Ok I thought to rebuild my 6.. but it looks to cost nearly as much for a six rebuild as rebuilding an eight (minus peformance parts).. I was all hyped to do it most of the week but as I read this board more and so on I realized thats not what really anyone does.. it doesn't seem like any of you have done that... so is a six just a "keep it running til it blows" kinda motor or should I put something behind rebuilding it.. it makes me think I could save the money on a rebuild and keep it towards a v8 formula firebird.. I just think i'd be wasting my time.. look at tom.. he's knows so much about his third gen and he says he never had his motor out.. if someone that actually knows that much about his car wouldn't bother to rebuild a 6.. why should I? Oh and I don't even want to try the 3.4 swap.. sounds like more work then its worth and like it will cost more then what its even worth hp wise... and I can't afford a v8 swap at the moment...

 

I rebuilt my V6 couse I like the engine and I needed a strong little motor for a daily driver. Alot of what I've learned carrys over to other GM cars.
If you are looking for a dragster - of course you want a V8.

If you are insecure and need a fast/flashy car so that people will like you, save up your money and buy a 'Vette.

(hey, I'm good at this advice stuff - & I hear they're look'n for a replacement for Dear Abby)

 

Actually Zirtbow, I do want to rebuild the motor. Problem is, summer's way too short for me! And I still have a 1/4 panel to replace! (And a transmission to rebuild, fix and reinstall my 3.73/blown posi/disc axle, paint my car, etc) But eventually I will rebuild the V6- but you're right, the price is about the same as a V8. A V8's actually cheaper in one aspect- forged pistons. PAW shows forged 2.8/3.1 pistons for an extra $300. For a V8, I think it's only an extra $50 or $70.

I won't put a V8 into this car for two... no, three reasons. 1- emissions. I'm sure Jersey and their new damned test would have a field day with my car. 2- work load, need to change the engine and trans and springs and radiator and computer and wiring harness and ... 3- my car's frame won't take it. I totalled my car in '96, and right now, it's got an '84 front frame on it. (Someday I'll put a real webpage up with the pics)

I plan to buy another V8 TPI Firebird, and work that up. This '86 won't see a V8 between the strut towers.

The 3.4 swap would cost less than a V8 swap.. but like you said, you'd still be putting money into it that you could put into a V8 car. We can make a V6 fast, but a V8 can be made to be much faster!!

 

Oh duh, never gave my input on your poll. Depends on how much the car is worth to you. I love my car; probably more so than is healthy (especially for it's current condition)! I'll never sell this car, but I'll buy another car. Would you buy another V8 f-body? Or would you not want two f-bodies? If your dream is to have a V8 f-body and get rid of the V6 one, then save for the V8. It'll make more sense.

Don't forget too that some parts do swap back and forth between the two. Things like spark coils, exhausts (cat-back and high flow cats), wheels, axles (and gears), suspension parts (rear control arms, hi-po shocks, and everything else), and interior parts can be swapped over. So you could buy a V8 car, take the hi-po suspension parts off the V6 and put them onto the V8, then sell the V6 car- and you haven't lost money.

 

If I bought a v8 fbody I would sell/give away (probably to my brother) this car.. I couldn't see myself with two of them.. anyway I wouldn't want to drive this in winter.. I mean it rained a little out and my tires were spinning left and right (which it can't do normally even if I floor it).... its an auto 2.8 v6... in winter I imagine i'd go a whole two feet before the car got stuck.... (and their new tires...)

 

Dude a V-8 for TomP. Awsome. When do you plan on getting one, or is it just a plan for down the road a ways.

EDIT: I couldn't help but pick this site is about cars. So I am the 1 Vote. (theres always one in the bunch)