This may not quite be V6 specific, but anywhere else usually gets me the standrd "Get A V8!". Okay, this is a poll without being a real poll. I have way too many choices and questions needing to be answered for a standard poll, so here goes... (Sorry, going to be a long post)

Paint/Body:
1. Basecoat: Black or red? Factory base was red, but everywhere I look I see red. I think the F-body in general looks better in black, no matter the generation, so I am leaning towards that. Along with this comes the stripe(s) : If some say black, I want red stripes. The ones I have now are coming off. Would it look better with stripes a la (I believe it is anyways) 30th Anniversary TransAm (down the middle, 4-6" wide), or down the sides, similar to what I have now, but 1.5" tall, and straight from front to back?
2: I am going to be short on cash for a while, so I am stuck with the old rattle can temporarily. What's the best brand (non auto paint if possible... its cheaper) and what clearcoat can I get to go with it? Also, what's a good primer/filler product? I am assuming here that the paint will end up being taken off down to the bare metal in the future since I have the CA paint...
3. I have to (sadly) replace my passenger side door shell. The window motor and mechanism did the inner supports in and some a$$hole punched a hole in the skin next to the lock when he ran off with my stereo. Since I have the optional GTA door panels, I have luckily found a car that also has them. However, I have power windows (if it wasn't obvious enough already based on what I have already said) and the j/y car has manual windows. Is it possible for a DIY'er like myself to swap over the mechanisms, and the door glass?

Suspension/Tires:
4. Decent all season tire brand for our cars.
5. Stock (I mean STOCK!) tire size for 15x7" rims, front and rear.
6. Lowering: How far? I don't really want to be all that concerned when I come across a speed bump, but it's way too high for my liking now, especially in the front.
7. When replacing tie rods (yes, all four ends-brake imbalance I corrected destroyed them.. had the problem when I bought the car and ended up replacing both front calipers) what's a good parts brand?
All the rest of the parts and items I have in mind to replace have already been recorded. Installation of polygraphite bushings and aftermarket components is on my to-do list.

Driveline:
8. Assuming I can get my hands on a rebuildable (WC) T5 core, I will need a decent clutch pack to go with it.
9. Now, I have been looking for a drum 3.70 rearend for a while now. How will getting one affect top speed and especially the speedo head?

Intake: Nothing here yet, coming up with ideas though.

Exhaust:
10. Good cat-back for V6. I am looking into the possibility of Pacesetter headers. I do need to replace all of the pipes though, at the very least.

Engine: Base is a 3.1L LH0 with absolutely NO mods, purchased from a junkyard with unknown mileage and installed back in July.
11. Looking at port/polish, GMPP P/N 12364059 cam kit, bore possible, depending on amount of meat left, full valvetrain rehash using all GMPP valves, springs, rockers, etc (sorry, don't have all of the part numbers with me at the moment, but I do know that the valves are stainless steel and stock size), a small fuel pressure increase, installation of larger injectors, and am looking into the possibilty of a rehash of the intake plenum, just have nothing concrete there yet. A good guess on horsepower would be nice, assuming stock exhaust for the time being with only the installation of a Flowmaster 80 series muffler.
I have a whole other parts engine I can nab parts from (and have already) for practicing machining and all of that, plus the people at my school have furninshed students with a whole engine machine shop and good staff to support us.

 

If it's unknown mileage and condidtion on that LHO, pull it out, and rebuild it all in one pass. It will save a LOT of time, and be super easy while "on the ground". Save the body work for last, paint gets scratched when doing lots of mechanical work.

 

Yeah, I know that I should save the body work for last. However, I would at least like to get the back half done while working on the front, even if it is in not-so-good paint, which I will only use for about a year or two until I can afford to send it to a body shop... I know for sure it needs to go there...

Besides, I have to wait to do much of anything until I can get some money flow and the proper classes in tow. I'm just making a plan now so I know where the money has to be distributed when it comes...

Still need to know about the door window mechanism things...