how to get more power?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5
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From: Oklahoma
Car: 85 FIREBIRD S/E 79 TRANS AM
Engine: 85-2.8 79-455
Transmission: 85-700r4 79-TH400
how to get more power?
hey guys, im new here. I have an 85 firebird s/e with a 2.8 and a 700r4.
I was wongering what all I could do to the car to make it faster/perform better. Just anything you can think of, no matter how small. the car is all stock, so im sure theres a few things i could do to it.
I was wongering what all I could do to the car to make it faster/perform better. Just anything you can think of, no matter how small. the car is all stock, so im sure theres a few things i could do to it.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville, FL
Car: 1988 Chevy Camaro Hardtop
Engine: Turbocharged/Intercooled 3.1
Transmission: World Class T5 5 Speed
Roller rockers, roller timing chain, MTC-5 camshaft + VS-380 valve springs, Pacesetter headers + Dynomax Catback, VP turbo kit and/or 75hp shot of nitrous. Good start? 
And that's not even suspension/tranny mods!
And that's not even suspension/tranny mods!
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 1
From: Houston
Car: 86 Berlinetta 84 MonteCL
Engine: 3.4 MPFI 3.8 229
Transmission: 700r4 T350
Originally posted by Doward
Roller rockers, roller timing chain, MTC-5 camshaft + VS-380 valve springs, Pacesetter headers + Dynomax Catback, VP turbo kit and/or 75hp shot of nitrous. Good start?
And that's not even suspension/tranny mods!
Roller rockers, roller timing chain, MTC-5 camshaft + VS-380 valve springs, Pacesetter headers + Dynomax Catback, VP turbo kit and/or 75hp shot of nitrous. Good start?
And that's not even suspension/tranny mods!
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,040
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From: High plains of NM
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: L98
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Heres a few things. Some small and some big mods.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Accept the fact you'll never make the 1985 car perform like the 1979 car!
Beyond that
Do all the basic stuff ya can.
BUT labor intensive stuff is all ignition related (new timing chain & rebuilding distributor).
Best deal in end is to pull the 2.8 & substitute a 3.4 for the long block
ALL the previous work (for hopping up the 2.8) swaps right over. Making a WIN-WIN situation!
Second best choice is dump the V6 ride & find a V8 powered third gen, too.
All depends upon your talent & limits of cash out lay.
Your current 2.8 mill is aged, can "only do so much" for power improvements.
Beyond that
Do all the basic stuff ya can.
BUT labor intensive stuff is all ignition related (new timing chain & rebuilding distributor).
Best deal in end is to pull the 2.8 & substitute a 3.4 for the long block
ALL the previous work (for hopping up the 2.8) swaps right over. Making a WIN-WIN situation!
Second best choice is dump the V6 ride & find a V8 powered third gen, too.
All depends upon your talent & limits of cash out lay.
Your current 2.8 mill is aged, can "only do so much" for power improvements.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 920
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From: Belchertown MA
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8 Lt
Transmission: 5 Spd
What are you talking about? You can do anything to that motor 
It could have 250,000 miles on it. Bore it out, rebuild it, it would be like brand new and you could easly make it quick like Doward did :hail:
It could have 250,000 miles on it. Bore it out, rebuild it, it would be like brand new and you could easly make it quick like Doward did :hail: Trending Topics
Supreme Member
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From: southern maryland
Car: 2012 Ram express
Engine: 5.7 hemi
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 3.55
performance parts
start with tom p's tuneup, cold air intake and dynomax catback is a good start for perfromance
Supreme Member
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,023
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From: Evansville, IN
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
sell your cars soul to satan and youll be surprised how much quicker it is 
honestly i think the 3.4 swap is the cheapest thing to do and get some decent power then you can build from there, thats what im doing
honestly i think the 3.4 swap is the cheapest thing to do and get some decent power then you can build from there, thats what im doing
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
You bypassed the details
Low on funds
the car is a daily driver
can't be down off road for long
Low on funds
Unless you are a "Turbo Rocket Scientist" (right Doward?), CREATING your own improved upon power additive is a challenge for most.
I stand by my suggestions
Simple, effective, cost efficent.
Or again dump the project & sell ride & buy V8 power.
Low on funds
the car is a daily driver
can't be down off road for long
Low on funds
Unless you are a "Turbo Rocket Scientist" (right Doward?), CREATING your own improved upon power additive is a challenge for most.
I stand by my suggestions
Simple, effective, cost efficent.
Or again dump the project & sell ride & buy V8 power.
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