I'm trying to decide which direction to go with my '92 Firebird. I thought I wanted to go with the Ram Air II hood and 4th gen T/A style spoiler, since they work together well, and the RA II hood works well with the '91-'92 nose (better, IMHO, than with the earlier cars) I've come across a good deal on a Ram Air I hood and '91-'92 T/A wraparound spoiler though, so now I'm trying to decide what I want to go with. I've searched and come up with some pics and info, but I'm still looking for more!

I'd love to see pictures of both setups, particularly with the '91-'92 style bumper/gfx. I would also like to hear opinions as far as appearance of the two.

For those who HAVE the RA I hood, is it at all possible to make it functional using a RA II airbox? I know everything I read on the dealer's sites say that the RA I is NOT functional, but is it feasible to make it functional?

Any and all input on this decision is very much appreciated!

-Paul

 

I don't know if it's possible to fit that airbox under a RA 1 hood, since it barely clears the RAII hood. It's not really a true ramair setup anyway, since there are no baffles that seal the airbox to the upper side of the hood. It does place the airbox up out of the engine's heat though, so I'd call it more of a cold air induction setup that a true ram-air.

 

Just needs paint which will hopefully be soon. The RA I i think gives it a more sleeker look, and the RA II gives it a more muscular look.

 

Thanks for the input so far! Good info, and good looking cars Anyone have any full-car shots with the '91-'92 nose and RA I hood kicking around? Thanks again...I think I'm getting closer to a decision.

-Paul

 

i just put mine on about 2 weeks ago ill get some pics as soon as it starts raining. imo the ra1 looks a little better on 91-92 not to big and i couldnt spend 700 on a ra2 hood w/ the airbox cause it doesnt create a real ram air effect.

 

The Air Box is a waste of $200+. If you do end up ordering the RAII, don't buy the box, and you may not even need the nostrils cut because it's not hard to do. I had mine cut but later made them bigger.

 

heres a pic of what the ra1 looks like

 

i put the fourth-gen spoiler & RAII hood on my car,and I love the look.My car is an 89 but has the 91-92 gfx &front/rear bumper covers.IMO go with that look.Sorry I can't show any pics right now with this loaner computer.There are a couple of pics of my car in pieces on another thread i believe 92 to 85-90 gfx body style swap is the name of the thread if u would like 2 see

 

Ah, but it does provide a good base to make one that does work with a RA1. I did get a good deal on mine used.

 

When a 4th gen syle, with all 4 nostril openings, is made for a 3rd gen, I'll be happy. Even if you had to cut and urethane in the bottom 2 openings, like a 4th gen is made.

If I could it do to a Tahoe...why not a car?

 

I had thought about that before Stephen.

 

Deffinatly go with the RA II with the 4th gen style. Those matched with the 91-92 gfx looks beautiful!

 

If you want all 4 openings, call Extreme Composites . I'm sure they'll make one, if they get enough requests. Hell, they'll build you a one-of, if you ask for it. Dunno what the pricing is on a one-off though. Don't see why they couldn't take the top skin of their Z-78 hood, and adapt it to a 3rd gen hood. If I had the money, I'd send them a flat, fiberglass, 3rd gen hood, and ask them to put their Z-78 hood skin on it. Hell, he delivered my hood for free! He had to come my way anyways, and offered to swing by the body shop, and drop it off!

 

Thanks for the continued input everybody, it is much appreciated! I actually got a line on a RA I hood and '91-'92 T/A spoiler which was looking pretty good, but something's come up and I'm not sure how it'll turn out. I've pretty much decided it'll either be a RA I hood and '91-'92 T/A spoiler or a RA II hood and 4th gen T/A spoiler. Basically whichever one I can find a better deal on within my timeframe Keep the thoughts and pics coming though, they're invaluable!!!

Thanks!

-Paul

 

Not sure if RA I or RA II, but get the 4th gen style one, the 4th gen wing, a set of 4th gen Firebird Mirrors (if you have a Firebird), and you are all set!

 

Does anyone have a picture of or has seen the "air box" for a TBI or Carb with the Ram Air Hoods?

Also for those of you who have installed the Ram Air Hoods, with the increased air flow, do you feel a slight increase in gas mileage?

 

Well, here's a picture of it from the GT Fiberglass website:



I know I haven't seen one in person, so maybe someone else can help with that.

I had a deal going for a RA I hood and '91-'92 T/A spoiler, but that fell through. I'm honestly thinking about getting the RA II and 4th gen spoiler, because I can swing down to GT Fiberglass (they're in CT) and pick up both of those, plus the ram air airbox for $900 brand new....

Only thing is I do like the look of the RA I, and it seems like fewer people have gone that route, and I like being different, but the RA II sure does look good on the "Banshee" nose cars...oh decisions...

-Paul

 

By the looks of the tbi/carb air box, it looks like a real functional ram air and not just a cold air intake.

 

I think the carb box is the better system.

 

In my opinion, the RA1 hood looks like it coulda been made for a thirdgen in the first place. GORGEOUS!The RA2 hood reminds me of an import. TOTALLY not even remotely close to following ANY of the lines of a thirdgen bird. In fact, it actually looks better on the Camaro's.

Again. Only my opinion.

Quadgoat, your car is freakin' gorgeous. Change that hood and TGO will disown you!!!!!!!

 

get the ram air 1 hood , the ram air 2 hood on a 91-92 doesnt looks right to me . And the 4th gen wing stay away from that that just looks bad on everything but a 4th gen . but these are just my opinions.

 

i have had th esame tought i got the hood but why not put the other 2 in the nose like the 4th gens

 

i don't think the ra1 can be made functional, can it?

 

Thanks very much for the compliment Abubaca! I'm pretty pleased with how the car has come out

goalieforlife Technically they say that the RA1 hood can't be made functional, but it can be, with some fabrication. As someone posted earlier in this thread you can use the RAII airbox as a solid foundation. I am planning to do this once I have the money and find an airbox. If anyone else has done this, I would love tips and thoughts on making it turn out well! My biggest concern is how to keep water from getting into the air filter/air box when it's raining

By the way (sorry I never posted up in here again) I ended up going with the RAI hood and 4th gen style spoiler and painted the car sunset orange metallic:







I'm quite content with my choice...aside from the imperfections in the gelcoat on the hood that I didn't have time to fix, but I can always pull it off some winter and re-do it, if I ever turn it into a show car

Thanks for all the thoughts, advice, and opinions guys, it definitely helped in my decision!!

-Paul

 

Wow!Car looks very nice!
You interested in a nice set of grid taillights for that car?
If so,take a look at my photobucket album for pics.The taillights on my black 89(91-92 clone)are the same setup. no separation on the grids and comes with the center section.

 

I just bought a ram air 2 hood the other day with plans to put it on my car when i paint her, which if all goes well will be sometime this summer.

 

I think you made the right choice, quadgoat!!

 

This is one of the few 85-90 cars i've seen with the RA1 hood. Looks sexily. He also uses every bit of underhood space for 1407hp.





www.pollymotorsport.no

These pics more than anything else helped me to decide on a RA1 hood should I ever go with a different hood than the stock TA hood. Ideally I really just want a fiberglass stock replacement for weight loss. I won't buy a hood for a long time, don't need it to fit a LT1 under there.

 

RAI. I like subtle. RAII looks like overkill. IMO.

 

you know what you need now... is stainless hood grills.

 

Imho.... I haven't seen an ra1 or an ra2 hood fit the way it should period! I wouldn't have either one stuffed up my a$$ if I had roon for a truck load of them.....................