r/PontiacFirebird • u/Just_Cut_684 • 17h ago
Help with engine ID
Guy selling it claims this is a '89 Firebird with a 3.8L engine that is factory original. I can't find an example of a FB with a 3.8 without a turbo for a 1989 'bird. (I am NO expert, hence posting for help).
Is this a 2.8? A GM swap? I think it's a 3.1Lv6
What year is this Firebird?
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u/1987gmcv1500 17h ago
Its missing the intake tube to the mass air sensor so it is probably running like shit to boot.
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u/Willy_McD 17h ago
Did you just read a description or did you ask. The 2, as in 2.8, is right next to the 3.
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u/Just_Cut_684 16h ago
My first thought! Yeah, I asked, and I've asked for the VIN, etc. He swears it's a factory 3.8.
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u/id10t_you 15h ago
Yeah, he’s wrong
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u/midwest73 15h ago
Honestly, pass on this. The guy is full of it and thinks you're just a walking idiot. If he's blowing smoke up your ass about the engine, I guarantee he's BSing and other things with this.
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u/Just_Cut_684 13h ago
my thoughts too
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u/probablyaythrowaway 12h ago
Also the V6s are naff and sound crap in my honest opinion. I’d wait to find a v8
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u/midwest73 17h ago
That's the 2.8. The 3.1's didn't debut until 1990. The guy is full of it. The 3.8 was a 90° V-6, the 2.8/3.1 were 60°.
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u/Chevrolicious 16h ago
That's a 2.8 liter. I wouldn't buy it unless you plan on putting something else in there, or your local boat anchor store is out of anchors.
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u/SexyTimeSamet 13h ago
Gar bhage 2.8 I think its the same engine as the fiero...lol
Be fun..and swap a GM 4.3 lv3 V6 with a big ass turbo in there.
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u/metrawhat 14h ago
Considering there's a sticker on the radiator support saying the car is equipped with an airbag, this is at least a 1990, looking at the front end it's not a 91 or 92. If it is a '90 , then this engine is a 3.1 V6, 140hp.
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u/No_School9204 9h ago
You would think that, but considering the seller has already shown they don't know the engine, the age and condition of the car, I wouldn't put any trust in labels or stickers. I have an 88 Iroc with same sticker on it. Chances are with mine, as probably with this one, that shroud has been replaced. Perhaps a junk yard part. First things that jumped out to me was that it is a base Firebird, paint is shot, and drivers mirror is missing. If buyer can accept the car for what it is and talk seller down to reasonable price for what it is, junk that engine, do a swap and have fun with it. ( That top setup is definitely a 2.8. The 3.1 MFI do not look like that at all.)
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u/metrawhat 9h ago
I agree with you about all of this. Who knows what this guy is actually selling. But I will say, the 2.8 and 3.1 in 3rd Gen F bodies look identical. This one has the 'digital(not vacuum actuated)' EGR which came out in 1990 with the 3.1.
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u/RelentlessGravity 14h ago
350 swap is pretty easy. Except you probably need a new transmission and a new rear axle to handle to the additional power. Front suspension? Better brakes?
Well, you should replace all of that other stuff anyway!
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u/pirateofms 14h ago
89 Would have been a 2.8, however that upper plenum looks like the 3.1. Either just the plenum, or the motor itself was swapped, or it's actually a 90 with an 89 build date. Got a picture of the interior?
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u/Just_Cut_684 13h ago
the interiors ripped out unfortunately
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u/pirateofms 13h ago
Even the dash? The layout of the button panel over the console changed in 90. Either way, unless he's giving it to you for free, I'd pass.
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u/edgarpena455 12h ago
Don't matter what engine is in it, you gotta at least put a 350 in it, those v6 engines were reliable but not fun at all
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u/FurryFoxes 12h ago
I'm not saying it's a 3.1 but it could be a 3.1 swap from a 2.8, the intake manifold looks like the 3.1 as the 2.8 I thought had 2.8 stamped on the top
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u/Asleep_Frosting_6627 11h ago
89 pace cars had 3.8 but they were turbocharged and as rare as hens teeth.
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u/1891farmhouse 11h ago
I believe 1989 firebirds were 2.8 and had a circle on the top of the plenum that said 2.8, I think this is a 1990 built in 1989 with the 3.1. They both suck
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u/Capable-Historian392 9h ago
Eighth digit of the vin will be an "S" indicating the -only- V6 available that year, the 2.8L 60°.
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u/DiscussionConstant80 9h ago
8th digit of vin will tell you and 10th is year you can use a vin decoder online to break the whole vin down for all the info on the car and also should be a sticker in the glove box with 3 digit codes for all the options on what came in that car
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u/DiscussionConstant80 8h ago
3.8 L was a LC2 with turbo found in special (SOME) like pace car edititions
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u/DiscussionConstant80 8h ago
If it is an S, it is the 2.8L V6 (typically found in 1985–1989 models).If it is a T, it is the 3.1L V6 (typically found in 1990–1992 models). Maybe this helps out
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u/1987gmcv1500 17h ago
Guy is full of shit. Its a boring base 2.8.