[1-GTO]

I just bought a 1987 Firebird and the engine was basically ruined.What engines were available in the 1987 Firebirds?I have to get the car yet so I haven't checked out the engine that is in it.I'm just seeing what my options are before I get the car!

The car is Blue with T-tops,rear spoiler,aluminum rims and power everything!Would be nice to stuff a older 400 in there if I can get away with it?

[Dens71TA]

In 1987 you could get the 2.8L MPFI V6 in the base model. 5.0L carburated, 5.0L and 5.7L TPI in the Formula, Trans Am, and GTA.

[1-GTO]

Thanks for the info Dens71TA.

I was wanting to know what options I had for engines to drop back in the Firebird if I decide to fix it up?The Emission Laws can be pretty strick around here and I think you have to stay with the same engine combination that came out in the newer cars or at least for that certain year?

[Bull]

The best engine for any of the 3rd generation F-bodies was the 350 TPI, so if you want to drop in the best factory motor, that'd be it. If the car is an auto, you'll be fine, but if it is the 5 speed, you might want to change to a different trans. As I understand it, the 5 speeds never came with a 350 because they could not withstand the power in the long run.

Since the TPIs are computer controlled, make sure you get the computer for your engine. Earlier TPIs were MAF, and the later ones ('91-'92 I believe) were Speed Density.

I'm not sure if you can put a traditional Pontiac motor in, especially if your emissions laws are strict. Go over and register on thirdgen.org, as it is the best site out there for this generation of F-bodies. People there would know. I've taken a real shine to the 350 TPI, so I feel no desire at all to go 400 Poncho.

[Formulabruce]

In 87 most of the 350's were in the GTA . You can put another shortblock in and use your same TPI system also, thats a popular thing to do.
As far as 5 speeds... My impression is that in order to keep the cars 50 state legal, unlike earlier models where some options were not available in Ca, the 5 speed/305 thing was an emissions thing, rpm, and emissions at that rpm.
Ive owned a few 5 speed cars, put 350 engines in them, and had no issues, but Im not a thrasher either.

[WarbirdTA]

Well,
If you love power and speed, another engine that alot of people wish they had, is the Buick Turbo V-6! More power and speed than the 350 powered cars!
Used in the 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am, and the Grand Nationals of years eariler, these engines are being dropped in quite a few cars.
You can check out:
http://www.thirdgen.org
More costly than a Chevy 305 or 350 engine, but with hardly any mods, these engine are pulling 11s and 12s fairly easy!

My pick,

George

[Mr_GTO]

You could install a older Pontiac motor and go all out and buy a new K Member and install a LS1. The choice is yours depending on how deep your pockets are.

[1-GTO]

Thanks or the great info everyone.I checked the car out today and it had the V-6 engine option.It has T-tops and the rear Hatch-back type rear window.Gray interior with Bucket seats.I thought it had power seats but it doesn't......it does have power windows on it and a pretty solid body.It is a 4-speed automatic (over-drive).The block is all apart and laying on a skid,the intake and brackets are laying in the very back of the Hatch-back...pieces every where!
I did get a brand new alternator that was still in the box!


Is the Over-drive transmission in the '87 Firebird the same one everyone is saving to swap out in their GTO's?I'm going to price a rebuilt short block to see what it would take to save this Firebird for a Daily Driver.