Just bought a 78 TA. Need serious help

[topangatxdan]

just bought a 1978 Firebird Trans AM for a thousand bucks. interior is in almost perfect condition, and exterior has some surface rust but thats it. electrical issues + a shot tranny keep it from being driven, other than that the engine is a rebuilt 403 6.6L. It's pretty beastly. in terms of electrical issues, the guy says he has messed with it a good amount and thinks it needs a new wiring harness and some other parts. do you guys know of these cars having electrical issues that are not fixable?

my last question is, if I were to look at a transmission for this beast where, and what type of transmission should i be targetting. i want it to run for the distance but not completely break the bank.

THANKS excited to be an eventual owner of a firebird

 

[Stumann]

I can't believe no one has chimed in on this yet...
I would suggest looking into a 200-r4. It will bolt right up to the 403 and give you overdrive. The crossmember will have to be modified, and I believe the driveshaft will have to be shortened. But that's about it.

 

[melsg5]

this link has more info on the 200R4

http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/transmission/32608-200-4r-tips-tricks-saved-tools-i-learned.html

 

[Zimgxp]

You might want to upgrade it first. Sunshell, shift kit, and servos.

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[Kevlar]

In regard to the electrical issues; there are few things that can't be fixed or replaced. I would inspect the existing harness for fire damage. Also look around the engine compartment for that as well as under the dash. Then you want to look for other signs of physical damage. Worst case I think would be to have to replace the harness. Tough maybe but not impossible.

Should be a fun ride when all fixed up. Good luck with it!

 

[DasRottweiler]

I would have the original trans rebuilt, switching to a 200r4 is a little more involved than bolting it in. Cross member , assorted cables etc. , never mind the cost of a 200r4 core and rebuild. Sounds as if the PO has butchered the wiring . A new harness may be in order. Have someone familiar with car wiring help you if you have no experience with it. GL with your new ride.