i am kind of new at working on cars, but bought an '88 formula firebird because of how much i loved my first car, an '85 firebird. anyway, with my father owning a '69 camaro and my older brother owning a '79 trans am, i guess i was kind of destined to step up to the plate, but back to the topic.
i am starting to rebuild this '88 formula with a 305ci V8 and t-tops and i really want to put a 350ci V8 in it. with the current aspirations i have, the engine i would want to build would be cretaing between 300hp-350hp with a similar torque rating (around 300 foot/pounds). but my question is: even with subframe connectors installed, would the frame be able to tolerate the power of an engine with the specs i have provided due to the t-tops?
i am starting to rebuild this '88 formula with a 305ci V8 and t-tops and i really want to put a 350ci V8 in it. with the current aspirations i have, the engine i would want to build would be cretaing between 300hp-350hp with a similar torque rating (around 300 foot/pounds). but my question is: even with subframe connectors installed, would the frame be able to tolerate the power of an engine with the specs i have provided due to the t-tops?
okfoz
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- Join DateMar 2001
- LocationDoghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
- Posts:14,298
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- Car87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
- Engine5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
- Transmission700R4, M5
- Axle/GearsSag 3.73, B&W 3.45
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- Liked:197 Times in 142 Posts
T-top cars are pretty strong, they could handle a pretty good engine. Really the SFC's will help bunches in the stiffening area. I would also consider some Lower Control Arms an a pan hard bar. You will be more likely to blow out the rear end than to twist the car once you put on some SFC's...
I guess it depends on wheter your going to drag the car or just have the power "just in case"
Good luck
John
I guess it depends on wheter your going to drag the car or just have the power "just in case"
Good luck
John
Senior Member
You should be fine just get some SFC's.
I mean, even vert's can pack quite a punch.
I wouldnt worry to much, you'd really need to try and bend a frame with 300 ft/lbs of torque.
But if you plan on dragging, I would get every type of frame strength you can get.
Strut tower brace, better torque arm, wonderbar... all that fun stuff.
Basically go to spohn and buy everything
I mean, even vert's can pack quite a punch.
I wouldnt worry to much, you'd really need to try and bend a frame with 300 ft/lbs of torque.
But if you plan on dragging, I would get every type of frame strength you can get.
Strut tower brace, better torque arm, wonderbar... all that fun stuff.
Basically go to spohn and buy everything

thanks a lot guys. i'll definantely keep all of this in mind when i begin piecing together a 350. for now, i have different fish to fry; however it doesn't hurt to be prepared. once again, thanks.



