mulletwearingtadrive

iTrader: (10)

So other than the 89 TTA and the 1st Firehawks what would be the best year/trim third gen firebird/transam to turn into a project car? Basically something to beat, race and mod the **** out of...

What things should one look out for when looking for one?

I want one that has a V8 obviously and a manual.....but basically just looking for as much advice and info as possible.
Thanks

SweeTbone

iTrader: (8)

Hmmm. Not a lot of factory choices there. Besides the obvious LS1/T56 swap, the only one that would really fit your options would be a 305 TPI/ T5 tranny. I would go with the 87-92 Formula seeing as it's a little lighter than a TA. Manuals were only mated to a 305 TPI, 305 TBI or a V6. No 350 TPI saw a 5 speed. (Except for that one that got away. ) Me personally, I would do the swap. Pick the body style you like (TA, Bird, Bird with GFX, Formula) and have at it.

mulletwearingtadrive

iTrader: (10)

is the 305 even worth modding or is it better just to go with a swap?

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

I have a 91 Formula with a race built tranny, and an '81 350 4-bolt .040, decked, in the garage for it that I NEED to sell. Body is in great shape for the year, minimal rust (2 circles on each door corner). It's a 350 TPI car, I have an LT1 cam for the new motor (works in a TPI motor dont worry) and it's chipped. I've beat an LT1 M6 with my old 350 TPI. Everything for $1100

mulletwearingtadrive

iTrader: (10)

Man that would be awesome but I really can't afford it right now. I am about to finish paying off my last credit card debt and in a couple months my LS1 will be paid off, I was just looking for info in advance.

FireHawkMike

iTrader: (2)

id go with a formula, then swap whatever you want into it, they look the best imho, and have the better suspension then a base bird but weignh less then the TA. Am a litttle biased though, i miss my 89

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

Meh, unless your looking to build an all out race car and just wnata third gen body, dont bother messing with the TPI stuff. The Formulas are clean though, make a nice race car.

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

If you want to run fuel injected, then I'd go with a 90-92 car as they were speed density and will be easier to tune (but not nearly as easy as a LS1). You won't want to spend much time modifying a 305, but if your budget won't allow a swap, you can still have fun with it and then later down the road swap things over. You will want to ditch the TPI setup in favor of something like a Holley Stealthram. After that, it's all in the heads and cam selection.

I'd personally like to find a clean 91/92 Z28 305 5 speed, but I am broke

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

See, I've got the PERFECT project car Already a 350, upper intake is ported to beat hell It can accomodate an Arizona Speed and Marine mono-blade throttle body I'm sure, it's ported that much.