restore 3rd Gen or buy 2nd Gen
06-11-2006, 02:18 PM
#1
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restore 3rd Gen or buy 2nd Gen i can't decide
i have an 89 firebird 305 TBI with a 700r4 that needs paint, new motor, tranny, select suspension parts, new Ttop seals, exhaust, and like 4 interior parts redone
i can't decide if i want to restore it
or just buy a 2nd gen for around 8k on ebay
at the same time tho.... the 89 firebird would be a sleeper if i got the motor i want in it considering the "high output" motors for 3rd gens were 225hp
i have an 89 firebird 305 TBI with a 700r4 that needs paint, new motor, tranny, select suspension parts, new Ttop seals, exhaust, and like 4 interior parts redone
i can't decide if i want to restore it
or just buy a 2nd gen for around 8k on ebay
at the same time tho.... the 89 firebird would be a sleeper if i got the motor i want in it considering the "high output" motors for 3rd gens were 225hp
06-11-2006, 09:31 PM
#2
Since you asked....don't spend the money on either. Project cars are bottomless pits, no exaggeration. I would get the newest car you could afford. I have a 79 ta and a 99 ta. The 79 is all hopped up, but not a whole lot of fun to drive. I can't even push my family around in it. The 99 is sweeet.
06-12-2006, 12:39 AM
#3
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Take that 8k and get an ls1 f body...
I wouldn't bother to fix up the 3rd gen unless it has sentimental value. You'd be better off buying a better car in nicer shape. (like a maybe a gta or at least something with a 350 tpi)
The 2nd gen would be awesome, but wouldn't make a nice daily driver IMO.
I wouldn't bother to fix up the 3rd gen unless it has sentimental value. You'd be better off buying a better car in nicer shape. (like a maybe a gta or at least something with a 350 tpi)
The 2nd gen would be awesome, but wouldn't make a nice daily driver IMO.
06-16-2006, 12:07 PM
#5
Thirdgen without a doubt if you want a project car. A lot of 4th gen parts swap over to thirdgens like rear axles, dashes, seats, consoles. Most used parts are going for cheap right now, great time to have a thirdgen. Many aftermarket hoods and spoilers available, if you're into that stuff. The engine isn't tucked underneath the windshield like in a 4th gen. You could build a killer sleeper with a thirdgen. There is a lot of information on LS1/2 and LT1 swaps. Check out thirdgen.org's message boards, there are many advantages to going thirdgen.
06-18-2006, 09:59 AM
#7
I got to agree with the above comments saying to get the newest one you can buy. I can vouch that a project car is a money pit. I put thousands into my GTA but it will never be as good a car as my Firehawk. The newer ones are more reliable, fast, moderately economical and safer. just my two cents..
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06-18-2006, 10:22 PM
#8
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Get a second gen. I have an 02 Ram Air, and a 78 TA, 400 4spd. I'd say get a 2nd gen only if it'll be a weekend/toy, not a daily driver. The money you spend on body work, which they all need, will be thrown away the first winter you drive through with salted roads. Just pop the hood on any year 2nd gen and you'll see what a breeze it is to work on, compared to any 3rd or LT1/LS1. Any car will be a money pit, but it's always a labor of love. If it wasn't, we'd never work on our cars, would we? Not to mention, doing up a nice 2nd gen would be differant, and probably turn more heads then any 3rd gen.
