He says that his can beat mine just because it's a Trans Am. We can't race yet because his is not running right now. We both have the TBI and a few mods. He bought his with 3 inch pipes and no cat. Mine has a k&n open element and a new muffler. Who do you think would win. I think it would be pretty close myself. What are your opinions.

 

If all else were equal (including driver ability), I'd say he'd have a slight edge over you due to the 3" exhaust. However, if what you said is true, it's obvious he's not a very experienced driver so I'll say it could go either way.

EDIT: Actually, if I were a betting man, my money would be on you. Formulas are a lot lighter than Trans Am due to less exterior dressup. That, combined with the fact that he's probably not a good driver, will give you a small advantage.

 

I forgot there both 5 speeds. I think I do have a little bit of an advantage since I've been driving a stick longer

 

yeah i would bet on you do to the fact that your probably quiet a bit lighter. but that exhaust is going to give him an advantage too. only one way to find out, let us know how it goes.

 

I would put this one in the toss up column. Allen

 

gonna be a close one..

 

my guess is the T/a...but it'll be close

 

By the way, I'm getting my cat taken off and i'm getting 3 inch tips next week if either make a difference.

 

No cat on the stock piping, a little. Tips, nothing.

 

just cause you have 3in tips, doesnt mean you have a 3in exaust system..

 

LOL..... BTW, the ground effects on an 85-90 Trans Am weigh 14-16 pounds all together. Its not enough to make any difference at all. Anyway, Im voting for the TA.

 

I thought the TPI 5.0 was the base engine on the T/A's?

 

you could get LO3's in t/a's up until '90, iirc. in my opinion, that race is gonna mostly rely on the driver, but will also have to do with the state of tune each car is in...

 

According to this chart 91 Formulas only came in TPI

Thirdgen Chart Hp and Torque

 

Tough call...that T/A could have other options too...
T-tops on either car?
A drivers race for sure...

 

You're correct. I've been meaning to change the Formula part. I found out a while ago the guy just slapped Formula decals on it and called it one. Anyways both cars have T-tops, but he has power windows and locks.

 

I loved my old LO3. Not because it was fast, but because it was reliable and easy to work on. My LB9, L98, LT1 weren't nearly as reliable nor as easy to work on. I ran that car hard for 140K miles. It was still running perfect when it was totaled about 10 years ago. As to the race, I would say it comes down to driver and state of tune. You both probably have the 3.08 and peg leg rears. In all due respect however, you'll need a sun dial to time this race. It's gonna be slooooow. Good luck, have fun and be safe.

 

ide say the 91 will be faster,if it is a lower gear rear end,if both cars are 305/5speed,it will depend on who gets the better launch,both cars 305 TBI should be around 190 horse ,if both are stock,if they are both tuneport 305,the 91 would be 230horse,and 285 foot pounds of toqure,and your 89 would be 225 horse if it was tuneport,with a 5 speed.the reason i say the 91,is because if its a firebird or formula,they are lighter than a ta.

 

No, the 305 TBI would not be around 190 hp. More like 170 at the flywheel, and probably 140 to the rear. They are dogs. And the weight difference between a Formula and a T/A is minimal. Plastic skirts and foglights, probably less than 50lbs.

 

Although you could order the same options for the Formulas as you could the T/As, chances are there are less of them on the Formula since it was the "plain jane" of the three models. Possible weight differences there.

 

I would guess the 91 bird, it really should have less lbs ( smaller sway bars) often the plain jane birds got skinny tires ect, it all helps. if you can get him off the line and shift at your correct rpm then you should have the race. who ever gets the best launch should win