I was thinking about upgrading my 1989 gta 5.7 (auto)

I have the exaust already, now I wanted to have the motor worked on. I was thinking about having it pro built to about 350 horse power. I can do it for about $3000 keeping the Smog intact.

or

Buy a gen 4 and start with more horse power to begin with, although, the generation 4's have much less torque.

I must say, I love my GTA, the way it looks, drives and everything else. But I don't want to through good money after bad!!

What would you do?

 

GTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

GTA!!

 

Who told you that? That is a bunch of ! They have the same amount of torque than a 350 TPI, if not slightly more. True, with the LT1 you get more power out of the box, but they have that Opti-Spark. I never had a problem with mine, but changing the plugs and wires was the worst thing I ever did on any year Camaro. You can find one for about $3000, or a T56 equipt one for around $7000 in great condition and well optioned. I can't recommend either one, as I do not prefer Firebirds. It will come down to which body style you like better.

 

At thia point in time, and for the forseeable future, neither 3rd gens or 4th gens are anything more than used cars in terms of the collector market, with a few notable exceptions. If you are looking to build the car as an investment, forget it. If you are looking to build it for a toy for personal use, build the one you prefer. The difference is really a matter of personal preference, and totally subjective. Some like the styling of the 3rd gen better, others prefer the 4th gen. As far as performance, anything in a 4th gen can be put in a third gen, if you use the ecm and all smog equipment that is correct for the year engine you choose. If you put 4th gen pieces in a 3rd gen, you will need to have it passed by a referee.

 

I just made that very same decision. I kept my GTA as I like the looks better. Just put $4000 into it with an engine overhaul and upgrades along with a rebuild of my 700R4. It now has LS1 power. By the way Dyno Don did the work and is highly recommended. You will have to get in line though. Allen

 

On a thirdgen message board... I doubt many people will say to scrap the thirdgen and go for a 4thgen.

So, like 90% of the thirdgenners on this board, I say keep the GTA.

 

Well, if all you want see are big ugly a$$ wipers sitting at the base of the windshield when you're driving it, then by all means get a '93-'94 4th gen.

Personally, I can't stand driving a car where I can't see the farking hood. If I want to feel like I'm driving a minivan, then I'd get a minivan. The huge spaceship style front windshield is another questionable styling element as well.

Why get a '93-'94 4th gen? At only 275-285hp, they're really not that fast. Also, you got that goofy optispark, reverse-flow cooling, engine halfway buried beneath the windshield etc etc. Those models are only a few clicks faster than the L98's if that. If you really want a 4th gen, try getting an LS1 powered car instead.

The last L98's do make more TQ than the LT1. 345lb.ft compared to 325lb.ft. You can definitely feel the difference around town. It doesn't take as much revs in an L98 to scoot out of there. That's one of the things I like about the (LTR) L98 Heck, the L98 even makes more TQ than the LS1...well except for the SS/WS6 SLP exhaust equipped models in '02 which finally had 345lb ft.

 

Stick with your thirdgen. You are not going to find a 4th gen in better shape without spending more money. Also, parts for thirdgens are noticeably cheaper.


TPI engines make more peak torque, but LT1's have a better torque curve, so they rev higher, stock. But as I said above, the parts to make a TPI run fast are cheaper, and they're easier to work on.