picking up a firebird
this all depends on which generation you like, some could say 79 because of it's classic looks, some could say 91-92 with tuned port injection as it reminds them of the original KITT, some prefer the look of the LT1 4th gen. As for the ls1 4th gens (98 and up) the best years are 00-02, somewhere around 00 was when they switched to the better intake, 98 is the year to avoid for ls1 cars as while they had the new motor they still had the metal gas tank which resulted in a 1 year only fuel pump design, by the time you reach 00 and up all the aftermarket stuff (tuners and all) will work.
something else you need to mention is whether your looking for v8 or to save some money with a v6 as with a v6 you want to be 00-02, the 98 still had the angled throttle body(from the earlier body style) and the 99 still had the log style exhaust manifolds and is really hard to find a tuner for, you pretty much need to send that one off to get tuned.
something else you need to mention is whether your looking for v8 or to save some money with a v6 as with a v6 you want to be 00-02, the 98 still had the angled throttle body(from the earlier body style) and the 99 still had the log style exhaust manifolds and is really hard to find a tuner for, you pretty much need to send that one off to get tuned.
If you're getting a 3rd gen, look for rust in the wheel wells, floorboards and trunk area. Look for hacked up wiring. Being as old as they are, any electrical problems are going to be a pain regardless, hackjobs are just going to make it that much worse.
If you're looking for a 4th gen, 96&97 are the best choice IMO if you're looking for an LT1. 93&94 still used OBDI and didn't have vented Optis. 95s used a weird OBD system, 96+ uses OBDII with vented Opti.
As for LS1s, I'd say either a 98-99 or a 01-02. 98s didn't have a bunch of little cosmetic and functionality issues that 99s and up have ( cracked door panels, trunk spring being too weak, fading sail panel, etc. ) but they use different PCMs and wiring than the later years.
2000s still had the LS1 intake but got the smaller cam or " truck " cam. 01-02s got LS6 intakes, slightly better heads and a smaller cam to shift the power band lower.
Watch out for headlight motors. You'll probably have to replace them.
If you're looking for a 4th gen, 96&97 are the best choice IMO if you're looking for an LT1. 93&94 still used OBDI and didn't have vented Optis. 95s used a weird OBD system, 96+ uses OBDII with vented Opti.
As for LS1s, I'd say either a 98-99 or a 01-02. 98s didn't have a bunch of little cosmetic and functionality issues that 99s and up have ( cracked door panels, trunk spring being too weak, fading sail panel, etc. ) but they use different PCMs and wiring than the later years.
2000s still had the LS1 intake but got the smaller cam or " truck " cam. 01-02s got LS6 intakes, slightly better heads and a smaller cam to shift the power band lower.
Watch out for headlight motors. You'll probably have to replace them.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: White Bear, Mn
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Joined: Sep 2014
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989 firebird...well everyone this is my Baby. my pride and joy and I hate to see her go but our time has come to part ways.. I no longer have the space for her seeing as though I ha e two other vehicles already. She isn't free of problems she does run and drive.. Its more or less cosmetic stuff.
1. She will probably need valve guide seals she has some bluish smoke so I know some oil is seeping past the Valve and into the cylinder..
2. Ttops do leak when it rains really really hard
3. Exterior has clear coat fading
4. drivers side door was broken into, but I'm including new doors so that doesn't matter
Now for the good, She has always run Wix Filters, Mobil 1 5W-30 Full synthetic, Plugs are double platinum Bosch's recently changed, Pioneer head Unit, Kenwood 6X9s, New Ttop bag, New doors included, New Dash Pad included, new ignition control module, new coil, new wires, Fresh Air Filter and two tires
Mileage is 156K is a 5 Speed, all dials and gauges work perfectly fine... Never overheated shoot me an offer
this is the post! i dunno what do yall think? for 850
1. She will probably need valve guide seals she has some bluish smoke so I know some oil is seeping past the Valve and into the cylinder..
2. Ttops do leak when it rains really really hard
3. Exterior has clear coat fading
4. drivers side door was broken into, but I'm including new doors so that doesn't matter
Now for the good, She has always run Wix Filters, Mobil 1 5W-30 Full synthetic, Plugs are double platinum Bosch's recently changed, Pioneer head Unit, Kenwood 6X9s, New Ttop bag, New doors included, New Dash Pad included, new ignition control module, new coil, new wires, Fresh Air Filter and two tires
Mileage is 156K is a 5 Speed, all dials and gauges work perfectly fine... Never overheated shoot me an offer
this is the post! i dunno what do yall think? for 850
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