Hi everyone, I am new to this site and was hoping that you guys could help me out. I have a 1982 Firebird and Trans AM. The Firebird's body and interior is in real good condition but the engine is shot. Its The standard fuel injected 90hp 2.5L 4 cylinder Pontiac Iron Duke lol. 8 years ago, I let my sister borrow it for a week and she broke it . Im using the Trans AM for parts because its frame is rusted to hell. Im looking to get a V6 engine and trasmission from the junkyard for now ,until I can afford a 350 and gas. I wanted to know which would be the best engine to get and which vehicles I could find it from? Also, wanted to know what else I would have to buy and what I could keep to make the switch?

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Wow, an Iron Duke. Not many were made, and even fewer have survived.

The '90-'92 f-body V6 would be the "better" one. You'll need most everything going to or attached to the engine, including the mounts, harness, sensors, computer, fuel lines, radiator, throttle cable, in-tank electric pump, etc., etc., etc. A lot of work. And, you'll have to repeat a bunch of it for the V8.

What did/does the Trans Am have for an engine?

 

The trans am has a carburated V8 305cid/5.0L with 113,000 mile on it, but it smokes a little. Not sure if it worth messing with when i could get a 350 crate for $1200-1500 brand new. I think me and my dad have decided to replace the "iron duke" with a V8 now. He wants to go carborated and not mess with computers. Now i'm trying to decide to go with a junkyard 350, mess with my 305, or just go the crate engine route. I found a original 350 cross-fire injection engine, out of a 1982 corvette(40,000 miles), near by for $250. I do have a 700R4 tranny with 30,000 miles on it. Any thoughts or ideas of what I should/could do? Also, what pros and cons of fuel injected and carborated?

 

I'd check out the 'vette engine, make sure there's no metal in the oil, etc. but not run the cross-fire. I'd use the 700R-4. If the 'vette engine isn't as it should be, doing valve seals on the 305 is like a $50 job, and 113,000 miles isn't really too bad. In that 350, don't buy it without popping the valve covers off, and making sure the heads don't have a casting number ending with 624. They are far and away the most crack-prone chevy heads ever. If they're not already cracked, they will eventually.

 

I've got an 82 firebird s/e and want to put an olds 307 from an 86 cutlass into it. Is it much work, or will it work at all?

 

You should start a new thread about the olds engine. I've considered it, I'll post when you start a new thread.

 

maybe an iron duke 2.5 instead EVERYONE'S bashing the iron duke and telling me to put in a v8. well its a conversation piece and good on gas and so what when the hoods closed its still the most beautiful 3rd gen out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at least it will be on the road
I love my 82 bird
(got it for 600 CDN it was ready for the crusher but I saved it.)

what parts do I need to swap (computer, rad, maybe???????)

 

Again, start your own thread instead of hijacking someone else's.

 

dont blame me im new to 3rd gen and not to mention forums

 

and whats a thread???

 

Okay, I'll send you a private message , called a PM, to walk you through this. You find it at the top right of the page.

 

PM sent.