2002 Firebird Trans Am questions

So, typically I am a tuner / ricer / import blah blah fan. But currently I seriously want hp and rwd. I am finding my choices to be slim, keeping cost effeciency to purchase in mind. Yes there are Merc's and BMW's and others, but for the money, there isnt a lot. Which turned my head to the 2002 Firebird Trans Ams and learned a lot, and must say I am rather impressed. (Especially if I am reading this 325bhp correctly.)

So, I am here to ask for stuff about it. Preferably non bias, but intelligent answers, such as pros and cons and such. It is a beautiful car, and I am possibly getting one regardless.

Also, if I wanted to increase this from 325 to more (not sure at where it nicely tops off, reasonably) Whats a good route for that?

Watching for answers, Thanks

Ryu

A 2002 would be a valuable purchase it is the final year for the f-body and the Firebird brand all together that GM has vowed to never bring back (currently) as the GTO carries Pontiac's perfomance division with the Solstice.

Increasing the horse pwer of the LS2 can be done rather inexpensively with your usual upgrades: improved engine breathing, cam, and exhaust, but I'll the more fluent 4th gen (93-02) guys cover that for ya in detail. :thumbsup:

So, typically I am a tuner / ricer / import blah blah fan. But currently I seriously want hp and rwd. I am finding my choices to be slim, keeping cost efficiency to purchase in mind. Yes there are Merc's and BMW's and others, but for the money, there isnt a lot. Which turned my head to the 2002 Firebird Trans Ams and learned a lot, and must say I am rather impressed. (Especially if I am reading this 325bhp correctly.)

So, I am here to ask for stuff about it. Preferably non bias, but intelligent answers, such as pros and cons and such. It is a beautiful car, and I am possibly getting one regardless.

Also, if I wanted to increase this from 325 to more (not sure at where it nicely tops off, reasonably) Whats a good route for that?

Watching for answers, Thanks

Ryu


The 325hp is at the crank and the 2002 TA's put down stock to the wheels around 280 rwhp. I have a 98 z28 and all I have done is full exhaust and a ls6 intake, the ls6 intake your car already has stock they came on the 2001 and 2002 fbodys. First mod I would do if I were you is get rid of the stock restrictive air lid and get an aftermarket one like this
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o257/emt512/car%20toys%20car%20show/DSCN3237.jpg

Next I would do full exhaust, ARH makes a real nice stainless steel header with catted Y. Its spendy but ground clearance is very nice with this set up and you will still be emission legal. After you have the car breathing nice and you have gained 20 or so HP or more then upgrade suspension to handle the can and heads you might want to put on. I am getting ready to do a ls6 heads swap with a custom ground 224-230 cam and should make just over 400rwhp.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o257/emt512/Cam%20Swap/DSC_0002.jpg

Good luck with what you decide to do. If you have any questions PM me.

Thank you very much. I will definetly take this into consideration. Informative, both you guys ^_^

A 2002 would be a valuable purchase it is the final year for the f-body and the Firebird brand all together that GM has vowed to never bring back (currently) as the GTO carries Pontiac's perfomance division with the Solstice.

Increasing the horse pwer of the LS2 can be done rather inexpensively with your usual upgrades: improved engine breathing, cam, and exhaust, but I'll the more fluent 4th gen (93-02) guys cover that for ya in detail. :thumbsup:



The 98-02 fbodys came with an ls1. The 05-06 GTO's came with the ls2 just so you know. I would love to do an ls2 swap but some say its not worth it.

Someone I was talking to said something about jumping to an LS6, after I had joking mentioned the LS9.. Hows about that?

The 98-02 fbodys came with an ls1. The 05-06 GTO's came with the ls2 just so you know. I would love to do an ls2 swap but some say its not worth it.


DOH!

Yes, yes, you are correct sir. :runaround:

The LS9 is the motor they are putting in the ZR-1. I beleive its a 6.2 L supercharged engine putting out 638 hp at the crank. I'd say hell yea it I could drop one of those in my car.

Upgrading the rearend isn't a bad way to go either. A stronger unit and/or gear ratios helps off the line and copes with the increase in the added from the aforementioned bolt-ons and such. 4.10 gears and a girdle aren't too pricey.

I was thinking about going with 4.10 gears but I like my 3.42s. The fuel econ really is not that bad with the ls1. I have gotten 30mpg on the hwy with mine.

I was thinking about going with 4.10 gears but I like my 3.42s. The fuel econ really is not that bad with the ls1. I have gotten 30mpg on the hwy with mine.

Come now Jeremy, fess up, that's because you gave up Taco Bell for lent. :icon16:

had a 2000 T/A a few years back, loved it.
I too may buy another one.