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10-31-2007, 03:23 AM
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#1
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Bensalem,Pa
Posts: 162
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tpi or lt1?
Ok .. here we go..i need some opinions..and please no flamers.. i have a chance to pick up a 1986 trans am or a 1995 trans am..i know the draw backs of the tpi cars but ive never really heard anything on the lt1 one cars other than the typical bashing because they are a pain in the *** to work on and if the optispark goes you might as well scrap the car lol..both cars have about the same mileage around 160k so i know to expect a rebuild soon..alltho both cars do run very well..what are some of the pros and cons with both cars..this makes for an interesting debate..and no i cant afford an LS1 car with the new baby and all..and i know the 86 is only a 305 but that would change when i replaced the motor..so like i requested..some good opinions? thanks
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10-31-2007, 05:49 AM
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#2
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Browns Mills NJ/ Rotondo West FL
Posts: 3,054
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LT1 hands down  faster stock (better technology), newer look (if thats important to you), Lt1 responds better to mods, w/ the Lt1 you wont have to swap out the engine just build it up, and this is just an opinion but I cant stand 3rd gen  . Id start w/ the better base and thats definately LT1.
__________________
AI HCR 241's , Lunati 223/236 .615/.626 114+2 , Full Exhaust , Ported Fast 92 , Ported LS2 TB , Veraram , 85mm MAF , Circle D 4000 , 3.42's , GTP 36# , CSP Dyno tune. More on the way
420 HP/367 TQ on a Unlocked Converter & still climbing.
Last edited by MonmouthCtyAntz; 10-31-2007 at 06:00 AM.
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10-31-2007, 05:55 AM
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#3
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12 Second Club
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Vineland
Posts: 928
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i'd go with the tuned port car...like you said, pain to work on/optispark with the lt1 cars...i think the thirdgen is a better looking car, handles better, and you know someone who tunes them...however, an lt1 in a thirdgen is always cool.
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87 iroc with the usual go fast stuff
heavier than your half ton.
Last edited by IROCdan330; 10-31-2007 at 06:01 AM.
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10-31-2007, 07:18 AM
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#4
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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having both, I would go with the LT1 car.
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2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
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10-31-2007, 07:30 AM
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#5
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,165
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The 3rd gen might be easier to work on, and some parts can be cheaper. The 86 is only a few years off historic plates if this is not a daily driver. You could always drop an LS1 in that car. 
But the LT1 cars come with better brakes and better manual transmissions. They also appear to have nicer interiors. But that is subjective. At 160k miles, you are rebuliding the damn car anyway. LOL
Neither of those cars should be much over $1000. All those miles, plan on eventually redoing a lot of things (suspension, etc).
I never owned a 4th gen car (past the one I am stripping).
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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10-31-2007, 07:32 AM
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#6
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NJFBOA Supporting Sponsor
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: HULMEVILLE, PA
Posts: 2,023
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you already have a really nice third gen with tpi....
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JSSPEEDANDCUSTOM.COM
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10-31-2007, 07:47 AM
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#7
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gibbstown, NJ
Posts: 426
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The LT1 t/a by a long shot... an MSD Opti runs like $425, i just replaced mine, no need to scrap a motor over that. The 95 is better in every aspect, plus the LT4 package is quite cheap now a days. And the 95 looks way better than an 80s bird.
__________________
2000 Trans Am WS6 - CAMMED & SLAMMED sitting on 18 Z06 wheels.
362 RWHP / 358RWTQ
2007 Trailblazer SS - 1 baby seat 
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10-31-2007, 08:05 AM
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#8
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Haledon, NJ
Posts: 5,162
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I'd say LT1 for the simple fact of more base HP and a newer car to work with, newer technology etc. I'm biased to 3rd gens but if I were to buy a car now it would be LT1.
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1989 IROC-Z 355 LT1 T56 Swapped
2016 Chevy Colorado LT 3.6 v6
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L RIP 12/29/2016
1998 Honda CBR 600F3
2003 Yamaha FX140
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10-31-2007, 01:06 PM
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#9
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Somerset County
Posts: 5,559
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opti is easy...everyone who says its amazingly hard to do has never done one
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1999 Corvette FRC
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10-31-2007, 03:24 PM
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#10
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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Quote:
Originally Posted by j0n
opti is easy...everyone who says its amazingly hard to do has never done one
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werd to that ....
__________________
2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
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10-31-2007, 03:27 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Arm pit of the world... NJ
Posts: 2,677
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Quote:
Originally Posted by j0n
opti is easy...everyone who says its amazingly hard to do has never done one
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Yup....a few hours at most and not hard at all. Get the LT1 they are quick right out of the box.
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John
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10-31-2007, 04:27 PM
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#12
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13 Second Club
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ewing/Galloway, NJ
Posts: 3,904
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lt1 problems are so overexaggerated, get it...youll be so much more satisfied than if you got the 3rd gen... would you rather walk out of your house and get into a very ugly car (3rd gen) or a gorgeous car(anything but a 3rd gen, but in this case, a 4th gen)?...
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EB
99 Riviera, Bone stock, 14.34 @ 96 "Walking 5.0's in luxury" RIP
95 Cherokee, Bone stock 16.2 @ 83 "Treeing your 3rd gen and beating it to the line despite trapping less....and looking better"
93 TA, Bone stock, 13.8 @ 100 "Beating ****** drivers in ****** LS1's"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/285090241699967/
R.I.P. Tia 
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10-31-2007, 04:52 PM
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#13
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gibbstown, NJ
Posts: 426
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Squirrel
lt1 problems are so overexaggerated, get it...youll be so much more satisfied than if you got the 3rd gen... would you rather walk out of your house and get into a very ugly car (3rd gen) or a gorgeous car(anything but a 3rd gen, but in this case, a 4th gen)?...
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they are.... even though its been 3 months and i still can't solve the hesitation in mine LOL
__________________
2000 Trans Am WS6 - CAMMED & SLAMMED sitting on 18 Z06 wheels.
362 RWHP / 358RWTQ
2007 Trailblazer SS - 1 baby seat
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10-31-2007, 05:02 PM
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#14
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Browns Mills NJ/ Rotondo West FL
Posts: 3,054
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Glad to see someone else shares my opinion of 3rd gens  . If I was president I would gather em all up and have a big bonfire in the grand canyon 
__________________
AI HCR 241's , Lunati 223/236 .615/.626 114+2 , Full Exhaust , Ported Fast 92 , Ported LS2 TB , Veraram , 85mm MAF , Circle D 4000 , 3.42's , GTP 36# , CSP Dyno tune. More on the way
420 HP/367 TQ on a Unlocked Converter & still climbing.
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10-31-2007, 06:12 PM
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#15
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MonmouthCtyAntz
Glad to see someone else shares my opinion of 3rd gens . If I was president I would gather em all up and have a big bonfire in the grand canyon |
ok, bashing a car that the site is made for ...... 
I like my LT1 but theres stuff about my 3rd gen I like a whole lot better...
__________________
2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
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10-31-2007, 06:16 PM
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#16
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12 Second Club
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Vineland
Posts: 928
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadtrend1
ok, bashing a car that the site is made for ......
I like my LT1 but theres stuff about my 3rd gen I like a whole lot better... |
tim stop talking you make wayy too much sense.
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87 iroc with the usual go fast stuff
heavier than your half ton.
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10-31-2007, 06:26 PM
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#17
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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oops ...sorry about that. Me shut up nows ... 
__________________
2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
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10-31-2007, 08:10 PM
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#18
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadtrend1
oops ...sorry about that. Me shut up nows ... |
Don't worry Tim, there are members who don't think the 4th gen firebird is the prettiest car either...
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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10-31-2007, 08:25 PM
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#19
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Co-Founder / Site Admin
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ewing, NJ
Posts: 22,476
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BonzoHansen
Don't worry Tim, there are members who don't think the 4th gen firebird is the prettiest car either...
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- Justin
__________________
1999 Camry - Beigemobile DD
2002 Suburban - Wife's DD
2004 Grand Cherokee - Not running / Project / Selling?
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10-31-2007, 08:51 PM
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#20
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Mr Fantastic
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Milford NJ
Posts: 7,917
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we all know the sexiest car ever is the 3rd gen berlinetta camaro
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Matt
B18B1 FTW
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10-31-2007, 09:13 PM
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#21
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy
- Justin
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Yeah, and this car is ugly...
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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10-31-2007, 09:19 PM
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#22
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Hippy Mod, Bergermeister Meisterberger, Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ewing
Posts: 6,214
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Go with the TPI and convert it to a 383 with Holley Stealth Ram! No opti to worry about! The LT1 is just a short ram intake with reverse flow cooling and you can accomplish almost the same thing on a standard small block pretty cheap nowadays.
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69 Z28 JL8 4 wheel disc brakes - being restored
09 Silverado Z71
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10-31-2007, 10:51 PM
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#23
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Haledon, NJ
Posts: 5,162
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy
- Justin
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 Though I'd like to make the statement a little more broad and stop at 4th gen. lol
__________________
1989 IROC-Z 355 LT1 T56 Swapped
2016 Chevy Colorado LT 3.6 v6
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L RIP 12/29/2016
1998 Honda CBR 600F3
2003 Yamaha FX140
Last edited by Teds89IROC; 10-31-2007 at 10:52 PM.
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11-01-2007, 08:22 AM
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#24
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11 Second Club
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Fishkill, NY
Posts: 1,278
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If you are going to screw with it get the LT1, if the htird gen is stock and you just want to drive it go with the 86. Third Gen's are coming into their own and getting harder and harder to find in good condition, I'd hate to see another one get hacked up. Also IMO the third Gen's, though slower, handle quite a bit better then the 4th Gen's and certainly give you a better driving experience. 4th Gen steering is so overboosted it is like driving a video game.
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-Nick
9/11/01- Never Forget
2002 Pontiac Trans-Am WS6 # 206
Chasing 10's
469RWH/437RWTQ
11.05 @ 123
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11-01-2007, 09:14 AM
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#25
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Sliderule / Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Catawissa PA
Posts: 2,294
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I say forget engines, since your planning to yank the 305. Decide which body style you like better and what your goals are.
If you plan to mod the car the LT1 "might" be the better deal. More solid frame/body, and I think more tuning options. Plus the plastic bodies don't rust!
Without seeing the cars, I'll just make a general statement:
The TPI car might be less cumbersome and cheaper to work on, but with 21 years of use and 160K you're probably looking at sagging doors, body flexing and god knows what else? The car may not be a bargin once you start ripping into it and you don't want a money pit.
And as already said; Opti's aren't bad to chance once you've done it once.
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93Z M6 Black: The 385 Lives! Supercharged, 3-core front mount intercooler, GTP heads, 3:73's, Street twin clutch, Jethot Longtubes, Mufflex 4" catback/spintech, S+W cage, Spohn Suspenion, Yada Yada Yada
1) Build it
2) Race it
3) Break it
4) Repeat!!!
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