New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
07-19-2017 | 08:52 PM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2
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New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
I started a thread in the convertible section, but nobody seemed interested in weighing in on my question.
This car is in great, original shape. They didn't make loads of the convertible cars with a v8 and the T5. This car is original, slightly rare (1 of 8 in this combo), and in pretty good shape. Would you leave this car as is, or would you do a motor/trans swap?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
This car is in great, original shape. They didn't make loads of the convertible cars with a v8 and the T5. This car is original, slightly rare (1 of 8 in this combo), and in pretty good shape. Would you leave this car as is, or would you do a motor/trans swap?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...1&d=1500343657
07-19-2017 | 10:00 PM
#2
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,674
Likes: 817
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
The L03 doesn't get a lot of love, though the 5 spd. and 3.08 gear help. Personally, I like the engine for what it is, and had this powertrain combo in my '91 RS. If it was my car, I'd enjoy it as is, with only modest mods if you must.
07-19-2017 | 11:47 PM
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 125
From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
Car looks clean! You wont get much from that TBI motor. IIRC it is not the same as the TPI 305. It's a basic V8. I second Dave's recommendation. Enjoy it for what it is.
You can still have a little fun with it though. Nice muffler, it'll sound great to drive!
You can still have a little fun with it though. Nice muffler, it'll sound great to drive!
07-20-2017 | 10:45 AM
#4
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 453
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car: 1992 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 5.0L 305ci TPI
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual, World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
Don't do anything more than some bolt ons if you want to preserve the "rareness" factor of a 5 speed in a third gen vert. Verts and 5 speeds will be some of the more desirable third gens as they continue to appreciate in value and get even older.
07-20-2017 | 11:03 AM
#6
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 65
From: Atlanta
Car: '02 T/A WS6, '91 T/A, '91 Camaro RS
Engine: LS1, LB9, L03
Transmission: T56, 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 4.10 10 bolt, 2.73 10 bolts
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
If it were a T/A I'd say leave it stock, but being a base Firebird, it's not likely to ever be a particularly valuable car, so I'd say do what makes you happy as far as the drivetrain. I'd leave everything else stock though since you never see these nice or stock.
07-20-2017 | 05:11 PM
#7
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,776
Likes: 587
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
Enjoy it for what it is. Most people who do a motor/trans swap on a nice, low-ish miles car regret it and end up getting a haircut when they sell.
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07-21-2017 | 07:09 AM
#8
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,484
Likes: 758
From: South Ms
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: New owner of 91 Conv, 305, TBI, T5, Firebird
Get a good exhaust under it, 3.42 -3.73 gears and a posi and it will be much more fun to drive. The TBI cars are slow but very reliable and trouble-free. That's why I still retain mine and will probably keep my TBI and just a mild 350 later on when the time comes. Enjoy the car if it runs good id leave it alone.