Hello everyone,

I've been trolling this board for a few weeks now and I figured I would introduce myself. My name is David and I'm from Central IL. I'm getting ready to be done with school in a few weeks (while looking for a job, no luck yet) and have got this idea in my head that I would like to build a car. I've always been into cars (namely Camaros . . . obviously), NHRA, and the like, but I know very little in the way of technical stuff. However, I have learned a great deal since I began reading this forum.

Anyways, my outlook on this project would be to build a street/strip application (more street than strip) in a 90-92, preferably carburated (I have read the stickies that pertain to this topic several times). Also, having picked up a copy of Super Chevy this month, the LQ4/LQ9 build article looks very sexy/relatively easy/fun. However, one member on here stated that this swap would be difficult due to flywheel difficulties, hence why he chose the LS1 route.

As stated earlier, I have no job as of yet, but there's no harm in doing a little planning/dreaming now. My question to you all is where exactly do I start? Do I plan everything now and purchase components as I go? Do I buy and assemble an engine first? Or do I just buy an RS or Z28 when I get the money and then add-on parts as I go?

I know there is no one right answer to this scenario, but I just wanted to hear peoples' opinions. Also, I know people will tell me it really depends on my budget . . . so to appease those folks let's say I will have a budget in the neighborhood of 7-10K. I'm in no hurry, plus its nice to sit here and learn what mistakes not to make before I go and repeat them on my own.

Thanks in advance,
David

 

Welcome to TGO. I'm in the same shoes as you really, except I already have a job and a car. I think where you start with depends on what you are willing to do, and what you want to learn. If your not comfortable trying to swap an engine, start with a motor you feel will last. If you wanna do it all yourself, then start with something less.

Only advice I have in sharing the same state as you, is RUST. Take the time to go down south a haul a car back up. People told me that a million times, and i ignored them, and now I'm paying for it, literally. Start with a solid rust free body and go from there. I got too attached to this car to simply part it out, and now I can't back away...

I'm in Normal, IL. If you ever want to help me make mistakes on mine, I can always use a hand! lol.

 

You're in Normal too! Small world.

Other than the body, have you done anything else to your Firebird?

 

Not yet, its been all body so far, cause it needed it bad. The 305 TBI in it is really really high mileage, but still runs strong and isn't leaking a drop of oil, so I'm making plans for a new motor, but letting the old girl run on the same motor for now. I will be dropping a 350 in there sometime. It'll probably be a vortec 350, maybe the HO crate version.

The parts car I'm getting this weekend used to be used for drag racing part time, so I may be stealing some suspension and drivetrain parts from it, and swapping them onto my car. My driveshaft is frightening looking actually, so that'll need to get swapped soon.

 

Hey we all had to start somewhere. My personal advice to youth like yourself is going to be KEEP IT SIMPLE!!!!!!!!! Start out with something thats reliable and not so hard on gas. obviously look for a lower milage stocker so you dont get what someone else has hacked up. then do what you can . dont get in a hurry, and as youre already doing , research is key, buy a book , read, get in with a local mechanic or machine shop . dont be a pest but ask questions. lastly dont be affraid to try it most times its easyer than you think.
I am also new to this sight and like you I'm very impressed with the knowledge here and the helpfullness of most subs. I have been a cert. mech. for a few years and have built many things(mud trucks, drag cars, rail buggies ect.) oh and one other thing is try to stay focused on your goal of what you want . the biggest thing I see is projects that poeple get frustrated with and lose intrest. sell it and wish they had it back

 

Sounds like good advice Chuck.

Campin, have any pictures of your car online? I'd swing by and see it, but the end of the semester owns me for at least the middle of next week.

 

Good choice of car! there are so many options for the third gen and its a car that performs pretty well stock. You can gain alot of performance with just some suspension mods alone, for starters. These things can be made to corner like a big go cart-fun! With gas at an all-time high this may be the smart way to go for now. Motor mods later, as the wallet fattens. I've got a 91 RS with a vortec 350, subframe connectors, sport shocks and springs and a bunch of other suspension mods, its hard to decide which aspect I'v had more fun with. Good luck finding a car and yes, its better to look as far south as practicable, I live in Oklahoma and you can find them cheap here. If you havn't found one yet I'll keep my eyes open. Later man.