PROJECT "LAID BACK" - 1978 CENTURY 2 DOOR AEROBACK

[olds307 and 403]

Nice parts indeed, should launch and stop it quickly. The 3.73 is a nice overdrive ratio, too steep for a 3 spd in my books, maybe the TH350C would make it passable, 2700 RPM at 60 with a 28" tall tire vs 3000 rpm. I know one guy has a TH350C living behind a mild 455 in a truck, I have one in my 70S, planning on picking up a spare and put it behind the Olds 403 424ci stroker that will also be 400+ hp, will see if it lives with a shift kit. Just curious, what does Buford Hunchback weigh? I am guessing the aero back's are lighter.

 

[Longroof79]

Good score on the parts, James. 👍
I will certainly keep tuned into your build thread.

 

[michmalibuman]

I'm hangin' out also.😎

 

[ssn696]

Subscribed.

 

[JAMCAR223]

Nice parts indeed, should launch and stop it quickly. The 3.73 is a nice overdrive ratio, too steep for a 3 spd in my books, maybe the TH350C would make it passable, 2700 RPM at 60 with a 28" tall tire vs 3000 rpm. I know one guy has a TH350C living behind a mild 455 in a truck, I have one in my 70S, planning on picking up a spare and put it behind the Olds 403 424ci stroker that will also be 400+ hp, will see if it lives with a shift kit. Just curious, what does Buford Hunchback weigh? I am guessing the aero back's are lighter.

The 3.73 won't stay.. I have always planned a 3.08-3.23 ratio. I searched 3 different yards this past weekend, and all I could find is the 3.73. This is isn't my first 8.8, and the 3.73 is very common here. So.. I will get the car running, and swap a Mustang guy this 3.73, for his 3.08-3.27 😊. As for the weight...

• reference weights: base curb weight: 1474 kg / 3249 lbs - This car will be put on a major diet. Aluminum front bumper brackets, aluminum radiator, smaller group size battery, aluminum intake manifold, power steering delete, manual brakes, A/C & heat delete, radio delete, aluminum steering wheel, lighter Camaro bucket seats, rear seat delete, aluminum rear bumper brackets, fiberglass rear bumper, spare tire & jack delete, and aluminum wheels. I'm guessing 2900 LBS. With 550 Ft / Lbs, the car should be fun to drive. Thanks for following...

 

[JAMCAR223]

I have a line on a Turbo hood, which I have to have, Lol. One in Dallas, and one from a GBody friend in Michigan. Obviously, the Dallas option is high on the list, but from the pics, it doesn't look the greatest, but the price is right. He says he's "a paint & body guy", and it's in "good condition", so I'm going to drive 3.5 hrs. to look at it this weekend. I'll most likely come home with it. 😊

 

[JAMCAR223]

The Turbo hood has a new home...mine. It wasn't in the best condition, but with the limited availability, I can't be choosy. It has a dent at the front from closing the hood to hard, or an out-of-adjustment hood latch. It also has (2) bends along the rear edge. A hammer & dolly will take care of that. Plus the rear trim will cover the area once it's fixed. There are (2) other dings that will require a skim coat of filler. All in all, not to bad. I will take it down to bare metal, and address any issues. He wanted $200. I offered $150.. Done!

 

[JAMCAR223]

Now if I could just find that elusive Turbo Rear Spoiler !! Danny, where ya at??

 

[CaliWagon83]

The 3.73 won't stay.. I have always planned a 3.08-3.23 ratio.

Glad I’m not the only one that feels this way. After crunching the numbers, a taller rear end just made more sense to me. I don’t plan on doing many quarter miles in my car (if any) and wanted relaxed freeway cruising and decent MPG. Seems like everyone reflexively says “you have to get a 3.73!” But I think a 3.08 or 3.23 is perfect for what I want to do with my car.

 

[1evilregal]

IDK about the 2wd exploders, but on the 95-2001's 4wd all you'll find is either 3.73 or 4.10's....

and yes, I'm tuned in!