my restore project

[1mean99grandam]

Here are the Grand Impressions project cars. Well, the Firebird. I'll get pics of our other project later.
This is a 1987 Firebird. One dent, no rust, no accidents. It has the 2.8L V6. I know the first and 2nd owner. The interior is mint except for the seat cloth and carpets. It is getting a 305 5.0L, a new tranny (stick), better breaks and rims, new exhaust and new paint - Black.
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=121197

[1mean99grandam]

anptherhttp://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=121199

[1mean99grandam]

the other projects are a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE to GT conversion, and some other aftermarket things.

The one I'm most excited about - Caddie Hearse. We are out to fid this car. We don't have one in hand yet, but we will find one...... And it will be spookey as hell when we are done with it. All show with some go, but mostly for spook effect.

[92CamaroRS]

why only a 305?
why not run a 383/388 stroker or even a 400/406? both will run circles around a 305

[LoneRangers15]

I am guessing it is because the 305 was a factory option, but so was the 350.

[LoneRangers15]

What car had the 406? I assume you are talking about a small block Chevy.

[1mean99grandam]

Originally posted by GAguy
why only a 305?
why not run a 383/388 stroker or even a 400/406? both will run circles around a 305

I would love to do a 350 or 383. I've been reading a lot on the 383's recently. But me and 2 other guys, that are doing this project have never done an engine or tranny swap. We are going to try and keep it somewhat simple for this first time experience. We are talking about picking up a 350 and totally rebuilding it from the ground up for a later installation.

We want it to be stick and a V8 that's reliable - for now. I can get that with the 305. Also, I have found a 305, the tranny, and the computer from the same year Firebird for $600. I bought the car for $300 - so we are going inexpensive right now too.

So we will learn the swap with the 305, and how to rebuild with a 350 - then swap the 305 with the 350 later.

[92CamaroRS]

the 350 should be physically the same when it comes to mounting. im not sure what came with a 406 but i know that they are out there. a 406 is simply a 400 bored .030 over. and you say you are going inexpensive right now? you cant get cheaper parts for anything other than the 350

[1mean99grandam]

Inexpensive = engine (complete 305), tranny and computer/wiring harness for $600

The 350 runs $400 - $1000 where I live depending on condidtion and milage + the rebuild of the 350 + the tranny to properly run the 350.

As for parts - I'm friends with managers and employees at Good Year, Auto Zone, Pep Boys and Napa and Monroe Muffler. I think I have an in with the parts and help if I want to ask for it.

[RocketFast321]

sweet you going for the full out out knight rider look or just pain old bad ass look?

p.s can't go wrong with a 305 crossfire

[1mean99grandam]

Originally posted by RocketFast321
sweet you going for the full out out knight rider look or just pain old bad ass look?

p.s can't go wrong with a 305 crossfire

Not going for the KNight Rider look. Going for all out scary badass. All beef. When we get the bigger engine, I'm sure the scarriness will be better - but a 305 sure beats the 173 for now.

[Night Wolf]

mmmmmmmmm Cadillac....what year?

[1mean99grandam]

bring on the Caddie. We can call it "candie" afterwards - I kid!

[1mean99grandam]

getting a different 305 set up.

The original 305, tranny and computer was going to cost $600. A friend of mine just wrecked his truck and it had a 305, manual tranny and is carbbed. I want carbbed. I don't feel like messing with injection on this drop in and it will be nice to have less sensors and no computer! Less to d- with. The engine already has a high perf. crank, cam, heads, intake, lifters, pullies, headers and 4 barrel carb. All high perf. like I said. Obviously rebuilt with 3,000mi on it. $200 for all. hmmmmmmm.... let me think.........

Wonder if I can find a cheap super charger next? Or a nitrous set up.

Interesting fact - my 2.8 that I have now can handle a 75 shot safely, on a regular basis. I'm gonna keep the 2.8 and maybe make a buggy out of it....... NIFTY!

Oh and the paint is half gone off the car. Stated grinding and sanding down yesterday. It looked like the weather was gonna turn bad - so I had to stop because I do all my work outside. No garage.......:(

[93GASE3300]

Firebirds are fun cars and even with a 305 you can still beat the pants off some of those ricers out there and thats all that matter. By the way where in rochester you live just curious, maybe I know you or somethin.

[p8ntman442]

my brother is doing up his camaro of the same year only he chose to put in a 283. the engine puts down 460 hp. Cant wait to see this car come along.

[jayhawk]

Cadillac Hearses are awesome. My tattoo artist has a 1962, complete with window curtains and roses etched in the glass.