heh, i wouldn't recommend getting an f-body if you're going to drive it in the northern winters. PERIOD. if you do you'll have to get a winter beater for your f-body "winter beater" because you're not going to like driving your f-body in the snow unless you're also going to get one with traction control on it (good luck finding that on a V6).

if you're set on one anyway, i'd go with as new as you can swing. the 99+ have electronic throttles and 2000+ have headers stock which has many benifits, best of which are, spark plugs are much more accessible and they tend to run stronger.

 

The winters here can be bad, but they don't really last longer than a day or two. If I need to I'll just get a ride, or I'll drive my dads 4x4 truck if really needed. But for the most part the firebird will do ok as a winter car compared to the truck with the wider tires.
On the note of traction, I wanted to ask if any of the manual v6 firebirds did come with traction control.
Thanks, Shane

 

A guy in ths LS1 forum said the M5 V6s with traction control got ASR instead of SGS, which makes sense. I don't know if they have a posi rear though. Peg legs aren't fun in bad weather.

 

What is ASR? Also what size tires are on the firebirds? I know a sports car isnt a good idea for a winter car but I like the firebirds a lot. The weather here can get bad, but it's not like we get snowed in for 4 months of the year. If I am going to spend the money for a 2nd car, I want it to be nice. I think it will be more a 2nd car than just a winter beater. I think the firebird will do ok for me. If I cant drive that, I should be able to borrow my dads truck. Otherwise I will be driving either the Firebird or my truck if its really nice.
Shane

 

ASR-Automatic Slip Regulation. Last time I checked it meant that. Mine was auto and it had that. Basically kept control of the vehicle for me. Kept my wheels from slipping off the line. Came in handy when raceing peope from a stop. Tires did not squeal or anything, just hook up and the ugliness began. Most Firebirds like Camaros have your standard 16 inch tires. Only like the Trans Am's and Formula's had the optional 17 inch rims.

 

I know I am looking for 5 speed, but what is the Y87 package? You can only get that in auto right?
thanks, Shane

 

I think you can get the Y87 on a manual too, but the gears don't change if you get it on a manual. Also has the Z28 steering ratio. The gears you get in the auto are 3.42s (LSD), manuals already come with 3.42s.

 

yeah the Y87 you can get in manual. The more options I come across, the harder it is for me to find. I came across a friends firebird with leather. (the first v6 I've seen with it) And it looks Awesome! Leather 1

Leather 2
I really want leather now.
I dont think I'll ever find the car now!
2000-2001
Red
T-tops
Leather
5 speed
Y87 Package
Under 50,000 miles.
I should just get a winter beater for now. I'll be looking till springtime for this firebird....
Any suggestions?
thanks, Shane

 

maybe the 3.4l ones did, the 96+ manuals always came with 3.23s from the factory.

 

Have you checked out carmax? You could go with higher miles and get one of their warranties. I have never had any problems with them. And my car runs great with 70K miles.

 

Your right, I was kind of close though.

 

If you want the dual ovel TA looking exhaust you need to get the W68 package witht the ground effects and cladding.

The standard V6 exhaust was single out the left.

From my experience V6 is a bad winter car, I dont even attempt it anymore, I have driven other RWD just fine, this one is downright scarry on the hills.

 

Thanks for the input. I may wait around till spring to get one. (then like someone suggested get a beater for the winter)
I'd like to get one now, I just have not found one with everything Im looking for. If I find one, I may rethink it, otherwise I may have to wait till the springtime to get the car...
Shane

 

Same here, my LS1 actually does better. I think a lot of it has to do with the LSD. Don't the V6 manuals come with LSD?

 

What do you guys think of this 2000 Red 5 Speed firebird? It only has 50,000 miles and he is asking $9,000. I talked to him on the phone, he is a real nice guy. It is just what I'm looking for except it isnt leather. Its red, with ttops, and 5 speed. It is 500 miles away, but I wont mind making the drive if I find that is the right car for me. Can you please take a look at it for me and let me know if you see anything I should be aware of?
thanks, Shane