Ol' Fart's Firebird Fantasy

[oldskool]

OK, I have another question. According to this NHRA spec sheet on the '79 W72 220hp 400 engine, this engine only came with a manual trans. This is also what I've always read.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...spx?ENGINE=792

However, tho this page says "Notes: Class Limits--Available with Manual transmission only", it also lists the hp factor for an auto trans at 270 for Stock, and 285 for SS/auto. So, does that mean you can or can't run a '79 Bird with a 400 and auto trans ?

It seems that if engines are legal in bodies they never actually came in, then it should be OK to run an auto behind an engine that came only with a stick. They say the '77 W72 400 is legal with an auto, only in a Can Am.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...spx?ENGINE=765

So if an auto is not legal in the '79, then do you guys think it would do any good to put in a request(or whatever the process is) to get an auto approved for a '79 220hp 400 Bird ? Maybe nobody has ever tried it. If not, would some of you guys who have a little clout with NHRA, please make a proper request for this ?

It seems to me to be a sensible and reasonable request, considering that they will allow almost any auto, besides what came in your car, stall converters, aftermarket blocks, forged pistons & rods, different rear ends, alum heads for some engines, etc, etc, etc.

Some might say, why bother ? Because there were more '79 Birds built than any other year model. Therefore there are more of 'em for sale than any other year, which, on average, will make 'em cheaper to buy. Hey, even if I never race one, it might help somebody else down the line.

If they are already legal and it is just not reflected on this spec sheet, then somebody please tell me where to find that info. Thanks !

[brent flynn]

Originally Posted by oldskool

Hey Brent, I was busy gathering info for my last post and just saw your post. Them old wagons are cool.

I don't know who's idea it was to make the GTO front available on a wagon, but I think it was a great idea !

I would have to agree... they are cool cars, either way... Im itchin to throw the stuff in mine to make it a legal Stocker, since i have everything...just need bigger rear axle..that 8.2 wouldnt last long...

[oldskool]

Originally Posted by brent flynn

...just need bigger rear axle..that 8.2 wouldnt last long...

I'm glad you brought that up. So what is the cheapest way to come up with a rear that will last ? Will all the GM '68-'72 A-body 12 bolt & 8.5" ten bolts, bolt right in ?

I assume that all BBC '68-'72 A-bodies had one that would work ? It seems that I remember reading that some Olds and Buick '71 & '72 A-bodies had one. And I think I read that the 455 T-37's had 12 bolts ? Not sure tho. Lots of guys are trying to get about $1500 or more for an original 12 bolt. Does anybody have all the info on this subject ?

Then, of course, for those on an unlimited budget, most of the rear end specialty companies can fix you up for about $3000 or a little more.

Ebay usually has some used and rebuilt 12 bolts listed. But the shipping is probably high on top of the purchase price.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...r+end&_sacat=0

[brent flynn]

Originally Posted by oldskool

I'm glad you brought that up. So what is the cheapest way to come up with a rear that will last ? Will all the GM '68-'72 A-body 12 bolt & 8.5" ten bolts, bolt right in ?

I assume that all BBC '68-'72 A-bodies had one that would work ? It seems that I remember reading that some Olds and Buick '71 & '72 A-bodies had one. And I think I read that the 455 T-37's had 12 bolts ? Not sure tho. Lots of guys are trying to get about $1500 or more for an original 12 bolt. Does anybody have all the info on this subject ?

Then, of course, for those on an unlimited budget, most of the rear end specialty companies can fix you up for about $3000 or a little more.

Yep, the Buick is the way to go...you dont want the olds rear, as im pretty sure they are some weird deal... In my case, i can legally run a BOP hoghead from the early 60s, since its legal to run a rear axle from the same manufacturer, and i have a good selection of go fast parts for it. I would just have to get it narrowed, and have all the brackets and perches relocated...but an 8.5 would be ok, with all the good stuff in it...ring and pinion would take a beating, but probably hold up fairly well...but, if i can ever get the funds together, i will have the big Pontiac rear axle retrofitted...

[oldskool]

Yeah, my engine guy has a 66 GTO bracket car. The 12 bolt was all he needed til he got passed the high 9's. Then he wiped it out. So now he recommend's something stronger, for anything below a real high 9.

He also chose the big, chunk type Pontiac. What were they, something like '58-'64 ? But as you say, setting one up ain't easy or cheap. A 12 bolt or 8.5' ten bolt will be strong enuff for me.

For those interested, this place sells parts for the big Olds/Pontiac rear.

http://fabcraftmetalworks.com/

I wonder how much the big rear will slow a car down ? With the extra rotating weight, it has to take a little more hp to turn it, huh ?