Just wondering what u guys recommend. I know basically what i want but this will be my first car and i could use some insight when looking at used cars. I want to get a pontiac, 89-92, with a 305 tpi/manual. the only reason i actually want the 305 is the 350's didnt come with manuals,,and i really want a stick. also, being a first car, id probably be better off with the smaller v8. also, did all the 89-92 pontiacs have tpi engines or are there tbi ones out there too? As far as the body goes, which cars come with the driver side hood scoop? was that only on the early (82ish) firebirds? and which cars have the lifted spoilers, not the one that wraps around with the body.

which cars should i be looking at for that combo? firebird, formula, gta, trans am?

help me guys !

 

well it kind of depends on what you plan on doing. Is this ur daily driver? Stay away from the first few yrs.

 

i think the car yourf looken for is a formula. it has the hood and spoler u want


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when the green flag drops the bull$hit stops

Gold 85 Camaro with no motor, pulled the 2.8 to make way for a 350 wich was pulled this summer because a 406 will replace it. The 406 sports a stock bottom end with ARP bolt holding it togeter, flat top hyper pistons. Comp 282 solid cam(.528 lift with 1.6 rockers) Savin up for my Sportsmen 2 heads right now. still Have the perf RPM and 650 DP i used on the 350. Headers and 3inch exhust. Shooten for mid to low 12s next summer

 

Edit: This is your first car, so how much are you looking to spend? I wouldn't be too picky in trying to get a specific model. I would be more concerned about the condition of the engine and body rather than what kind of spoiler it came with.

You are looking for a Formula, or at least one with a Formula hood. Not sure about the different spoilers, I'm pretty sure all Formulas got the wrap around style.

There is a difference in the 90-92 cars, because they use Speed Density instead of Mass Air Flow sensors. You probably have no idea what I am talking about... unless you are going to seriously mod your car, don't worry about it.

Plus, 90-92's have the cooler looking front end. I'll use Derek's car to demonstrate:



And here is mine with the ugly front end:



[This message has been edited by AlexJH (edited November 07, 2001).]

 

I think yours has the nicer front.

Yeah, your looking for an 87-92 Formula 305 TPI 5-Speed. All Formulas have the different spoiler though.

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89 RS
STILL Looking For:
An 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI

Yeah I have an RS, but I want an IROC-Z!!

[This message has been edited by IROCZTWENTYGR8 (edited November 07, 2001).]

 

Don't worry about what type of firebird. If you have a hard on for the 'birds, then keep all options open. Whether its a Formula, Trans Am, GTA, or just a 305 TBI Firebird, keep them all in mind when searching for one. Keep researching everywhere, and be sure to see the cars with someone who knows GM F-bodies, and test drive them. A 305 TBI Firebird is better than a oil burning Trans Am, but thats my opinion. I have a hard on for Camaros, I've been searching since June, it would be my first car. I've seen a good amount, either they are overpriced, need extensive work, or burning oil. Just be patient, jump at making an appointment to see the car, don't jump at buying it so quick. Good Luck with your search!

Oh and AlexJH, I like your firebird's front fascia waaaayyy better!

[This message has been edited by ChevyLuva3 (edited November 07, 2001).]

 

Yeah, would look better with ground effects like my car. If I new how to post a pic, I would.

 

how much better are the tpi engines over the tbi? im not looking to build a rocket here just something reliable. do the tbi's break down easier?

found this in the classifieds:

84 Firebird Beautiful and Cheap 1500!!!!!!!!! A nice firebird, its 84, the paint in new its dark purple. It is a 305 5 speed with t tops what more can you ask for. Has 134xxx miles on it and was always taken care of. New battery, tune up, rear shocks, and oil change. Interior is near flawless with one rip in the driver side seat and a crack in the top of the dash. Good rubber and nice wheels. Aftermarket exhaust system. Power windows and locks. Trunk shocks actually work, headlights work good to. RUns great. Email me with questions or call me (856)304-3544. In new jersey. Pics availible upon request. thank you.


i emailed him to see if i can get some pics..what do u guys think of that car from the description? id have to get it painted black tho. is that too cheap to be good?

 

My '89 has the original L03 TBI and its still running strong 105K. The reliability of the TBI is definitely one of its stronger points, and even if a part does break (unlikely due to uncomplex parts) - it is fairly cheap to replace. TPI on the other has much more modding potential and a wide array of aftermarket parts. The workings of the TPI system are a little more complex as well though. In the end if you want cheap reliable transportation go TBI. If you want power and speed go TPI. You will usually spend more up front on the TPI cars usually as well.

 

so an 84 305tbi should be fairly reliable considering the age, and if its been taken car of? how much horsepower does a 305tbi put out roughly?

 

The '84 you are looking at doesn't have tbi, it has a carburetor. It's probably not the high output version, so it would be the lg4 305 with 150HP (the HO puts out 190HP) TBI came out in 86 or 87 I think and a tbi 305 puts out 170HP. I have an '84 camaro with the lg4 305 5-speed and it has been very reliable, I'm currently at 155,000 miles but I'm starting to have tranny problems because the previous owner and I have both beat on the car pretty hard. Most likely if the car has been taken care of, you won't have many problems with it, but you are more likely to get a reliable car if you get a newer one with fuel injection. Also, when I got my car, it had plenty of power for me, but I quickly found myself wanting more. I have driven both carb and tbi cars and there's not a noticable difference in power as far as I can tell, in fact my car is slightly faster than the tbi cars I have been in.

 

My car is for sale if you are interested E-mail me.The interior is in good , there is a new headliner in it, and I tried to replace any of the piece that where cracked, I added a over head console from a iroc and a 145 mph speedo, I have changed every sensor and relay in the car, just I would not run in to any problems, The car is ready to be driven daily with no problems, everything is new all of the suspension is new everything. The rear has about 30,000miles on it the tranny has about 10,000 miles on it and the motor has less then 3,000 miles on it.


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86Z28, GM 350, Jet perf Q-jet & chip Dual snorkel air cleaner, Edelbrock performer intake, Edelbrock headers, Edelbrock cat-back, Off road pipe, MSD 6AL, Accel Super Coil, Taylor Spiro-pro wires, Rapid fire plugs, Jet fan switch, World class t-5, Hurst Short Throw Shifter, Ram Flywheel, Center force dual friction clutch,Aluminum drive shaft, BW disc rear 3.45's & a posi, PBR calipers, Earls braided brake lines, Polygrapite bushings all the way around, poly tranny mount & torque arm mount, Hotchkis lower control arms & panhard rod, Rancho limiter straps, KYB struts & shocks, Gm Wonderbar, Edelbrock strut tower brace, SSM sub frame connectors, Jamex lowering springs, Carbon metallic brake pads, Crossed drilled rotors, Mobil 1 Tranny fluid & motor oil, GM syntheic rear end oil, K&N, Grant stering wheel, 1,200 watt system, Jet Black Paint, 91 Z28 rims, 92 wing, Tinted windows.

 

black z,

what car is it? engine/tranny? any pics?

 

Look in his sig. When u get this car your are gonna probably want more speed, I still say go with TPI.

 

Get a TPI you'll be happier in the long run

 

well that 84 firebird from the classifieds got sold already. back to looking around. black z, can u send me some pics of your car?

 

tekviper , were are u located in NJ im in cumberland co. id like to take a look at the firebird

 

MaximumRacin,

what firebird? the one from the classified? im not selling it,,im looking to buy one. the one i was looking at from the classifieds is already sold.

 

I have a 1991 Camaro Z-28 for sale...
68,000 original miles, Ruby Red with grey interior, 5.7 350 V-8 TPI
Unfortunately, the 350 engine only came with an automatic tranny, but I chose it over the 305 that had a 5 speed as an option and have never ever regretted it. I wouldn't be selling the car (its in great shape and everything) but I can't afford it anymore

Here are some pictures of the car...

http://guitar3ltp.50megs.com/

Send me an e-mail if you're interested...have a great day.

guitar-5@mediaone.net

 

Hey Castor Troy, love your Camaro. I've been looking for a Camaro since June, as my post above says. I would love to buy your car, but seeing the mileage and condition its in, its probably too rich for my blood. Oh well, you live in MI anyway thats too far of a distance.

 

Yeah, that would be a good purchase.