Wassup all you Pontiac FAns...

I just bought a 1980 Firebird, yellow with all the options(rear spoiler, leather/vinyl seats, etc) and would like to start off by rebuilding the 301 in it now while i put togehter a 400 SB to go in it in the summer 08.

CAn these heads, intake, etc. be reworked or should i get some Trans Am heads?  I need some advise..plz

Things to do:

-rear end swap for disc brakes  (will 89 Trans Am fit?)
-stereo system
-seat reupholster or 3rd gen swap
-shock, rims (18-20"), sway bars
-trans am dash (for the gauges) & autometer analog/digital


I have heard a few times 301's make good boat anchors, but i jus want to keep what i got b/c it is in really good shape.

any shouts would be greatly appreciated.  Pics comin soon

Bsttuque  

Let's cover these things one at a time.

- if the 301 is really in good shape, why rebuild it just to replace it next summer? That's just a waste of time and money!

-if you do rebuild it, you are stuck with the heads and intake that came on it (unless it is a 2bbl, then you can upgrade to a 4bbl from a 301- it's the only one that fits), the TA used the same crap heads and intakes as the other 301's, about all you can upgrade is a mild cam and lifters, don't go overboard- the heads won't flow enough for a big cam.

-the rear end is totally different on the 82 and up cars and so is the braking system, you can use a 79-81 disc brake rearend from a TA, but the cost of the calipers and such is outrageous, and the real world benefits are minimal vs cost. Don't forget all the lines, master cylinder, parking brake cables and proportioning valve are different too.

-stereo, knock yourself out, just remember- before you cut the hole in the dash- that dash is expensive to replace, better to mount your new stereo in the glove box, and resist the temptation to cut holes in the door panels for speakers- the card board won't support them and they will sag and look like crap!

-suspension- lots of good stuff available, polygraphite bushings, bigger bars etc, will all pay off. I'm partial to wheels in the 15-16" range, I think bigger stuff looks clownish- but that's just me.

-TA dash cluster will work but you will have to add guage sending units, the idiot lights used different sensors, and you may have to add wires, I'm not sure if the TA cluster is just a plug-and-play deal.
Enjoy!