Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Photos => Trans Am Photos => Topic started by: Peter Panov on April 10, 2013, 08:28:05 AM

Title: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Peter Panov on April 10, 2013, 08:28:05 AM

Hello guys,

I think I finally can move the story of my car from projects to the place where people are showing their ready to drive cars.
So after three and a half years of restoration, after many unpleasant surprises from the car and from different part sellers, my 1979 Trans Am SE finally is ready. It is the only one 1979 Trans Am in existence in my country.
 It originally was a 301 NA car, but after the engine block turned to be cracked I put a 400 L78 engine in it and a mild cam. I had to rebuild the 400 engine as well that I bought from the USA.
It was a short ride but it was a pleasure undeed.
Here are some pictures:

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122817

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122828

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122830

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122831

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122834

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122837

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122838

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122843

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122844

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122845

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122847

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122851

http://retep.snimka.bg/automobiles/my-t-a-1979.635720.30122859

Regards,
peter

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: pancho400cid on April 10, 2013, 01:15:26 PM

 If it runs and drives as good as it looks you are in great shape!

It is difficult enough getting one restored in the US.  You really get credit doing it in Bulgaria - plus "only one in the country" is not a claim many get to make.

Congratulations!

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: RainMan on April 10, 2013, 01:52:46 PM

Your TA looks awesome , great job . It must turn allot of heads considering most of them haven't even seen one other than possibly on TV .

Man you guys need to have an uprising  till they get normal licence plates there as those are just ridiculous

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: PyrettaBlaze on April 10, 2013, 03:55:11 PM

wow Peter congratulations! It looks beautiful and the stance is awesome! What size tires are you using? And is your suspension stock?

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: kjkjkcjkcj on April 10, 2013, 10:21:48 PM

Congrats. I am sure the ride was well worth the wait. You only get one first ride with a restoration. I remember mine. It was a great day. Straight to the gas station to fill her belly

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Greenbird76 on April 11, 2013, 10:32:30 AM

Congratulations Peter!  The first ride is awesome.  Great feeling of accomplishment on all your hard work! 8)

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: 81Turbo TA on April 12, 2013, 05:45:26 PM

beautiful!!

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: RainMan on April 12, 2013, 07:44:22 PM

Ok how about a video :)
I'd like to see the looks on people's faces when they see your SE , bet its epic !

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: 78TransAmMan on April 12, 2013, 11:49:32 PM

BEAUTIFUL car!!  I bet there are some strained necks trying to see you go by!  Love it  :D

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Gudfinnur on April 14, 2013, 05:52:59 PM

Quote from: RainMan on April 12, 2013, 07:44:22 PM

Ok how about a video :)
I'd like to see the looks on people's faces when they see your SE , bet its epic !

Very nice looking Trans Am, a video would be cool;)

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Peter Panov on April 24, 2013, 08:44:16 AM

Ok
No problems guys. I will make a video with the car :) I hope to do this this weekend.
Regarding the suspension yes, it is stock, regarding the tires they are 245/60, while the stock size is 225/75 as far as I know.
You are asking how it runs. My best 0-60 time is 9,5 sec. I do not know how good is this. The car has a mild cam, but I think the carb should be tuned better than it is now.
What is the acceleration of your cars guys, if they are stock or slightly modified? This is something that is very intersting to me.
Regards,
Peter

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: grizzkiller on April 26, 2013, 05:30:48 PM

amazing car. great job!!!!!! :D

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Peter Panov on May 08, 2013, 10:32:44 AM

Well guys. I wasn't able to make a video. I just sold the car too quickly.
I placed an add and sold the car in one week, but it will not stay in my country.
Now it is time for my dream to come true.
I am starting to look for 1977 or 1978 Formula or trans am. They are my favorite because of the split grille and the tail lights. I am looking for a good driver with solid body.
Regards,
Peter

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: RainMan on May 08, 2013, 07:11:27 PM

Peter you went to all that trouble , then sold it ? :/
Hey you can have the Marty for a price and there's no surprises

Title: Re: First ride with the 400 engine
Post by: Peter Panov on May 17, 2013, 10:27:01 AM

Yes I know this is strange. I had so much trouble with this car.
I feel I was unlucky with it. That's why I wanted to sell it.
Now I want to find my favorite 1977/1978 Firebird or Trans Am.
Send me some detils of Marty.
Regards