SmallBlockBandit

I was just wondering what kinda cars my '79 trans am can take. It has a 403 thats rated at 185 hp. and 320 lbs of torque and is around an 3600 lbs car. Im not sure but i figured it'll run mid-high 15's. Soon ima get some 3:42 gears to replace tha 2:73's i got now. Any specific cars i can take w/ or w/o tha gears?

archemedes

maybe a metro, the 403 made 185 hp on a good day when new, most were around 120hp most 2nd gen cars are running 16's stock (a few of the later ones are actually in the 17's with the 305)

97z2801ss

such a big motor with no HP, why?

blue89vert

torque crazy i guess

Jpack

That would be your government that mandated that. I had a red 79 t/a with the 403 and put a turbo ta hood on it as a "sleeper" lol. I loved that car, and i think the HP ratings were actually under rated. Back in the day, Car manufactors down played the actual hp ratings for buyers so they wouldn't get wacked on insurance. If i had to guess I would say actual HP on the ta was around 200, and a boat load of torque. I remember just burping the gas and the tires spun. This was on a stocker to boot. But to be realistic, your best bet would be to yank that motor and replace it with a newer crate motor from GM. You will never see impressive hp out of the 403, and their isn't much available to beef it up. The money you would put into the motor to try to make some decent hp could buy you a nice crate motor to just drop in and go. BTW, I will always love that body style. How is your rear subframe? They are prone to rusting out there.

SmallBlockBandit

idk but thanx for tha heads up

If i put those 3:42 gears shouldnt i be able to atleast take a mustang GT or sumtin v-8?

blue89vert

probably not a GT but you could eat up those 6 and 4 banger cars for the most part.

Jpack

I doubt it. 3:42's will light um up nice though with the 403's torque. You will be able to hang with stock 2nd gen z's though. It is rough to do much with the motor you have. Find a nice 350 and drop it in, parts are cheap and abundant.

blue89vert

totally swap it out, it will have a little weight reduction from the motor too

69z-28

haha, if that can smoke em with a blip of the gas imagine a 427 Nova back in the day.lmao.

97z2801ss

yea or even a budget build 355 like calebs doin

Jpack

My Dad's old 427 tri power corvette was insane. you couldn't even think of driving it slow or try not to light them up. Forget about going fast in a curve though.

SmallBlockBandit

Thanx yall for all the advice but if im gonna switch motors it gonna be a pontiac one. I knoe chevys are easier/cheaper to build but i like to have a car w/ same brand engine, unless its an import. Only reason im even thinkin bout keepin the 403 is because it was in there originally. If i could toughen my 403 up enough to take atleast 6500 rpms would it be worth to build? And what would i hafta do to take a GT?

MyFirstCamaro

always fun to spend 4 grand for a 383 stroker......guy in my tech class is doing that to his 4th gen firebird (89) so i think its a 4th gen

SmallBlockBandit

'89 firebird is a 3rd Gen. 4 grand to build a 383? why so high? i can build one (not me but an older friend) that could build one...for 2 grand or less....