Guys, this is my first post, but I've been lurking/learning for a long time. I've also read the thread listed not too far below about whether to mod or not, but still would like some specific opinions on my situation:

Bought an 87 5.7 IROC fully loaded (T-tops, 700R4, and power everything -- even that ****ty $500 automatic rearview mirror) with 32k miles on it back in 1992. Drove it for a few years, then with 39k miles, I put it on blocks and went to college, then my career in Manhattan where you don't need a car.

Fast forward to today, I'm back in Chicago where my car is stored and was wondering whether to spend a lot of money modifying it or not. While the car always gets me comments when I drive because it looks mint, it is not truly original since the front panel was replaced by the prior owner after he bumped a concrete pole in a parking lot, and I had a $2,500 paind job put on maybe 7 years ago after some jealous jackass keyed up my car.

I'm thinking about modifying it because even though I'm old enough not to street race anymore, it still pisses me off when I know the Nissan Maxima next to me probably has the same amount of horsepower as the IROC. Spending the moeny for a new tranny, turbocharger, and all the engine/exhaust mods is not an issue, but I'm torn between sentimental reasons ("It's original") and wanting the extra power just to know it is there...

 

I would do things to it that no one would notice, even under the hood. Cam, higher compression pistons, and a custom chip would do wonders. OR you can bite the bullit and get yourself an LS1, do some mods to the car and have it fast as heck, OR even an LT1 would be fast enough for most people and it bolts up just a little re-wiring.

Then from the outside it looks stock but goes like mad ....

 

if moneys not an issue to build it up with superchargers and what not, just get another one and mod that one and keep your sentimental one original.

Take me for instance, I still have my 1984 Firebird 4 cylinder. It was the first car I ever bought and I have kept it (for the most part) the same. I got new seats and wheel, and upgraded some suspension. Other than that the car is original condition. I haven't touched the Iron Duke and don't plan to.

Money is a problem for me so eventually I will get another firebird and mod that one and leave mine alone.

Later,
bill

 

I would keep it stock, personnally, or only do mods that don't alter it much. If you aren't going to race anyone who cares how fast it is. I don't race anyone either

 

If money is not an option then drop in an LT-5 crate engine. I gaurantee you will not get beat by any Maxima!!!

 

I like the restified stuff myself. Looks stock but isn't

Do what you want and have fun. If you mod, mod it for yourself and don't worry about it. Make it a full on race car if you want, its your car. Just save all the original parts if you want to convert it back. Or sell them to somebody restoring their car.

Either way, enjoy the car.

 

i would mod it. maybe start off slow. i used to say i'd never mod my car, but now i have more fun racing and learning about performance parts (although i still have a lot to learn), when before i just had fun driving it.

i may also be low on money but am having a helluva good time with my car now.