New to me 88 Festiva

[Va 88 Festiva]

Just got a 88 festiva LX. I travel a lot for my job and was wondering, 167,000 miles and I don't know if it has ever had a tming belt. How often do these things break? Should I drive it from Va to Michigan? This is really a great car and it runs great. I own a Super Duty and have been driving that since 2008. Can't wait to get some good millage. Let me know what you all think.

[GenevaDirt]

Welcome and post some pics. Also add your location to your profile. The belt is not a problem usually...if it does go our cars are non-interference so nothing gets hurt. You just need to re-install and you are good to go. If you are going to change it you may want to do the water pump and seals at the same time. Then you will be really good to go. You may check it but I would not necessarily replace just because.

The addiction has begun.

[freshtiva]

Congrats on the purchase. Is it a five speed ? Super Duty Vs festiva... I think you'll be putting some money in the bank. Old festivas usually need things but it will be a good investment. Good luck, post some pics when you can, we love pics. Welcome to the forum !!

[georgeb]

Try to find out about the TB from the previous owner (good luck).

[cobra29svt]

Welcome to the site. Where in Va are ya?

[Va 88 Festiva]

Thanks for the replies. I'll get some pics tomorrow. It is a 5 speed. I've read all of you all's post on the sloppy shifter. I need to fix that. A couple small dents and a peice of cloth on the drivers door panel are about all thats wrong. It could use a new drivers seat, it's tore from the shoulder slinding in and out. I'm in Gladys Va. Had'nt got to put all my info in the profile yet.

[5.0zone]

If you are up to doing the work yourself I would go ahead and change the belt. Its not much, like $20 and you can change it in about 2 hours. I can change one in less than an hour now that I've done it a few times. The manual says to change it every 60k miles. I change mine about every 70k miles.
As far as gas milege, you should be able to get close to 45mpg. I get 40mpg with an 88 L with a 4 speed.
Things you will want to grab if you go to any junk yards for parts as 88/89 Festives have a few things that are diffrent than 90 - 93.
-Turnsignal switch - this has the turnsignal, lights and windsheild washer all in one unit.
-Distributor
-Altinator

[Va 88 Festiva]

I will get all that I can. I've got a old guy down the road that has been stripping these car when they were wrecked for years. I'm gonna see if I can get my hands on a A/C setup also. I'm pretty good with wrenches so changing the belt should'nt be too bad. I'm just glad to see the post above that these engines won't bend all the Intake valves if it breaks. Thanks for the reply.

[kartracer46]

I would say with a 5-speed you must have found a deal on an LX or someone has already swapped the transmission. Welcome to the site and Maybe you can make it to FMV next month in Raliegh, NC. Check the meet threads for details.

[Va 88 Festiva]

I felt it was a good deal. I got it for $600.00. I've been playing with the timing a little trying to get a little more out of it in 5th gear on the hills. Also got some new speakers for it because the others were in pretty bad shape. I got some pics but gotta figure out how to post now.

[takeone51]

start a photobucket account , upload the pictures then copy and paste the img links here..

[Va 88 Festiva]

I'll give it a try. I got the pics in my Album.

[Va 88 Festiva]

See if this works.

[takeone51]

very nice! its working...

[Va 88 Festiva]

Here is one of the interior.