78 Trans Am restoration.

[Runner76]

Doing a complete frame off restoration to make my 78 TA the car I wanted it to be when I bought it new. The car is being built with three goals, in order of preference, weekend cruiser, local car show competitor, and an occasional trip to the track.
Progress so far. Body, frame/suspension, drivetrain all separated. Original numbers matching motor and Trans safely set aside. Replacement 400 block is at the machine shop for .030 over bore.
The suspension and subframe have all been sandblasted and repainted.
Body is apart, going to bare metal for rust repair, straightening, etc.
Engine build: balanced stroker kit, 461 ci. Edelbrock aluminum heads, forged rods and pistons. Approx. 10 to 1 compression ratio. Hydraulic roller cam, performer intake, Holley carb. Upgraded ignition. Headers with crossover dual exhaust.
Trans, rebuilt 350 turbo, not sure of converter stall speed yet.
3:42 rear gears.
Suspension: all wear parts replaced, new springs all around, Koni shocks, urethane bushings, subframe connectors. Reproduction 17 inch snowflake wheels, upgraded discs all around.
Interior, cleaned, replaced as needed, stock appearance.
Exterior, paint and clear coat, factory color (SE Gold) no body modifications.
Still deciding on torque converter and specific cam grind to match the 3:42 gears. Also debating on going to tubular upper and lower control arms.
The engine is not together yet, so thoughts , suggestions are all appreciated. This is my first engine build, but based on similar builds I have researched, I am hoping for 500 gross HP.
Only a couple pictures so far.
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[Runner76]

Can someone tell me why I am only able to attach one photo per post?
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[67ChevyRedneck]

Very cool. I have a 67 bird myself. It's likely because you're on your phone. If you used an internet browser on a PC you can do 5 at a time. However, if you link them from a host site (like photobucket) you can put as many as you like.

So you're the actual original owner? That makes it even cooler!

[Restrorob]

Sweet Frank, Sounds like your going to have a heck of a cruiser when done !!!

Reminds me of the six 2nd gens I've owned, But I only have pics of two since it was before digi cams ;

Stock 79 Z28;



My 70 Formula got the same ground up treatment your's is getting but..... I went with a 455 HO starting point with turbo 400;

Before;



After;



Please update as you progress, I'd really enjoy seeing it and the finished product !

As you see in my sig, I'm fixing to start building a 3rd gen bird.....

[68 short step]

nice, gota love the 2nd gen fbodies...
theose pontiac 400cid engines are awsome... i bored/stroked mine to a 461, it was 551 torque at 2500 RPM at the rear wheels...torque monsters are what they are... traded that in favor of a bored/stroked 6.0ls engine... you'll love it
before




after

[Runner76]

Great looking Firebird.
I am building a 461 as well, what is your intake and head set up? Is it an auto?

Thanks, Frank
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[68 short step]

it had a moddified holley 830cfm carb, edelbrock performer RPM intake manifold, ported/ polished 6x-8 heads with bigger 2.11 1.77 valves, harland sharp 1.65 roller rockers...
yes, it was a turbo 400 trans, with a TCI 3000 stall

[motornut]

nice i had an 80 bird and a 79 cam

[no moa]

Nice, I'm sort of doing the same on my 77 SE. I got it part way back together and realized the frame is bent. So searching for a new subframe that is in good shape.

Keep us updated.

[Razorbacker]

Love me some Solar Gold Trans Am. I've owned mine for 12 years.

[chevyrestoguy]

I'll be tuning in for this one!
When I was a senior in high school (1981), I wanted a T/A so bad. The "rich kid" in school had a 1981 Indy Pace Car T/A that I used to drool over.

It used to be that the T/As and Z/28s were everywhere, but when they went out of style for awhile in the '90s, a lot of them got trashed and were scrapped. The smart guys hung on to theirs, and that's one of the reasons why these cars bring a premium price now.

I've owned both 1st and 2nd Gen Camaros, and although I love the 1st Gens, the 2nd cars are a better driving, handling car. My next project awaiting restoration is my 1971 Rally Sport. I've owned this car since 1987. It's a 100% numbers-matching car. It's got the 245 horse 350, A/C, PS, PB, and F-41 suspension. Placer Gold (code 53) with a Sandlewood interior (code 777). The best thing about the car is that it's VIN number is 12487L5000003. Yep, the 3rd Camaro made in 1971, and possibly the first Rally Sport off the line in '71. It's going to be a fun restoration.

Keep posting pictures of your Trans Am restoration. I love that stuff.