I just drove my '85 Z28 for the first time since I got my '91 RS (about three weeks). I couldn't believe how much quicker is was than the RS. I mean not even close. Instant throttle responce, spinning the tire (one legger) with minimal effort, and hella fast acceleration. How can my lightly modded LB9 powered Z perform that much better than my stock LO3? Everyone says its just the gears (3.23 vs 2.73), but I don't think so. Now I have to re-think my idea of modding the LO3. Someone please convince me that my RS can be fast too.

 

I would try, but with the info I have gotten about the L03 engine, Im not gonna try!!



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Godti
'89 Trans Am (Red)
305 TBI 5spd

 

Actually the gears make a HUGE difference in performance with these cars. I mean, think about it. a jump for 2:73 to 3:73 would be amazingly different. I know cause I had 3:73's and it made my car feel a WHOLE lot better. It takes some extra work to get an LO3 to get movin so if u had to choose between and LO3 or LB9 to mod out. I would mod both. but if u had to choose, maybe the LB9. Sorry.

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Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI

ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-180 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-MSD Cap & Rotor-MSD Blaster Coil-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone-Free TBI mods
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html
For info on certain parts or mods go to the site below
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/modeval.html

 

Depending on which car you want your rocket to be, maybe switch the engines?!!? Although it might be more trouble than whats its worth. Probably easier to build a new engine for the car you choose.

 

You could always do what I did. I made my 82 wild and kept my 89 mild. I do have a suggestion, though, if your going to make the Z28 a mostly strip car,you're going to have to change springs, sway bars, etc. to make it hook up. Take all the Z28 stuff, mainly springs and sway bars, and it will really improve the handling of an RS. If the Z28 was nice, though, I'd take out the LO3 and make it the fast car. That's what I would have done, but I had my Z28 way before I got the RS and had already built on it for drag. If you don't want to change engines, and want to mod one of the current ones you have, I'd definetly mod the LB9. JMHO

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82 Z28 350, Ported #882 Heads, Performer RPM cam and intake, hedman headers,650 Demon carb,
Trans: Turbo 350 w/ 4000 stall -- Rearend 7.5 w/ Richmond 4.10's, Auburn Minispool
Best ET: 12.52@107.2
Future plans: Dart headed, Roller cammed 383 in early '01


89 RS, L03 305, Hypertech Chip,cat delete, Dynomax exhaust,K&N open element Filter,160 stat, MSD coil --Trans:700R4 Corvette Servo -- Rearend: 7.5 GM 3.42 w/ posi-lock
New Best ET: 14.91 @92.9 http://www.bassettracing.cz28.com

[This message has been edited by Basett Racing (edited January 15, 2001).]

 

Unfortunately, I'm selling the Z28. Thats why I want to make my RS fast. Otherwise I would keep the RS stock and keep modding the Z28. Oh well, I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that I'm gonna need a new engine to be happy with it.

 

my RS is pretty quick.....do what I did
.

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91 RS W/carbed 350, Vortec heads, performer rpm, Comp cams Xtreme energy 226/230 duration and .477/.480 lift. BFG Drag radials. 3.42 posi,Corvette servoed 700r4, ****ty stock converter.
13.24@104

 

Hey vortecfcar,

I noticed that you're in Crystal Lake, and I was wondering if you have ever heard about the Midwest F-Body Association, www.mfba.org

If you haven't, please go check us out. If you like hanging out with fellow f-body owners, racing your car, and just having a good time, then I'm sure you'll fit in well. Everyone over there is "good people". There are plenty of 3rd genners over there, although the majority of the people have 4th gens, but don't let that keep you away, they don't look down on us at all.

Later
Mike

 

thanks blown 305, Im in school in minnisota right now.....I have heard of the association before but never really looked into it. Ill check it out.

 

Yeah, like I said, I'm gonna need a new engine!

 

in all seriousness u wont need a new motor. Look at NJ speeder. He is running 14.3? on a stock cam. I am not sure of his exact combo but its more than possible to make a 305 TBI run 13s easily. Just be smart with ur mods. BTW he is running his stock short block. I am sure if he took it in for maybe a .30 over bore and a good cam (i think he has new heads) and he would easily be in mid 13 second teritory. It would be great to have a 305 TBI faster than an LS1


BTW if u where to mod one or the other i would mod the 85 TPI onle becouse there are alot more aftermarket parts available for it and its also a more powerful motor. I know some guy on these boards with a 305 TPI 92 gta with a flowmaster muffler and an air foil and he runs a 14.6

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1989 pontiac firebird
bright red exterior(just repainted)
grey interior
5 spd
305 TBI (stock)
WS.6 formula wheels
3.73 posi rear end
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/Mikey89.html
-------------------------
1985 trans am
factory bright yellow
4 wheel disks
16 inch wheels
305 TPI
power antenna and mirrors
t tops