89 camaro rs motor options?
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: USA
Car: 86 trans am
Engine: 305 TPI (not for long)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: the weakest one
89 camaro rs motor options?
hey all. unfortunately i am forced to sell my 86 trans am. however, i am looking at other third gens. ive come across a few ads for 89 rs's. what v8 engines were available in these cars and what would be the best to go with as far as reliability?
:rockon:
:rockon:
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Well in 1989 the RS either had the L03 (305 Throttle Body injection) or the Lb8 V6. The 305 Lo3 came in either a automatic 4 speed or a 5 Speed Manual with rear wheel drive.
here are the 305 LO3 specs that i got off TGOs data
9.3:1 5.0 (305) 170hp@4400 255tq@2400 TBI 3.08 ---- 2.73 gears
Now these Engines werent known for there acceleration, But they are very reliable. i know there pretty good on GAS. Im not sure on the #s but some TBI guys will tell you on gas mileage. Are you plan on usin it all year around (includin winter) ? Or you gonna store it for the winter? Hope this helps. Or you can Get a Ls1 and drop it in your RS, and call it a day
that would be a ZzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzZzz
here are the 305 LO3 specs that i got off TGOs data
9.3:1 5.0 (305) 170hp@4400 255tq@2400 TBI 3.08 ---- 2.73 gears
Now these Engines werent known for there acceleration, But they are very reliable. i know there pretty good on GAS. Im not sure on the #s but some TBI guys will tell you on gas mileage. Are you plan on usin it all year around (includin winter) ? Or you gonna store it for the winter? Hope this helps. Or you can Get a Ls1 and drop it in your RS, and call it a day
that would be a ZzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzZzz 
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Martinsburg, WV
Car: 82 Camaro & 07 Silverado
Engine: 350 (70 Chevelle)
Transmission: 700R4 - Auto
My first thirdgen was an 89 RS, very reliable and lasted for 212K HARD miles. It had the L03 V8 TBI and before I started making any mods to the car, it would get 25 miles/gallon on the highway. I had to do a lot of upgrades just to make my car stay with the TPI models, but the car gave me the bug. I agree with Nick418, if you buy the car and want to make it go fast, better plan on a different engine, and most definitely, a gear swap...those 2.73's are great for highway cruising, but they stink when leaving the line.
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Going from a 350 to the LO3 will definately disapoint you...
John
John
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
I agree with both, If you also want some juice and acceleration then i would deff go for a Iroc with a TPI setup. Its amazing that the L98 V8 is in a whole diff league then the LO3. Ive also seen many reliable L98s. Ive seen ones that hit 200,000 miles and still running strong. Plus TPI has pretty good aftermarket.
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Posts: 14,298
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
My 2nd 87 Formula does not appear to ever have the engine taken apart, and it has 150,000 miles 
. It still runs strong. Of course 120,000 miles were put on it between 1987 & 1991...
The transmission needs major help tho
John
. It still runs strong. Of course 120,000 miles were put on it between 1987 & 1991...The transmission needs major help tho
John
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Just thought I'd point this one out: https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=234710
It's possible that you might find some info in there
- 89_IROC
It's possible that you might find some info in there
- 89_IROC
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