I've been discussing this somewhat with RegaPlanet on MSN and sh*t, and I'd really appreciate the opinions of everyone else on the board. Let's say I have, oh, $12k to spend towards a new vehicle (yup)...what's the best bet?

a) completely rebuild, restore, new engine etc. my current V6
b) buy a MINT thirdgen 350
c) step up to a higher-km'ed 4th gen (130km+)
d)....late 70's 'Vette.....*drool*

any opinions are much appreciated....the 'Vette idea's more of a dream then anything...somewhat impractical, though I do have a winter beater...

thx,
Jer

hmmm....vettes are awesome, but remember the late 70s ones are real slow, so you will have to invest in some cash into the engine to make it fast.

the V6 to V8 swap can be a bit more of a bitch than say a 305 to 350 swap, but certainly can be done.

you could by a nice 305 3rd gen for reasonable cash and then swap in a nicely built 350.

12 grand is alot of cash and you could make a 3rd gen pretty damn fast for that amount of cash.

In all honesty, I'm not loking into something outrageous and nothing borderline 'unstreetable'...the option of a '85 pushing around 500hp was there for purchase, but the thing was a monster, simply too much for me in the way of fuel consumption and overall power. (too much power???...lol...). That's why the 260-275 base hp in the 4th gens (changed from...'94-'95 when they went with the dual cat setup, correct?) seems appealing...the option for modding is there, if I want the additional HP, but the car still isn't a slug. On the other hand, I still love the car I have now...bah, the decisions.

IMO sell your car and buy a shell or mint bodied thirdgen(all the options you want)then mod it with whas left...Or get a convertible and have fun..you can always mod it later

Daz

There are lots of cars out there that you can get without breaking the bank. Just a brief search on trader turned up this 89 GTA...with cash left over to do any upgrades that you might want to do. Getting a car that needs upgrading can be very hard on the pocket book. Trying to convert a V-6 into a V-8 can be a real headache, especially if it is something that you have never done before. I owned a real nice 82 Firebird and I ended up selling it and buying the TA. Over all it was a pretty easy swap from a 6 to an 8, in my opinion.
Comment: 5.7L TPI, showroom condition,
burgundy, fully loaded, air, all original, immaculate paint body motor interior,
like new, no winters, lady gently driven/owned, priced below value, 110,000
km., $9900 obo. (905)648-0534 Ancaster (CFLFZH)

Some more questions you will need to ask your self.

1) How much free time do you have to put towards a project car?
2) Do you have the space/tools/willingness to work on a car?

If you said No to either, a 4th gen might be the best way to go. Like you say, great out of the box, easy to get some more power out of it. They are a little more difficult to work on, and parts are generally more expensive.

Project cars are great if you have the time to devote to them, plus storage to keep them.

Late 70s Vettes: poor performers and can be have major, hidden body rot behind the fibre/FRP panels- if you don't know what you're doing with them now- get educated before even considering such a purchase.

V6 thirdgen- throwing 12G into: Don't know the condition of YOUR car- but I might suggest throwing 12Gs at a V6 thirdgen is a waste of money unless the body itself is already MINT.

V8 Thirdgen: You like 'em, you know what to look for.

4th Gen: at 250,000km I might suggest they're all going to be in for some major maintenance- while it's nice that after '92 they all got galvanized panelling so they bodies should last longer than people have been used to with pre-92 vehicles- I don't expect the mechanics are going to prove to be as reliable as in the past (i.e. aluminum blocks and such)- so while you may be able to afford it now- just like with any used car- how long do you expect to drive it and what additional costs are you willing to accept during this time period. Most 4th Gens for sale have not been "babied" like 3rd Gens. found in mint condition- especially those in the 12G price range- i.e. you are just buying a used car from the point of view of cost.

Hi Jer

12G's can buy you a 4th gen with 100 000 kms. 93 - 95. I've seen them in the Auto Trader all the time. Just look carefully.

I've debated this very same thing. Still am. This is what I came down to:

1) Thirdgen's - Cheaper to buy, cheaper insurance, cheaper to mod, easier to do mods yourself, body rust easly compared to 4th gen.

2) Fourthgen's - more power out of the box, high insurance, same interior, great body design, similar handling, more reliable body, almost impossibole to mod yourself, expensive aftermarket parts.

I would say buy a Thirdgen like Daz said with a great body, interior and a TPI(or TBI/Carb) Whichever route you want to go. 305-350 dosen't matter. You can find one for say $4000. That leaves you with $8000 to:

Paint: $1500
Engine: $3000
Suspension: $1500
Rims/Tires: $2000

Your call bro. It all comes down to what you want. If I were you, I would walk away from your computer, go outside, and think to yourself and listen to your needs and wants out of 'your' Trans Am. No one can make or should make that decision for you. Having a project car takes time and committment like kevin said. That should be a heavy factor in your decision.

Remeber, both are great cars and you can't go wrong either way. Just make a list of Pro's and Con's and make a choice.

Good Luck. You'll do fine. Stop worrying and go with your gut. $20 says you already know you want so stop sitting there in front of your screen reading this and GO!!!!!!!!!!!

That kind of money will get you a garage queen sort of thirdgen with low mileage that's almost a new car and you can mod it as money becomes available.

The same amount of coin will get you a "used" fourthgen.

I wouldn't put money into a V6 car.

If I wasn't committed to the car I've got I'd go the mint thirdgen route.

To do all this you've got to be able to maintain two cars because you have to have a beater; although that's obvious.

If you can afford the insurance, I'd vote for the 'vette. Late 70's may be slow compared to other 'vettes, but they'd probably still kick the hell out of most near-stock thirdgens and they're soooo gorgeous...

Just curious and hope I don't make things more confusing but how difficult would it be to;

1. Swap in a Buick turbo v-6 in that car,

2. Find a Buick turbo v-6 thats in good shape.

Would be an interesting idea if it can be done without breaking the bank or causing an extreme amount of stress trying to do it.:lala:

A Turbo buick 3.8 will not drop right in. THe V-6 in the TTA had to have the heads modified allow the engine to squeeze into the thirdgen engine bay. I know this sounds ridiculous(because V8's fit in there) but its true, this topic has come up on the engine swap board. ALthough this would be a hell of a mod for the firebird, you would have to find a set of TTA heads and manifolds to go on that buick engine and I believe some of those parts are no longer available.I've often thought about doing this in the Iroc but in the end the cost would probably be too high compared to dropping in a modded 350.

THis info was taken from a TTA webpage

What makes the 20th Anniversary Turbo TA so special is that it is a complete mechanical package, and not just some tape stripes. Starting with the engine, Pontiac borrowed Buick's 3.8 liter (231cid) V6 turbo powerplant from the fabled 1986-87 Grand National. Some difference exist between the TTA motor and the GN version. Different heads were necessary in order to squeeze the motor between the strut towers. These heads, adapted from the transverse FWD version of the 3.8 liter motor, have the added benefit of improved exhaust flow and combustion chamber design. Subsequently, different pistons were required in order to maintain combustion chamber volume. Other changes to the TTA motor are a cross-drilled crank, larger 12 fin/inch GNX-style intercooler in place of the GN's 10 fin/inch design, specially-designed stainless-steel headers, higher-pressure Bosch 237 fuel pressure regulator, and a recalibrated engine control module.

check your messages Azure.......

To add to what 1990 zedder said..

You need either an adapter plate or the tranny or a new tranny.I think you will lose A/C features also..I think

Daz

not interested?

nobody wants to buy your car

seems to be no shortage of opintions

so here is mine. to redo a car the way you like for only 12g most likely will not happen. it will cost way more than that

A) you can not completely rebuild, restore, new engine etc. your current V6... it could NOT be done for 12g not even if you only rebuild it to stock. even if you did most of the work it will still cost more than that.

b) buy a MINT thirdgen 350... yes for 12g you could get a VERY nice thirdgen. you could even get a nice one with money left over to do some mods also


c) step up to a higher-km'ed 4th gen (130km+) sure also a good idea if thats the type of car you want.

d)....late 70's 'Vette.....*drool*.... you could also get a nice one for that price once agian if thats the car you want.

its up to you and what you want

i swear if i was somebody else looking. i buy my car hehehhehe.

i don't understand. askin 6500$ and its not gone. i can't beleive it. ohhh well, im going tommorrow and gettin it safetied and sniffer and it gets the full insurance. I geusss its a good thing.

Hey Jer, Stop by my place and take my car for a ride, see what you think. Mine has 180k on it and drives well.

Does your brother still live in Courtice?

get a mint 350 3rdgen one that someone has modded to crap and rebuilt not to long ago. or try to find a TTA!