Maybe Alittle Pontiac History Lesson?...

[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

[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.

[1986Z28]

LS1:

[jason-1995fbody]

Originally Posted by blownalcoholboy

LS1:

yeah probly the best way to go

[ikeyballz]

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

[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.

[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..

[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

[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...

[FormulaLT1]

Originally Posted by Blackcrow64

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


Well... It sucks...







a lot...

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.