questions about a 94 Formula I might be

[Darkhelmet]

Hello,

I'm new to to F-bodys and have a few questions. I've been building and tuning imports for 10 years and have decided to make the switch to some v8 muscle.

I'm looking at a 94 Formula LT1 6speed Firebird. it has a couple small issues and I wouldn't mind some input as to what I might be looking at repair wise.

I runs and drives great. it has 140k on the body and 10k on the engine and clutch.

the issues. Steering has the play I can wiggle the wheel about an inch in either direction before the car actually goes that direction. my assumption would be Tie rod ends?

There is a broken a/c line near the condensor. how hard is it to pull off the front bumper?

Trans won't shift into 3rd above 5k rpms. but shifts fine under 5. Normally being a trans guy I would think that the synchro is toast however then it should grind or crunch a little beleow 5k but it doesn't it just slips right in?

what is this skip shift thing I keep hearing about?

thanks for any info guys.

Steve

[my95z28]

Sounds like a bent shift fork on the 2-3 shift. This can be achieved by powershifting and missing third gear often.

On a side note, I would seriosly consider what ur doing here. Lt1 engines DO NOT like to be revved above 5000 rpm. They make no power above 5000 so there is no point going that high anyway. That could be a contributing factor to it having a motor with only 10k miles on it.

Also skip shift is something that was put in by GM. It will activate in town after u come to a complete stop. It is activated in 1st gear from 1800 to 2600 rpm when u are under 35% throttle. It will put a block out on second gear so that u are forced to go to 4th. I don't like to do this cause I fell it really lugs my engine. So I usually shift to second before 1800 rpm, run up past 2600 and it will shut off, or pull out of first, wait for your engine rpm to drop below 1800 rpm, then shift to second

Sorry for the novel, lol

[Will]

And to answer your other question, you don't need to take the bumper off to get the condenser out. If you buy it and need one, I have one hangin in the garage.

[Phantom409]

Does the car have aftermarket headers on it?

To get the A/c condenser out you have to take the black pannel off that is right on the front under the hood.
This will let you get at the Fans, Radiator, and A/C Condenser.
The fans are hooked to the Radiator and teh condensor is hooked to the radiator.

Welcome to the site, hope you enjoy it

[Darkhelmet]

Thanks for the replys guys. I've decided to buy it. I'll hopefully have it next weekend.

and no it doesn't have headers.....yet

anyone know of a cheap 2wd dyno in the Detroit area?

[my95z28]

There is a member on here that is having a dyno day in the lansing area. Two or three pulls for $30.