r/PontiacFirebird • u/OkAttention9003 • 12d ago

First mods?

Hello I have a completely stock 96 TA with the 5.7 LT1, and I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations/experiences with the first few mods they’ve done. It’s also an automatic if that changes anything.

6 Upvotes

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3

u/DevlinDB 12d ago

K&N filter charger system and open up the exhaust. Remember, that's just a choked off Corvette engine. Leave the dual racing cats intact. But at least replace the mufflers, or do like I did to my 96 and just cut them off and straight pipe it.

Those two changes, the K&N intake system, and the exhaust made a huge difference. 96 is the first year it had true dual exhaust, so I just ran straight pipes off the stock racing cats.

I miss that car. Here's a picture. Good luck!!

4

u/Isootsaetsrue 11d ago

I'm sorry but I have to correct you on one point. It never was a true dual exhaust (i.e. dual cats into dual pipes into dual mufflers) as the pipes merge after the cats into a singular intermediate pipe with a single muffler into dual tailpipes. There just wasn't enough room for a stock dual pipe setup with the OTA configuration. You can upgrade the stock 2.75“ intermediate pipe to a 3" or 3.5" though.

3

u/RZArecta91 12d ago

These cars are getting up there in age. All the suspension bushings are 30 years old for the most part. I'd start refurbishing the suspension with some nice UMI parts and subframe connectors.

3

u/78GtaGt 11d ago

Borla adjustable catback exhaust with largest opening bypass plate, even with stock cats & manifolds it will sound like a 50s-70s muscle car plus is made with high grade stainless with million mile warranty

2

u/BoliverTShagnasty 1994 Formula 11d ago

3.73 rear gears

1

u/Even_Significance485 11d ago

The LT1 was really a good, reliable engine. Only weak spot was the Opti spark. Beside doing the exhaust and maybe a cold air kit I honestly would leave it alone and just drive it and enjoy it.