Hi guys,

I am new to this site, and I just purchased my first firebird whihc is an 88 Formula 350 Designer Series (now a 2 owner car)103,xxx mile. The upper body is full of surface cancer and the drivers door is shot but the underbody is immaculate as the original owner had a real good undercoating put on. Normally I am a Ford guy but I love the 3rd Gen Firebirds and figured that this car was a good deal at $500 and could not pass it up.

I have a few questions for you guys. First what is the Designer Series? What would you do with this car if it was yours? I am looking to make this into my new toy as I just sold my 93 Mustang GT Convertible to the insurance company (an old 73 y.o. man turned into his driveway right in front of me. My skid marks were 6 FEET LONG), While I am not the best mechanic in the world between my money and my friends know how we can get anything done. I was thinking about swapping the 700r4 out for a 6 speed T-56, and maybe jumping up to a 454/455 unless it would be better to stay with the 350 TPI. I am also thinking about taking it toa local body shop and turing it into a drop top. I have the cash , I just don't know what I want to do with it. The one thing that I know that I am going to do is put in subframe connectors so the chassi will be stiff instead of leaving it as a unibody.

Any help is appreciated guys, and thanks