F-Body question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 18,236
Likes: 36
From: Haymarket VA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
F-Body question
ok, my brother is looking into getting an F-body. I figured I since its basically the same engine you guys can give me some pointers. He is looking for a 89-92 Trans Am. As far as I know that is the L-98 engine in all those years. What are some things that he should be looking for, in terms of problems with the L98? How many miles do they usually last before a rebuild is needed? Also, they do not have a fiberglass body if I remember corretly, so rust may be an issue?
Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appriciated.
Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appriciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Iowa City IA
Re: F-Body question (MBVette)
I think i can answer this, im an fbody fan: okay, rust can be an issue because these cars are mostly steel...there is some plastic though. if the car is from the rustbelt, be sure to look it over really well. i would also get underneath the car to look for any rust/frame damage/signs of poor crash repair. as for the L98 engine, some of these third gen trans ams had L98's, but some of the firebirds also had 305's which are much less desirable due to lack of parts/cant handle as much power. if the car in question does indeed have the L98, i have seen many cars run up to and well beyond 100,000 miles and run perfectly. it really all depends on how the car was treated. when looking at the car, make sure it hasnt been "warmed up" by the owner. start the engine cold, and watch the tailpipe for any signs of sooty exhaust. continue to watch this, because a little soot is okay at startup but if it persists, it could be an oil leak/bad air fuel ratio/etc. check the engine over for signs of oil leaks. if you have any other questions, please email me or IM me....ill be glad to help :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,297
Likes: 0
From: Stamford VT
Re: F-Body question (93TorchRedC4)
The 89-92 Trans Ams were available with 3 different motors. The L98, the LB9 and the L03. The L98 was basically the same motor that the Vettes got except that in the f-body they got iron heads and a different cam. The LB9 is the tuned port 305, and is identical to the L98 except for the displacement and related adjustments (chip, injector size, etc). The L03 had throttle body injection and was a gutless pig. All 3 can be extremely reliable as long as they are not neglected. My GTA is pushing 140k miles and still takes a daily beating.
Although the L98 would definately be the motor of choice, if he wants a 5-speed, he's going to have to settle for a 305. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. The 5-speed TPI 305s got the L98 cam and resulted in about 25hp more than the automatic cars. They were nearly as quick as the L98s when new, although over time the 5 speed can get a little clunky. Mine still works good, but the 2nd gear synchros are on the way out. The 5 speed is definately more fun though. :)
Although the L98 would definately be the motor of choice, if he wants a 5-speed, he's going to have to settle for a 305. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. The 5-speed TPI 305s got the L98 cam and resulted in about 25hp more than the automatic cars. They were nearly as quick as the L98s when new, although over time the 5 speed can get a little clunky. Mine still works good, but the 2nd gear synchros are on the way out. The 5 speed is definately more fun though. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
Re: F-Body question (thunderbolt47)
No 6 speed, just 5 speeds. And manual only with 305. All 350's were auto.
If I were going to buy another 3rd gen F-body, I would only consider a '90-up. I had a '91 Z28 for 7 years. When I sold it, it had 186,000 miles on it and still ran mid 12s all day long. The new owner picked it up in Louisiana and drove it home to St Louis.
I see a lot of early ('93-'96) LT1 4th gens pretty cheap now. They are better cars. I have worked on many of them. He might want to consider that too. :seeya
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