87 Shark

I used to have a 78, WS6 Gold Edition T/A and it was a great car.

I would go for a 78 or 77, as I don't care for the split headlights.

Be sure to get one with a T-Top and the big screaming thunderchicken on the hood.

And yes, avoid the 403 with auto trans.

DSOM Z06

I loved my Formula with the automatic and the 403 Olds Motor so I don't know why all the bashing of the Olds. I loved every single one of those 185 Ponies!! Don't forget that speed turned dash.

Zeeman28a

I knew I'd find you one day Bandit. I've got the 1/18 scale version of that car. I am so envious. And it's probably due to the movie that it gets all the looks at the shows. But you already know that.

Evilways

I had a 77 SE for awhile too...was my fantasy car for years but I spent more time under it working than in it driving and having fun.I sold it mid last year. Not alot of power compared to my other rides, but more looks by far

cerino2000

jlelec, that car is awesome. You don't need it, you need to let me have it. :-)

Z06freak, that car is insane! Great job. I don't even want to know how the he11 you shoe-horned that dash in there!

xrcrx

A little FYI for the folks who don't know: the Oldsmobirds can be made to fly , quite easily! You can bolt on a set of performer heads and a cam/intake set, lotsa aftermarket for these cars. Be careful w/NOS as the pistons are cast and if memory serves me the wrist pins are a weak point in extreme situations.

The 301 Turbo can be eased into the high 13's with a bit of patience. One of the major hold backs is that the turbo is probably only putting out 6 lbs of boost rather than 8. The stock pellet type cat is also a major inhibitor. Ditch it, and adjust the boost to 9lbs. Also open the fake scoop and fashion a cold air tub to seal the breather to so it's using cool outside air and not hot underhood air. Switching the th350 for a 200r4 or 700 r4 would also be a great mod.

Mikeceli

When I get a "round-tu-it" I'm gonna go thru my 79 TA's 403. I like flat-top pistons(from 7.8 to 9.? to one compression), mild cam, porting, and dumping the strange "two-into-one" exaust, for a good "Y" pipe or daul cats. Also re-jet the Q-Jet and re-curve the distributor.

ford4play

I was/am big 2nd gen. f-body fan before getting vette. Not as crazy about the '77's on up, but thats just me. They still have most of the same parts, just different metal. Only thing bad about the Pontiac engines is the cost to build. They can be expensive, but boy can they run. For those of you not familiar with the Pontiacs, even most built street engines won't spin past 6k(rods won't hold well, unless aftermarket) so not screamers like sbc, but boy can they make obscene torque numbers. Torque numbers on built 455's can resemble the torque numbers you see on diesels, just at higher rpm's. The torque is what sets you back in the seat, and for that, they are fun

Hwy1

I like them...........A 1977 or 78 was in Hollywood, CA with a boot on it for too many parking tickets

vettlag

i've owned a 1978 gold special edition with a 396 4sp muncie ws6 very sweet car i would own one anyday in fact if you find a gold 78 let me know. always loved them.

VetVetter

Man - those pics bring back memories!

I had a '77 Firebird. I got a 455 from a junk yard, and learned about engines by totally rebuilding it. Couldn't really tach it over 5.5k, but man .... that had monster torque. When you rev'd the engine, the whole front end would rise and twist.

Do it man .... I am sure you won't regret it.

ragtopman

With my trade in(a 73 Firebird Esprit)a brand spankin new 1978 was going to set me back $8000.00 . But they had a black '77 and with my Firebird trade, it cost me $4800.00. Wish I had it back .

SpeedE55

Here was my first car I ever had. sorry for the crappy quality of a 23 yr old scanned pic!