I own a completly stock automatic 90 v6 firebird. I am just getting into wanting to modify it. I am thinking right away I should drop a different engine in it and convert it to manual. Any help as to what would be best or if I should maybe go another route? Like I said I am just getting started and don't know that much. Any help would be great, eventually I want to make it an 10 - 12 sec. car that looks real nice Thanks alot, Dave.

 

10s and 12s is a huge difference. What is the purpose of this car? Are you intending to drive it all the time? Do you want to corner? Are you subject to emissions testing? Basically, how are you going to use it?

By the way, it's easier to run a quick quarter mile with an auto and it's easier on your drivetrain too.

 

Well eventually 10's but for now I am going to shoot for 12's. It won't be driven everyday just once or twice a week to go cruise down busy streets and screw with a couple of mustangs/imports. If I do put a new engine in what how big should I put in? ANd what other mods would I need to support that engine?

 

A 350 is really the most cost effective way to go. You can go bigger, but your wallet will get thinner. Plus there is much more to a 12 sec. car than the motor. The tranny, torque converter, rear end, rear gears, wheels, tires, suspension, and weight, just to name a few, all have to match each other. That doesn't include all the engine parts that have to match each other. Do you want a 5500rpm motor, or a 7500 rpm motor? Do you want something that will also cruise at 45mph and under, or only live at the strip? Tell us what your goals are, and I'm sure we will be able to help you more. You gave us a point A, but now we need a point B.

I could tell you how to build a 9 sec. car, but it'll get about 2-3mpg on the street, run on 115 octane gas, and heat up hot as hades after about 10 minutes of running in city traffic. Plus it would probably never be allowed on the street due to the loud exhaust, slicks, and lack of lights. PLUS, it would only cost you about $20K to build. BTW, That's not including the car.

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92 RS w/t-tops 305 TBI Auto.
170K miles and don't burn a drop o'oil
-K&N Truck filter #1500 w, open ele.
air cleaner
-Dynomax 2 1/2" cat-back
-B&M TransPak
-Jet Stage2 Chip
-180* T-Stat w/ 185* Fan Switch
-JVC CD--Alpine speakers & 4ch. amp
Rockford 2ch. to 2 MTX 12" subs

 

that's a little ambitious for someone just getting started and not knowing much...
if I were you, I'd shoot for 13s until you get your feet wet and start to know your stuff.

350 is probably gonna be your friendliest route. also, are you wanting to stick with EFI or are you planning to dump it for a carb?

 

gibby, have you ever run your car at the track? It's probably an 17- or 18-sec car right now.

The people above are giving you sound, real-world advice. Currently, my Camaro is a high-16 second car, and the '57 a low-15 second car (at this altitiude). Doesn't sound like a lot of difference, right? Wrong! Running the Camaro is like sitting in a recliner and sipping tea and nibbling on current cakes in comparison to the '57, and the '57 isn't all that fast. What you're talking about is a MAJOR difference - safety rules are vastly different, licensing becomes necessary.

Start with a streetable V8, practice driving and running it, work your way up over time. There are very few truly streetable 12-sec cars out there, for a very good reason - you're getting beyond the range of "dual-use" with a car that fast. Not to say you shouldn't shoot for your 10 - 12-sec goal, just don't plan on arriving there with a car you drive during the week.