What to do.....trans am or z28????

Question

i want to know which you think would be better....

i currently own a 77 trans am it runs excellent but the body and interior are in need of slight work but i have the chance to get a 79 z28 camaro that's in need of a paint job and a starter but has an almost(less than 10k miles) brand new goodwrench 350.

i've always loved the trans am but i'm 19 and i don't make a h**l of alot of money and i know chevys ridiculously cheap to build up for power.so i just want some opinions.

do you think it would be better for me to take my time on my T/A or should i jump at the camaro?

my T/A has a 455 big block and i LOVE the power it has,will it be possible to get the same feel from a 350 without major money going into it?

i'm just looking for guidance my fellow gear-heads.

help me out here.

77 T/A 455 auto

OR:

79 z28 350 auto

both mildly built.

what to do???!!!!???

Answer 1

I'd definitely stick with the Trans Am. Body and interior work aren't expensive at all, and you really can't get much better than a 455. But why auto?

Answer 2

Personally, I wouldn't even think about replacing your big block Trans Am with a small block Camaro.  Trans Ams are just way more desirable than Camaros in that generation, and I like their styling much better.  

The 455 is just the essential muscle car engine of that period, and you'll never get nearly the same low end torque out of a 350 small block.  Big blocks just throw you back in the seat and have so much bottom end grunt!  If your 455 still retains its stock low compression, it's probably making about 300hp/460lb ft torque at the flywheel (just a estimate).  More if it's been modified at all.  There is actually a pretty large performance parts market for these engines as well.  

If you're on a budget, I'd consider getting these upgrades first (unless you already have 'em):

-Headers+free flowing dual exhaust+performance mufflers

-Ignition coil upgrade+performance wires

-High flow air filter

These are major upgrades that work extremely well together, but terrible by themselves:

-Higher compression pistons+free flowing heads (probably 9.5-1 to 10.5-1 for pump gas performance)

-High lift cam

-With a high performance cam/head/piston upgrade, you should probably go with a bigger carb like a 750cfm or possibly a 850cfm if it's a really serious build.  Otherwise, your stock 4barrel carb will be more than enough.  Over carburation is a common mistake with rebuilding performance engines.  

Hope that helps and good luck!  

Answer 3

If you live in the state of CA which judging by the sound of mildly built you don't. I live in CA and I would stick with the 77 T/A big blocks are beautiful its older less wires to deal with. The 79's are choked down with smog and they start to get into a pile of c**p carburetor that's halfway controlled by a computer which makes it difficult to work on. The 77 in 3 years will no longer have to be smoged. Of course its all up to you but you will want to kick your own a$$ for selling your 77. The 350 is a great motor but it just wont have the same appel as the 455 later down the road the 77 will be worth more then that Z28 will be.

Answer 4

I Like 78 to 81 z28,s  w/ small blocks 350,s or 327,s But there is no feling like a big block T/A . I have a 69, fire bird w/ a 402 big block and a 66 charger w/ 383 intersepter big block both do hight 10,s in the 1/4 so good lock  w/ that one !!!!!!!!!!