Ok here goes-

I just traded my Porsche 944 for a 1985 Firebird Trans Am, and being pretty unfamiliar with American cars, I've got a few questions.

First, the car has a 350 Chevy motor with 305 heads. What does this mean and what how does it affect the performance of the car? The engine also has some kind of racing cam which the guy said doesn't settle down until the car is at about 3500 rpm. Without having it on the dyno yet, any guesses as to the apx. HP of the car?

Also, the car has a Berg-Warner 5-speed trans. Reverse isn't where I think it should be- what is the shift pattern for this trans? Also the trans is a little shaky, but I think it just needs a little mounting work.

My friend has a posi rear end from a new Camaro- will this fit my TA?

The car needs a new windshield, i.e. it is badly cracked- should I just call one of those windsield replacement companys that come and do it or is there a better altenative?

I really appreciate anyone that can give me some advice on my new baby!

Adam

 

Welcome,

You traded a Porsche for that car.
First, a 350 wasn't available for that year, so get the block # off the driver side of the block to be sure.
A racing cam that doesn't settle? Never heard of that. You really need to find out what exact heads you have and specs on the cam to get an accurate HP rating.
Also, just a small side note, it's a Borg Warner rear end I thought, never heard of a Borg Warner tranny.

 

No the engine is a 350 put in by the previous owner with 305 heads, and some kind of Camaro tranny. He said it was a Borg- hell if I know.

 

Also, the Porsche was a broken down 944.

 

Unless you know the guy, check the block #, people lie all the time. I was sold my car thinking it was an HO, that's what the guy said.

 

Also, the headlights pop up, but only one goes down. Any ideas?

 

Mark, the T-5 is made by Borg-Warner.

The headlights... well if one headlight doesnt want to go down its either the brushes inside the motor or the relay for that headlight. The brushes are a junkyard item. The relay you should be able to order from just about anywhere.

HP is anyone's guess. You want an actual number, take it to the track or a dyno, or find someone with a good SOTP feel. Impossible to put a number on it without knowing quite a few specs on the engine. Could be anywhere from 150hp to 500hp. Possibly more.

 

Where do I find the engine code? Also, anyone have any answers for the windshield and rear-end questions? Thanx.

 

The complete rear will bolt in, however it is wider than the 82-92 F bodies. You will need 4th gen wheels or ones that have the right offset. Call some glass shops & get estimates. Most all give warranties, the worst that can happen is it will leak, then they have fix it at their cost.

 

I forgot to ask, and this is probably the stupidest question, but what is the shift pattern for the T-5 trans in my car, i.e. reverse seems to be where i would expect first to be.