Well I recently picked up a running 1978 trans am with the 403 in it. The guy had brand new tires on it, the interior was decent, and the car ran pretty well for sitting for a year and a half. I think I'm gonna replace the motor soon because the current one has like 130,000 miles on it. Lets see if I can get some money together. The great thing about this car is that it is going to be my first and that it only cost me 350 bucks.( took me 2 months to talk the guy down from 1000). SCORE>

 

So are you a licensed driver yet? Or are you getting a ride prepared for when that day comes?

As long as it runs good and the motor is mechanically sound, I'd leave it alone and not replace anything right now. 130,000 miles isn't the end of the world. Enjoy driving your first car without dumping tons of cash into it.

Save up your money and drop in an LSX motor!

 

Congrats. You managed to talk him down quite a bit. The 77-78 is my favorite body style, they look pretty damn mean. What are you going to replace the motor with? 400, 455, or another 403? Just promise you wont do something silly like put a chevy 350 or 454 in it, I hate it when people do that. Have fun, I had a mint condition smokey and the bandit 78 about ten years ago with 50k miles on it and I regret selling it every day! BTW lets see some pics when you get a chance!

 

I can't believe I forgot to mention this earlier, but one of my good friends has a '78 Trans Am. Here's a few pics of it if you care to check 'em out:

He likes to autocross it:
http://www.scottsrides.com/family_rides_78ta.html







We attend a lot of car shows together in the warm months

 

I'll post some pictures later on today or tomorrow...I need to steam clean the engine today because it is really greasy before I start working on it. I'm just gonna see how it runs when I do a basic tune up to it.

This is going to be my first car as I only have my permit right now. I'm really excited and plan on keeping this car for 10 years or so. I just love the body style more than any other firebird.\

Does anyone know of a good website to buy parts for 78' trans am? I'm going to need new door panels, a carpet kit, a door mechanism for the passenger door, trunk mats, etc. Basically interior stuff right now.

Another thing I am really happy about is that all electrical works in the car. The lights inside, headlights, blinkers, and everything in the dash works. For 350 bucks what more can you ask for?

Edit: Does anyone know where to get the 78 firebird emblem ? I need a blue one because mine is too far gone to try and save.

 

Sounds like you got a great deal. Here are a few places that have 2nd gen. Firebird parts:

amesperf.com
performanceyears.com
classicindustries.com
paddockparts.com
npdlink.com
www.yearone.com
thepartsplaceinc.com
phoenixgraphix.com

 

Year One: http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=4

 

that sounds like a great deal, enjoy it

 

Good luck with your new ride, $350 bucks is a deal!

And remember you could order a 78 Firebird with a 350 Chevy in it factory new, but the T/A had the 403 Olds motor or the 400 Pontiac engine. I'd stick with the Pontiac for power, but just my opinion.

Derek