Rebuilding a 1977 Trans Am

[nester7929]

Hey guys, recently found an opportunity to purchase a 1977 Trans Am (yes, it's the Special Edition from "Smokey and the Bandit"). However, I don't know much about engine rebuilding. I know that the car is actually a snail by today's standards (9.3 0-60), but that was also back when so many restrictions were placed on cars due to the gas shortage.

The question is, would removing these restrictions when rebuilding the engine make the car a little bit faster, or would it be like a night and day difference?

[Thrillz]

Post some pics please i wanna see

[bigearl]

My Dad had a Corvette of about the same year with the restrictions. He had all the restriction removed (he changed the whole exhaust to tuned headers and custom exhaust). It went from 180ish at the wheels to just over 300.

So it might. I don't think the custom exhaust made that big of a difference, he had to change enough things that he just ripped it all out. If I remember right, the biggest issue he had was fueling.

[shank0668]

Lucky, I am still in the hunt for a 76-78, it is a y82? I would go with headers, and make sure it is true dual exhaust first. And you have to post some pictures. You could join Trans Am Country, I am there.

[nester7929]

I stand corrected, it appears to be modded to look like the special edition (it has a sunroof, pretty sure the special edition only came with t-tops) oh well, for me it's more about the look than authenticity. And it does have the original 6.6L-400. Of course, I could always get a new crate motor from GM or find a used LS2 motor.

I've also been thinking about the El Camino with the 454 in the background.

[shank0668]

Looks pretty, how much did you pay if you dont mind me asking. I recommend trying to find the build sheet. Read this.

Really, there are only three ways you can determine if a Trans Am is a "True" Special Edition car or not. Most people can buy all of the gold appointments to make a car "Look" like a Special Edition when it isn't. So, here are the three ways you can help determine if your car is a Special Edition or not. First is to take a look at the Cowl Tag located under the hood up by the VIN Number. On that cowl tag could be stamped a Y82 or Y84. Now, not all plants did this on a regular basis so if a code is not stamped there don't worry, there are still two other ways to check. If you car has that stamped there then you know your car is a Special Edition. If that is not stamped there, then the next step would be to find the original build sheet for the car. Most of the time they are located behind the back seat or behind the back seat and behind the cardboard that separates the trunk form the interior. On that build sheet would tell you if the car is a Special Edition car or not. In fact, that build sheet will tell you everything about your car in specific. You can see more about the build sheet and how to find it at Build Sheet. Now sometimes the build sheet is gone from the previous owner, or it has deteriorated beyond legibility due to age or a mouse or something. So, if you build sheet is gone, then your last resort is to contact PHS Automotive Services and order one of their packets about your car. It cost $50.00, but I think it is well worth it. You can contact them at http://www.phs-online.com to order a packet. One of the items that comes along with that information is a copy of the original Dealer invoice for your car. On that invoice it would tell you if you car was ordered with the Special Edition Package or not. Unfortunately, your VIN Number or Cowl Tag information itself doesn't tell you if your car is a Special Edition or not. But one of the three ways listed above will let you know for sure what your car is and what it isn't. The most prominent thing that distinguishes a Special Edition car from a Non-Special Edition car is all of the gold appointments on the car. See Below:

[shank0668]

http://www.78ta.com/special.php

[POWERFREAK]

I had a '77 TA...w/ a CHEVY 400. From what I remember, they DIDN'T come with sunroof's originally...so because of that, I wouldn't worry about keeping it original...an LSx motor w/ a 6spd would be a NICE build.

[shank0668]

Pontiac symbol should be gold, the emblem on the piller should be a decal

[nester7929]

Originally Posted by shank0668

Looks pretty, how much did you pay if you dont mind me asking. I recommend trying to find the build sheet. Read this.

Really, there are only three ways you can determine if a Trans Am is a "True" Special Edition car or not. Most people can buy all of the gold appointments to make a car "Look" like a Special Edition when it isn't. So, here are the three ways you can help determine if your car is a Special Edition or not. First is to take a look at the Cowl Tag located under the hood up by the VIN Number. On that cowl tag could be stamped a Y82 or Y84. Now, not all plants did this on a regular basis so if a code is not stamped there don't worry, there are still two other ways to check. If you car has that stamped there then you know your car is a Special Edition. If that is not stamped there, then the next step would be to find the original build sheet for the car. Most of the time they are located behind the back seat or behind the back seat and behind the cardboard that separates the trunk form the interior. On that build sheet would tell you if the car is a Special Edition car or not. In fact, that build sheet will tell you everything about your car in specific. You can see more about the build sheet and how to find it at Build Sheet. Now sometimes the build sheet is gone from the previous owner, or it has deteriorated beyond legibility due to age or a mouse or something. So, if you build sheet is gone, then your last resort is to contact PHS Automotive Services and order one of their packets about your car. It cost $50.00, but I think it is well worth it. You can contact them at http://www.phs-online.com to order a packet. One of the items that comes along with that information is a copy of the original Dealer invoice for your car. On that invoice it would tell you if you car was ordered with the Special Edition Package or not. Unfortunately, your VIN Number or Cowl Tag information itself doesn't tell you if your car is a Special Edition or not. But one of the three ways listed above will let you know for sure what your car is and what it isn't. The most prominent thing that distinguishes a Special Edition car from a Non-Special Edition car is all of the gold appointments on the car. See Below:

Haven't bought it yet. They want 17,500.

[LOWDOWN]

If the Build Sheet or Options sticker are not available, contact Pontiac Historical Services (PHS). They can provide complete build details from the VIN. Costs $40 or $50, but it will provide you accurate build details for your specific car. Then, make your decision... If it's NOT a Y82, it's future potential value is more limited.

As to performance upgrades, the 400 of that era had very low static compression ratio. Milling the heads and decking the block will "restore" some extra compression, and therefore performance. The '78-'79 "T/A 6.6" had more zip through improved componentry (rated 220 hp). And the SD455 cam is a nice upgrade, too. ExtrudeHone the original exhaust manifolds for flow almost equal to headers.

'78s and up were available with a WS6 option featuring, among other things, 4-wheel disc brakes and 15 X 8" "snowflake" wheels (your style, plus a 1" lip). Suspension upgrades were also included. A nice "upfit", but not '77-correct.

Near as I recall, NO pop-up or sliding sunroof was available. If that is present, and you're considering a "showroom"-style restoration, the roof and the headliner would be your FIRST area of effort.

If you do a "showroom"-style restoration, be careful with obvious aftermarket upgrades (headers/exhaust/intake/carb) as they will affect values to those seeking a "restored" version.

If you go with a "resto-mod"-style redo, make a plan and "the sky's the limit"... Year One offers a 17" version of the "snowflake" wheels, for instance...

NADA values... http://classiccars.com/resourceguide....aspx?rgpid=83

This car can be found under "Collectibles"...and don't forget to SUBTRACT all necessary work.

[brandotron]

Originally Posted by nester7929

Hey guys, recently found an opportunity to purchase a 1977 Trans Am (yes, it's the Special Edition from "Smokey and the Bandit"). However, I don't know much about engine rebuilding. I know that the car is actually a snail by today's standards (9.3 0-60), but that was also back when so many restrictions were placed on cars due to the gas shortage.

The question is, would removing these restrictions when rebuilding the engine make the car a little bit faster, or would it be like a night and day difference?

Unfortunately, you won't see a night and day difference by simply removing the egr, smog pump, etc. You'll notice a few extra horses on the butt dyno, but those engines were blueprinted from the factory to be more fuel efficient at the cost of horsepower.

It's not a monster engine hindered by smog equipment, the thing was designed as a whole with a baby cam, restrictive heads, etc. If you have the cash, I'd say rip it out and build it the way you want, or throw a crate engine in there.

[nester7929]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

If the Build Sheet or Options sticker are not available, contact Pontiac Historical Services (PHS). They can provide complete build details from the VIN. Costs $40 or $50, but it will provide you accurate build details for your specific car. Then, make your decision... If it's NOT a Y82, it's future potential value is more limited.

As to performance upgrades, the 400 of that era had very low static compression ratio. Milling the heads and decking the block will "restore" some extra compression, and therefore performance. The '78-'79 "T/A 6.6" had more zip through improved componentry (rated 220 hp). And the SD455 cam is a nice upgrade, too. ExtrudeHone the original exhaust manifolds for flow almost equal to headers.

'78s and up were available with a WS6 option featuring, among other things, 4-wheel disc brakes and 15 X 8" "snowflake" wheels (your style, plus a 1" lip). Suspension upgrades were also included. A nice "upfit", but not '77-correct.

Near as I recall, NO pop-up or sliding sunroof was available. If that is present, and you're considering a "showroom"-style restoration, the roof and the headliner would be your FIRST area of effort.

If you do a "showroom"-style restoration, be careful with obvious aftermarket upgrades (headers/exhaust/intake/carb) as they will affect values to those seeking a "restored" version.

If you go with a "resto-mod"-style redo, make a plan and "the sky's the limit"... Year One offers a 17" version of the "snowflake" wheels, for instance...

NADA values... http://classiccars.com/resourceguide....aspx?rgpid=83

This car can be found under "Collectibles"...and don't forget to SUBTRACT all necessary work.

Yeah, I was definitely thinking along the lines of a restomod. I just want a classic looking car that I can drop the hammer in when I want to.

[2010 SSRS]

I love those Trans Am's