Want to buy Firebird
10-27-2006, 05:36 PM
#1
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Want to buy Firebird Hey guys I currently own a 97 mustang that is giving me problems right now and I am looking into buying either a mustang GT or a Firebird/Trans Am. I started looking at the GTs but was dissapointed at seeing only like 220 Hp to the wheels. So I want to buy a firebird or Trans Am and really like the 98 front rather than the 2002. Is there any differences in performance between the two body styles. I am looking for something under 11K and found plenty in that price range but dont know which one to go for. Can anybody help?
10-27-2006, 06:14 PM
#2
98 and 02 front ends are the same. 97 was the earlier body style and there is about 50-70 HP difference depending on what year you go with from 93-97, how ever the 98-02 will all have about 350 HP with all models, base models throught WS6/Firehawks, all ratings from the factory were underestimated. What GT is putting 220 to the ground? Most I've seen is 205ish as they state they have 215-250 HP. 11k is PLENTY to get a decent LS1 (98-02). The search feature alone holds all the information you could ever want about these cars, don't be scared, and good luck!!
10-28-2006, 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Trust
98 and 02 front ends are the same. 97 was the earlier body style and there is about 50-70 HP difference depending on what year you go with from 93-97, how ever the 98-02 will all have about 350 HP with all models, base models throught WS6/Firehawks, all ratings from the factory were underestimated. What GT is putting 220 to the ground? Most I've seen is 205ish as they state they have 215-250 HP. 11k is PLENTY to get a decent LS1 (98-02). The search feature alone holds all the information you could ever want about these cars, don't be scared, and good luck!!
10-28-2006, 09:28 PM
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Trans Ams and Firebird Formulas have the same engine and the same HP/TQ rating. Its the same exact car, just different front/rear bumpers, wing and sideskirts.... only a visual difference. Then theres the base Firebird V6.... I would stick with the V8 models though (Formula & Trans Am).
Remember only 98-02 models had an LS1, 93-97 had LT1 engines, so make sure its a 98+ car if your looking for an LS1. In 01-02, LS1s made 15HP more than 98-00 LS1s because of a different intake manifold.
Remember only 98-02 models had an LS1, 93-97 had LT1 engines, so make sure its a 98+ car if your looking for an LS1. In 01-02, LS1s made 15HP more than 98-00 LS1s because of a different intake manifold.
Last edited by Formula_X; 10-28-2006 at 09:37 PM.
10-28-2006, 10:29 PM
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Thanks for all of the info so my best bet would be buying a 01-02 LS1 then? Is there any drawbacks of those years, anything that the 98-00 had better? Sorry to be such a noob but I made the mistake of buying a V6 mustang as my first car and didnt know they came with only like 120 HP to the wheels beause I didnt do my homeork. 
I want to own a car now that will not get its *** handed by a civic with a CAI.
I want to own a car now that will not get its *** handed by a civic with a CAI.
10-29-2006, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by maxstang
Thanks for all of the info so my best bet would be buying a 01-02 LS1 then? Is there any drawbacks of those years, anything that the 98-00 had better? Sorry to be such a noob but I made the mistake of buying a V6 mustang as my first car and didnt know they came with only like 120 HP to the wheels beause I didnt do my homeork. I want to own a car now that will not get its *** handed by a civic with a CAI.
I want to own a car now that will not get its *** handed by a civic with a CAI.
10-29-2006, 04:45 PM
#7
Well the 01&02s do have some upgrades, the LS6 clutch, and manifold, and upgraded hydraulics.
It depends on what deals you can find in your area, a 98-00 will do fine, as will an 01-02, it all depends on what you can find in your area that's within your budget
And as for having to worry about a honda with a CAI handing you your ***, you definately won't need to care about that, even if the car is left bone stock (you'll be the one handing asses out)
It depends on what deals you can find in your area, a 98-00 will do fine, as will an 01-02, it all depends on what you can find in your area that's within your budget
And as for having to worry about a honda with a CAI handing you your ***, you definately won't need to care about that, even if the car is left bone stock (you'll be the one handing asses out)
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11-01-2006, 07:12 AM
#10
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Good choice. You will like Firebirds or T/As must better than Mustangs. (I had a V8 Mustang. POS compared to my Formula Firebird!!!!!!!!!!! No comparison at all. )
11-01-2006, 08:34 AM
#11
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Pfff my TPI 350 easily handled Mustangs lol Well save the Cobra or Saleen, but that's quite a bit different lol I can guarantee you that even a LT1 Firebird will make you VERY happy! If you get one of those 'Birds, you would save even MORE and make a crazy stroker motor 
Imagine the look on your OWN face lol Either way you go you'll be a happy camper 
Imagine the look on your OWN face lol Either way you go you'll be a happy camper
11-01-2006, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by maxstang
Is there any difference in HP between the 98-02 Trans Am and the Firebird?
98-02 Firebird: 3.8 V6
98-02 Trans Am or Formula: 5.7 V8
11-07-2006, 04:28 PM
#13
I bought a 1998 Pontiac Formula (A4) that was in excellent condition for 8999.00 plus they gave me 1500.00 extra from my Jetta. The car has only 54k and runs like a dream and gets good gas mileage (24 mpg). If you don't owe any money on the mustang you should be able to get a great deal with the trade in. I have owned numerous sport cars (280z, two Formula's 1991, 1997 lt1ws6) and a Jetta with a bigger turbo and beleive me nothing comes close.
11-07-2006, 08:59 PM
#14
If you plan on doing any decent mods, just get any year (although the 01-02 heads are slightly better along with intake manifold). Reason being, is that once you put headers on, the stock "better" manifolds on the 00-02 cars becomes a moot point, and here's a quandry... if you get a pre 01-02 and put an intake manifold on, the stock cam on the pre 01 cars is SLIGHTLY larger, so there you go. I got an '00 because it was exactly the formula I was looking for, regardless of year. As said, 11k could get you plenty of car. Good luck.
-J
-J
11-10-2006, 07:08 AM
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The 01-02 models have better flowing exhaust manifolds, pup cats which flow better, LS6 intake, oil pump, and fuel injectors, slightly better head casting, no egr, but according to GM make only 5 more HP. The 98-00 cars have a bigger cam as stated above so it all breaks down to if you want to keep it stock or not!