Midnite_LS1

iTrader: (26)

I've recently come across a 1978 Trans Am that may be for sale and wondered if there is a site that can give any additional details on the car. The owner states it is an all matching numbers car; it still has the original 6.6motor/tranny in it, original paint job (martinique blue), interior and so on...mileage is a hair over 87k. I wondered if by VIN I could get access somewhere to build numbers, factory options and whatnot. Also, where would I need to look to verify the matching numbers?

Thanks in advance!!!

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

the motor and trans should both have all, if not some of the VIN on it. im not exactly sure where, but im sure others will know off the top of their head. if you have enough time, send the VIN to PHS, which is Pontiac Historical Services. theyll give you the entire breakdown of the car.

Morpheus

iTrader: (7)

Check out www.transamcountry.com, www.ultimatetransam.com and http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/ . These are the best places for 2nd gen TA info.

Midnite_LS1

iTrader: (26)

where would i find the factory option codes on the car? which ones should i look for?

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

the door jamb sticker, and if you can find the build sheet. either under the rear seats or on top of the gas tank. maybe stuck between the rear seats and the trunk.

Midnite_LS1

iTrader: (26)

anyone else? i should be taking a look at the car tomorrow sometime...

So assuming this is a matching numbers car, interior/exterior are in good shape...how much is this car worth?

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

who knows. post pics. you have to list the overall condition: paint, interior, tires, brakes, what motor - 400 or 403. theyre both called 6.6. is it a WS6? 4spd? standard interior or deluxe? power or crank windows/locks? any weird options - rear window defog? CB radio? 8 track? pulse wipers? get a list of just what you can see, and post pics, and we can give you at least a rough estimate.

JohnnyBs98WS6Rag

iTrader: (1)

The easiest way to differentiate between the 400 (Pontiac) and 403 (Olds) engines is the lettering on the hood scoop (assuming it's still in-tact). The Pontiac will say "T/A 6.6" and the Olds will say "6.6 Litre". Or you can just look at the engine. The Olds will have 10 bolts on each valve cover and the oil fill tube comes out above the water pump.

sdm1234

iTrader: (8)

I have a '78 TA WS6 and just got my PHS packet in the mail. if you need any super specific information, just PM me.

Morpheus

iTrader: (7)

Did you go to any of the sites I posted? I'm telling you, those are the best sites for info because ALL of those guys have 2nd gens. I've learned that asking about 2nd gens on a 4th gen site will usually get you a lot of misinformation.

Midnite_LS1

iTrader: (26)

yes i registered on transamcountry and have been getting plenty of information...should be goin to take a look at the car tomorrow sometime!

BAD2000TA

iTrader: (6)

Now that you're on Trans Am Country, check out JasonD's Corner. He does excellent work!! Here's a 1978 he's currently restoring:

http://transamcountry.com/community/...hp?topic=263.0

Look for the 1979 Nocturn Blue he did. Super!!!

nickate

iTrader: (5)

On the trunk lid you will find a sticker with all the option codes...

If the car has chrome valve covers ORIGINALLY it is a
L78 hi perf. 400 (Confirm with the trunk sticker)
__________________________________________________ ________
TA/6.6 on the scoop = 220 hp. hipo PONTIAC 400 (15.3 quarter mi.)
__________________________________________________ __________
In 78 you could get the good TA/6.6 with either a 4spd. or an AUTO.



__________________________________________________ _______
6.6 Litre on the scoop = lopo pontiac400 ****
_______________________________________________
*** UNLESS A CALI. CAR THEN IT WAS A 403 OLDSMOBILE.

Most desireable is the L78/W72 combo...

I had a Martinique Blue (78 only color) L78/W72 car when I was a kid...
I remember stuff..

Morpheus

iTrader: (7)

The L78 in 1978 is not the 220hp W72 motor. It's the base Pontiac 400 rated at 180hp. No 78 cars with the L78 got the 6.6 Litre call out on the shaker. They didn't have any call out. Mine is this way.

Also, there may be an RPO sticker in the trunk but I've never seen one. Not one that was legible anyway. Here's my trunk the day I got it.


You need to find the build sheet to get the most accurate info on what the car came with originally. That or call PHS. Mine had both build sheets. The one in the car was pretty rough. Luckily, the one on top of the gas tank cleaned up nicely.

UsualSuspect

I had a 403 Olds-motored 1978 T/A.

As mentioned, the 403 had the 6.6 Liter callouts. My buddy had a 400 Pontiac car and it was noticably faster.

Which one is the car you're looking at?

sdm1234

iTrader: (8)

sorry to hijack thread, but does anybody know anything about an original '78 W72 TA/6.6 with factory 4.11 gearing, larger front and rear sway bars, and a 3/4 in. drop in the seat mounts? from what i've gathered over the years, it's an SCCA model, prepped for track racing from the dealership. can anyone confirm?

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

i can confirm. im not sure about the 4.11s, but someone also in NJ has one of the SCCA trans ams. the most noticeable differance is the seat sits lower, as you mentioned. very rare, almost no one has seen, or even heard of them. some people may even have one but not realize it, since there really isnt a huge differance or alot of modifications dont to them.

hes a member of this board, and also on fquick. no idea of his name though.

MotorCityThreads.com

Check out http://sccgarage.com

Lots of good folks and info, all firebird owners.
make sure you check out the forum.

sdm1234

iTrader: (8)

wow thanks guys! everyone i tell just rolls their eyes at me because they think i make up stuff lol. thanks again!

brynnda

iTrader: (5)

this link might help?


www.78ta.com