So I just bought a 1986 Firebird 5 speed manual... this is my first project car and I’m not really sure where to start. I’m looking to do a mild build, something not too bad on gas to cruise in (probably gonna keep the v6 as I’ve heard they have better balance) but also something I can take to the drag strip and hold my own. (Gonna need to put a turbo on it too lmao)

i bought this thing for $500 with a spare v6 and transmission, the aluminum slotted firebird rims plus another set (I think they’re ultras but they’re ugly and af so they’re coming off ASAP)

so my my plan is to build the spare and drop it in and then sell the old engine or drop it in another bird

so my question is where should I start? Engine? Air intake? Performance chip? It has an aftermarket exhaust that sound pretty good already.


Sorry if this isn’t an appropriate post for this forum the only other vehicle I’ve worked on is my 1990 Chevy K1500 and that’s pretty much all stock aside from the lift/paint/tires (which I didn’t put on lol I did swap the engine cause I blew the old one) But I love cars and I’d like to learn

 

Wouldn’t let me upload the video but I got the flat spoiler and the window louver on tonight

 

Don't do a performance chip, they're worthless. If the spare engine is also a 2.8, see if you can sell it. The easiest engine swap to do is get a 3.4 long block from a 93-95 F body and build that up. Do a search on the 3.4 swap boogie, that will tell you most of what you need to know. There are other options too, but involve more work (3X00/3.4 hybrid). Look at the stickies at the top, read through those and get familiar with what your options are, then you can decide what route you want to go.

 

Agree with Dr Dave but would like to add that when it comes time to buy a cam, don't go off the shelf COMP like I did, look into a custom grind cam from companies like engle, comp, crower, wot-tech and others that I can't think of right now.

 

if you try to sell the 2.8, I recommend trying in the fiero and s10 forums/fb pages.

if you're set on building the engine you have, and it's also a 2.8, you can stroke it to a 3.1L. (boring to a 3.4 is not recommended).

 

I just noticed the hypertech sticker, It might have a hypertech chip in it already

 

V8 swap.

 

Troll ...