need help on where to go with my third gen project...

[j0n]

within the next couple months i will be purchasing an 85-90 firebird formula. im going to keep the exterior of the car very close to stock, using the fiberglass replacement aerowing spoiler and the "ramair I" fiberglass hood. the interior will remain as close to factory as i can keep it.

my problem is that i've switched directions on powerplants about 13,874 times. i want the car to be streetable and get at least 20mpg on the highway. it will see limited track duty(i plan on takin it once every 2-3 months or so). it needs to run on 93 octane and bang out at least an 11-second timeslip. the car will have a manual transmission and i'd like to use a 10-bolt out back to save $$. im also looking to run a power-adder and fuel injection.

some options i've tossed around in my head have been:
-gen 1 350-400 with an lt1 intake and a hit of n2o, custom turbo, or intercooled procharger
-gen 2-3(LT1/LS1) with p/p stock heads, n2o cam, and nitrous

unfortunately the car can't break the bank(as you can see from wanting to use a 10-bolt). i also cant have a car thats just your typical run-of-the-mill 11-second third gen...id like the car to stand out a little bit for being unique.

please share your opinions with as in-depth reasoning as you can. thanks in advance!!!

[Sinister]

I say go with an LS1 because it will be unique and it's 315 H.P. plus you will get fuel economy and warrenty from G.M. if you get it new...that's what I would probably if I had to do it all over again on my car, right now I have a 383 Stroker (carbed) in mine and I'll be damned if I get 13mpg. I say go for the newer stuff because you can't beat technology & perfomance with these new motors these days. :smt023

[j0n]

Originally Posted by Sinister

I say go with an LS1 because it will be unique and it's 315 H.P. plus you will get fuel economy and warrenty from G.M. if you get it new...that's what I would probably if I had to do it all over again on my car, right now I have a 383 Stroker (carbed) in mine and I'll be damned if I get 13mpg. I say go for the newer stuff because you can't beat technology & perfomance with these new motors these days. :smt023

im confident that any gen 1 small block with an lt1 intake manifold and a cam that isnt too ridiculous could get my target mpg

[WishIHadACamaro]

Originally Posted by j0n

im confident that any gen 1 small block with an lt1 intake manifold and a cam that isnt too ridiculous could get my target mpg

i concur with your ideas about the GEN1 SBC. In fact if i were going the full injected route with my car i would have gone in the same direction. Not only will you save money on parts but if god forbid something goes wrong with NOS or Power Adders than your not out $1,000 on an LS1 block

T-5 Tranny?

[Ta Jay]

did you say 10-bolt out back..... :h:h:h:h:h


go the right way the 1st time. getn down the track in 11's aint hard. but driving their, runnin the shit out of it and driving it home is much better

[j0n]

Originally Posted by WishIHadACamaro

i concur with your ideas about the GEN1 SBC. In fact if i were going the full injected route with my car i would have gone in the same direction. Not only will you save money on parts but if god forbid something goes wrong with NOS or Power Adders than your not out $1,000 on an LS1 block

T-5 Tranny?

im really leaning towards the ls1 at this point...seeing as how i can get one for 1000, yes thats a complete engine.

im looking for alternatives to dishin out the cash for a t56 but it needs to handle the power...any ideas or am i just better off picking up a t56?

[j0n]

Originally Posted by Ta Jay

did you say 10-bolt out back..... :h:h:h:h:h


go the right way the 1st time. getn down the track in 11's aint hard. but driving their, runnin the shit out of it and driving it home is much better

well my theory is that the car will never see slicks or even cheater slicks...also i plan on putting a mini-spool and some aftermarket gears in with some moser 28 spline axles and a nice strong girdle...be it TA or some other brand

i cant justify dishing out 2500 bucks for a rear at this point

[WishIHadACamaro]

Originally Posted by j0n

well my theory is that the car will never see slicks or even cheater slicks...also i plan on putting a mini-spool and some aftermarket gears in with some moser 28 spline axles and a nice strong girdle...be it TA or some other brand

i cant justify dishing out 2500 bucks for a rear at this point

^ agreed.

but where are you getting LS1s for 1000 complete? Wanna sneak a brotha some info in a PM?

[White Phoenix]

Originally Posted by WishIHadACamaro

^ agreed.

but where are you getting LS1s for 1000 complete? Wanna sneak a brotha some info in a PM?

me first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i want an lt1 ... but dont tell my LT1 i said that or its going to break down

[WishIHadACamaro]

LS1s, if only i could get my hands on them.

Ill be going to the junkyard today, maybe ill get lucky and see a wrecked SS sitting in the back that hasnt been touched. Ooo i would pull that motor sooo fast.