I've decided that I'm going to get a 1992 Firebird, but I'm not sure what engine to get. I was originally leaning towards the L99 (5.7L), due to more torque/horsepower, but I heard that the Firebird with the LB9 engine weighs less, and therefore has a better horsepower/torque to weight ratio. The reason I'm asking is because I plan to use this car for drag racing (not competitively), and I'd like to buy it with the engine better suited for drag racing. I'm going to get automatic, so the L98 not having manual trans doesn't matter, and I've seen that most upgrades/additions to the L98 are either compatible or also available on the LB9, so that doesn't matter either. Can anybody help?

 

L98 and LB9 weigh the same, but the automatic with the 350 will be heavier than the T5 with the LB9... LB9 auto would weigh the same as the 350 auto. (No 5-spd available on the 350 cars).

 

But I heard something about the GTA's body weighing more, is that true?

 

I don't see why it would be... assuming the cars are otherwise optioned the same, they should weigh the same (engine/trans weight aside).

 

GTA's have a ton of extra moulding that the base model firebird doesn't have. Something around 400lbs actually.
Do you intend on drag racing this competitively? Then, most crucial question, you going to leave the car bone stock? If not, then it doesn't really matter - look for a car for a good price in good condition, and let the details work themselves out.

 

No, not really competitively, just for fun. I guess I can shave some weight by getting rid of the back seats, getting a notchback, and taking off the spoiler...

 

I dont think they have 400 lbs more, they have side skirts, A/C and a few power features. The cars should weigh the same regardless of the engine, the tranny may save you some weight IF you get a T5 car, but chances are you'll have to settle for a 700R4 Auto. Go for the L98 350 car, you'll just end up swapping out that 305 eventually anyways :P

 

Do a search if you're interested, now I am. I remember hearing that all the body addons on a GTA increased the weight A LOT. Some members prefer to *remove* that stuff to save weight, and look cooler (cough mwnova66 cough). If you're interested, check the curb weight as delivered on a 1988 GTA vs a 1988 Firebird, or Formula.

Good luck finding a notchback! There are tons of ways to remove weight though.

 

Car Craft did a story back in 89 or 90 about best bang for the buck. The formula 350 was the fastest and lightest of all 3rd gens except the TTA. Because of the price, the TTA was excluded...

To prove their point, they ordered a formula 350, with no A/C or power accessories... they drag tested a Z28, the Formula, and a Trans Am against an LX mustang and a GT... the Formula won them all!!

Not only did the gfx weigh the car down, but they actually slowed the car down at the strip. Mustang gt was in the same boat. In the wind tunnel, the base firebird had the best cd, followed by the gfx firebird, then the camaro. The base firebird also had the best spoiler which actually provided usable down force up to 120 mph. The Aero wing was only good after 80 mph. the Camaro stuff was basically for looks...

 

The notchback isn't a problem, I've found an aftermarket one for about $600, which I think is worth the price (less weight than stock glass thingy, better looking to me), but I won't remove the spoiler since it doesn't weigh that much, and hopefully after adding the notchback, the downforce (as KrisW stated with the stock one) will still be usable.

And I think that I'll stick with the L98, just because it's probably going to give off louder sounds than the LB9, and I won't supercharge it or change it anytime soon (money/time constraints).

 

The L98 is a great place to start, but it's not that much more impressive than the 305 in stock form. My 87 formula was pretty damned impressive with the LB9 and 5 speed. It was a real barn burner and with just a few shade tree mods it really popped many an IROC and mustang a black eye...

That being said, your search should start for a Firebird with a 350. If you find it in a Trans AM, you can re-body it to have no gfx and then install the notchback...

Good luck!!

 

Why are you worried about saving a few pounds on a rear hatch and downforce when you only want a stock L98?

 

What do you mean? I never said I wanted just a stock L98, I was just asking what the body differences were. Regardless of which engine/body it would be, I'd still updrade it.

However, the first things I'll do are the notchback, some 14" drag-style wheels, and a black paintjob with two, thin, white racing stripes down the middle. Then I'll do other, non-engine upgrades, such as a subframe, and then finally I'll move onto the engine.

 

You said you wont supercharge it or change it anytime soon.

 

Oh, okay.

 

rebuild and sell tpi 305?