1978 Pontiac Trans Am.

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just my $.02, but I'd fix the pans right, since they are a major structural component of the body, fix up what ever other body problems it has, and be glad it doesent have T-Tops if you want to run it hard, especially the Fisher tops they had in 78-81. Now, with the Pontiac 400, you can get a 467ci stroker kit for it, aluminum heads and intake, and you have a stronger block than a SBC. I mean, if you have the W72 400 in it, stock you have 220hp@4000rpm and 320lb/ft@2800rpm. The L78 400 only had 180hp. BUT, if you have the L80 Olds 403, have fun making power and and keeping it together. The 403 has "windowed" main webs and siamesed cylinders, and they tend to blow head gaskets when you raise the compression. Oh, and swap the 10 Bolt out for a 12 bolt Posi.

That green is kinda hard to read...

 

[Danger06Ranger]

Fixed:
Just my $.02, but I'd fix the pans right, since they are a major structural component of the body, fix up what ever other body problems it has, and be glad it doesent have T-Tops if you want to run it hard, especially the Fisher tops they had in 78-81. Now, with the Pontiac 400, you can get a 467ci stroker kit for it, aluminum heads and intake, and you have a stronger block than a SBC. I mean, if you have the W72 400 in it, stock you have 220hp@4000rpm and 320lb/ft@2800rpm. The L78 400 only had 180hp. BUT, if you have the L80 Olds 403, have fun making power and and keeping it together. The 403 has "windowed" main webs and siamesed cylinders, and they tend to blow head gaskets when you raise the compression. Oh, and swap the 10 Bolt out for a 12 bolt Posi. Oh, and if you have any questions or need any help, Instant Message me on AIM or PM me.

 

[88ranger2.95sp]

I plan on getting the floors done the right way. With actual pans, since I just remembered it's a unibody car (duh!).

Jim, it's not going to be perfectly restored. Just a mild strip machine, one fit for an 18 year old's budget. The best price is free, but I don't suppose that gets away no matter how old you get. Btw, that is one sexxxy T/A there.

Will get "before" pictures ASAP. As soon as we get the new camera figured out.

It's got the 220 horse 400. BUt that was in '78. It's 30 years old, untouched. I'd say lucky if it's at 180. It's torquey though.

Not enough money for a stroker kit. 450 hp sounds mighty appealing though... gonna start saving alot harder...

The 10 bolt will live, for a while...

Rob

 

[Vonrak]

I used to own a 80 TA with a similar setup. I ran the 400 small block ,came out of a 67 pontiac. imo, stronger block+ slightly more hp base. Also had a HEI ignition and elderbrock 4 barrel. I also had air shocks on it and kept them bout 2-3inches above stock hieght. I felt, thou not certain, It gave me more downforce. Either way, My 80 was fast as hell. It would top out at a estimated 160mph.



Another thought would be stall converter and playing with some different gears in the rear end.

Vonrak

Almost forgot, Did you determine if your engine is the olds,gm or Pontaic block?

 

[RangerMan9389]

good man, save that pontiac. any muscle car for that matter. i'm a big pontiac guy here. like danger06ranger said fix the pans right the first time and you won't kick your self later. take your time don't get discouraged. let us know on your progress. ive got to ask though, you do plan on keeping the engine a pontiac right?

 

[ZMan]

I have a drivers floorpan from a '77 if you're interested..

 

[88ranger2.95sp]

I'll check the vin# to see what block it is. I'm certain that it's the original PONTIAC block.

I am DEFENITELY keeping it all pontiac.

A stall converter is in the works. I think it has 3.73's in the rearend. I'll look around at the junkyard and see what I can find... If I find a 10 bolt with anythng deeper, gonna grab it.

Right now, it' rigged together. It's got a TH350 chevy with some fuckn converter with the lockup not hooked up. It has holes in the floor, and chipping paint. Bubbles in the quarter panel. SInce I've grown up alot over the past year (17-18), I smirked the first time I saw it cause I said "I can fix this". It felt good.

It is located about 25 minutes away in the ghetto (I live in the suburbs) so pictures, hauling it home, and garaging it are in the works. I know I keep saying soon, but that's to encourage me too.

I have cell phone pics, but my phones gay and I can't send or recieve picture mail. So no pics for now.

Some questions:

1. The Pontiac dipstick does not fit straight into the Chevy transmission, thus leaking *a shitload* of transmission fluid. It's pretty bad. Can I possibly heat this up and bend it? I hope so without kinking it. Anyone ever done this? Or the aftermarket?

2. I have the oppertunity to buy a TH350 chevy from a friend of a friend, for "whatever it's worth to you". It was recently rebuilt (?) but I know him, and he doesn't seem like he would screw me. But I'm not sure... WOuld it fit and function properly? Same transmission guts, but different bellhousing right?

3. Ratchet shifter? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hennlMxxZlA They look fun.

4. Electrical. It's a mess. Various wiring and alot of bullshit. I want the bare minimum. Obviously lights and gauges. Is it possible to run one wire from the alternator to the positive terminal on the battery, and then that wire to the starter and have that be it for underhood? Or is more needed? I don't know much. I've taken basic electronic courses in HS, but nothing serious. I don't see why it wouldn't work though.

Suggestions, questions, comments?

Rob

 

[Vonrak]

to find out if the block is pontiac/olds/chevy ,you will need the block numbers. If memory serves me , should be located just under the heads. Not sure if the car's vin will tell you what block,only they engine size.

Once you know that, it may help in your choices for tranny swaps /etc.

If you plan do some racing with it, that shifter would be very nice to have.

Good luck with you rebuild

Vonrak

 

[88ranger2.95sp]

Thanks Vonrak. It's a Pontiac block. I am so relieved it's not the shithole 403 Olds.

Slight change of plans. Since I actually want to do some racing this year, bare minimum changes are going to happen right now. Transmission rebuilt, tuning, and getting the carburetor to run correctly are in the works. All of the other stuff will be done in fall/winter to maximize racing time. THe floors aren't THAT bad, not bad enough to not pass tech inspection. Once running and shifting correctly, it should be runing consistant. WHich is the key in bracket racing. All accessories will come once I decide what to blow my money on first come winter time.

WIll post racing pics etc...

Rob

 

[Danger06Ranger]

Just wonderin, is the trans the original BOP TH350, or just a normal chevy TH350 that some one made fit?

 

[CheapThrillB2]

yep i gots a 77 currently

but have had a
73 forumla
76 firebird
77 trans am

where u at, i gots LOTS o parts taking up space

pics are like 3-4 years old, i don't think i've put 1000 miles on the car in 3 years

the current one is a 77 TA 406 (pontiac) Th-350 10bolt with LS and 3.27s (puke)
bumped the cam up and did all the normal bolt on upgrades. I love it.
http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/cheapthrillb2/Trans Am/

 

[KELLY88]

I say go for it, no doubt. Just make it a long term project that you work on as you can. My neighbor does muscle car restorations with his specialty being Pontiacs. He's redoing a nice GTO right now. Has had Firebirds, Trans Ams, Le Mans and GTOs over there. Also has a Bonneville station wagon with a 455 in it. That thing is a beast. A 4,000 pound station wagon blowing away Mustangs on drag races is cool no matter how you look at it. But ya, definitely restore it, nothing that pretty should go the way of the rust forever.

 

[CheapThrillB2]

first time at the track (vid taken last year), my car isn't a race car, but its fun to drive. I hope to get it a bit quicker this year.

 

[usagirl19735]

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[Milker]

i got a 86 firbird transam, not the same but it was 1500 and a small fixer uper. I hate that thing. p.o.s. im selling to pay off my ranger (way better)