1978 firebird engine choices

SmallBlockNova · 11-10-2013, 01:34 AM

77/78 seem to be foggy years for firebirds, they came with a bunch of different engines, and I'm not sure what NHRA accepts/recognizes. I seem to be getting mixed reviews on this, but can you run a 350 chevy in a 78 firebird in stock? Supposedly they came from the factory in California models...but I could be wrong

Bill Edgeworth · 11-10-2013, 02:37 AM

You can run the 160 hp Chev combo in the Firebird or Formula but not the Trans am for 1978. Big difference of rating between the auto and stick 275 vs 287.
The Pontiacs and Chevrolet powered cars have a few small differences under the hood like battery placement.
I should add that the stick is 275 and auto is 287

James Perrone · 11-10-2013, 12:20 PM

Come on Joe yur a Nova guy,,,Firebird?

SmallBlockNova · 11-10-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Perrone

Come on Joe yur a Nova guy,,,Firebird?

Lolol I know, it's even my nickname. I have jerrys old blue "land art" car to footbrake next year, but was considering putting something together to class race. I can't find any realistically clean novas for sale...well, ones for a realistic price. Was thinking maybe a Malibu wagon for M/N ...still exploring options

Thanks for the helpful reply bill

Tom Moock · 11-10-2013, 02:29 PM

smallblocknova, if you want to use a chevy 350? and use a malibu wagon, put a 1979 or 1980 cutlass header on it, 275 hp with auto., 287hp. with malibu and you can use aluminum hood & radiator support. Tom

a pontiac · 11-10-2013, 09:50 PM

77 firebird pont 350 250/250

James Perrone · 11-11-2013, 10:28 AM

Call I have an extra Nova 1970 .. also a super stock monte carlo ..

11-10-2013, 01:34 AM	#1
SmallBlockNova Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Long Island Posts: 47 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1978 firebird engine choices 77/78 seem to be foggy years for firebirds, they came with a bunch of different engines, and I'm not sure what NHRA accepts/recognizes. I seem to be getting mixed reviews on this, but can you run a 350 chevy in a 78 firebird in stock? Supposedly they came from the factory in California models...but I could be wrong

11-10-2013, 02:37 AM	#2
Bill Edgeworth Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 258 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1978 firebird engine choices You can run the 160 hp Chev combo in the Firebird or Formula but not the Trans am for 1978. Big difference of rating between the auto and stick 275 vs 287. The Pontiacs and Chevrolet powered cars have a few small differences under the hood like battery placement. I should add that the stick is 275 and auto is 287 __________________ Bill Edgeworth 6471 STK Last edited by Bill Edgeworth; 11-10-2013 at 02:40 AM.

11-10-2013, 12:20 PM	#3
James Perrone VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: LONG ISLAND N.Y. Posts: 1,679 Likes: 3,383 Liked 1,826 Times in 426 Posts	Re: 1978 firebird engine choices Come on Joe yur a Nova guy,,,Firebird? __________________ james perrone 1290 STK

11-10-2013, 02:29 PM	#5
Tom Moock Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 801 Likes: 1 Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Re: 1978 firebird engine choices smallblocknova, if you want to use a chevy 350? and use a malibu wagon, put a 1979 or 1980 cutlass header on it, 275 hp with auto., 287hp. with malibu and you can use aluminum hood & radiator support. Tom __________________ Tom Moock 5704 STK

11-10-2013, 09:50 PM	#6
a pontiac Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 65 Likes: 3 Liked 36 Times in 11 Posts	Re: 1978 firebird engine choices 77 firebird pont 350 250/250

11-11-2013, 10:28 AM	#7
James Perrone VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: LONG ISLAND N.Y. Posts: 1,679 Likes: 3,383 Liked 1,826 Times in 426 Posts	Re: 1978 firebird engine choices Call I have an extra Nova 1970 .. also a super stock monte carlo .. __________________ james perrone 1290 STK