Updating/grading a '77.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
When I bought my 77 it was still in stock form as well.
First mod I made was to get headers with side pipes. The stock exhaust system is way too restrictive. The side pipes come with 1 7/8" primaries. I had them ceramic coated from Jet Hot to keep under hood temps down as this can be an issue with headers.
Second was to rebuild the Q-jet car via Cliff Ruggles' book. Huge improvement over the stock configuration of the carb. Also switched to a K&N air filter at this time as they flow much better than paper filters.
Third was to re curve the timing. This also has a dramatic effect on low end performance and seat of the pants feel.
Fourth was a Th-350 with a shift kit and a 2200 (advertised) stall torque converter. The original Th-350 was a bit tired and was in need of a rebuild. The cost for that was almost as much as a new Th-350 with a shift kit installed so I went with the new one instead. This also improved the feeling of power for the car and allowed it to spin tires a t launch and chirp into second gear. Great seat of the pants improvement.
First mod I made was to get headers with side pipes. The stock exhaust system is way too restrictive. The side pipes come with 1 7/8" primaries. I had them ceramic coated from Jet Hot to keep under hood temps down as this can be an issue with headers.
Second was to rebuild the Q-jet car via Cliff Ruggles' book. Huge improvement over the stock configuration of the carb. Also switched to a K&N air filter at this time as they flow much better than paper filters.
Third was to re curve the timing. This also has a dramatic effect on low end performance and seat of the pants feel.
Fourth was a Th-350 with a shift kit and a 2200 (advertised) stall torque converter. The original Th-350 was a bit tired and was in need of a rebuild. The cost for that was almost as much as a new Th-350 with a shift kit installed so I went with the new one instead. This also improved the feeling of power for the car and allowed it to spin tires a t launch and chirp into second gear. Great seat of the pants improvement.
