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Author Topic: First ride with the 400 engine  (Read 4030 times)

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Offline Peter Panov

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First ride with the 400 engine
« 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
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Offline pancho400cid

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #1 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!
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1978 Trans Am - Brown - Current Project
1978 Trans Am - Silver - Future Uncertain

Offline RainMan

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #2 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
« Last Edit: April 10, 2013, 01:55:54 PM by RainMan »
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Offline PyrettaBlaze

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #3 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?

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Offline kjkjkcjkcj

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #4 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
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-1979 Trans Am Ws6, W72 400, holley 650, #62 heads (toy)
-Silverado 1500 (daily driver)

Offline Greenbird76

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #5 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)
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Offline 81Turbo TA

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2013, 05:45:26 PM »
beautiful!!
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Offline RainMan

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #7 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 !
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Offline 78TransAmMan

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #8 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
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~~Trans Am....If only the road were this smooth~~

Offline Gudfinnur

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #9 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;)
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Offline Peter Panov

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #10 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
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Offline grizzkiller

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2013, 05:30:48 PM »
amazing car. great job!!!!!! :D
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1980 pontiac firebird trans am
nightwatch blue/camel
4.9 na
all stock

Offline Peter Panov

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #12 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
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Offline RainMan

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #13 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
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Offline Peter Panov

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Re: First ride with the 400 engine
« Reply #14 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
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