New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Hello all. I just recently picked this car up. Regrettably, it's a 305 TBI car, but the original 5 speed makes it livable. From what I've found, it's not too rare, but it is one of 8 cars with this approximate combo. As "reliable" as compnine is...
I've always liked them, and this popped up for a good price. It had a couple issue when I picked it up, but it's running great now. Additionally, the trunk is oxidized a bit, so it's going to the paint booth in the next week or two. My concerns focus on how original it is. There are a few cracked trim pieces, but it's all there. The car came with a new top. I'm actually thinking of selling that top and picking up the glass rear window version. Back to originality, this car is all original, and it sits at 70,000 miles. I already have plenty of fast cars, but because I do, that TBI is painful. I won't be keeping this for the long haul. Should I just enjoy its convertible goodness and keep it original, or should I let the mod bug hit me again?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
I've always liked them, and this popped up for a good price. It had a couple issue when I picked it up, but it's running great now. Additionally, the trunk is oxidized a bit, so it's going to the paint booth in the next week or two. My concerns focus on how original it is. There are a few cracked trim pieces, but it's all there. The car came with a new top. I'm actually thinking of selling that top and picking up the glass rear window version. Back to originality, this car is all original, and it sits at 70,000 miles. I already have plenty of fast cars, but because I do, that TBI is painful. I won't be keeping this for the long haul. Should I just enjoy its convertible goodness and keep it original, or should I let the mod bug hit me again?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 752
Likes: 19
From: Westminster, MD USA
Car: 91 Firebird 'vert, 91 Formula
Engine: 5.7, 5.0
Transmission: T56, T5
Axle/Gears: Auburn w/ 3.73's, 3.42
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Looks like the twin to mine...when mine was original. Being a base firebird, I'm not sure it'll be what you'd call a desired collectors car in the future but there is something to say about stock, original cars. On the flip side, if modded right, and well done, value shouldn't be impacted too much. Mine only has 52K miles on it but already had some bolt ons done by the prior owner and I bought it with the intention of modifying. I can't leave stuff alone. lol Same issue with the trunk on mine. I was going to paint it when I got my hood but then my 8 year old knocked her bike into it scratching the rear quarter followed by my hitting a cone and ripping off a ground efx last summer so I figured it was fine for now...good 10 footer!
Keep us posted on how you proceed!
Keep us posted on how you proceed!
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
If the top is black cloth let me know, I may be interested in it.
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 286
From: Florida
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Hello all. I just recently picked this car up. Regrettably, it's a 305 TBI car, but the original 5 speed makes it livable. From what I've found, it's not too rare, but it is one of 8 cars with this approximate combo. As "reliable" as compnine is...
I've always liked them, and this popped up for a good price. It had a couple issue when I picked it up, but it's running great now. Additionally, the trunk is oxidized a bit, so it's going to the paint booth in the next week or two. My concerns focus on how original it is. There are a few cracked trim pieces, but it's all there. The car came with a new top. I'm actually thinking of selling that top and picking up the glass rear window version. Back to originality, this car is all original, and it sits at 70,000 miles. I already have plenty of fast cars, but because I do, that TBI is painful. I won't be keeping this for the long haul. Should I just enjoy its convertible goodness and keep it original, or should I let the mod bug hit me again?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
I've always liked them, and this popped up for a good price. It had a couple issue when I picked it up, but it's running great now. Additionally, the trunk is oxidized a bit, so it's going to the paint booth in the next week or two. My concerns focus on how original it is. There are a few cracked trim pieces, but it's all there. The car came with a new top. I'm actually thinking of selling that top and picking up the glass rear window version. Back to originality, this car is all original, and it sits at 70,000 miles. I already have plenty of fast cars, but because I do, that TBI is painful. I won't be keeping this for the long haul. Should I just enjoy its convertible goodness and keep it original, or should I let the mod bug hit me again?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
To Mod or Not to Mod...well it is your car so you should do what makes you happy. These cars are going up in value every day but it seems the ultra low mile ALL originals are getting the big bucks. Depending on the mods done is whether your value is hurt. Changing the engine will decrease value but painting that trunk lid and an exhaust system, not so much.
If your stated plan is to not keep the car IMHO you should just leave it alone and enjoy the Vert! Leave it alone for the next guy, I think it would be an easier sell when the time comes.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 5
From: Modesto, California
Car: 88 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO5 5.7 TBI/Ebl Flash
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock rear end
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Damn nice looking car! Honestly yeah TBI gets its bad wrap, but if done right(350 that is...) they can also be a fun street car...
P.S get rid of the front license plate holder!@
P.S get rid of the front license plate holder!@
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 863
Likes: 33
From: Bellflower, CA
Car: 89 Formula, 85 Trans AM & 91 Bird
Engine: 5.0 CARB, 5.7L TPI & 3.1L V6
Transmission: T-5/700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt & 10 Bolt X2
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Should I just enjoy its convertible goodness and keep it original, or should I let the mod bug hit me again?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 752
Likes: 19
From: Westminster, MD USA
Car: 91 Firebird 'vert, 91 Formula
Engine: 5.7, 5.0
Transmission: T56, T5
Axle/Gears: Auburn w/ 3.73's, 3.42
Re: New owner of 91 conv, 305, t5, with low-ish miles
Any updates?