I have been working on this car all summer it is a 1987 pontiac Firebird Formula 5 speed/305 its now finally ready to begin adding my own touch which would include (new engine, Suspension mods, Rear axle, and tranny upgrades or replacement (not sure yet, Fabricaion and completed body work (in the process of now), and a paint job

anyway the problem is im not exactly sure what to start investing my money into at this point i know rushing into the new engine is a bad idea but i dont know where to start on the underneath Would you guys say it would be best to start on the rear axle and shocks bushings springs etc. etc. or start with the traction mods please leave advice on what you think is best and help me formulate a list of all required parts im not looking for a track or race car at all or even a car thats completly dedicated to go fast if that makes any sesne just a nice weekend speedster

another question i had was whats the deal with the stock 5 speed transmission's in these carsare they strong enough to last with a stronger engine then the 305? i have heard many different things about these tranny's but i am led to belive that they are not able to to back up the engine because of its weak case its subject to bend or flex if your not gentle with shifting gears and if i was to change it what would the best tranny to replace it with that would most likely be available in a junk yard

Thank You i will try and post pictures below
-Dan

 

im having difficulties posting the pictures it says the file size is to big does anyone know how to compress the file or get around this?

 

first and foremost: subframe connectors. the unibody on these cars simply is not good enough without reinforcments. there are literally TONS of aftermarket companies that make these

-Spohn
-Competition Engineering
-BMR
-Jegs
-Alston

just to name a few.

then, before you get anything else, you will absolutely need to get a set of rear lower control arm relocation brackets. both Spohn and BMR sell them. the lower the rear of the lca to eliminate possibilities of wheel hop. you will HAVE to have them if you lower your car, and you'll PROBABLY need them if you keep stock ride height.

after you do this, you can start doing other things. do these thing FIRST though.

ok, with that said, what is the idea for the car. what is your budget?

 

You building a strip car, cruiser or show car?

 

Quote

"im not looking for a track or race car at all or even a car thats completly dedicated to go fast if that makes any sesne just a nice weekend speedster."

I think that answers the question.

Hes right though, sub frame conectors first and formost.

 

Alright and subframe connectors are the same as Traction bars right? And also i hear the stock posi's in these cars are pretty ****ty i was considering swapping in a new axle does any one have any suggestions on the best suiting axle?

-Thanks Dan

 

SFCs and traction bars are two different things. SFCs run between the front and rear subframes to make the chassis more complete. Traction bars are pieces to help the rear suspension. The stock 10 bolts are usually fine for most use. It's definitely suitable for a weekend speedster. I wouldn't mess with it unless/until it breaks.

 

Ok so right now the first thing i am planning on buying for this car is subframe connectors, traction bars, shocks, springs, rear contral arms, wonder bar, and bushings i want the suspension to be the best possible without wasting all my money into it does that sound like a good list of mods to put together?

 

I would ditch the traction bars (you don't need them) and get some good strut mounts up front. Spohn makes a real nice steel set with spherical bearings. Other than that, just go over all of the steering components and make sure there are no worn parts.

 

traction bars? are you just talking about getting some aftermarket tubular lower control arms? cause if so, i wouldn't spend your money on that just yet. the factory ones work fine when they have been boxed in and is what i'm using right now. i'd spend your money else where before new lca's.

and fyi: traction bars are for leaf spring cars...ours have coils out back.