Just became the proud owner of a '91 Pontiac Firebird...?

[35 YEARS OF INTUITION]

Car is next to mint.....with a 3.1 V6..automatic....135,000 miles. My question is...Where can I find a twin (or single) TURBO set-up for this motor...It's peppy now..but after I stuff the car with competitioin car audio equipment, she's gonna need a little more pep. Thanks. I thought about a V8..but the V8 models I've driven have been lopey, front heavy beasts only tame in a straight line...this car is nimble and agile...corners excellent...I'd prefer keeping it that way.

 

[melsg5]

do you really want to overstress an engine with 135,000 miles on it that was never designed to handle a turbo?

 

[Goatman]

I'll have to agree with melsg5, the 3.1 has enough issues just making it to 135k
add to that EVERYONE thinks they can strap a turbo to anything these days ..
Its just NOT a good idea as the engine was Not designed to handle boost in any form ..they were designed for people who like the design and look of the Firebird but don't want the performance of the V/8 or were looking for economy..
as for the V/8s being straight line cars thats just not the case the WS-6 package was one of the top performing cars throughout the 3rd gen model run handleing wise so I would rethink that ...

 

[Dr. Sievers]

well if you don't want the V8's of that time there are always a lot of newer lighter engines. However the V8's in the Gen3 like in the trans were only about 50 pounds heavier than the 6 and if you were driving a really lopey one it could be because a lot of people liked having the loping cams in them because they sounded Mean like that. If you really don't like the old 305s then why not opt for an LS style engine or even a 5.3L or if you like power you could always opt for that 500ci aluminum crate engine from GM. The one with something like 900hp If I remember correctly that engine was only something like 400lbs. I could be off but I'm pretty sure that is correct.