So pretty much from the time I was 5 years old and watching Knight Rider I've wanted a firebird and I'm pretty much set on a 3rd gen F-bod
Prob top choices would be a GTA Trans AM preferably the 5.7 TPI motor, not really big on the 305s
an 89 would be nice but I dont think I want to spend 20k on one lol, im looking for something sub 10k with a good body, engine and mileage arent so important, theres a zillion parts for these things
Also anyone know about LS1 swaps , that would be killer into one of these
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
Just make sure that your aware of the 3rd gen rule.
You must have a mullet to drive a 3rd gen.
LS1s are a "common" swap. You should be able to buy most of everything that you need "out of the box".
"Project 69'"
1969 Chevrolet C/10, 1/2 ton, 2wd
-Boosted LS1?
-Richmond ROD 6-speed(will get sometime)
-Posi 12-bolt(built w/eaton posi unit and richmond 3.73 gears)
-Disc brake and 5 lug swap
+little extras
nah just a black leather jacket and some chest hair.....check
an LS1 in a 92 GTA trans am, oh teh sex
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
www.ls1tech.com go to the conversion forums. Theres alot of guy who have done a ls1 to 3rd gen swap. Theres a few companies who make the parts.
if you DO 100 % plan on doing the ls1 swap, then save some money and find a 305, maybe even a 3.1 or 2.8 with a good body and all those extra trim options.
My Cav
I give up...
i'm buying a VW those people love trees, so they should love eachother too... "Andy"
saw a knight rider t/a last night
I' ve always liked that car from the series, I don't blame you at all, kinda childhood nestalgia in a way =) Can't wait to see it!
I was going to say, if you're already going to swap, why futz with a 305? Just the el-cheapo 2.5/3.8 and modify from there.
Upon doing some more research it turns out the 90-92 GTA trans ams used the L98 engine which had 240hp, and what I didnt know was 340 tq, thats a pretty healthy tq number thats even better than some of the LS1s
But if not doing one of the GTA trans ams the other choice is a 1999-02 Firehawk, ive found more than a few of these MINT for under 20k and they are 355hp
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
Lol. Night Rider got me right into Firebirds like the Bandit never could. I drove my mom nuts when it was time to pick a new company car. She didn't go for it. Even though she could have. K car...loaded. Lol.
The later model second gens have a place in my heart. The GTA was the big dog car when I was a kid. I was horified when I learned that most were dog slow. The never showed at the races with the older cars. I drove a well restored 84 some years back and was shamed to think that this was American Muscle for the day.
Even still, it's probably one of the better cars to toy with. While all "tuning" is a rediculous waste of money, the competition and experience behind the chasis gives you a crazy edge in building a satifying ride on the cheap.
I personally would love a Firehawk. One of the early ones that really deserved the name. I garantee they will hold their value, and then some.
V6 turbo trans am. Mmmmmm.
If I were looking to pick up one, I would head out to the local drag strip. There are always a few rollin for sale signs on em. Yuo'd need to mod a second gen anyway to make it fun. You'll at least see the real condition of the car at the track too. Buyng someone elses well put together project is the only way to own well modded car on a decent dime.
I have seen several low milleage 02 ws6/ss F-bodies in recent years. One just past with 4000km tha tha dnever seen rain. A ragtop 6 speed ws6 with tripple black. It was hard to pass that one up. My parents neighboor took it. I keep my eyes on it. It still ahsn't sen rain. They are not going for much and are sure to be of decent value in the future. The special edition ones have every idiot thinking they have a gold mine already. I think they are ugly!
It would be tough shopping for the right one. Maybe it's best to be patient and just see what comes along. I have seen 100g plus projects go for 20 just because timing was right.
There are so many good choices. Good luck.
Im pretty set on one of these, its cheaper than a cobra and only 50hp less, I just need to find one local and in good shape, any color so long as its red!
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
3rd gens are 10x easier to work, the 4th gen engine bay is complete retardedness
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
I am kickin around selling my 84 T/A, has a built 350 (355) TCI 700r4 tranny, posi-lock disc rear w/ 373's, south side machines crazy rear suspensio setup w/ subframe connectors, huge stereo, true duals...both run down pass side for factory ground clearance...all kinds of stuff. It is a very nice car, but I don't have the time or money to mess with it any more. I agree that the 3rd gens are much easier, and cheaper to work on.
I will try to hunt down some pics...
