Newbie with 1977 TA engine question

[emtguy]

Hey guys,
Im a newbie here.
I finally after 3 years got me a 77 Y82 trans am, been looking for a while. On a 1-10 with 1 being project and 10 a trailer queen mines a 7 id guess.Its matching numbers and all and has 70k miles....im really excited. I have already got YO 17x9 and nitto P275/40/17 wheels and tires ordered.

Anyhow, im a total dummy when it comes to machanics, i know zilch. Im wanting your guys opinion on what i need to do to make engine as strong as possible and still keep the matching numbers and all....im thinking cam and intake and headers for sure but do i need to put new valve springs and pistons and such? i know nothing here, whats yal opinion?

im adding 2.5 inchexhaust also....

[Takid455]

Look at performance years forum. more info than you can handle. Would start there first.

[72blackbird]

A 77 TA has a 400 that uses the lightweight 500557 casting- not an ideal foundation from which to build a 450-500 hp high performance build. I would store the numbers-matching engine, then find a 71-75 no.481988 400 block and stroke that to 461. Add ported iron or aluminum heads and you're at 475-500 hp.

Geno

[Zee]

A 77 TA has a 400 that uses the lightweight 500557 casting- not an ideal foundation from which to build a 450-500 hp high performance build. I would store the numbers-matching engine, then find a 71-75 no.481988 400 block and stroke that to 461. Add ported iron or aluminum heads and you're at 475-500 hp.

Geno

X 2 and get Rocky Rotella's Max Performance Pontiac's book.

[Ron Sutton]

i think a question to ask yourself ... and share with those of us you're asking for advice ... is, what are your goals? Stock, that engine made 200hp net. IS 250hp good for you? or 300, 350, 400, etc. How important is fuel mileage? How are you using it? AutoX, drag, street, rod rods, daily driver? Guide us a little.

P.S. Years ago, I had a 77 Trans Am with the stock block 400, with Ram Air II heads and a good combination of compression. cam profile, intake, carb, etc. It made 365hp, ran 12.90's in the 3700# beast and got 16-17 mpg.

[ih8z28s]

Check out transamcountry.com & 78ta.com both are excellent sources of info for 2nd gen trans ams