Ok, I have a few questions about which year and model FB to buy. I know the 84-85 GSL-SE's were the fastest stock, because of the 13b engine, but I have a 86GXL and I know that getting much HP from these engines is pretty difficult. So I was wondering which would be the best to get as far as modding goes?? I dont mean a crazy fast 11 sec drag car or anything, but maybe like 200rwhp...is this easily possible?? And also, were there any major differences in the body from 78-85, just wondering...because I see alot of widebody kits I like, and they just say all 1st gens, I wondered if there was a difference?? OH, and IM at my GF's place so Im posting under her name, I aint no girl

 

if you want to do body work, you really should get an 81-85. the first series are slightly different, and would require more work. second series have a nicer transmission too.

the advantages of the 79-80's are simplicity.

as far as horepower goes, changing the exhaust and porting the engine are the best that you can do on any first gen.

for gas milage, the se's are going to be better, but i donot know wheather you can get more power out of a carb or efi.

 

the 13B's come with about 20 or 30 more horses than the 12A's...
You could turbo/supercharge a 13B easier... (i think)

 

Well, IMO, I think I would rather go with a car that has a 12A(~100 HP, ~100 ft/lbs torque) in it. It may have less power stock than a 13B(~130 HP, ? torque), but I think that simplicity to work on it would make up for the lack in power (and torque). Also, I know that its pretty easy to buy (or mod) a carbureator so that you get a higher flow, as oppsed to EGI (electroninc gas injection) engines which I dont know what you can do... Also, high flow exhust is a must (on both engines) if your interested in power. As far as I know, porting both engines would be about the same, although the 13B has SPI (six port induction) versus four ports on the 12A, so I dont know if your supposed to port all of them on the 13B because some of the ports on the 13B are only open some of the time(?). So as you can see from this, just the sheer simplicity of the 12A seems like you could have more fun with it as far as mods. Someone correct me if im wrong... Also, I think that personal opinion has a lot to do with it to, some prefer carbs, some like EGI. Whatever you decide, just have fun

T.J.

PS - Cars that had the 12A engine have different gear ratios in 5th gear and in the rear end than the 13B cars, see chart .

12A:
1st - 3.622
2nd - 2.186
3rd - 1.419
4th - 1.000
5th - 0.087

Rear End:
3.909

13B:
1st - Same
2nd - Same
3rd - Same
4th - Same
5th - 0.758

Rear End:
4.076

 

I thought all 12a first gens had 3.90-3.91 gears in the back?

 

All first gens with the 12A engine do have the 3.909 in the rear end, its only different for the 13B cars (GSL-SE).

~T.J.

 

Well, Melissa....Hears the truth....
(Just Kiddin')

Yep, the 84/85 SE is the stronger in stock form with its 5-port 13B. But there's lots of other things the SE has that the other models don't. 5-speed close ratio trans, a real oil cooler, a 4:10 rear with limited slip, lower suspension mountings, bigger vented disc brakes, larger tires in a 100mm pattern.

If you go to a cold air induction, a header, and MSD ignition, you should be able to get around 175 hp. See Max7 site. Our photo sticky runs direct to his site. With some minor weight reduction you should be able to bring the overall weight of the vehicle to 2300 lbs. This should be enough to give you plenty of punch, yet not have to go into the engine and do porting. You'll find an SE, even a bone stock one, quicker than your 86 2nd gen because of the huge weight difference, and gear ratioes in both the trans and rear....

A tip of the Stetson,
Denny, from the 'ol corncrib...

 

Thanks guys (that was me that posted b4, Im home now ) Ok, I just thought that maybe there was some advantage to having carb than the EGI, like just replacing the INtakes and a higher flow carb might get you more HP cheaper than with the FI. I dunno. Thanks for the info!!