ok, so i got a 92 firebird v8 305 and i plan to restore it with some nice modifications...that are listed below, i want feedback from anyone who has a different opinion than me or has a better idea..

-461 Pontiac Stroker
-Adding limited slip rear differential
-Manual or Automatic trans???????????????????
-Fiberglass hood with hole in middle for air cleaner
-Exhaust? sidepipes? pipes coming out of my hood? NEED HELP!
-5 point seats
-if automatic, B&M shifter or Hurst?
-tires?
-rims????????????
-should i customize my gauges? i kinda screwed up my odometer

i cant think of anything else, but HELP is appreciated. thanks guys!

 

461 Pontiac will need a new rear end if you expect to drive the car.

I prefer a manual transmission over an AT.

Get a cowl hood, don't cut a hole in a hood.

 

the only problem with that is i hate cowl hoods. i want the air cleaner to show but im in the plan stage right now so idk yet

 

Then use another hood. The air cleaner sticking through the hood is a horrible look on a smooth Thirdgen.

 

+1

 

slap a set of 4 gta front wheels on it. cant go wrong with them.

 

Nice choice in upgrading the engine but please use the manual trans! Automatics in sportscars just dont feel right, besides they are more fun to drive too! If it is project Satan I think the exhaust pipes out the hood would totaly look BA. But if not that then do sidepipes. I agree on the GTA wheels they are sweet!

 

i have gold lace rims already, and the gta rims dont differ much from mine.

 

[QUOTE='87IROCZOWNER69;4663654]Nice choice in upgrading the engine but please use the manual trans! Automatics in sportscars just dont feel right, besides they are more fun to drive too! If it is project Satan I think the exhaust pipes out the hood would totaly look BA. But if not that then do sidepipes. I agree on the GTA wheels they are sweet![/QUOTE

The only reason i question manuals, are because of the nonstop shifting...it seems like it would get old after a while, and i dont know how i could pull off the pipes coming out of the hood (2 pipes, or one for each cylinder) but i also wanted to incorporate exhaust cutouts so i wouldnt have to deal with the cops when its loud. i have so many ideas, but little time and the inability to choose just one idea.

 

Put a retro shaker hood on it.. think Smokey and the Bandit.

Shakers look great, if you can get the paint to match.

 

that sounds good, thanks for the idea

 

If this is going to be a street car I would be pretty hesitant to put the pipes through the hood. If you go through with the 461 you should probably put in SFC's to help the car handle the power. As for having to shift alot with a manual, Its usually only a problem if you see alot of stop-and-go traffic. Good luck with the build and keep us posted

 

I think it takes more than just dropping a 461 with a full exhaust, a suspension to back up that displacement is a must. Whether it being AT or MT a built suspension is also a must. Not to rain on you parade but these plans are not going to get you far. the best advice is to do some intensive research before you spend a single dime, you will end up saving money.

 

May I ask why a pontiac motor? First thing you need to do is find a budget. Then it will be much easier to build a nice street car. In addition these cars cannot handle much power without beefing up the drive train.

 

im assuming that you dont already have the 461... so, for now, i would upgrade the 305, and that way you would have more time to contemplate/finish your 461, which will need alot of other parts to make the car drivable, and if your like most of us you dont have the money to buy it all at once... so again, for now, i would build the 305 or just run it with the 305 as is, and slowly piece together your dream... having a set budget is a good idea too. i like the idea of the shaker!

and as far as the manual trans or auto... its up to you when it come down to it.. and also what you want to do... if you know you are going to be doing alot of city driving, i would go auto, or if you would like to send it down the strip, i know people who swear by their trans brake.. but i also know people who wouldnt drive an auto to save their life... its personal preference as far as im concerned

 

ok, i will look into it more

 

i really like pontiac and besides who has a 461 stroker in their bird? its a one of a kind engine for a one of a kind car...and i am researching stuff so i will keep everyone posted.

 

i heard the 305 cant get much more power even with new parts, and i understand it will take a while to get the 461 built and in my car...i think i will do the manual it sounds pretty cool.

 

update:
im going to do the manual, but im not sure if i should do a 4-5-6 speed...im going to put digital gauges in, put cragar v5 rims, bfgoodrich tires, idk what tranny, glass ttops, shaker hood, 8k hid headlights, maybe nos, but thats all i can think of right now...im still working on it...i need a job

 

why build such a big engine? In your situation, Id go with a carbed LSx based 6.0. You could easily reach 450rwhp, keep it tamed on the street and a beast on the track. Obviously, Id use a t56... 4 and 5 speeds dont even come close to what the t56 can take.

 

you could use a tko600, but honestly, the extra OD's of the t56 can allow a much steeper rear gear and still have devent highway rpms.

but i agree with the lsx, i dont see why you need to go throguh all the expence of a large ponitac build that will gain you nothing but headaches and being "different". the lsx will make just as much if not more power, have better fuel economy and be more streetable. plus there are conversion parts available, unlike the pontiac swaps. that will save tons of money on custom fab parts

 

i guess i could go with a lsx but i really had a mindset on the stroker, idk bout tranny still all i do know is its gonna have a f@ckin good clutch.

 

daydreams at 18...
you need to realize that none of this can happen if it's your only car. not only that, but you better be prepared to spend thousands of $. I would also recommend that you be very knowledgeable before starting something so big as this.

 

Stroked LSx kits are mainly available, from 408 to 454+ cubic inches... the real question is how deep are your pockets. Clutch should be the last of your worry, theres a clutch for every application. Id suggest you to ride in a +/- 300 rwhp car before thinking of going with strokers and big cubic inches motors. I think you will be more then surprised of what 300rwhp is when its fully put on the ground.

 

+36

 

ok lol, ik what 300 horses do but i want more.

 

its not my only car, ik what its gonna cost, and i am knowledgable otherwise i wouldnt be saying what im saying

 

You are looking at spending in the 25k+ range to get that engine, a transmission that will live, a driveshaft that will live and a rear end that will live.

If you don't own a house, buy a house before you even think of starting this project.

 

1)Engine = A stroked Lsx
2)Rear end = Eaton posi. In either a 9”or a 12 bolt.with 3.73 gears and a LPW Ultimate Support cover




3)Transmission = Manual

1. Hood cowl
2. Pipes = side
3. Wheels = Weld Pro Stars

 

Where do you install a torque converter on a manual transmission?

 

Yes I just cought that. Tried to beat the next post becouse I new that was comming. And sure enough there it is.

 

Forget the side pipes, our cars arent design for them to look good. If you would cut the floor, tuck them in, and have them exit in front of the rear wheels, similar to Vipers, it would be awesome too. But without extensive floor modification, forget it.