Hello Everyone,

This is my first Post. I have recently aquired a 1988 formula in rough shape with a 5.7L 350 V8 in it, and a posi rear end for $700 dollars. I have found another firebird, base model from 1989, for $500 dollars, which is all around, 4X the car the 88 formula is.

The formula doesnt charge the battery, (wiring problem) and it smokes when you start it (valve seals and other problems?).

If the 89 firebird doesnt have a posi, i want to put the posi from the formula into it, and I would also like to put the motor into it as well. My grandparents, however, want me to sell the formula for what I paid for it and look for engines later. What is the educated choice here?

1) How much will it cost to rebuild the 350?

2) Comparing the 5.7L to the weak 2.8L, could I cheaply (under $1K) beef up the 2.8 to be comparable to the 5.7?

3) if I did do this swap, what else would be needed?

thanks!