Mylastthoughts18

Hey guys, as you may already know, I'm new to the Pontiac familiy. My dad had a couple bonnevilles over the years but nothing special. Before I bought my precious Firebird I really knew nothing about them. Originally I planned on buyin a beat Honda or Toyota for a first car. When i went to the dealership to look a 93 toyota corolla that was beat to hell, half the interior was ripped out and it had no stereo in it not even a fm radio. so the dealer said that they had a Trans Am for 1000 bucks.... not the car i was looking for but i got in the car and fired it up and couldn't walk away from it .. I guess i need some clarity as to whats the difference between a firebird, trans am, formulas and what the hell is a LS1? if somebody could tell me which one I have it would be sweet, i just know it as a 91 firebird. Just look at thread i posted earlier "new member looking for advise" to see the picture. I know i has a v6 in it but I'm not too sure which one. Any info would be helpful, Thanks!!

wrightz28

You have a V6 which is a 3.1, a little better than the 2.8 6 that 3rd gens used to have. It's a port injection motor (SFI). The LT1 and newer sibling LS1 are the 4th gen f-body (and other GMs) small block Chevy motors, similar in concept to the the 3rd gen L98 TPI motors.

Mylastthoughts18

what kind of upgrades can i put on my car to get started out? a couple people have suggested either a racing chip or starting with the exhaust system

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91- Firebird- stock ( for now)

97cavalier

start off with intake and exhaust. But the 3.1 is not worth putting much in. How manny miles are on it? Do a basic tune up first.

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1986Z28

LS1:

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-1986 Z28 - 355 carb, T5
-1986 Sport Coupe - 305TBI and T5(parts car)
-1985 Z28 - No drivetrain(getting scraped soon)
-1989 RS - 2.8, 700R4(parts car)
-1991 Z28 - 355 OBDII tpi HSR, T56(soon hopefully)

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jason-1995fbody

yeah probly the best way to go

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ikeyballz

did the dealer say you had a trans am? thats a V8..unless the dealer doesnt know firebirds.

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Car:
1997 M6 SS Camaro [ white ]
285's in the back
all else = STOCK.

ikeyballz

an LS1 is pretty much the ultimate engine they ever put into a f-body. it was rated at around 330 but in actuality usually puts out 350+..

a 'base firebird' is a V6 model, unless it was a 3rd gen, which also came with a 4cylinder. since yours is a 91, you had pretty much 3 engine choices. a 3.1V6, a 5.0V8 and a 5.7V8. the base firebird comes with the 3.1 but if you have a trans am, you eithier have a 5.0 or 5.7. if its an auto, you most likely have the 5.7 but if its stick it has to be a 5.0.
the 3.1 is a punchy motor but you shouldnt expect too much from it. if i were you, id just tune it up, maybe intake, exhaust and after that just keep er stock!

if you want the performance, you should go find a V8 model if yours is the V6er.

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Car:
1997 M6 SS Camaro [ white ]
285's in the back
all else = STOCK.

Rally Sport

Yeah you got the almighty 3.1 with 140 HP.. its a very good engine atleast mine is as it's overheated many times and still runs pretty good.

Start out by doing a tune up, and definately get an exhaust for it, it will sound like you got a v8 under the hood.. mine's proof.

If only I had a video camera..

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Morley

After 1981 the Firebird/TA ceased being a Pontiac in anything other than name. It used the GM corporate engines (read Chevy), every part except some body parts were interchangeable with the Camaro.

MrPbody

Morley's right. We call them "Cheviacs". But, a very aerodynamic body and good suspension. Unfortunate rattle traps, every one!

The 3.1 is a good little engine. Key word here "little". Nothing for real power production. If you MUST modify it for power, use a "torque" cam, GOOD headers and some electronic tuning. The factory induction system is about as good as anything that will readily "fit" the 60-degree V6.
There's a bunch of potential in the iron heads, too. I wouldn't bother unless you have a point to prove. We build a few for Fieros 'cuz they bolt right in and don't change the suspension geometry. Makes 'em drive like a "muscle car". Not nearly as quick, mind you, but torquey and fun.

Also, while LS1 is certainly a cool and GREAT engine, a 455SD it ain't! Don't forget about the 1st and 2nd gen Firebirds. Bad-ass cars with the good packages! REAL tough to beat a '79 WS6 car with a 4-speed and a pre-'75 400 or 455. Not as flashy, and a bit bulgy looking, but very well engineered and executed.

Jim

philly rs

u gotta love that pic with the chicks all on that ls1....i miss mines....if only she would have made it into that RS..... aaaaaaaaaaah

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HYPSI87 u will be missed

Jack_ink

you can also use the manifold off a 2.8 fiero's factory engine they'll be like a hi performance part to this engine because that intake manifold is rated the same as a 3.4 from a newer camaro/firebird factory so in a 3.1 it'll run em good ... thats my .02$

Blackcrow64

Oh what can we say about the almighty 3.1...


Well... It sucks...







a lot...

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FormulaLT1

Not all IMO, the 3.1 McLaren turbo used in the TTP's was pretty damn cool IMO. With a aftermarket (hell even upgrades pieces from other stock engines), almost anything is possible.

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