Red 80 TA

Thanks all for the quick and enlightening responses. Mike

Hi All here is my story on my 1980 Firebird TA that I have had since new. Everything is original except the water pump. I drove it on weekends and nights for the first 11 years. then after putting a car seat in the back, I cried and stored the car in a garage. I would start it up once in a while and drive it around the block. then about 2 years ago, I pulled it out and got the front end, exhaust done, carb rebuilt, new belt, hoses, new gas tank, etc. I then had an issue with the car overheating and bogging down. found out that it was the ICM in the distributor and removed the new Chinese after market part with a new GM type. this seemed to work. Then I was going to drive it up to a transmission shop to get it overhauled. as I drove it out of the garage and up the Highway I heard the lifters tapping. so after the transmission got overhauled I stored the car in the fall and slowly started to remove the engine to get to the cam and lifters. My son installed the cam and lifters yesterday and now I will slowly try and put the rest of the engine back in its place. Wish me luck as I have never taken an car engine apart or visa versa. I have put some pictures up so you can see the progress. I have a question on painting some of the parts. what is the best method to remove grime and grease and have it ready for painting. I plan on doing one coat of heat primer and at least 2 or three coats of GM blue paint? Thanks

Hi Frosty/ Got it from another forum site. Thanks again for all your support and quick answers. I am now waiting for the cam to show up . in the meantime i am stating to clean up the engine parts that i removed and the block. it is cold, windy, and snowing here in Toronto so my progress is slow as I have a unheated garage. I am in no rush so as I get the car done I will keep you all updated. Thanks Mike

Hi Frosty thanks for the advise. I was able to find the 1980 Pontiac Firebird supplement

Thanks Rick for the quick response.

Hi All I have a question regarding using new Freon into a old system. Don't know if this is eve possible? Is it possible to use new Freon into an existing 1980 Firebird system. Will it work or will it damage the system? Thanks Mike K

Thanks all really appreciated Mike K

Hi All. Hope someone out there can clarify something for me regarding the timing chain cover on a 1980 Trans AM, W72 performance package, automatic with AC. I have an original 1980 Trans AM that I have had since new. It is a Canadian car. I am in the process of removing the timing chain cover and was wondering if the Butler Performance timing-cover-to-water-pump-sleeves-w-rubber-o-rings will fit my cover. fitment shows that it is for 1969 to 1979. Thanks in advance. Mike

Thanks Frosty Will Look into that

Hi All Just wondering if someone out there has the 1978 Pontiac Service Manual? I have the 1980 Pontiac service manual supplement. It refers to the 1978 Pontiac Service Manual as being the main manual

Thank You. Appreciate the update. Had to buy my harmonic dampener puller. similar to the picture up above. it worked really good. removed most of the bolts on the timing chain cover. still left, are the two on the bottom back side attached to the oil pan and the two bottom front. hopefully it should come off.

Hi Frosty Worked just like you said. came off real easy. next step is to get the timing chain cover off now. Thanks again

Thank you for your quick response.

Thank You for the quick response. Would you know how to remove this without breaking it?

Hi All. Hope someone out there can help me. I would like to remove this connector/wire but am not sure exactly how to go about it without damaging it. Do I just pull it off? I believe it is the detonation sensor. I have a 1980 Firebird TA original car. 301 engine, automatic, W72 Performance package, non turbo. Thanks in advance Mike K