hey, im new to this site...brand new to pontiacs and high power cars in general. im 16 and i bought a 1987 Firebird yesterday. Its stock except i think the tires are a little fatter in the back and it has "1/4 mile style" written jus over the pontiac sign. Im gonna keep that theme. So I was wondering how much horsepower i got stock. It rumles nice but i want a good camshaft for some nice sounding idles. Also what are some other engine mods recomended for an 87. I was thinking of a cowl induction hood (it camewith one but its not functional) also i was thinking of a big firebird hood decal. somebody give me some tips and some facts about my HP. Thanks!

 

Welcome,

We will definatly need some more information. A v-6 can rumble(kind of) with the right muffler..lol

Do you have a V6 or V8? If its a V8 is it a throttle body (TBI) or is it Tuned Port Injection (TPI)

Just above youll see a row of blue buttons, use the search button. You will find enough information to make your eyes bleed! Just do a search on what your interested in!!!

 

thanks for replying man. Its got a 305 and its a V8. so im gonna do my homework on this site and see what i can do to my new car...i LOVE the car...couldnt be any happier.

Thanks
Karl

 

Welcome to the club. Take it to the track if you want to race.

Still need more info. Is it a base model or one of the following: Formula, Trans Am

Engine: V8 - 305 (5.0l)
Intake: ??
Transmission: Auto or Manual??

You could have anywhere from 165 to 215 HP based on the year and engine.

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml

I wouldn't worry about changing your cam out until you've done some other work first.

A) Exhaust - you want less restriction, so put headers, 3" free flow cat, and 3" exhaust on your list first.
B) Ignition - upgrade all your components using any of the big names, MSD, Accel, Mallory, Moroso. You're looking at cap, rotor, coil, wires.
C) Intake - depends on what you have. Assuming you have a 4 barrel, make sure it's in top shape, and tuned. Cold air induction, lower restriction air filter (K&N), intake manifold.

Once you have that sorted out you could be getting into the 15 to 14 second range without opening up the engine at all.

You can find everything you need here http://store.summitracing.com/ , but shop around and ask questions before you purchase. Also make sure you know how to do the work yourself, much more fun that way. And less costly, labor in most shops can be anywhere from $30 to $60 dollars an hour.

 

An '87 would be either E4ME Rochester or TPI (V-8), or MPFI for the V-6.

 

sorry i keep leaving ot info, im new to this and wiing to learn and so far you have been overly helpful and thanks because it makes me feel welcome. well its a base model firebird, its got the 305, the air induction looks stock because the hood cowl isnt functional (i think its not, theres no hole anywhere in it) I dont know hat transmission it has, i beleive its stock. Its also an automatic. it has exhaust pipes at either side of the rear but a friend told me that it was single exhaust just split and put at either side. Thanks Keith for giving me great details about how i can upgrade my car. I worked all summer and i got the car for $400. It has a 6 month old inspection, new tires and battey, smokes very little. I think its a good deal. I have roughly $850 to spend on mods. I am going to paint it because it does have a lil surface rust and the t tops look rusty so i want that fixed. other than the paint i will use the money for performance mods. Thanks again everyone and feel free to keep the help coming

 

Sounds like you have a lg4. 165hp carbed 305. Im assuming you have an automatic???

 

If you've got a base model, then you should have the following...

Engine: V8 - 305 (5.0l)
Intake: 4 Barrel Quadrajet
Transmission: Auto - 700R4

165HP is what they put out new.

A way to double check is to go here https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/vin/ and enter in the VIN number for your car. This should be on the drivers side of the dashboard, you'll need to read it from the outside. It'll also be on your registration.

For instance my 'Bird is speced as follows from my VIN number

Made in: United States
Manufacturer: General Motors
Make: Pontiac
Carline Code: F-Body
Carline Series: Firebird
Body Type: 2 door coupe (hatchback)
Restraint System: Manual belts
Engine Code: 305 ci V8 LG4 (1987)
2 is the CHECK DIGIT
Model Year: 1987
Assembly Plant: Norwood
Production Sequence: 237614


Then the next thing to do is write down all the RPO codes. You should find those in the center console. These are what options your car was built with. You can go here https://www.thirdgen.org/cgi-bin/rpo/index and find out what all they mean.

Another thing, fill in some more info on your profile so we all know where you're from. And don't worry about asking dumb questions, although you'ld do well to do a search first, because the answer may already be on here.

Later...

 

Welcome,
I agee with Keith go with headers first and then do what ever you want. Read my signature at the bottom and you can see what I have done to my Baby, not too much but enough to boost her from 190HP stock to over 235 HP now and I am happy with her. She will hang with all the FOX body mustangs my friends have. Also cold Ram air helps a little, every little bit helps trust me. They make a ram air sysytem for carbs I cant remember who makes it. Look in the last 10 pages of any muscle car magagzine and you should see an ad. It is small about an inch tall on the page so watch for it. It is only $100 dollars and it can help. Also your friend was right. Your car is single exhaust with dual tips.


Drew

 

Good picture of the HO Dual snorkle aircleaner. That would make a good swap.

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...imatetbi.shtml

And a how to to make em if you cant find them in the junk yard...

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...lsnorkel.shtml


What I plan on doing... Cold air induction via the hood scoop.

http://www.hioutput.com/tech/air2.html

 

thanks keith and SX for helping me out. The cold air induction is something i definitely will get via an air dam. the banners above have unctional hood scoops so ill get those after i get new headers and ignition system.

Thanks

Karl