Need some advice!

[Renzo]

So my 2000 Firebird (5-speed, 3.8L) just reached the 175,000 mark and I want to get some advice on what I could possibly be doing maintenance-wise at this point. This is what has been done so far as of the last 50,000 miles:

Fuel pump
Front o2 sensor
Belt
Spark plugs, wires and coils
Fuel filter
PCV valve
Idle pulley
Alternator

... Also, how crazy would it be to put new performance parts in my car? Been wanting to at least get a new exhaust.... What do you guys think?

Renzo

[2.8 Bird]

Re: Need some advice!

Putting exhaust on your car is very safe and healthier for the engine, meaning it can breathe better.

Have you changed all the fluids?

[Rusty Rotors]

Re: Need some advice!

Have you changed all the fluids?

Yeah if you haven't changed your trans or diff lube out in the last 50k, I'd say that would be a wise and pretty cheap maintenance item. How is the cooling system? Have you serviced it in the past and kept it pretty clean or is it full of brown snot? How about your brake fluid? If it hasn't been changed out before and it looks black I would bleed the brakes. Same for hydraulic clutch fluid. Clean your MAF sensor if that's never been done.

Check for worn steering parts or torn boots. Old bushings and end-links could be worn. You can check these things just by taking a good look under the car while on a lift.

Other than that, just keep up on routine maintenance. As far as mod's... intake/exhaust and ignition I'd say would be fine. I wouldn't do the low-temp stat thing that everyone seems to do. Obviously don't slap a supercharger on there or anything like that.

[96RS Alex]

Re: Need some advice!

Congrats on reaching the 175,000 odometer milestone. :tup:

It looks like you haven't touched the cooling system yet. One of the main things I'll address is the importance of keeping that 3.8L engine cool. I'm still on my 195 degree thermostat and living in the Northeast, I didn't see a pressing need to go 180 degrees to keep cool so just replace it and we'll leave it at that. I'm sure members from drought stricken states will chime in later on that topic. Also look for info on that little plastic elbow that seems to be problematic on these engines, they crack from being subjected to high temps and have an O-ring too for a proper seal / fitting.

Since acquiring my 1996 3.8L in 2004, I dumped the Dex-Cool and used the green stuff Prestone makes. Currently they offer a 50/50 mix. Make sure you try to eliminate the old muddy sludge first and that culprit can be researched under faulty intake gaskets. I used Lestoil Cleaner after 4 block cleanses with garden hose flushes with some success, barely any trace of Dex-Sludge in my system then flush it each year as part of your spring maintenance schedule.

From there I ordered an AC Delco water pump, the internal vanes are redesiged to maximize the coolant circulation thereby lowering temps.



I installed a new Proliance radiator, Gates upper and lower hoses. These items can be found on RockAuto's website. Throw in a heater core for a peace of mind too. Investment in these parts will result in troublefree miles in the future.

My theromostat housing has a bleeder valve, I think it's still kept on the 2000 model I'm not sure, but air pockets in your cooling system will play games on your temp gauge and your head so purge any air out by running your engine after installing new coolant and watch your temp gauge while the heater controls are set to its highest fan speed and temp. A flat head screwdriver is all you need to carefully open the screw. Just be aware hot steam and coolant will escape until a steady flow of coolant comes out. Tighten and check for leaks. You'll get awesome toasty heat during the winter for quick windshield defrosts, trust me on that.

That's basically what's done to the 3.8L and I am one synthetic oil change away from 350,000 mile mark. See you at the Quarter Million Mile Club! :D