1978 Firebird budget swap
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 734
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From: Hamlin ny
1978 Firebird budget swap Hey guys so I’m trying to get a list together for my eventual LS swap for my 78 Firebird. I’ve been scouring numerous write ups and threads but am still a little confused on which approach I should take on a few things. I already have a built lq4 that I am using from my 2000 z28 but am trying to keep this build on a budget, so the more things I can reuse on the Firebird the better, so here are my questions.
1. I have seen a complete mount kit from brp hot rods for $400 but have also seen people use stock clamshells that bolt it, what would give me good clearance and still keep everything in stock location? I like the idea of using stock clamshells for my budget but not sure if that affects anything clearance wise
2. Piggybacking off my first question, I am planning to retain the th350 and have it built but am I able to keep it in stock location to be able to use the stock driveshaft?
3. Depending what motor mounts I use what headers seem to fit the best?
4. As far as power steering can I adapt a 4th gen power steering pump or do I have to go after market, and should I make any steering upgrade changes?
5. As far as fueling I have read people either modify the stock tank or buy a spectra tank, however I have heard negative things about spectra tanks becoming an issue when low on fuel. Would I be better off sourcing a pump and modifying the tank? Or can the stock tank have issues with sloshing as well? Just don’t want issues when it gets low on fuel
1. I have seen a complete mount kit from brp hot rods for $400 but have also seen people use stock clamshells that bolt it, what would give me good clearance and still keep everything in stock location? I like the idea of using stock clamshells for my budget but not sure if that affects anything clearance wise
2. Piggybacking off my first question, I am planning to retain the th350 and have it built but am I able to keep it in stock location to be able to use the stock driveshaft?
3. Depending what motor mounts I use what headers seem to fit the best?
4. As far as power steering can I adapt a 4th gen power steering pump or do I have to go after market, and should I make any steering upgrade changes?
5. As far as fueling I have read people either modify the stock tank or buy a spectra tank, however I have heard negative things about spectra tanks becoming an issue when low on fuel. Would I be better off sourcing a pump and modifying the tank? Or can the stock tank have issues with sloshing as well? Just don’t want issues when it gets low on fuel
1. If you are trying to keep the stock mounts and position of the trans, you are probably better off running the generic 1" setback plates or slider plates.
2. Same as 1 but also, I hope it isn't a BOP 350.
3. Personally I used Dirty Dingo sliders on my build, but in the last 8 years there are a bunch of other (arguably better) options.
4. Best option IMO is swapping to an IROC/Jeep Grand Cherokee box which has metric fittings to allow you to use a stock 4th gen PS hose. Plus you get 12.75:1 quick ratio box.
5. Look at a Vetteworks adapter for your stock tank. You can run a stock 4th gen fuel pump assembly. One thing I'd recommend is recessing the fuel pump in the tank so you don't need to cut your trunk.
2. Same as 1 but also, I hope it isn't a BOP 350.
3. Personally I used Dirty Dingo sliders on my build, but in the last 8 years there are a bunch of other (arguably better) options.
4. Best option IMO is swapping to an IROC/Jeep Grand Cherokee box which has metric fittings to allow you to use a stock 4th gen PS hose. Plus you get 12.75:1 quick ratio box.
5. Look at a Vetteworks adapter for your stock tank. You can run a stock 4th gen fuel pump assembly. One thing I'd recommend is recessing the fuel pump in the tank so you don't need to cut your trunk.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
From: Hamlin ny
1. If you are trying to keep the stock mounts and position of the trans, you are probably better off running the generic 1" setback plates or slider plates.
2. Same as 1 but also, I hope it isn't a BOP 350.
3. Personally I used Dirty Dingo sliders on my build, but in the last 8 years there are a bunch of other (arguably better) options.
4. Best option IMO is swapping to an IROC/Jeep Grand Cherokee box which has metric fittings to allow you to use a stock 4th gen PS hose. Plus you get 12.75:1 quick ratio box.
5. Look at a Vetteworks adapter for your stock tank. You can run a stock 4th gen fuel pump assembly. One thing I'd recommend is recessing the fuel pump in the tank so you don't need to cut your trunk.
2. Same as 1 but also, I hope it isn't a BOP 350.
3. Personally I used Dirty Dingo sliders on my build, but in the last 8 years there are a bunch of other (arguably better) options.
4. Best option IMO is swapping to an IROC/Jeep Grand Cherokee box which has metric fittings to allow you to use a stock 4th gen PS hose. Plus you get 12.75:1 quick ratio box.
5. Look at a Vetteworks adapter for your stock tank. You can run a stock 4th gen fuel pump assembly. One thing I'd recommend is recessing the fuel pump in the tank so you don't need to cut your trunk.
as far as the ps gear box does it have to be out of an iroc or can it be any third gen? And if I were to run a 4th gen pump in the stock tank will I have any issues when the fuel gets low as far as sloshing? I know these tanks are vastly different that the 4th gen. I was almost considering a fitech tank and pump kit to try and keep simple
I believe any 3rd gen Camaro box would work to give you metric lines, but you can get them pretty cheap still in a JY, so I'd just get one with a quick steer. I got mine from a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee and worked perfectly with my LS1 engine accessories. I think it's 94-98 that are a direct swap for most 60s-80s GM cars.
The 4th gen fuel pump returns fuel into the fuel bucket so your pump is always submerged with fuel. When I had that pump on my 1976 T/A I had zero fueling issues. I ran a stock 1999 Fuel Pump assembly from a car I parted out with the Vettworks adapter ring. Like I said the only thing that I would do differently is to recess the mount so that I didn't need to cut my trunk.
The 4th gen fuel pump returns fuel into the fuel bucket so your pump is always submerged with fuel. When I had that pump on my 1976 T/A I had zero fueling issues. I ran a stock 1999 Fuel Pump assembly from a car I parted out with the Vettworks adapter ring. Like I said the only thing that I would do differently is to recess the mount so that I didn't need to cut my trunk.
