1979 Pontiac Firebird (1979)
Discussion
Guys,
How expensive to run (excluding petrol) and reliable are these cars:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1801166.htm
I'm thinking about getting one as a fun toy to go with my Elise!!!! What kind of BHP does this engine give out about 350+?
Also are there any buying points...
Many thanks
How expensive to run (excluding petrol) and reliable are these cars:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1801166.htm
I'm thinking about getting one as a fun toy to go with my Elise!!!! What kind of BHP does this engine give out about 350+?
Also are there any buying points...
Many thanks
I'm not that knowledgable on Pontiac engines, but it depends massively on the spec of the engine what the power is.
The standard 1979 400ci Firebird only made about 180bhp would you believe. If this one has all the right bits correctly put together it could make 350+ horse power.
I do know 2nd gen F-bodies in general though, and there are a few things that would worry me, and no disrespect to the seller.
I noticed the inner wings have been removed, and no roll cage extensions, or other strengthening have been used to replace it so the whole front end is not that solid, as the inner wings help add important strength in boxing up the front structure.
Other things to check are rust around the rear windows, bottom of front wings, bottom of the doors, front floors, boot floor. Check for leaks in the braking and power steering systems.
Check for play in the steering particularly the rag-joint, idler arm, pitman arm, centre link and track arms and ends, and ball joints.
If it's got the original bushes on suspension they'll probably be rotten, if these are gone then so are the front subframe bushes, serious job, and you'll probably need rear spring bushes too. In fact most rear leafs are actually broken on cars this age by now, and vehicle weight is being helped by air-shocks or something.
Tread carefully... as getting an engine built to 400hp is probably cheaper than fixing all the possible rust issues and getting steering, brakes and suspension up to scratch (if they need it)
The standard 1979 400ci Firebird only made about 180bhp would you believe. If this one has all the right bits correctly put together it could make 350+ horse power.
I do know 2nd gen F-bodies in general though, and there are a few things that would worry me, and no disrespect to the seller.
I noticed the inner wings have been removed, and no roll cage extensions, or other strengthening have been used to replace it so the whole front end is not that solid, as the inner wings help add important strength in boxing up the front structure.
Other things to check are rust around the rear windows, bottom of front wings, bottom of the doors, front floors, boot floor. Check for leaks in the braking and power steering systems.
Check for play in the steering particularly the rag-joint, idler arm, pitman arm, centre link and track arms and ends, and ball joints.
If it's got the original bushes on suspension they'll probably be rotten, if these are gone then so are the front subframe bushes, serious job, and you'll probably need rear spring bushes too. In fact most rear leafs are actually broken on cars this age by now, and vehicle weight is being helped by air-shocks or something.
Tread carefully... as getting an engine built to 400hp is probably cheaper than fixing all the possible rust issues and getting steering, brakes and suspension up to scratch (if they need it)
chevy-stu said:
The standard 1979 400ci Firebird only made about 180bhp would you believe. ....
I know, a 6.6L smogged to death, and low comp heads, makes you want to cry.Apart from the other bodywork comments, which unless the car has been treated like a baby, will mostly be true, the headlining will be sagging, as will the seats, as will the seatbelts, and most other aspects of the car.
They are fantastic to look at, make a lovely burble, but just taking an average condition car, leaving the motor (and paint) aside, will set you back a couple of grand to make it look and steer properly.
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