New owner with questions

[DS1980]

Hi folks,
I'm new to Fieros so my apologies if some of these questions are basic.

I just purchased a 1984 2m4 with 3100 original miles. It has the 4 speed manual. The fuel tank was pulled and cleaned as well as a new filter fitted. The oil was changed for the first time last month before I bought it (yikes!) It was periodically driven to keep it lubed so it is actually a pretty good driver, no leaks at all......yet. I do have a line of questioning for you veterans.

1.) What's your opinion on the tranny oil? I know it's 5w-30 engine oil, and the manual said it should be good for the life of the car, but it's 27 years old, and this car is going to last substantially longer than Pontiac thought.
2.) How about the rest of the fluids? Should I just flush everything and start new?
3.) I understand there has been some of these cars go up in flames. I guess there was a recall to fix something in the engine, but I'm pretty sure mine wasn't sent back. How would I know if I'm good to go?
4.) It has a tendency to grind when asked to shift into reverse. I"m always at a complete stop, and it's not always. Just curious if someone knows why. All other gears are wonderful.
5.) It doesn't have A/C, but some of the 84's did. Is there a conversion kit to install it?
6.) It has the original tires on it, and I will be replacing them. I searched all over for the original size but ended up going with a 185/70R13 instead of the 185/80R13. Does anyone know of any company making the original tires? I guess everybody is getting away from the 13 inch wheels.

Thanks in advance for your help. I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Darin

 

[86FieroSE]

1) i drained mine the day i got it and started new.
2) i also did the same as #1.
3) call a GM dealership and give them your VIN# and ask if all the recalls have been taken care of.
4) mine does the same sometimes, the new oil helps.
5) in my opinion "f the ac" but im sure there is kits. try thefierofactory.com rodneydickman.com westcoastfieros.com
6) idk i'd invest in lighter 15" wheels because anything smaller than 15" are going to start getting hard to find.

glad to help,
cody "86se"

 

[DS1980]

Just got off the phone with GM and they said there wasn't any recalls on the car. This doesn't seem right. Does anybody know what the fix was to the fire problem and how I can tell if I had it done?

Thanks!

 

[Oreif]

Congrats on your new car.
1. I would change the oil in the trans. Either 5W30 or GM has stuff called "synchromesh" that they sell (any dealership) which makes shifting smoother.

2. Yes I would change all the fluids just to have fresh stuff in it.

3. For the recalls some cars had additional labels (some dealerships did not put them on) But for the most part you cannot really tell just by looking. The oil filter was changed to a larger size. The old size is no longer made and all the books call out the larger size. The oil dip stick was changed but unless you have an original and compare the markings you cannot tell. Here is a link where you can download the actual recall datasheets which describe what they did and why:
http://www.fieronews.net/fusion/downloads.php?cat_id=25

4. When you change the fluids, Make sure you flush the brake system and the hydraulic clutch lines. Reverse is not a synchro'd gear and if the clutch is not quite all the way released you will get an occassional grind. From sitting so long there may be air or moisture in the lines.

5. I do not know of any "kits" but I do know folks who removed A/C systems from a car in the junkyard and installed it in their car. You need all the A/C parts as well as the inside control panel and the wiring harnesses for the control panel and the compressor on the engine.

6. As for tires, Yes very few make 13" tires. Here is a place that has 5 different styles. You can order them then have a local shop install them.
http://superbuytires.com/tires/185/70R13

Another option is to go up to the 14" optional wheels for the 1984 (if you want to keep it original) which used a 215/60R14 tire. But 14" tires are becoming harder to find as well. The best option for long term use is to go to a 15" X 7" wheel (aftermarket or 1986/1987 GT wheels)

______________________________

 

[DS1980]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm sure it won't be the last time!

BTW, you probably know this, but I was reading the recall and it said the connecting rods could fail if oil was 1/2 quart below the fill line......It took me a while to get what it was saying until I realized where the fill line is, I was mistaking it for the full line. Any engine would shoot a connecting rod it the oil was 1/2 quart below the fill line, so I'm not too concerned about it.