GTP vs. Firebird 3.8w/mods

I finally got to race my niehbors son yesterday. He has a 97-98 firebird 3.8 with exhaust/intake/cam/headers that I know of. He was pulling out of his driveway as I was getting back from the car wash. When I saw him leaving I just went right on by my house to see if he would follow. To my satisfaction he did. We get on a 2 mile stretch by the house. 2-lane road. I was in front of him . I kept an eye on him in the rearview. I see him obviously getting on it and coming up on me. I was going 35 in second and I nailed it. I took my car up to 110 and shut down he was only about 4 cars behind me. I was impressed.

We ended up turning right and getting lined up together at 30mph. He gave me the thumbs up and I returned the gesture. He then pointed like he was ready to go again and I shook my head yes. I didnt know if he could see my replys because I had just got my windows tinted and couldnt roll down my window. 17% nice and dark. Anyway, we go again from 30. I pull multiple lengths on him and get in front of him. We pulled into the Kroger parking lot to talk.

He asked me as soon as I got out what I had done I said nothing. He was shocked and told me his mods. He also told me that he just dynoed at Intense racing in the Columbus Ohio area. He dynoed at 222 rwhp. I was like damn thats pretty good for what he has. At the same time I was wondering how I pulled him like I did with him having 222 rwhp. He said as soon as he gets his taxes he will be getting a stall converter.

I told him I would be looking for him in my Jeep. I think he would take the Jeep in the long run the way he kept up with my GTP....

I finally got to race my niehbors son yesterday. He has a 97-98 firebird 3.8 with exhaust/intake/cam/headers that I know of. He was pulling out of his driveway as I was getting back from the car wash. When I saw him leaving I just went right on by my house to see if he would follow. To my satisfaction he did. We get on a 2 mile stretch by the house. 2-lane road. I was in front of him . I kept an eye on him in the rearview. I see him obviously getting on it and coming up on me. I was going 35 in second and I nailed it. I took my car up to 110 and shut down he was only about 4 cars behind me. I was impressed.

We ended up turning right and getting lined up together at 30mph. He gave me the thumbs up and I returned the gesture. He then pointed like he was ready to go again and I shook my head yes. I didnt know if he could see my replys because I had just got my windows tinted and couldnt roll down my window. 17% nice and dark. Anyway, we go again from 30. I pull multiple lengths on him and get in front of him. We pulled into the Kroger parking lot to talk.

He asked me as soon as I got out what I had done I said nothing. He was shocked and told me his mods. He also told me that he just dynoed at Intense racing in the Columbus Ohio area. He dynoed at 222 rwhp. I was like damn thats pretty good for what he has. At the same time I was wondering how I pulled him like I did with him having 222 rwhp. He said as soon as he gets his taxes he will be getting a stall converter.

I told him I would be looking for him in my Jeep. I think he would take the Jeep in the long run the way he kept up with my GTP....


Cool story, I think (correct me if im wrong) that stock your GTP has about 210-220 to the wheels. The only problem with the GTP is the weight, if it was lighter it would move so much better. Anyways, on a top end race to 110 like you did, boost will beat N/A especially if the power to weight ratio is similar as well as displacement. So pretty much he ran out of steam and you just kept going. So very good kill. And also having alot more torque than him also helps and pretty much more than cancels out the few pounds heavier you are than him.

sounded like fun. those GTPs can really move. they are pretty heavy. i think a seat swap is in order, as each seat weighs at least 30lbs a piece. aren't those cars really responsive to mods?

Gotian, I just did a lil research on a GTP forum. Most responses were 197-200whp. WOuld that be enough to edge out something that puts 222 to the ground? We are going to line up again real soon and hopefully get a couple of runs in dig,20,30 ect. He told me his sweet spot is at 3500rpm.

Yes they respond real well to mods. $1000 dollars will have a mid 13 car :)

I recently read that most stock GTP's run 14.9-15.3 1/4 mile. I managed a 14.8 on the second run. This car is getting to be more fun everytime I drive it. I bet I could get a better time in now. I went to the track only weeks after I got it and then the season closed. I'm gonna get me some good tires to go to the track next before I do any mods.

I am actually going with my dad if everything works out tomorrow to go look at a 98 GTP for myself. I have seen some people pull off a 14.7 with a stock GTP.

Are you gonna be looking for a 4 or 2 door. The reason I ask is I am pretty sure that there is only a 70lb dif. in weight between the 2. I wanted the 2 door for the sports appeal and weight, but after I found out the 70lb dif I opted for the 4-door. More room for friends w/o moving seat forward. I also love the 4-door sleeper effect. not many ppl will see you coming.

Good luck on your search and let us know what you decide...

It is a 2 door and it has every option available. It is black with black leather.

Gotian, I just did a lil research on a GTP forum. Most responses were 197-200whp. WOuld that be enough to edge out something that puts 222 to the ground? We are going to line up again real soon and hopefully get a couple of runs in dig,20,30 ect. He told me his sweet spot is at 3500rpm.

Yes they respond real well to mods. $1000 dollars will have a mid 13 car :)

I recently read that most stock GTP's run 14.9-15.3 1/4 mile. I managed a 14.8 on the second run. This car is getting to be more fun everytime I drive it. I bet I could get a better time in now. I went to the track only weeks after I got it and then the season closed. I'm gonna get me some good tires to go to the track next before I do any mods.


yeah it is enough to edge out a win, but what you didnt wasnt an edge, as i said before the firebird ran out of steam. My only problem with the GTP besides the weight is that it's only auto, if it were manual it wouldmost likely be more responsive and make a huge difference, just like with V6 stangs. And if the weather conditions are favorable that day then you will see the lower end of the spectrum for the 1/4 times. Unlike here in florida where those GTP usually see higher than 15.2 cause the heat and humidity is really bad at the track.

good run man love hearing stories about those s/c 3800's