My brother found an '89 formula with no engine or tranny, so we're thinking of putting the engine and tranny from his '89 firebird (V6) into the formula. Will this work? Just need some info if it is a possibility....what would have to be done to the wiring, engine mounting, etc., etc. etc.

Any input is appreciated

 

new motor mounts, wiring, ecm, and tranny. just the opposite of going from v6 to v8.

if that fomula was a tbi and you put a mpfi 2.8 or 3.1 you will also need a different feul pump, one with more pressure.

 

Don't waste your time and money, I have a nice TPI 305 w/auto I'll sell ya. (from my '90 TA) Or I can make it TBI if you want.

 

depends. how much & will you help us out with it?

 

dyno don you have a PM

 

hey thats my 305.....

 

someone made a reply using my name without my permission. big no NO.

btw don....you have a pm awaiting your attention

 

Keep it a V6, just change it to a Buick turbo. That will blow away the 3rd and 4th gens. Its probably less work and a whole lot faster

 

LoL how funny..
There was a complete 305 tpi on the classfied for 900 or so I believe, if you miss out on that one..

 

Wrong..... the cylinder heads don't work on a 3rd gen.

 

I've got a 305 here as well, but it's a l03, however I do have a almost complete TPI setup for sale as well. Including an Super Ram manifold.

 

Not legal. You could put the pontiac version in a 1987 or earlier model, but not legal after 1987.

 

'89... You can put a Turbo Buick engine in anything 1989 or earlier. But for '88 and '89 you have to use the '89 Turbo Trans Am version.

 

I thought the TTA was a 1987 model. Wasn't it to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Firebird, or was it the 20th anniversary of the TA which would put it in 1989?

 

Hogwash.

"Certification Standards

Make sure the engine and emission control configuration on exhaust - controlled vehicles are certified to the year of the vehicle or newer, and to the same or a more stringent new vehicle certification standard."

Thats the law. Thats how Chevy engines end up in Jags, Toyotas, and Mazdas and are legal in this state. Red tape parade ensues.

Here is the fine print:
"Mixing and matching emission control system components could cause problems and is generally not allowed."

TTA- The TTA is the 20th anniversary of Trans Am's not Firebirds, hence, 1969+20.

 

I've actually done some minor research to this and I have two things to add:

Research tells me that you can put in a buick motor, however the F body version simply used different heads. They used heads from a FWD version. I guess they are skinner. But basically same motor. I heard you can use the buick in an F body, but its very "tight". I have a line with a guy back east who will sell me a Turbo Buick 3.8 from a 1987 GN. Shipped from port to port for $2750. I love the 89 TTA's and doubt I'll ever own a real one. After reading up on them and seeing some amazing GNX's, GN's and TTA's run, I really want to drop one in my 1987 TA.

Since its an 1987 motor going into a 1987, it should be cool, right??

Second, I need to hook up with a pal of mine who, also is making his 1983 (?) Trans Am into a Knight rider mock up, and is also going the way of the Buick Turbo 3.8. He's not using the TTA Version. Which I'd imagine would be hard to find.

Any how..... just my thoughts.

(((And thanks Brit for forwarding me the link!!)))