78transam_inprogress

Well, I'm 16 and have been really interested in cars for the longest time. I've learned a lot just for signing up here but I am pretty much clueless when it comes to actually working on a car. I bought a 78 trans am to work on with my uncle but he has and will be swamped at work for the next few months..

Just curious of whats a good site to learn how to work on cars and where did you all learn?

Xtreme57

iTrader: (6)

One of my best friends is a mechanical engineer and my Dad could have been. I asked alot of questions (still do) and read read read. Read here, read tech articles in gm high tech performance, hot rod mag, anything and everything. There's always something new to learn.

Ell Ess Won

Do you own projects no matter how long they take to accomplish and figure out. It's the only way to truly learn.

78transam_inprogress

well the trans am that I bought needs to have the engine rebuilt so I have a few options...

rebuild old 403
buy a new 403
buy a 455

Decisions, Decisions

Michael55123

iTrader: (3)

Do your research, the 403 is a hunk. I had one, tried to build it, been threw different heads/ pistons/ etc... Could never get much out of it. 455!

78transam_inprogress

anyone know how much a new 455 would cost me?

2K2WS6TA

iTrader: (2)

As much as a used LS1&trans (at least)
The 403 isn't a bad motor, but you have to work within its limitations, it won't be a 7k rpm screamer, but for a street car it ain't bad, I've seen them run mid 13s in an 87 Cutlass(with some mods of course)
Try pricing out this combo
.030 overbore
72 olds 350 heads
crane cam .480/296 degrees intake .496/292 degrees exhaust
edelbrock performer rpm intake
carter 750 AFB carb
Mallory unilite distributor/ with Accel supercoil
crane springs and lifters
true roller timing chain
You can go with the 455, but it'll have to be used (I'm guessing you're on a 16 yo's budget) get one out of a big Pontiac wagon, or large sedan, and try to drive it before you agree to buy it, to see if it runs good, if it does take the motor and junk the body, and put it in your T/A
Good luck with your project, and don't be afraid to jump in with both feet, there are plenty of folks around here to help
With proper tuning and some traction, that should get you into the 13s

78transam_inprogress

When I bought the car, the transmission had problems when I was driving home...the owner said it was due to the transmission being low on oil. Hopefully he was right. It would stick so I would have to shift up and back down for it to go. (this is an automatic). Hopefully the 403 in it will last a bit longer if not, is it pretty cheap to rebuild a motor? What are the costs if I'm going to have my uncle rebuild it for me? I mean cost for like parts and such because I know when you get a motor rebuilt, a lot of the price is time and labor, which I have a lot of. _

2K2WS6TA

iTrader: (2)

Parts are going to be one of the bigger costs (depending if you do a stock or performance rebuild, and what brand name you get), you're looking at about $330 for pistons, then add rings, bearings, etc etc. look up summit racing or jegs, and get some prices for parts
For the machining (if your uncle isn't doing it) I got my 350 chevy hot tanked, bored .030 over, and the cam bearings and freeze plugs installed for $350, your price may vary depending on where you are, and how popular/good the machine shop is.
Building the engine is pretty easy, get a manual, and follow it, take your time and do it right the first time.
The trans if it's a th 350, or 400 you could probably rebuild it yourself, it's not all that tough, just have to be detail oriented, and have the right manuals (of course having someone to help is always good too)

78transam_inprogress

Lol I wish I had the money to make this my weekend project and buy a trans am v8 auto transmission. I'd be loving life. I bought this 78 for 350 and have about 5,000 left. 5000 doesn't go far anymore

Black_Bird

iTrader: (6)

I'm 17, and in my 2nd year of Auto Service at Vo-tec.........
I've learned more there than I ever thought I would, see if your school has something like that.

78transam_inprogress

Well I don't know about that but I know our autoshop is horrible. The teacher doesn't do anything but play crosswords and everyone just smokes pot in the back. i had it for about 2 weeks at the beginning of the year and then dropped it.

jaberwaki

Sure it does...
boss man with 5g's and a smallblock you can have yourself a really fun machine...

http://www.prestigehighperformanceengines.com/

and looky there, you got a few bucks left to beef up that tranny

c0ncEpT

iTrader: (4)

Can we see some pics of this car???? No use in building the motor if it has holes in the floor board and stuff like that

SgtB

iTrader: (3)

spend lots of time on this site and you'll learn a lot

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

77 & 78 are my favorite years of T/A's. Get an LS1 pull-out from someone and install that. learn where ever and whenever you can. Get together with some of the locals that are into the car sceen. You will be amazed what you can learn.

78transam_inprogress

The car is actually in great shape, visually. Just needs a paint job. Interior is good enough and the body is straight as can be. Just mechanical crap that needs to be done.

Edit: I'll try and get some pics of it as soon as I can.

black97ss

iTrader: (6)

reading and hands on experience are the best things you can do to learn. i know reading sucks, but its not too bad when you are reading something you have interest on