1979 Trans AM - Vortec V6 retrofit

[Smurf]

I had a similar idea for a while, swapping late-90s S10 four cylinder and 5 speed manual into a 1990s Camaro (either body style).

Quickly realized the weight of the Camaro being pushed around by an engine with the displacement of a soda bottle probably wouldn't be very fun.

But the Vortec, that sounds like a good balance of economy and oomph.

[79transam]

[baldlobo]

early 80's gm decided it was a good idea to put the pontiac 151ci(2.5l) in the firebird base model

[drainoil]

Looks neat,will be watching.

Did you junk the 403?

[California98Civic]

Nice! I had an uncle with a '78, gold with the "firebird" decal on the hood. Some kinda brushed metal dashboard trim. Took me for a ride one Christmas in the early 1980s sometime that I guess I'll never forget. He still has that car.

[campisi]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Nice! I had an uncle with a '78, gold with the "firebird" decal on the hood. Some kinda brushed metal dashboard trim. Took me for a ride one Christmas in the early 1980s sometime that I guess I'll never forget. He still has that car.

Ha. That was my dream car when I was in HS (I graduated in '79). That decal was called "the screaming chicken"!

Nice project OP. I'll be watching this thread for updates.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Smurf

I had a similar idea for a while, swapping late-90s S10 four cylinder and 5 speed manual into a 1990s Camaro (either body style).

Quickly realized the weight of the Camaro being pushed around by an engine with the displacement of a soda bottle probably wouldn't be very fun.

Unless you turbocharge it

But the Vortec, that sounds like a good balance of economy and oomph.

And is still quite easy to do some tuning due to its similarities to the well-beloved 350cu.in. small-block V8.

[79transam]

So far, I retrofitted the engine, trans, BMW leather seats, replaced all the rust, and pulled the interior out. I am learning how to sew up the leather on some of the trim

I got it on the road this summer. The 4.3 Vortec has good torque. I sold off the trans and engine as rebuildable cores.

I will figure out how to do video uploads.

[79transam]

http://static.photobucket.com/player.../VIDEO0014.mp4

http://static.photobucket.com/player.../VIDEO0018.mp4

[California98Civic]

Both links worked for me. Body looks quite good, paint too. How much power will the new engine have relative to the OEM one? Pounds per horse power and such.