I am new to the forum and also purchased my project today... a 91 RS. The body is pretty good... a few rust spots, will have to replace driver's front fender and the driver's door... but the rest appears to be very minor. I may end up with a new sheet of metal around the pass rear tire, but other than that I am not too displeased.

The one concern I do have is the roof. It has been buckled, and maintains a crease in it. I haven't done extensive research yet, but does anybody know if t-tops can successfully be installed? I plan to do most of the work myself, mechanically and body repair, but I may branch to a professional on that one, if it is possible.

As for the motor, I am not sure what I have to work with... other than it's a 305. I guess I will see if it runs before I remove it, but I plan to go back in with a 350 (at the least).What is the max amount of hp I could acheive with a 350 na? I'm looking for something over 400 realistically, is that possible with a 350, or should I think more along 383 or ls1? I do not have a lot of knowledge about this stuff, but that is why I plan to do it myself, so I can learn as I go.

I was told the transmission that is in the car is shot, which is fine because it is an auto, and I would prefer a manual anyway. So, if I go with a modified 350, which trans would be best?

The car has been stripped of all the interior, so I almost have a clean slate already to start with in that respect. Painting is a side gig of mine, so I'm excited to see what I come up with there. I'm thinking silver as the base. Not sure yet though.

Anyway, I am just looking for a few suggestions as I try to plan my build. Any suggestions are welcome. I have attached some pics... I haven't even had a chance to spray it off yet.

Oh yeah, I paid $200 bucks for it.

 

any suggestions are welcome...

 

serious question

how much time are you really allowing for the project?

how much money are you honestly willing to toss at the project in parts alone? Forget labor because other than having a bench rebuild of the tranny, you are doing the work yourself

Also, you will be doing the body work and paint yourself. So, if your answer is less than $6,000 then sell what parts you can from the car and scrap the rest because you don't have the money. The interior had value thus why it's already been stripped/sold.

unknowns- the extent of the rust. Other than floor pans, pillars, doors, fenders your brake and fuel lines might be shot. Assume the fuel tank and pump might need to be replaced or at least dropped and boiled

Interior- unless you want to buy someone's junk used seats you're talking serious money. If the plastic and door panels are gone then the money is now flying out of the bank account

we haven't even gotten to your dream of a performance engine and we've already spent $ thousands

I bought an 89 RS with all the parts and the tranny shifted and engine ran. I paid $500.

I yanked the 305 and sent it to be rebuilt. I had the tranny rebuilt. I reskinned the seats with leather, new headliner, new sun visors, new carpet, new stereo, headers and y pipe, new AC compressor and dryer, all hoses and belt, did a little bodywork, painted it, new weatherstripping and all kinds of odds and ends. I'd say I'm into it for around $4800 but I found awesome deals on the leather and interior plastic and weatherstripping.

Except the bench rebuild of the tranny ($600 including t/c) and engine rebuild ($1300 which was a great deal) I did everything myself. If I paid anyone for labor, or had to pay retal prices on parts it would probably be around $7,000 or more to have completed.

Oh, for that same $500 purchase the brakes were new as were the tires. The tires alone were worth the $500 purchase.

 

Motor with any hp is going to require a T-56 6 speed tranny from a 4th gen F-body, or else expensive alternatives - the T5 5 speed tranny from the 3rd gen cars won't hold up. Tons of threads here about T56 swaps - about $2k to do.

Cash sets the limits on a 350 SBC - so you can get as much hp as your wallet is deep. Again, tons of powerplant alternatives - latest greatest being LSx swaps - and tons of threads about it.

Two things - cash, and research. Research is free - just learn to use the feature here and read, read, read your way to your dream build. The cash we can't help you with.

Good luck. I paid $800 for my 1992 RS, and 5 years later I'm into it for $15k and still under 350 hp (my investment has been resto, suspension, paint/body thus far). It adds up quick, but you've got your whole life - plan well, and have patience!