Hey guys, Its been awhile since ive been on the forums but im looking for some feedback on on the parts im contemplating rebuilding this GTA with, in order to make it worthy od a daily as far as reliability goes cause it currently has about 17x,xxx. Long story short I have a 92 Firebird I plan on completely overhauling. complete with ls1 swap. I have a 98 LS1 block out of a totaled T/A im piecing together, but in the mean time I acquired a 91 GTA hardtop 350 TPI to push daily. already has slp headers and exhaust. it's quick(my previous daily was a 305 tb i:/) but Im looking to spice it up a little to satisfy my (for lack of a better term) "Need for Speed" .I would also like to know if its going to last!!!
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SE...6000/?rtype=10

^ is my first guestimate as a step in the right direction . should I pick up some more "mppppfff" with this rebuild, If while im there throw in a mild cam? possibly play with the heads wether it be rebuilt & ported. Or throw on those slp runners and either some rebuilt heads or some vortecs...im not looking to blow anyones doors off just tie me over until my LS DREAM CAR is built....yes I know its going to be AWHILE! im young I have plenty of time....with all this being said id like to have some input as to benefits of this kit or similar kits or anything you fellowThirdgeners would do(looking back at your builds) if you where in my shoes...thanks Trae

 

Personally, I'd leave the '91 as-is and throw the money you would be spending on it into the '92 LS1 build. If it runs right now and doesn't have any major issues, it's likely fine reliability-wise, and just how quick do you need your DD anyway when you've an LS1 in the works?

 

I wouldn't touch the motor if it's running good. 3" catback with shorty headers, wonderbar, poly bushings, subframe connectors and that's where I'd leave it. Edelbrock sells a nice "stock" upgrade TPI runner set that they say is worth 20-40hp or so with no computer mods. Port/polish your heads maybe, but I'd personally stay away with any "rebuild" like the link shows unless the motor is shot/blowing smoke and needs to be gone through. Like El_muerte said, put the money to the LS1!

 

well it is smoking from the exhaust with a bit of the hershey squirts....valve seals?

 

Big puff of smoke on startup = valve seals. If it smokes constantly it could be either really bad valve seals or piston rings.