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indyta1989 · 03-25-2009, 10:03 PM

Guys,

I have moved my 1974 SD Trans Am to a more reputable professional shop. Now that it is at the other shop real work is progressing even after just a few days. The engine will be sent to a machine shop to see what it will need. If everything is generally healthy what would be the smartest change, if anything, to make now that the engine is opened up? For example, wasn't the CAM on the 1974 SD cars the only difference from the 1973 cars so would a CAM swap be recommended and if so what CAM makes sense? I am not looking for radical changes, just smart reasonable changes to keep it a stock SD but open up anything that simply needs opened up for reasonable performance. Also, for lifters and other wear items, are there recommended components?

Larry Navarro · 03-26-2009, 07:47 AM

Gary, '73 and 74 cams are the same. The PRE-production cam in '73 was somewhat of a RA4 design but never made it to production.

Norwood · 03-26-2009, 12:16 PM

Gary, I sure am glad that your SD will come thru this and will be brought back to its glory. Like I said to you before I question that guys ability to preform the resto to the standard that it should be. I guess he has proven that.....When you get pics of the NEW progress please post them

Lloyd-TX · 03-26-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indyta1989

Guys,

I have moved my 1974 SD Trans Am to a more reputable professional shop. Now that it is at the other shop real work is progressing even after just a few days. The engine will be sent to a machine shop to see what it will need. If everything is generally healthy what would be the smartest change, if anything, to make now that the engine is opened up? For example, wasn't the CAM on the 1974 SD cars the only difference from the 1973 cars so would a CAM swap be recommended and if so what CAM makes sense? I am not looking for radical changes, just smart reasonable changes to keep it a stock SD but open up anything that simply needs opened up for reasonable performance. Also, for lifters and other wear items, are there recommended components?

Gary - that's a shame about having to move your car, what a PITA! Glad that work is already under way at the new shop though.

As Larry mentioned, the production camshaft never changed.

As far as upgrades, the most important items are to bump the compression, and to make sure the pistons are at or very near zero deck height. The Glasgos used custom Diamond pistons when they built the engine in mine, set at 9.5:1. Good choice IMO.

I would HIGHLY recommend getting in touch with Dan Jensen on all the specifics. If you need his contact info, send me an e-mail.

Once again, good luck!

Transamric · 03-26-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD73

Anybody help a brotha out?

Sure bro'! Went out to take a couple pics of my 03B TA, & what I found surprised me. There are three different bolt head markings. I am quite sure they are factory, I've owned this car since '90, & have known of it & was trying to purchase it since '84. Never wrecked or restored, so I am surprised to see this. Unfortunately, my camera is acting up again,

so wasn't able to get all the pics I wanted. But here are the three clearest ones.
The 3 different marked heads all have recessed centers of equal depth. Some are plain with no markings, there are 2 with a capital P, & 2 with a capital C in a fine lined circle.

Brewster · 03-26-2009, 03:01 PM

The are a series of different markings on the head of the bolts. Ship anchor, the C per picture above and one that has a capital P. Most of mine are the P but all of them are standard round type without the add outer diameter in which are pictured above.
I have never had any of those of my cars however I'm not saying there wrong nor am I saying I am an expert of this topic. Just what I have seen on my cars and my friends.

Transamric · 03-26-2009, 03:14 PM

I.E., Brew, your's don't have this washer head design, just standard hex head?
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm?

SD73 · 03-26-2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks fellas! The set I had on the car that got "lost" during paint, did have the washer on them.

Can someone give me the lengths?

Rick, and Brew you guys are cool!

Transamric · 03-26-2009, 03:28 PM

Ok,...flattery twisted my arm! I measure them at exactly 1", under head to the tip.

Brewster · 03-26-2009, 05:37 PM

I am in Arkansas (Hot Springs) on family vacation but I do recall there are at least two different lengths as two not bottom out on the inner fender wells......
Be sure to loosen or tighten the front shear bolt and the two furtherest screws first as not to strip the retainers due to its torque by the radiator cowl suport.
Also if your restoring you might want to use a nylon washer under them as not to scratch the paint on your braces. That driver side gets removed once in a while due to battery removal....
The bolts you use should however have NO washers other then for safety of the paint.

SD73 · 03-26-2009, 08:22 PM

Thanky boys! I'll see if they measure an inch. Brewster, that's what I meant. The washer in intregal to the bolt head. I guess it's really not a washer then though.

Transamric · 03-26-2009, 08:40 PM

Yeah, that's what I meant. No seperate washer on this design. The washer is a part of the head, not a seperate captive washer, like is used in other locations. The '73 Shop Manual shows this style bolt too. Clear as mud??

Norwood · 03-26-2009, 08:45 PM

Brew is saying use a thin nylon washer and the bolt will not rip up the paint. That is Great Idea.......

Brewster · 03-26-2009, 08:46 PM

There are two different size heads on these bolts and regarding the washer part and the ones that transamric has are to large from what I have seen on cars in this area period.
Not to say the production line didnt use them but out of all the cars I have for reference there are not used there.

Brew

SD73 · 03-26-2009, 09:08 PM

Wow, Brew. Yours doesn't have that washer deal on them. That's odd. I could swear the set I lost did have those too.

Brewster · 03-26-2009, 09:33 PM

Yes, all mine have the washer type bolt but there not as big as noted in the pictures transamric posted. I think there correct and are from the same manufacture due to markings but just different size.
There are two different bolts due to washer size (not length, thread, head size) is all Im trying to convey, which are correct, era, manufacturer.......?
maybe someone else can pipe in to help determine reasons ?

Transamric · 03-26-2009, 09:54 PM

Finally I opened my big stupid eyes & see what Brew is talking about. Seven of the eight bolts on my braces have the correct small washer head that measures about .640", but there's an oddball that has a larger washer head at .720" (my middle picture above). Obviously that one is wrong, looks more like an old Ford bolt. MY BAD!!
We do, however, have the issue of the '73 Shop Manual showing washer head bolts in this place. Check page 14-10, illustration 14-13, in the upper left corner.
I'm sure Brew is sure his bolts are the original plain hex head, so perhaps this is an item that changed during production or varied depending on suppliers. I'll see if I have some pics to post of other unrestored FB's that show what they have.