I just finished putting an LO3 with swirl port heads in a 1979 firebird thats been sitting around my yard for years. The engine isn't completely stock, I no longer had any of the electronics for it so I took off the TBI and replaced it with a quadrajet sitting around in my dad's shop. Other than that and some headers I left everything alone.

What are the stock specs? Can I expect any significant performance differences from adding the Q-jet and headers?

Just an FYI, it came out of a 91 caprice.

 

It sounds pretty good, does it rock?

The Carb and Headers should give you some extra power at cost to fuel economy, though.

This may not be an issue, because it's a 305(5.0L). 170HP @ 255Lb. Ft. torque, 190 HP and 275 lb/ft. torque at 4400RPM. This is a fairly popular Gen-I, from 1987-1995.

Just a guess, 4barrel from TBI should be close to a push, but the headers should show you @ 20-40 more ponies over stock manifolds.

What engine was in the Firebird previously?

 

It had a chevy 350 that blew before I put the 305 in.

 

So have you had a chance to run her yet? She should move pretty well with a quad and headers.

 

Nope, haven't had a chance to run it yet. I'm still working out some quirks, tuning the carb, working on the brakes, etc...

 

Hey trrrroy,

A belated welcome to the Chevy Forums.

Be sure to update us when she's running, and if you have any tech questions, fire away.

We have some excellent GM techs who'll probably be able to assist you.

Best of luck.