Yahoo Autos A Nineties Firebird Is Cheap, Heavy-Duty Fun
A 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula has the essence of the nineties without the added crap that came with the 2001 version. Once you accepted the fact that it's okay to buy one now, and put one in your garage for not a lot of money, a logical step is to swap the fourth-gen's LT1 engine for an LS1, or any LS engine you may prefer. They all fit.
With a few changes, that V8 will send well over 400 horses to the rear wheels, which will move this 3400-lb car with ease. The steering on these is nice from the factory, and with the correct suspension and tire package, even a 265,000 mile Firebird can turn into the perfect cruiser, a canyon champ or a surprisingly fast drag car-whichever you prefer.
A strong, torquey motor, a decent stick shift and brakes that work. You really don't need much more while rocking the style of a 1988 concept car thirty years past. Matt Farah approves:
