Hello, I was looking at getting a NOS kit for my 3.1 Firebird V6, since it is really the only way to add substantial power to that type of engine. I had a few questions though. My friend said that I would need to replace some parts on the engine since NOS kits are hard on the engine. My car has 128,000 miles on it. Does anyone know what parts I would need to replace and about how much they'd cost? Hopefully it will work with this engine, but if it is too expensive, I may just save up for a new 3.8 V6 or something.

Also, about how much does it cost for a refill in California. I heard about $30, but that was from the east coast. Is it about the same? Thank you for your help!

 

i just payed $26 for a 13.8 gallon fillup. and that was the cheapest gas around...$1.85 for 87. every other station is more.

as for NOS, a 50 shot is probably the most you could use on a stock 3.1L. the pistons just can't handle more. if you really want to get busy you can find used block for cheap and add forged pistons and go from there.....

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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)

 

oops, sorry, I guess I should have been more specific. I live in California also, and I was wondering how much does it cost to refill a bottle of N2O. I have read from other posts anywhere from $30 to over $100, but most of that has been from people on the east coast.

But yeah, gas is expensive, around $1.89 by me.

So you are saying I could use a 50 shot without replacing any engine parts (and using 87 fuel)? Then later I could get some forged pistons to increase the amount of nitrous I can use? And is the 50 shot worth it? It would seem like it would be a big increase with my little engine, any suggestions? Thanks!

 

First, I would like to say GREAT IDEA.. For all the money I wasted to run 16.1 and 15.9 zone I should have just bought NOS and did it DAY 1... NOS if you use it correctly will be as safe as any other mod. I regret not getting it when the opportunity was there and now it has been 3 years and I have not been able to get it. When I looked into it NOS support told me I could run 75HP safely on my 2.8, ofcourse they say start with a 50 HP shot. The kit they wanted me to buy was 50,75,and 90 HP Shots....Just never use it under 3,000 RPM, replace your fuel filter before you try it and make sure you are in perfect tune, new plugs ,wires, ect before ya press the button. Now 50HP is not as drastic a feel as you might think....

 

considering thr fact that a 50 shot still wouldn't make the car REAL fast....i'd rather build a quick motor(which can be done , see ummm, who was it?? 91redbird?? ) that would be REALLY FAST on a 125 shot. but that's just me. i just wouldn't want spent all that money for not even 200 at the flywheel. and those bottles empty pretty quick.

EDIT: hey where are you in SoCal? we got a bunch of guys here from the SFV and surrounding areas.

[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited May 10, 2001).]

 

Is it the same kit as for the TPI v8's (except with the smaller 50/75/90 hp jets)? If so then the NOS investment now could be switched to a later V8 ...


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Hey, thanks for everyone's help. By the way, I am from the Ontario area (San Bernadino County). It is about 30 miles east of Pasadena.

The reason I was wanting to keep my engine was because of the price (I am in high school and have already spent a lot of my money fixing up the car- around $2,000- just wheels and stereo system so far). I called a few Pontiac dealers, and one said a V8 engine swap can't legally be done because of the smog limitations (is this true?), but another dealer said it would cost around $7000 for a V8 after buying all the harnesses, computer equipment, electrical wiring and whatever else is needed. He said I'd have to get all those parts even if I went for a new 3.8 V6...

But fortunately it sounds like the way you are suggesting will be cheaper. Could you point me in the direction of what parts I'd need for this engine rebuild, and about how much they would cost? Thanks again.

It's also good to hear that later if I do want to switch engines that the NOS kit will probably work too.

 

i work at P.A.W. and nitrous refills are 4.97 a lb

 

Ok, thanks. I guess that isn't too bad of a price. A NOS kit will be much cheaper than spending a few thousand on a supercharger anyway (if they even made a supercharger for the 3.1).

 

regarding putting a V8 in a V6 car....from what i've heard, you can replace any engine with another engine that was offered in that same car in that same year. the smog dilemma is that the smog machine will read your VIN and think it's still a 6.

there is some type of costly procedure that will, umm...i guess "update" your VIN to acknoledge a different engine though. i just can't remember the name......

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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)

 

It is called take the VIN numbers off a V8 in the junk yard That is how they do it back home in downtown chicago

 

Hello again and thanks to everyone for the help. I decided that I am going to get the NOS kit this summer and will use it on my engine the way it is for a while. I am still not sure I understand exactly what parts I should get to be able to pump more Nitrous into the engine. Can anyone help me out by telling me some parts from summit racing or any other online store? Thanks!

 

I think your decision to go with nitrous is a GREAT idea!!! not only will you save a lot of $$$ over swapping to a V8, but N2O is the cheapest ad-on there is.(comparing HP-money)

Using the 75hp nozzle is still safe with a well tuned stocker and I have seen the 90hp nozzles used on a '92 3.1 (I dont recomend you try this if the car is your daily driver though)

As to modifications, You can use up to 125hp nozzles on your V6 after installing forged pistons,crank,and rods. Being so close to the HotRod capitol of the world (yes, I am jealous... ) you should be able to find these parts locally. Make sure you spend the money for the best engine builder you can afford. Don't try these mods yourself unlessyou have a good amount of experience building engines. It will cost you double to mess it up yourself.( I know this from experience).I would also suggest a girdle for the lower half. This will have to be custom made for you along with a new oilpan. It wont add hp but its reassuring to have the extra insurance. Look into a Ram-Air setup too. One thing nitrous likes is LOTS of cold, clean air. Guys on this sight have ways of making this set-up yourself for under $30!!!

Anyway, Best of luck to you. You and your Bird sound like you have a lot of good years ahead of you together.

Anytime I can help just ask, I'll be glad to try, or at least point you in the right direction.

GTKilr.....Eryc Marshall

 

ok, thanks GTKilr and everyone else. Yeah, after I get the NOS kit, I was looking into getting the hood with Ram Air. Those hoods look a lot better than the stock ones for the V6's. The car is well maintained. For example, I just got a new transmission about 2 weeks ago, so maybe I can try for a 75 shot. Do you really have to use the highest quality gas though? Says so on the NOS website, but the high performance stuff is over $2.20 now in my area.

 

NOS's website would not want you to take any uncessary risks... Use the high stuff and consider ignition upgrades..