Newbie, firebird trans am

[Karch]

Just a couple of notes, if I may. Actually, comments is a better word.

My buddy recently got a 2004R from a very, very well respected builder and he had some problems.

After much frustration, he took it out and is going to a 5 speed, which was his dream anyways.

But, what he found out is that the thrust bearing on his engine took a severe beating...in about 1K miles. The guy who assembled his engine does CART engines for a living, so it was probably fine on initial build.



The crank was damaged beyond repair (cast Pontiac 455 crank) due to the severe gouges. The only thing we can come up with was excessive line pressure, perhaps, due to the very hard shifting transmission.

Other comment is that you would probably see an improvement if you put in larger headers than 1-5/8".

I apologize for offering un-solicited 'advise', but you have a very nice car and wanted to point these out to you.