10 Bolt Swap

[tajoe]

Not a "how to" thread, by any means. Just wanted to show my 73 is still in the picture, and am trying to make some kinda fwd progress. The car has the original 3.08 posi, and I also have in my possession a 3.42, and an 80 TA disc brake rear, that I've wanted to  convert the 3.42, to disc. And because my TAC buddy Jack, needs a 3.08 for one of his birds, I finally made time this week to swap them out. It's not pretty, but to me it's a move in the right direction. So Jack, if you're out there...PM sent.
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[5th T/A]

TAJoe, your a lucky man to own a 73 TA, my favorites are early second generation Firebirds 70 - 73. I purchased a 1973 TA new and regret selling it. I also owned a 1975 TA, converted the stock 2:56 gear to a 3:08 rear disk differential from a 1980 Indy Pace car that burned to the ground, in 1980. I was happy to move up to a 3:08, but the rear disks didn’t make much difference in braking ability. But the four wheel disks look a lot nicer. My current ride a 1980 TA has the original 2:41, one of these days I will change it to a 3:08 or 3:23.

Anyway great seeing your progress!

[Wallington]

I hope it was part of the suspension replacement, do it all in one job

[tajoe]

My current ride a 1980 TA has the original 2:41, one of these days I will change it to a 3:08 or 3:23.
Anyway great seeing your progress!

Thanks. does your 80 T/A have a turbo, or carbureted? And my sympathies to all with those God forsaken 2.41s. Bonneville salt flats, are all they're good for. 

I hope it was part of the suspension replacement, do it all in one job

If you're referring to me, I'm lucky to have found the time to do this. Many other priorities, before I can get serious with the 73.

[b_hill_86]

Hey, hey. I used to have a 2.41 in my T/A. It certainly was nice on the highway at 70+ lol. Did swap to a 3.08 after my 4 speed swap though.

[5th T/A]

My current ride a 1980 TA has the original 2:41, one of these days I will change it to a 3:08 or 3:23.
Anyway great seeing your progress!

Thanks. does your 80 T/A have a turbo, or carbureted? And my sympathies to all with those God forsaken 2.41s. Bonneville salt flats, are all they're good for. 

My TA came with a normally aspirated 301, nothing wrong with the way it ran other than lack of horsepower. Last year I replaced the original engine with a Butler built 461. The performance now is great, it will easily smoke the tires even from a low speed roll all the way up to 70 mph when I shift to 2nd. I don’t take the car on the highly and mostly drive two lane rural rides at 55.

[tajoe]

My current ride a 1980 TA has the original 2:41, one of these days I will change it to a 3:08 or 3:23.
Anyway great seeing your progress!

My TA came with a normally aspirated 301, nothing wrong with the way it ran other than lack of horsepower. Last year I replaced the original engine with a Butler built 461. The performance now is great, it will easily smoke the tires even from a low speed roll all the way up to 70 mph when I shift to 2nd. I don’t take the car on the highly and mostly drive two lane rural rides at 55.

"Nothing wrong with the way it (301) ran." (that's why there's now a Butler motor in it.) LOL
Hey, I never said anything derogatory about the 301. They can be made to exceed factory performance levels. With the right modifications, and understanding their limitations. My comment was for the pathetic 2.41 ring and pinion, that other than being a gear for the "on the road, out of state, salesman type vehicle", they sure aren't any good for off the line acceleration.

[5th T/A]

 I agree a 2:41 is not good for acceleration, but with the right engine it's not too bad.

Here is my 0 - 60 with the all stock 301 and 2:41 rear end.

IMG_6370 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr




Here is with my 461 and 2:41 rear gear, only thing changed is the engine. I think if I could get decent traction I might cut another 1/2 second off.


IMG_8991 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[tajoe]

LOL! Now there's a "seat of the pants" difference, aye?
Not sure of your combination, but with that motor, if you had everything coordinated and matched, the car would really be a performer. Now to dump them gears, and I'm guessing you have an automatic, so maybe a converter change will help too. Not that you have a shortage of torque at low RPMs. Problem now, is getting it to the ground, where you can use it.