what can I work on?

[3dcolors]

i've been working on a 1979 firebird formula with my dad recently. it runs really good and is in pretty good condition except for a dent on the driver side door.

what im trying to say is im not really sure what i can modify on the car. i was looking at air intakes and other things to improve performance and add some horsepower but i figured i should ask you guys on what i should do.

 

[cammerjeff]

I would need some more info on how your car is equipped, and what you want to accomplish with it.
A 79 Formula could have several diffent engines.

Pontiac 301 2bbl, 301 4bbl (Auto or Manual Trans), 400 4bbl (4-speed Manual Trans Only).

It could also have a 403 Olds 4bbl Automatic Trans Only.

Or it could have a Chevy 305 4bbl or 350 4bbl Manual or Auto.

Depending on what was ordered, and What State the Car was originally Sold in.

What do you want to improve, performace, gas milage Handling????

 

[3dcolors]

sorry i took so long to reply. i have a 301 cid 4bbl. i most recently took out the a/c system and replaced the spark plugs. I'm planning on replacing some hoses and washing the engine but other than that im not sure what else i could do. i would love to work on the fuel efficiency of the car while also adding some power but if id have to choose one id go with power.

 

[melsg5]

look at improving the exhaust system, headers and full dual exhaust

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...9+4294950347+4294947736+4294951344+4294948820

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[92 Sunbird LE]

478 Hp out of one ( non Turbo) custom built, most say just a small cam , roller rockers, exhaust and good tuning while you build a 350 or 400. Max 5000 rpm limit. No aftermarket intakes fit so you have to use the stock one.

Reading : http://psp.aquacomp.net/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2132

Doug in P.R.

 

[3dcolors]

Exhaust is something I could probably work on. By the looks of the link you gave me I'm guessing adding power to a 301 would just be a waste of time and money. I would invest in asofter different engine but I'm just 18 and I'm leaving for the Navy soon so that would probably be a long term goal. Thanks for the advice guys, it's still appreciate more ideas

 

[cammerjeff]

There is not a lot you can do with that 301 as you already have the 4bbl version.
The 1st thing I would check is what rear gear ratio you have. If it is a gas a 2 series gear like a 2.56 or 2.73 you could swap it out for a more performance oriented gear like a 3.23 or 3.55. That would give you better acceleration from a stop, and should not hurt MPG that much. But I would not recommend you attempt this mod yourself, but take it to a shop.
Also does it have a Automatic trans? If so adding a shift kit will help performance, and is something you could do.
Adding a good Duel exhaust would also help, as could a cam change.

But the 301 has many limitations, mostly on the intake manifold, and intake ports of the heads. I have read some articals were Heads from a 350 Pontiac were swapped on, but then you have to have a intake manifold from a 326-455 milled down to fit between the heads. They did almost double the HP of the 301 by doing those mods, but they were still only putting out around 250HP and spent a lot of $$$ to do it. And they still had an engine with a suspect bottom end.

If I were you I would limit the mods to at most the Dual exaust, rear gear swap, shift Kit, and Possibly a cam change.

 

[3dcolors]

There is not a lot you can do with that 301 as you already have the 4bbl version.
The 1st thing I would check is what rear gear ratio you have. If it is a gas a 2 series gear like a 2.56 or 2.73 you could swap it out for a more performance oriented gear like a 3.23 or 3.55. That would give you better acceleration from a stop, and should not hurt MPG that much. But I would not recommend you attempt this mod yourself, but take it to a shop.
Also does it have a Automatic trans? If so adding a shift kit will help performance, and is something you could do.
Adding a good Duel exhaust would also help, as could a cam change.

But the 301 has many limitations, mostly on the intake manifold, and intake ports of the heads. I have read some articals were Heads from a 350 Pontiac were swapped on, but then you have to have a intake manifold from a 326-455 milled down to fit between the heads. They did almost double the HP of the 301 by doing those mods, but they were still only putting out around 250HP and spent a lot of $$$ to do it. And they still had an engine with a suspect bottom end.

If I were you I would limit the mods to at most the Dual exaust, rear gear swap, shift Kit, and Possibly a cam change.

the shift kit sounds like something that's pretty doable. it actually already has dual exhaust but i do have to work on it anyway. thanks for the advice!

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