1977 Firebird Project

[tonykim]

I would do a shift kit in the TH350 and look for a cheap and quick way to improve your gear ratio. You didn't mention what axle ratio you currently have but I'm guessing 2.41. I bought a 3.08 posi out of a boneyard for $100 and it really woke the car up. Those were the days before Craigslist. A few years back I bought a 3.73 posi with aftermarket axles and richmond gears for $250 (I got lucky).



If the olds engine you have still runs pretty well (aka good compression and not too many miles) consider keeping it for a while vs. dumping all the money on the E-rod crate engine plus the cost of installing an LS engine. I think edelbrock performer intakes are smog legal in california and there probably is a long or midlength hedder that is as well.

Instead of ditching the hotchkis springs try the 245/45 tire first. I think it will fit. My 78 firebird is lowered at least that much and i have been running 265/50-15s since the mid 1980s and am making the switch to 17x8 and 245/45s.

To me I think you need sharper shifts, more gearing for cheap and a better stance with tires/wheels and you will be very happy.