89 firehawk recreation...

[riche]

Planning on looking at this tomorrow for a new toy. I don't know anything about these so anything to look out for. What are your thoughts on the price


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5881300329.html

 

[ultradriver10000]

thats a great deal with a 9", looks very clean

 

[ZYA_LTR]

thats a great deal with a 9", looks very clean

9 bolt, not 9", but if it did have a 9" that would be a great deal. Some of the 3rd gen's had the 9 bolt that was a helluva lot better than the porcelain 10 bolt.

 

[AutoRoc]

Looks really good, price is great considering he has spent a lot on suspension, bolt ons, wheels, etc. I had those rims too, loved them!

Modding a TPI setup sucks but bolting on a 150 shot wet kit makes every TPI car move really well(with sticky tires...)

a hardtop is a mega bonus vs a T Top car also. The leaks and squeaks of a t top car are angering.

 

[riche]

So how is the easiest way to tell if it's a 350 vs 305. Looking at the car tomorrow, hopefully it's as nice as they say

 

[AutoRoc]

vin number..the 8th digit is the engine code. , the 8th digit will be an 8 if it is a factory v8tpi. if the 8th vin digit is an F, then it was a 305tpi. etc..you can look up those figures to verify. My car has an F as the engine code. 305TPI. VIN decode is possible if it is listed, or ask for it before going.

edit....I see the vin listed... it has the 8 in it. Hopefully it wasnt swapped to a 305... The performance difference isnt much 305 to 350 but clearly....you want a 350.

 

[AutoRoc]

I spy a sub box in the trunk, it might have a really nice sound system. Borla catbacks are roughly a grand, crazy price. a grand in suspension parts.well over a grand in wheel package if the tires are nice.

 

[riche]

Anything g to look for that are issues with these cars

 

[AutoRoc]

sagging doors, front core support for crash damage, rear fenderwells might show crash damage. floorpan rust. ask if the fuel pump has been replaced. its popular to cut the trunk floor to access the fuel pump. I did this, works well. Ask if its original engine/trans. Motor mounts can get sloppy with age. Trans mounts rip very easily because the torque arm lifts up the back of the trans. He has an aftermarket torque arm so that problem probably doesnt exsist.


Heater core can leak ontl the passenger side floor. Check radiator for clean coolant, no sludge or Bars Leak sealant.
A few others can chime in on common problems. Both of my cars had covered up crash damage, that is why i mention it.