[Lukescort]

Hey guys!!!
I am about to buy a Tbird. 1978, V8. Unfortunately: no t-top, automatic, interior requires some love. Awesome: $600, about 75000 miles, absolutely georgeous. Plans: T-top conversion, maybe swap to manual when swapping the engine into bigger 1.

Sound system ideas? It has a stock radio which is not working. I am picking up the car this evening.

 

[HyBrad]

Keep in mind that madding a 'classic' will likely make it worth a LOT LESS money... with older cars people tend to prefer original.

But, with that being said and considering you only paid $600 for it... well have at it!

 

[Jeffescortlx]

You might need to save up some money for gas!

Should paint it bass boat green and pick up the ladies!

 

[juggalo]

go candy green with green hundred spoke daytons. that really made my friends 81 buick regal shine.

 

[Lukescort]

Paid $600.
The car is still at the old owner's place, I m going to get the plates this morning. Immediate needs: oil change, transmission flush, new air filter, and plugs. Car wash and vacuum. Pictures will come soon.
Any idea what oil to use? I am positive 5-30 will do fine. The engine is... Y-block, 312 cu inches. Rebuilt, as the block has paint on it, and there are definite signs of serious work on it. This particular 1 is I believe from...1957!!! V8, 220 HP, and huge number of torque.

Tank - empty. 20 gallons @ 2.80/gal of premium - too scared to do the math yet. But I am in love with the red interior, esp. red leather seats.

 

[Lukescort]

I probably should be skeptical of getting a car with 50 years old engine block - but for $600 I can invest in a swap, and still make it a pretty good deal. ( I think). Glass is not cracked anywhere, rust spots - few but totally workable. Paint job - yes, needs, but for now car wax will do it.
New alternator and fuel pump.

 

[Setnev]

Y-block, 312 cu inches. Rebuilt, as the block has paint on it, and there are definite signs of serious work on it. This particular 1 is I believe from...1957!!! V8, 220 HP, and huge number of torque.

Tank - empty. 20 gallons @ 2.80/gal of premium - too scared to do the math yet. But I am in love with the red interior, esp. red leather seats.

Here, I will do the math for you. $56 for a full tank and ~200 miles to the tankful. Better be a weekend cruiser.

The Y-Block was used in the T-Birds from 55-62. The motor that should have come in that car should have either been a 302 or a 351. More likely to have been a 351 considering the Impalas of that era were running 350's. Most likely if it is a Y-Block, and they've done extensive engine work, that motor should have been resurfaced inside/out and pistons and rings replaced. Should run like a top. Find yourself a nice 429 or 460 to throw in that and you'll have a nice powerful BB and a headturner for sure when fixed up.

go candy green with green hundred spoke daytons. that really made my friends 81 buick regal shine.

Hey, is your friend mexican? LOL, only cars that look like here is what the chicanos drive. LOL, i had to say it :twisted:

 

[Lukescort]

I am excited But then...what viscosity of oil should I put? This engine was before our current ratings were in use. I feel that 5-30 might be too thin, but then I never used 5-40 before, and am skeptical, too.

 

[Lukescort]

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articl ... ery-slope/

I think I will give 5-40 or 10-40 a try.

 

[madmatt2024]

In an old engine like that you can't go wrong with 10w30 or 10w40.

 

[Setnev]

I probably should be skeptical of getting a car with 50 years old engine block - but for $600 I can invest in a swap, and still make it a pretty good deal. ( I think). Glass is not cracked anywhere, rust spots - few but totally workable. Paint job - yes, needs, but for now car wax will do it.
New alternator and fuel pump.

Nay i retract my last statement about the original motor, it was most likely a 302. 78 was after the oil crisis and manufacturers went to smaller V8's. Ford went from the 351 to 302, GM went from the 350 to 305, etc. Most of the 7th Gen T-Birds that had the 351 also had T-Tops. Do you by chance have the VIN, that will give you more insight about what the original equipment was. At any rate, go for the 460 from the 72-76 T-Birds

 

[Lukescort]

Vin is shorter than the ones we use currently. I tried carfax and didnot work. It's 8G87F118086. So it turns out that my engine does have better power than the stock. The big block - definitely, when I will have more $$$. Do they come with manual trannies? I dislike automatics, and in a car like that, it is a shame. But oh well... I can deal with it if it has 460 under hood :>
I will most likely use 10w30 since I just found a bottle of it at home.

 

[madmatt2024]

In a car that old swapping in manual tranny should not be a problem. Finding one should be east as well.

 

[HyBrad]

Yes.. back then configurations weren't as proprietary as today, which means that yes you can put in a manual, but you'd need to cut a hole to install a shifter in the floor.
That car I don't believe ever came stock with a Manual, but it's relatively easy to put one in... hardest part is going to be a clutch pedal. Heck, they even make adapter plates to hook up.. say a GM transmission to a Ford engine.

As for oil, just use 10W30.
Transmission uses Mercon/Dexron
Power Steering - Just use Mercon/Dexron as well
Engine Coolant... just use plain jane green stuff
Don't forget the rear differential... 80W90 Gear Oil... add limited slip differential if it is a limited slip rear end.

Keep in mind when you drive it.. this car is HEAVY. Totally different beast compared to today's cars (like escorts). It's also rear wheel drive. When you drive it, give yourself plenty of distance to stop and a bit more girth and less speed around turns.... until you get used to it.

 

[juggalo]

go candy green with green hundred spoke daytons. that really made my friends 81 buick regal shine.

Hey, is your friend mexican? LOL, only cars that look like here is what the chicanos drive. LOL, i had to say it :twisted:

nope. as far as i know he's irish and canadian. he bought the car from a black dude who did the work to the car. the interior had green sway seat covers and it said buick on the backseat, green carpet, put in a sun roof, and tossed in a carbberated 350 motor. that motor was a gas chugger gettin about 10mpg tho but it was quick as funk.

 

[dave8338]

Keep the Y-block in cood condition and it will more than pay for the plans that you have in store for the car. 8O

A good friend of mine in highschool had a 78 black T-Bird, with gray leather and the T-tops. It had the 460ci in it and he could manage to squeak out 8-9 mpg's all day long. :wink:

Build the pi$$ out of a 93-96 F-150 or Mustang roller 302 HO and don't look back.

Though there is no replacement for displacement...the displacement factor will find its' way into your wallet, IN A HURRY! :!:

 

[Lukescort]

Thanks guys for all help and suggestions so far
The car handles great (I need to get the suspension/handling parts lubricated). Engine needs tune - up. Got sparks, wires on the way to be picked up on monday. Will need water pump, hoses, and most of the vacuum lines.
Got new air fitler, added ATF, changed oil. Topped off power steering. All the fluids will need change, but that will be step by step.
Worst problems: electrical. The alternator does not work. It is new, replaced by previous owner. I drove the car yesterday and she died. I jumpstarted and distonnected the batt, died almost instantly. My guess - voltage regulator. But, again, was replaced by the previous owner as well. Thoughts? Where can I get a wiring diagram for this car? Or any manual? Ebay has none, and google is very limited, too. I checked the nearby years, too, and nothing.
Car is a piece of work. I read that with this engine, I can produce 300+HP if i install supercharger. Junkyard is calling

 

[yournamehere]

Let's see some pics!

As far as a "T-Top conversion". You make it sound like it's a bolt-in mod. LOL

As mentioned build up a 302 and you'll love it.

 

[Lukescort]

I would love to but...the car died on my friend's property. The alternator stopped working. I m going to pick it up either today, or tomorrow.
Then, I will create cardomain and post pics here.