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New to the Fbody scene, but not new to cars, however this is my first RWD, my first V8 and my first automatic car.
Recently had some spinal issues flare up from spine surgery 12 years ago, with that I was unable to drive my 2 manual trans car(project and daily). Sold/parted both and went out of my comfort zone to try something different.
I've always wanted an LS platform car and the cost of entry on a 4th gen is hard to argue with. I wasn't specifically shopping for one yet, but I stumbled onto one when going with a friend to look at a roller project. It was, quite literally, everything I wanted in a 4th gen(base hardtop, automatic, pewter in color, NOT a rust bucket) and when nudged a bit, came down to a price I was comfortable with, after a depost was left I came back a week later and picked it up. All i've done since is enjoy it as much as possible before putting it away for winter after sourcing a cheap/auto beater(sunfire).
It has a 191k miles, original driveline/original everything is seems/feels. It needs quite a lot of work(1 of everything underneath, suspension and wheel bearings feel VERY worn), brakes are GONE, rear end SCREAMS bloody murder and the engine has some piston slap when its stone cold, but it doesn't seem to have affected it after it warms up. It doesn't consume oil and it seems to make the power it should.
After putting on some very cheap all seasons to replace the corded rears I got it with, it went a best of 13.3 @ 106 with my 315lb self driving it. Couldn't do better than a 2.01 60ft, but I was happy with it after several passes to back it up.
I wanted something that I could enjoy with my wife and son, drive it anywhere and be able to enjoy at the drag strip. It has met those goals so far, now it just needs perfecting and polishing. It will stay full interior, will get a small stereo and a good cleaning.
It being a 2.73 rear gear car feels quite lazy, but has been doing low 20s MPG mixed driving, so that's notable. However, this rear end sounds/feels beyond saving, with that I sourced a OEM 40k mile documented 6 speed rear end with 3.42's in it. That plus a rear suspension overhaul will be going in this winter. It's going to be very basic and I have no plans to lower the car, so non-adjustable BMR, UMI or Founders Performance.
Going to have the stock rear wheels widened and add some nice wide drag radials for street use, maybe a set of a slicks to blow up my new rear end at the drag strip. We will see.
I do plan on a 4000 convertor to pair with the new rear end, probably a Yank or Circle D. That'll happen this winter as well. I was also debating on replacing the engine at this point, with the piston slap it doesn't bother me, but if I can source some performance for not a lot more money AND replace my tired long block I may consider it. Just thinking out loud, curious what everyone thinks and if there is any advice for the new guy.
Thanks, i'll be trolling the for sale section for good deals.
- Drew
Recently had some spinal issues flare up from spine surgery 12 years ago, with that I was unable to drive my 2 manual trans car(project and daily). Sold/parted both and went out of my comfort zone to try something different.
I've always wanted an LS platform car and the cost of entry on a 4th gen is hard to argue with. I wasn't specifically shopping for one yet, but I stumbled onto one when going with a friend to look at a roller project. It was, quite literally, everything I wanted in a 4th gen(base hardtop, automatic, pewter in color, NOT a rust bucket) and when nudged a bit, came down to a price I was comfortable with, after a depost was left I came back a week later and picked it up. All i've done since is enjoy it as much as possible before putting it away for winter after sourcing a cheap/auto beater(sunfire).
It has a 191k miles, original driveline/original everything is seems/feels. It needs quite a lot of work(1 of everything underneath, suspension and wheel bearings feel VERY worn), brakes are GONE, rear end SCREAMS bloody murder and the engine has some piston slap when its stone cold, but it doesn't seem to have affected it after it warms up. It doesn't consume oil and it seems to make the power it should.
After putting on some very cheap all seasons to replace the corded rears I got it with, it went a best of 13.3 @ 106 with my 315lb self driving it. Couldn't do better than a 2.01 60ft, but I was happy with it after several passes to back it up.
I wanted something that I could enjoy with my wife and son, drive it anywhere and be able to enjoy at the drag strip. It has met those goals so far, now it just needs perfecting and polishing. It will stay full interior, will get a small stereo and a good cleaning.
It being a 2.73 rear gear car feels quite lazy, but has been doing low 20s MPG mixed driving, so that's notable. However, this rear end sounds/feels beyond saving, with that I sourced a OEM 40k mile documented 6 speed rear end with 3.42's in it. That plus a rear suspension overhaul will be going in this winter. It's going to be very basic and I have no plans to lower the car, so non-adjustable BMR, UMI or Founders Performance.
Going to have the stock rear wheels widened and add some nice wide drag radials for street use, maybe a set of a slicks to blow up my new rear end at the drag strip. We will see.
I do plan on a 4000 convertor to pair with the new rear end, probably a Yank or Circle D. That'll happen this winter as well. I was also debating on replacing the engine at this point, with the piston slap it doesn't bother me, but if I can source some performance for not a lot more money AND replace my tired long block I may consider it. Just thinking out loud, curious what everyone thinks and if there is any advice for the new guy.
Thanks, i'll be trolling the for sale section for good deals.
- Drew
357ci LT1, cammed, stalled, and driven. 
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