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Opinions on newer Firebirds?

Kaido

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Looks fun.

Few in my area for cheap (most under $5k, some under $2k). Would be a work beater/tinker-project car, mostly focused on aesthetics. I'm not a crazy street racer or a punk teenager or anything, I just think they look spiffy. Looking at 6-speed V6. V8 would be fun though, despite the current economy haha. The only thing I really know about Pontiac is that their cars fall apart fast.

Any opinions on these?
 
The V-6 is a gutless wonder and it sounds like trash. Get the V8. One of the best motors ever made. Fuel economy is about on par with the smaller V-6 as well.
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
Originally posted by: AdamK47
It's going to be very hard finding a 6-speed V6.
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Are most of their V6 cars automatic?
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I think is is pretty well split, I've seen a lot of them both ways. The V6 came with a 5 speed manual. Only the V8 had a 6 speed manual. Both v6 and v8 had 4 speed auto available as well.


Originally posted by: angry hampster
The V-6 is a gutless wonder and it sounds like trash. Get the V8. One of the best motors ever made. Fuel economy is about on par with the smaller V-6 as well.
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The 3.4L in the pre-96 models was pretty sad, but the 3.8L isn't too bad (I have a 98 V6). But yes, the LS1 V8 is much much much better, and yes it gets at least as good of gas mileage compared to the V6, with the manual tranny at least. The 6th gear helps a lot.
 
Originally posted by: angry hampster
The V-6 is a gutless wonder and it sounds like trash. Get the V8. One of the best motors ever made. Fuel economy is about on par with the smaller V-6 as well.
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Ooh, sounds good. Sold!
 
Originally posted by: SparkyJJO
I think is is pretty well split, I've seen a lot of them both ways. The V6 came with a 5 speed manual. Only the V8 had a 6 speed manual. Both v6 and v8 had 4 speed auto available as well.
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A 6-speed sounds really fun, I've never had the opportunity to own one 🙂

Browing around to see what's available. I really like the crazy air scoop hood like this:

http://media.motortopia.com/fi...iverside_front_low.jpg

So I guess I'm looking for a V8, preferably with cloth (not a big leather fan). As far as mods go:

-crazy air scoop hood
-ultra glossy black paintjob
-nice rims (don't like the stock ones, haven't found any I really like yet though)
-exhaust system with chrome pipes
-stereo system

Nothing too fancy...spruce up the exterior a bit and add a good stereo. I'm surprised at how blah the interior is, for such a fun exterior! No biggie though. The big thing will probably be repainting it, if I find a good deal on one that isn't black or that needs a paintjob. I haven't found a spray booth locally though, so I'll probably have to pay to have it painted (any suggestions on that?). Not real familiar with all the exhaust systems on the market...something that sounds nice, with some shiny chrome pipes. Flowmasters perhaps? I don't want something ridiculously loud though, just nice-sounding. Haven't found any rims I really like.

Suggestions welcome 🙂
 
I had a '95 formula and I have a '00 trans am now. Get the v8 the LS1's put out 350hp gm didn't detune it from the vette at all. I'm in love with that engine, it's so much fun! I wouldn't get a v6 the engine is underpowered for how heavy the car is. It's not a real pontiac it's a camaro they changed for looks. Text I'd like to get rid of it for a vette. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: alfa147x
are you looking to boost the power in anyway or is this all esthetics mods?
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Nope, don't really care about power. V8 is...way more than enough for me. In all honesty I'm perfectly happy with my Saturn's 4-cylinder lol. This is just a fun cheap car, mainly to get to work and school.
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
Originally posted by: alfa147x
are you looking to boost the power in anyway or is this all esthetics mods?
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Nope, don't really care about power. V8 is...way more than enough for me. In all honesty I'm perfectly happy with my Saturn's 4-cylinder lol. This is just a fun cheap car, mainly to get to work and school.
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Your profile says you live in Connecticut...I assume you will be keeping your Saturn as well, for winter / snow? I'm sure you know this already, but that Trans Am will be absolutely worthless in snow / ice. 🙁 I've gotten both my Trans Am and the BMW stuck in parking spaces before due to very small amounts of snow.

That said, the T/A is a great choice for a fun car 🙂 The drivetrains are pretty bulletproof, parts are cheap, and there's a great online community for repair diagnosis / advice or mods.

 
Originally posted by: ballmode
LS1 is the BOMB
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Exactly. I remember when I was stock and I raced one of the new Mustangs and an "older" LS1 Firebird at the same time, the Firebird was a beast. The Mustang was running like Barbaro with a broken leg. The LS1's really are awesome cars. One of the greatest bang for the bucks ever made. So modable and fast stock.
 
White trash in the extreme, but looks like fun and at that price would be a riot. I would enjoy having one.
In all honesty I'm perfectly happy with my Saturn's 4-cylinder lol. This is just a fun cheap car, mainly to get to work and school.
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Seems strange if the Saturn 4 cylinder is enough for you that you'd be considering this overpowered beast.
 
Originally posted by: zerocool84
Originally posted by: ballmode
LS1 is the BOMB
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Exactly. I remember when I was stock and I raced one of the new Mustangs and an "older" LS1 Firebird at the same time, the Firebird was a beast. The Mustang was running like Barbaro with a broken leg. The LS1's really are awesome cars. One of the greatest bang for the bucks ever made. So modable and fast stock.
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RIP Barbaro
 
you don't even need exhaust on the ls1, just get a cut out, hahahahahha.

yes they are badass and reliable cars, people push 200k on them all day.
 
If you get a 6 speed car, have a GOOD reputable shop that knows these cars well look over the transmission, particularly 3rd gear. They are notorious for bandaid fixes and failures.
 
I like the way the Camaro from that generation looks more, myself, but either one should be a fun car with a V8 and a 6-spd. Throw a couple grand at the engine and you should be pushing 400hp.
 
Originally posted by: Raduque
I like the way the Camaro from that generation looks more, myself, but either one should be a fun car with a V8 and a 6-spd. Throw a couple grand at the engine and you should be pushing 400hp.
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You don't need to throw a couple grand at the motor to get to 400HP. 😉 A good cam selection and associated bolt-ons can be done for under $1000 usually, even less if you don't mind used parts.
 
I prefer the Camaro as well. You should take a look at those. I sold my dads 2000 Camaro SS 6-Speed for him last month. Drove it a couple times before he let it go and it wasn't too exciting.

It will certainly be a change from the Saturn though.
 
The last gen F Cars had banging performance.

I had an 95 trans am.

Just make sure you always keep a spare opti-spark on hand. You will need it eventually.

The one negative I might say is if you are big, I am 6'4 270ish. It is a bit of a pain getting in and out of the car, and the ride is a bit harsh.

If you are considering an F Body, maybe consider a newer GTO??? Same general power, maybe a little more chassis refinement.
 
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