Since I didnt see and introduction forum I figure this is a good a place as any to start. Ive been a fouth gen F-body as long as they have been out and I can remember (Im 19! LOL) Ive owned 4 fourth-gens (96 Formula, 00 Z28, 98 Formula and My Current 98 Trans Am) Im a second generation NHRA bracket racer, 2008 Gainesville Raceway True Street Series Champ. I built my Z28 as street legal bracket racer and had to sell due to economic times. Well things are better and so Ive decided to build the TA again in time for the 2010 season meaning of course I need a new beater/DD.

So here is where the Third gens come in. I admit Ive had my own prejudices about third gen owners. (The obvious ones) Well my dad is somewhat of a car dealer and so one of the car he had was a 92 Firebird Base model with a 5.0 TBI. So I crank it up and it growls...I'm impressed (Later I looked and it appears to have stock or shorty headers into a aftermarket Y-pipe and muffler with stock turndown tips). I decide to take it for a drive and I saw the light

Drove like a DREAM. Didnt feel as "tense" my my fourth gens and not having the picnic table dash was a welcome change of pace. It could use a touch more power...more about that later

Anywho heres my question for the history forum. Eventually I plan on dropping a 305 TPI that I have laying around with harness. In the fourth gen world true Formulas are much more desired than any 3.8 model with an engine swap. What are the prospects value wise for a base model firebird with an engine swap to a 305 TPI vs a true Formula.

No matter what I plan on picking up a third gen eventually. I'm either getting this Bird priced at $1000 or eventually a IROC-Z.

On another note as metioned I was very impressed with the exhaust note from the car but it has TBI again as mentioned. Ive always loved the LT1 sound but perfered the LS1 performance. So the bottom line is: what difference, if any, is the in the exhaust notes between the TBI and TPI with similar exhaust setups?

Thanks!

 

Before I begin I have to define some things for you, once you get into the swing of third gens it will become more apparent. but you have definitely come to the right place.

LO3 = 5.0L TBI FI engine
LB9 = 5.0L TPI FI Engine
L98 = 5.7L TPI FI Engine

Definitely yes, a Formula will undoubtedly be worth more than a base model, even if the Formula has the same engine.

One thing you will find that is very different than 4th gens, where more or less 4th gens had two engine offerings for any given point in time (1995 they changed from the 3.4 to 3.8 mid year) 4th gens on average had 4 engine offerings. This confusion is compounded by the fact that every car had multiple engine options, for example as the case in point for 1992:
Firebird (S)V6 & (O)LO3 (TBI)
Formula (S)LO3 (TBI), (O)LB9 (TPI 5.0) and (O)L98 (TPI 5.7)
Trans Am (S)LB9 and (O)L98 (note: the LO3 was available in the TA when exported.)
GTA (S)L98 and (O)LB9

Another thing unlike 4th gens where the WS6 was an option on the Trans Am and the Formula, the WS6 on third gens (87-92) was installed on ALL Formula's and GTA's and an option on the Trans Am. The WS6 during the third generation was the top suspension, where the 4th gens had hood scoops etc.

The Formula also got the Killer hood, without the bulky ground effects, and the aero spoiler, which makes it the most attractive model to me personally.

The Firebird, any firebird whether a GTA, Formula, TA or base will ride better than an IROC. Performance would remain the same for cornering, but Pontiac wanted a softer ride than Chevy so they had different theories how to achieve the same result.


The exhaust note should be the same, as the basic engine design was the same. The LO3 had different heads than the LB9 (TPI)

John

 

Let's get something straight here, Mr Formula guy! I wouldn't say that "any" Firebird will ride better than an IROC-Z. There is a difference in riding better or riding differently. There is a softer suspension ride to the Firebirds, but I would never say that the ride is better. If you want the best handling car during the 80s, the IROC-Z is the car to drive. Do you feel the road, yes, but it isn't a jarring obnoxious feel. I recently upgraded the shocks on my 06 Z71 truck with Bilsteins and have had comments on "feeling the road" from passengers on a certain road in our area. Last week I drove the IROC-Z down that same road and was surprised at how smooth the ride was compared to the newer truck.

Just a note on okfoz's preference for a softer ride. He likes Buicks!!!!!

 

I know this post is Irrelevent to the topic but I like the buicks too! LOL! Like the tta t/a...it has the buick engine with a touch of pontiac's tweaking

lighter, faster, quicker, and a lil more powerful...and the weight transfer is a plus
so maybe there is something about pontiac's ride after all! hmmmm...
woot!

 

I can't believe that John hasn't replied to my post yet. Deep down he knows I'm right.

 

did I twist a tail?

The "opinion" is my info comes from a non objective, by-partisan article "Family Feud" from Automobile in 1987... sorry Scott, the "Experts" have spoken...

John