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[Emptysoul07]

What's up. I have a confession, I am buying my first muscle car, 1978 Pontiac Firebird, this weekend and I need some serious guidance. I am looking to completely rebuild the entire car, to start, for street legal beauty, and moderate track runs. The car comes with the stock 350 and automatic tranny. Depending on the looks of the engine after tear down, I might keep if nice. If not, I have a possible 427 to swap. The tranny is gonna get switched with a built manual.....Anyway, what I need help with good places to look for parts and the best forums, the whole nine yards. This is my first car and I want to do it right from the start. Any help would be very appreciated. I plan on having before pictures, during pictures, and if I am still around long enough, after pictures. Thank you for your help.
P.S. I am 26 years old and have a plethera of mechanic knowledge, this is just my first rebuild......
P.S.S. This is also my first time using a forum and I know I posted in the wrong area, please, don't bash me to bad, lol.

[MrPbody]

Emptysoul,

Well, yes, it's in the wrong place... Pontiacs are not Chevys.

That being said, you DO understand., the 350 in your car is NOT a 350 Chevy, right? Zero resemblance to a Chevy engine, has the ol' Injun (how we affectionately refer to the "traditional" Pontiac V8). As a younger tech, you may or may ot be aware that through the late '70s, each GM division had it's own unique engine design. There were no less than 5 "350s". The Pontiac is really 354 CID, but GM didn't want the Bowtie crowd to get a complex...(:-

You mention 427. While a VERY good engine, it IS a Chevy, and will not be a direct "bolt in". Transmission patterns are different, as well as other minor changes required in the wiring and fuel systems. It is also rather heavy compared to the Pontiac. This will adversely affect handling.

You may wish to get "How to Build Max-performance Pontiac V8s" by Jim Hand, published by SA Designs. This a current study of the old Pontiac for high performance street use. Jim's car is a '71 LeMans wagon, 4,100 lbs. Goes 11.40s all week on 93 octane, 3.42 gears and no power adders.

IMO, the 350 (Pontiac) is not really a good platform for a performance "build". 400 is a MUCH better place to start, and readily available. It's plenty easy to get 400-plus horsepower and 500 lb.ft. on 93 octane with the 400 Pontiac. In true "street" configuration, the Pontiac has few (if ANY) peers. The 461 "stroker" makes well over 600 HP in street form if properly done. We (CVMS) have a multitude of 10 and 11 second 2nd gen 'birds on the street.

We're not allowed to post links to other forums here. PM me and I'll hook you up with the "Pontiac World".

Jim

The Drunken Injun is on safari! (we're hunting elephants...)

[maxwedge]

Hey guys I am going to move this over to Muscle cars, Pontiac, Jim is the #1 guy anywhere for high performance Pontiac info.