1978 trans am 400 4 spd SE buildup advice - High Performance Pontiac Forums at High Performance Pontiac Magazine High Performance Pontiac

1978 trans am 400 4 spd SE buildup advice

  
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1978 trans am 400 4 spd SE buildup advice

 
jarrettandroski jarrettandroski
New User | Posts: 32 | Joined: 01/08
Posted: 05/11/08
03:26 PM

hi, im starting to work on my 1978 trans am SE now its got the 220hp 400 4 spd with 3.42 posi gears and its got the low rpm power but the power doesnt build with the rpms would a new cam cure this problem?? i was thinking of a ram air IV cam with rhoads variable lifters, or a ram air III cam? and i will get my 6x heads redone, i know the ram air IV cam is a rough idling cam but i hear the rhoads variable lifters will make it idle alot smoother and have some more down low torque? any advice would be appreciated or maybe theres some better cams out there i dont really mind a rough idle i just want the power  

 
barneyformula barneyformula
Guru | Posts: 1099 | Joined: 01/07
Posted: 05/12/08
06:13 PM

Jarrett, stick with something a little smaller, like the 068 or an aftermarket equivalent, at most the 744 RA3 stick. Remember this is a low compression motor and the RA4 cam is designed for over 10:1 compression and big heads.Get some good flowing duals and maybe headers too.  
A little help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

 
jarrettandroski jarrettandroski
New User | Posts: 32 | Joined: 01/08
Posted: 05/13/08
05:08 AM

yea i know compression will be a problem i am waiting for some hooker headers for my car to come up on ebay thats where i bought the set for my black car and installation was a breeze and at 100$ brand new a steal, when i get my heads redone i was thinking of getting the chamber volume milled to increase compression and i hear its safe to decrease chamber volume by 12 cc and then i was gonna get 1.77 -inch valves installed instead of 1.66 for more low lift

i think ill do the ram air III cam though for a smoother idle and i hear there the factory cars equipped with that cam would really move  

 

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