for a few hours for a few hours it will start for a few seconds then shuts off.
Guess we will see what happens from here.
Changed out the inline fuse going back to the tank. Check voltage and it is good. Checked battery and alternator and they are good.
Ordered a new in-tank sender assembly. Got to be that since I have ruled everything else out. If the car sits for a few hours for a few hours it will start for a few seconds then shuts off.
Guess we will see what happens from here.
#33
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Also, when I turn the ignition to the on position I hear a loud clicking coming from the carburetor.
Not to sound too much like an idiot but what could this be?
Not to sound too much like an idiot but what could this be?
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Mixture Control Solenoid. It's a computer controlled feedback carb...uses a solenoid to lean the mixture at less than wide open throttle (WOT). At WOT, the solenoid is essentially off, allowing a full rich mixture for power.
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Ok. So now I am OFFICIALLY frustrated.
I ordered a new fuel pump assembly (supposed to fit 87 Firebird Vin H), but just found out it only fits the fuel injected model.
As I understand now, the electric fuel pump is a part unto its own and not the assembly.
Ordered a new pump only from O'Reilly.
Any input on changing this out is greatly appreciated.
I ordered a new fuel pump assembly (supposed to fit 87 Firebird Vin H), but just found out it only fits the fuel injected model.
As I understand now, the electric fuel pump is a part unto its own and not the assembly.
Ordered a new pump only from O'Reilly.
Any input on changing this out is greatly appreciated.
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: Carbureted - 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Nice car and indeed a steal. On the build sheet, I found mine (87 formula) under the carpet in the back area.
Louis
Louis
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
When you replaced the fuel lines at the block mounted mechanical pump, did you (or the previous owner) get them mixed up? In other words, is the pump trying to suck the fuel out of the carb and return it to the tank?
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Doubtful since one line is smaller than the other, but I will definitely check that. Thinking the problem is the sending unit since it will pull a small amount of fuel if it has sat for a while, then nothing.
If the lines were reversed it would not pull anything to the carb.
If the lines were reversed it would not pull anything to the carb.
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Ok. So here is the latest update.
This weekend I cut the inevitable hole above the gas tank, and changed out the fuel sending unit.
The car starts up and runs for about 15 seconds then dies. I changed the fuel filter (again) with the same results.
Pulled the carb and it had fuel in it. I'm now thinking that the carburetor has to be replaced next since both the mechanical and electric pumps are new as well as the fuel pump relay and harness.
This weekend I cut the inevitable hole above the gas tank, and changed out the fuel sending unit.
The car starts up and runs for about 15 seconds then dies. I changed the fuel filter (again) with the same results.
Pulled the carb and it had fuel in it. I'm now thinking that the carburetor has to be replaced next since both the mechanical and electric pumps are new as well as the fuel pump relay and harness.
#43
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Quick update:
So, the clicking that was coming from the mixture control solenoid was NOT a normal thing.
Once I unplugged the MCS, the car started up and ran like it had never been sitting!
So, the clicking that was coming from the mixture control solenoid was NOT a normal thing.
Once I unplugged the MCS, the car started up and ran like it had never been sitting!
#44
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Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Unplugging something to work right is not normal.
#46
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
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Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
That sounded harsh but didn't mean it that way. I get what you did/are doing ;-)
#48
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Thanks for the input. I'll check that out. If that doesn't work I'm just going to replace the carb.
#49
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: H305
Re: "Garage Find" 1987 Formula Firebird
Latest update:
I replaced the TPS within the carburetor, as well as the oil pressure switch and the fuel pump relay.
I have voltage at the relay connector and the fuel pump wire going from the battery is good. I have also checked ALL fuses and they are good.
I am getting 5.85 volts at the tank gauge wire, but no voltage to the fuel pump itself.
The car tries to turn over but not getting fuel.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
I replaced the TPS within the carburetor, as well as the oil pressure switch and the fuel pump relay.
I have voltage at the relay connector and the fuel pump wire going from the battery is good. I have also checked ALL fuses and they are good.
I am getting 5.85 volts at the tank gauge wire, but no voltage to the fuel pump itself.
The car tries to turn over but not getting fuel.
Any thoughts are appreciated.