[addictedtotrack]

Pontiac experts chime in please!
OK everyone I have an 73 Trans Am 455 four-speed car. It's a very nice car all original sheet-metal with some original paint. Currently has a big block Chevy with a TCI Turbo 400 transmission and a Moser 12 bolt rear. It runs and drives great looks great and I have a blast with this car. It gets more looks than any car I've ever owned.
So here's my big question… Is it worth the time and money to hunt down an original 455 motor, Muncie four-speed transmission and 10 bolt rear end for this car? I have been looking and pricing things and it appears it's going to take a good chunk of money to put it back original. I do realize that the replacement parts will never be "original"to the car. I'm just wondering with what it is going to cost me to buy all these parts is it worth the investment for the future value of the car?
Thank you!

[eaglesan13]

There were only 1420 455-four speed trans am's built in 1973 (non s/d), so if it were my car I would put it back to original. You could drive it as-is while accumulating the parts you will need, and the chevy drivetrain might bring some money that would help offset the cost of returning the car to original. JMHO.

[superdutybob]

I agree with eaglesan13!

The value of a non numbers matching car won't be there but it will still be worth more than it is now. I would leave the 12 bolt in it though.

Sell the big block and t400 to recover some costs.

[72projectbird]

You said it yourself, it will never be "original" again. I don't have anything against Chevy drivetrains (I own quite a few), but I do like seeing a Pontiac in a 70-73 T/A. I think for future value a Pontiac powered Pontiac is worth more.

I personally don't think its worth it to track down every original piece, but I do think it would be worth it to build a stout Pontiac power plant. Since its not original you could do a stroker or something cool like that. You could put the 4speed back in, or get an adapter plate to run your TCI trans. There's no way I would swap out a built 12 bolt for an original 10 bolt, that's just crazy talk!

The hardest part is tearing apart a car that runs good. I've done it before, and its a strange feeling. I would think long and hard about it before you do anything. You could certainly sell the BBC for good money which would help with the swap, but I don't think it would cover it all.

[addictedtotrack]

Thanks everyone! That's the kind of input I'm looking for. I did post a wanted ad for a 455 block a few days ago. I will continue the search for a block as close to the car as possible. A memeber here helped me with some info off of my build sheet and My understanding is my car was built in May 4th of 73. You all would suggest finding a block first I assume? Thanks again!

[addictedtotrack]

I have another question please. The engine code on my build sheet is "ZZ" what does that mean?

My build sheet says I have the L75 engine and M21 transmission. Sound right?

[starlightblack]

What is the original color of the car?

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by addictedtotrack

I have another question please. The engine code on my build sheet is "ZZ" what does that mean?

My build sheet says I have the L75 engine and M21 transmission. Sound right?

That is the block code for a 1973 base 455 with a 4 speed. It would have been stamped on the passenger side front of the block right below the EUN.

[addictedtotrack]

Thanks Bob. The car is wearing it's original color which is white.

[starlightblack]

Love to see a pic of it...post one up? Where is the original paint on it?

[addictedtotrack]

Ok I tried to post a pic with no luck. I'm on the road and can text a pic or 2 if someone can help me post them? I could email something from my phone also. I'm not a paint/body guy but a good painter looked at it and said it had some original paint still.

[johnta1]

Send the pics to me:

johnta1@wallaceracing.com

You have the build sheet of the TA?

A pic of that would be cool also.

[rexs73gto]

Pontiac's should always have there original engine if possible but if not THE original it should at least have a real Pontiac engine in it. Put it back to the real 455 it will if you decide to sell it worth a lot more compared to having a chevy engine in it, but I do agree to keep the 112 bolt rear as it's is a better & stronger rear end .

[Formula8]

I'm not big into originality but would swap out the BBC for a poncho based motor at a minimum. Having done pretty much the same thing, I would not go on an expedition to find a 455. I would do a more common 400 based stroker but that's me. I got a good deal on my 455 which is the only reason it is in my car.

I would convert to a manual trans though and if you put a lot of street miles on it, I would consider one of the more modern overdrives. Depending on the origin of the 12 bolt and your intended use, I might consider trading it for someone's 10 bolt and enough cash to fund part/most of the manual trans conversion or upgrading to overdrive.

[johnta1]

Here are a couple pics of his car:

[Formula8]

LOL!!!, all we need to do is find a blue one with a Hooker chrome bar in it and we can do a fourth of July themed photo shoot!

[Norwood]

I would leave it alone and drive the S*** out of it

[Formula8]

Originally Posted by Norwood

I would leave it alone and drive the S*** out of it

After seeing the pics.........I think I agree. Looks like fun as is.

[addictedtotrack]

Thanks for posting the pics John. As I said in the email to John the previous owner put the stripe on it. It's a decal and can be removed fairly easy. I like the strip though

[johnta1]

I'd see what it runs with the bbc then put a good 455 in it and see the difference.



The bbc could probably be sold for more than what a good 455 would bring.
Only problem may be the TH400 is a chevy pattern, so may need to change that also.
(is the clutch pedal assemby still in car?)

Then drive the heck out of it!