82 vs 98

[Tenom]

Hi, I like the website lots of useful stuff.
I'm parting with my 82 Trans Am (underpowered and is a gas hog) and am considering a 98-02 V6 firebird rather than a 93-97 Trans Am. Roughly speaking I have about $6500 for a new car. I have found several 93-97 Trans Ams in that price range but the mileage is way up there, 100,000+. I have also found some 98+ V6 firebirds that have less miles in the range of 75k-92k. I really like the styling on the 98-02 Firebirds when compared to a 93-97 Trans Am, but performance wise the prize goes to Trans Am. v6s however get better gas mileage which I need to keep in mind since i'll be in college soon. So my questions are, what would you do in my case? Go with the firebird or the TA?
And also i've looked at the stock times for the v6 3800 and i've found it in the range from 7.2-7.4 in the 0-60. Thats a lot better than my 9.2 0-60 in my Trans Am but do you guys consider 7.2 fast?
Stock vs stock also whats faster a 89 GTA TA or a 98 V6? I keep finding different times some of them overlap.
And lastly (sorry its late and i haven't planned this whole post out well) what kind of work have you guys done to get your 0-60 down below 7 seconds. I'm really into acceleration i really don't need high end. Though gas is on my mind. I read in the modifications encyclopedia that 3.42 gears would be best for that, but what kind of other mods would you recommend?

Sorry just one more thing, do any of you know if a V6 firebird can beat a late 90s V6 Ford Explorer? I was throughly embarrased when my friend beat me in a drag with his.

[BiH]

if you want to save gas get a V6,performance get a trans am :D and yes the V6 will beat the explorer

[95FirebirdConvertible]

I am sure the 89 GTA TA is faster than a 98 V6. I'd buy the 98-02 Firebird if I were you. Your friend beat you with his Explorer, and you were using the Trans Am?

[Tenom]

I have an 82 TA 2nd slowest year of Trans Ams made. But don't you guys get a decent amount of performance out of yours, especially lightly modded. I really don't think I need the power of 275hp from a TA.

[98 3.8]

No, 7.2 isn't very fast...we're all just in denial about that fact. :D

[vanbibber]

if your worried about gas mileage get a v6... or find a 6speed T/a they arent that much worse than a v6. 3800s are great motors with alot of potential though. if you get a v6 pick up a lsd and some 3.73s or 4.10s and that will cut down the 0-60 times alot. basic mods for the v6 are CAI,high flow cat, headers, and catback. which will give you a nice gain in horsepower.

Lt1s are great motors also and 100k on them is nothing. and if youre looking for best bang for the buck id go with it. just make sure to check things like the opti spark, intake manifold for leaks(on the backside due to gms genius reverse flowing heads) and just general maintence, other than that you should be set.

either way you wont be sorry.

[94firebirdteal]

Yeah, I'd say go for the T/A if I would have had 6500$ thats what I would have got. Good luck.

[Yaba3800]

second that, loves the z's and t/a's
would take over the sixer for a hit in mileage any day...(today would be good)

[Mighty Thor]

If you do decide to go for the V6 be sure it is a Y87 and GU6 so you can have the 3.42 gears and LSD.

Yeah, the GTA is much faster than a V6. But finding a GTA in good condition is a lot more difficult than you think. Most of the time the V6 will keep up with them or beat them.

If fuel prices and insurance is a major concern then don't do LT1. V6 is way better. Plus 100k on a LT1 means replacing the dreaded opti-spark.

Say, can I have your '82 TA? I wouldn't mine doing a Knight Rider conversion on that thing.