Topic: 1977 Pontiac TA

[TAhuntress]

I say bring it home man

Haha....might happen.  I'll know early tomorrow if it's a go or a no.  If it's a go, she'll have a nice long test drive home.  I'll let y'all know.  Thanks for the encouragement.   

[bobspacin80ta]

I say bring it home man

Or woman?

[NWW-79 T/A]

I say bring it home man

Or woman?

lol sorry, I use the phrase with no sexual connotation.

[grubbano]

I don't know why but the 403 was used primarily in California(emissions) and Colorado(high altitude), so I've been told.
I do know that from the factory it was the lowest hp out of the three engine choices, maybe that's why it gets a bad rap?
I've never heard of it actually being problematic so it should be a good runner for you and I believe there are some pretty easy mods to get a lot of power out of those engines.

Because it's a 403 it will be harder to sell and you will get less because of it, it's just the way it is.

However, it's also pretty rare to see a ta in that original condition with the low miles and I love the color.

If it is to your liking maybe play the 403 card and get some $ off.

Good luck!

[SC79TransAm]

I don't know why but the 403 was used primarily in California(emissions) and Colorado(high altitude), so I've been told.
I do know that from the factory it was the lowest hp out of the three engine choices, maybe that's why it gets a bad rap?
I've never heard of it actually being problematic so it should be a good runner for you and I believe there are some pretty easy mods to get a lot of power out of those engines.

Because it's a 403 it will be harder to sell and you will get less because of it, it's just the way it is.

However, it's also pretty rare to see a ta in that original condition with the low miles and I love the color.

If it is to your liking maybe play the 403 card and get some $ off.

Good luck!

It wasn't the lowest horsepower choice it was actually the 2nd highest....here are the choices you had in '79.....its also fun to note that the 403 in 79 had just as much power as one version of the 400 did in 77 so getting an older car w a 400 didnt mean getting more HP...

•V8 301, "Y" Code - 140 hp
•V8 301, "W" Code - 150 hp
•V8 305, "H" Code - 133 hp
•V8 350, "L" Code - 160 hp
•V8 350, "X" Code - 155 hp
•V8 350, "R" Code - 160 hp
•V8 400, "X" Code - 220 hp
•V8 403, "K" Code - 185 hp

Again, it depends on wat ur loooking for...if its the car, then get the car u like and u can always put a different motor....you have crates, 455's, 403, 400, 350, SBC's, 301's, twin turbo ls1's.......go crazy..

[NWW-79 T/A]

The add was taken down. I think i know what that means

[grubbano]

I don't know why but the 403 was used primarily in California(emissions) and Colorado(high altitude), so I've been told.
I do know that from the factory it was the lowest hp out of the three engine choices, maybe that's why it gets a bad rap?
I've never heard of it actually being problematic so it should be a good runner for you and I believe there are some pretty easy mods to get a lot of power out of those engines.

Because it's a 403 it will be harder to sell and you will get less because of it, it's just the way it is.

However, it's also pretty rare to see a ta in that original condition with the low miles and I love the color.

If it is to your liking maybe play the 403 card and get some $ off.

Good luck!

It wasn't the lowest horsepower choice it was actually the 2nd highest....here are the choices you had in '79.....its also fun to note that the 403 in 79 had just as much power as one version of the 400 did in 77 so getting an older car w a 400 didnt mean getting more HP...

•V8 301, "Y" Code - 140 hp
•V8 301, "W" Code - 150 hp
•V8 305, "H" Code - 133 hp
•V8 350, "L" Code - 160 hp
•V8 350, "X" Code - 155 hp
•V8 350, "R" Code - 160 hp
•V8 400, "X" Code - 220 hp
•V8 403, "K" Code - 185 hp

Again, it depends on wat ur loooking for...if its the car, then get the car u like and u can always put a different motor....you have crates, 455's, 403, 400, 350, SBC's, 301's, twin turbo ls1's.......go crazy..

I had to check my old books on this one and it turns out my memory has deceived me once again! 
My bad, it looks like the 403 has 5 more hp and 5 more ftlbs torque than the base 400 in 77.
Thanks for setting me straight.

[SC79TransAm]

no worries grub...its borrowed info i researched...i had no real idea that anomoly existed...made me chuckle though.

[Justin]

nice car there. Looks new. Just saw the same car (only a 400 poncho) here locally in rough shape. It's nice to see a car for what it once was.

[TAhuntress]

The add was taken down. I think i know what that means

YEP...I think you probably do!  

I'll elaborate in a separate post.  I really wanted to get back here and give y'all the lowdown on the car....BUT....In all my excitement  , I spilled a whole glass of sweet tea on my keyboard and it took until later today to get another keyboard.  Anyway...........I think y'all are really gonna get a kick out of the story regarding this car!   

to be conitnued........

[TAhuntress]

I say bring it home man

Or woman?

lol sorry, I use the phrase with no sexual connotation.

Oh no worries...no apology necessary..I totally get it and use it myself.

[Justin]

post the link to story here so we know where to look.

[TAhuntress]

I say bring it home man

Or woman?

Yes..woman.   

[TAhuntress]

post the link to story here so we know where to look.

Haha...a cliffhanger!!    

I had to go make some coffee.  I won't be getting it near the keyboard...although I did buy a spillproof one this time.

OK...I'm getting back to "the story" now...on this thread.  Back in a minute....

[TAhuntress]

OK....

So I am now the proud (stoked!!) owner of said 77 TA. 
Here's the kicker....went to look at the car.  Looked awesome sitting there in the driveway.    The interior I would rate a 9 out of 10....original and clean clean clean.  Trunk, under dash....looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor.  Everything's looking great on the outside, a bit of lacquer crazing/checking, but still pretty darn nice.  Not a sign of any rust.  Now it's time to look under the hood at that 403 that I'd been fretting about......................

IT'S NOT A 403!!!   

IT'S THE W-72 400!!!     Trying to contain myself, act nonchalant....I MAY have let out a tiny squeal of delight (I know I was squealing inside!), but put on my best poker face and never let on, continued with the "inspection".  And if the deal wasn't already sweet enough....he took the "OBO".    OH.  HAPPY.  DAY.   

Drove her 80 miles home grinning ear to ear all the way.

I think y'all brought me some good mojo with all the well wishes.  Thanks so much for cheering me on and for all of the good information regarding the 403 that I was a little nervous about.  All for nothing.  But I'm sure glad I did my homework and asked questions before I went so I knew what I was looking at when I saw it...that pretty W72 400!    

I've got some more questions for y'all.  This is my first TA and I want to do right by her.   So thanks again everyone and I'll be pestering y'all plenty more in the next few days I'm sure. 

I'm soooooo excited.  Talk with y'all later.