I got a 1989 Firebird (6 cylinder) that I want more power from. It is basically all stock. What can I do for not too much money. An engine swap is not in the question, my engine runs great. I jsut want some more power. What do you think?

 

go visit the forced induction forum....that or do some engine work and put a 150 shot on it....

 

I'd start with a good tune-up. New wires/plugs/cap/rotor/air filter, etc....

Without messing with your engine, a sure-fire way to get some more "noticable" power is to change your gears in the rear end. Much cheaper than forced air or turbo, and much, MUCH safer than NOS. Guy close to me can do a swap in about 3 hrs and usually costs around $600 total.

 

I don't mind messing with the engine, just putting a V8 is out of the question. I want better gas mileage too, which i hope this may help. A new cone air filter gave my brother alot of HP in his Stealth.

 

Well if it worked for your brother, try it. Anything will you add will make that V-6 faster.

 

It might be a good idea to go to www.s10forum.com for information on your engine. There are probably more people with the 60* V6 there than there are here.

 

I posted on the S10 forum but with no help. I think I am going to get a cone air filter and mod my exhaust. is there a way to get more power from my exhaust without it being excessively loud?

 

Well, I get aprox 22-24mpg in my 350tpi when I drive normally.
But the myth is that V6's get extremely better gas milage, it's just not true.
For one, a V6 is much weaker but hauling the same weight. Which means you have to get into the throttle more just to move normally. I can usually stay under 1/4 throttle driving normally in my V8 90roc. The myth got started in the Era of cheap caburetors and under-powered engines relying on gearing for performance.
But since about 1985 (EFI)this has become untrue, but the myth lives on...

Anyways, try this...
Power: My buddy bought a Crane Compucam(now "Emissions"cam)and it made a big difference, especially when we pulled his old one and found severely worn lobes. (not broken in properly...)
He also removed the MAF screens, added a K&N cone, exhaust etc.

But still, it doesn't come close to V8 power, the 60* V6 wasn't designed for power, but for economy.

 

I got about 160 miles on a full tank (cost about $20). That sounds nothing like 22 miles a gallon. It is near 11 miles a gallon by my calculations.