2010 cars...

[IndyFetch]

Originally Posted by JoeBob

I think a race between that '80 Firebird (Tiredbird?) and my '91 Geo Metro w/automatic would be pretty close!

Turbos usually have a fairly low compression ratio...

Yes, but even the normally aspirated V8s were in the low 8's. That's why late '70s and early '80s F-bodies were something in the range of 8-10 seconds from 0-60, depending on the motor and transmission. Expect times much longer than 10 seconds with the "Iron Duke" 90-horsepower 4-cylinder (you will recognize it from the Chevy Celebrity and Pontiac Fiero) that was the base engine from '82-'84.

The Detroit Decay Years

[Jay2TheRescue]

I had an Iron Duke in my 1981 AMC Spirit. It was pretty peppy with a 4 speed stick shift. Interesting thing about the AMC Spirit though, it was a compact hatchback that weighed 300 pounds more than my midsize 81 Regal.

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Hmmm...I didn't realize Nash was getting their engines from GM in the early '80s...

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I had an Iron Duke in my 1981 AMC Spirit. It was pretty peppy with a 4 speed stick shift. Interesting thing about the AMC Spirit though, it was a compact hatchback that weighed 300 pounds more than my midsize 81 Regal.

Not surprised...AMC, IMHO, always built cars more sturdily than GM...My '60 Corvair was a real piece of tin crap compared to my '62 Rambler...

[VetteOwner]

id love to find an old AMC. the spirit or eagle looks amazing to me.