Hey, What would you guys suggest as the first mod I should do for my 3.1? I am not planning on doing much to the car, it has a set of flowmasters on now, i was thinking a new air intake or exhaust manifolds, but I am still new to engine mechanics and wanted to now what you guys thought. Thanks!

 

TomP's Tuneup

+ timing chain.

 

Thanks for the Tomp tune up suggestion, i know that works, I did all that in my previous car (96 grand am), ran like junk, after pretty much the same deal, ran like a cat, its a shame its my sisters car now and she doesnt keep near as good care of it.

 

After the tuneup/timing chain, I'd do headers + catback. Ditch the cat, if you can in your area.

After Exhaust, see what you can do about a better air induction system - prefereably a true cold air pickup.

*EDIT*

At this point - do you want to keep the 3.1? If you don't mind, find a 3.4 to build on the side - swap that in!

Then camshaft.

Then a 5 spd swap

 

Thats probably where I would stop, I dont want to do to much, i just want it to run a little bit quicker, my girlfriend drives a 87 monte SS, its a good thing she drives it like a girl, but id like to be ableto keep up a lil better. About how much total HP would the headers, removal of the cat and cold air give,of course after the tune up (20 hp?) BTW that is about my goal (35 hp is my goal)
Not much just something to set it apart and make it sound better

 

has anybody seen an actual cold air intake for a 3.1? Ive seen custom made pvc ones but never from any where else

 

get the dual snorkel intake from a 86-89 camaro, works great

 

The dual snorkel wone work on a bird. I would do intake exhaust, under drive pully and ignition and you would be good to go.

 

dual snorkel won't work on a 3.1 FIREBIRD or i would have already gotten one for my buddy's bird.
the hood and front end won't support it as there isn't enough room for it.
sound thought though

 

duh, nevermind, i am tired.... sorry FAST RS try the ignition system and some exhaust work. forget about the headers unless you don't have to worry about smog. remove the air pump if that is the case also. yea autos have them on too if it is a 92 firebird, atleast roommate's does. kinda sad that i know more about his car than he does..... wait that is due to the fact that i have been under his hood more in the last week than i have my own.... atleast 4 hours a day doing something.

 

ah didn't see you had a bird, my bad.

you can buy one for a tpi unit, search around

 

You have to create one.
Add air flow from bottom to front of the air box.
Pick up air source from "Any option ya like". Use a flex hose to force more air to the front of the box, into that "space".
Modify hood in the corner area (by lowering the headlight housing).
Take that "front lip on top of air box", using heat gun, lift it, but do not remove it.
Straighten path from air box to the intake & "that is all".
Due to slope of the Firebird front nose you cannot get a Camaro air box to fit.
I know.
I tired
I sold it
After I discovered what happens whan ya try to use a Camaro part on a Firebird!
You will know when you succeded when you actually see a dirty air filter inside that air box!
A high flow cat convertor will do wonders for your ride as will the headers from Pace Setter Exhaust.
IF you are not smog required, they work great!
Modify ignition system
You're good to go!

 

After you did exhaust/intake/ignition, get a asp underdrive crank pulley.

 

I built my cold air intake from 3" pvc pipe I got from The Home Depot. Got a RE Works air intake filter from Advantage auto.

Filter $50
pvc parts $25

Works like a champ. I'll post a picture when I get home, but do a search lots of folks have done this before.

Also try removing your smog pump. I used a shorter belt and rerouted it. Smog pump is still in place but that was a large improvement as far as mods go for me.