Questions on the 301 Turbo

[roadrage13]

Hey Guys. I just bought an 81 turbo TA, completelystock except the wheels and stereo. I would like to restore it to as original as possible, but would like to massgae more HP from the engine (it does not run now) while keeping it dependable. I paid $1500 for the car, the body and interior are in good shape, but needs paint, it has T-tops, WS6 suspension package, all options, and what appears to be a factory Hurst shifter. Did the factory offer a Hurst shifter option? It fits perfectly into the stock console, and looks just like the plastic stuff, but is all chromed and says Hurst.

Anyway, just looking for some ideas on building up the engine that is in it, and it seems a lot of people are just yanking them and putting 400's or 455's in them.

Any thoughts?

 

[mr.turbota]

Hi roadrage13!
The only way I know how to get the extra 50 or so horseponies out of a 301 turbo is to use NOS (NOSS as the ricers say) :lol: !
I have done this, and it works pretty well! Just don't use it longer than 16 seconds or so, and don't over rev it, and it should last!
I would love to drop a 455 into my baby, but California wouldn't allow it! So, do what I am doing! Move to a state where there is no smog! Then you can do it!
As for the Hurst shifter, the only Hurst shifter was the 4-speed version. If it is an automatic, it is aftermarket! I too, have one in my car!
I say, do what you want to your car! The main thing is to enjoy it!
Check out:
http://www.transamcountry.com
It is a second generation Trans Am/Firebird site.

Hope this helps,

George :twisted:

 

[roadrage13]

<Sigh>

I know that converting this thing to a 455 is going to be a hassle, I wanted to avoid it. From what I hear, I will need to buy a complete motor, including mounting hardware, to make sure everything fits.

 

[mr.turbota]

Hi roadrage13!
That's true! But the power will be tons more!!!!
If you are in no rush, have some spare room around the garage (or house, if the wife lets you :wink: ), you can slowly start "collecting" 455 parts and such.
I did, until I ended up selling the 455 HO engine that I was going to put in mine! I can always start over!!
Damn, I hate having so many projects!!!!

Good luck,

George :twisted:

 

[parad0x177]

I have an '80 Indy Pace Car that I am slowly working on restoring to orignal condition, and like you I want to be as stock appearing as possible, but with a little extra kick. As such, I just wanted to suggest that you NOT give up on your 301T if you don't want to.

There are plenty of ways to get some extra ponies out of the car without falling victim to the "301's suck. Swap it for a 455" mentality. Remember, while it may have some disadvantages, it is still an engine like any other, so it will respond to the same mods. My understanding is that there is even a cam available (I believe from COMP) specifically for the Turbo 301.

I actually have several srouces of information and suggestions for modifying them, but I am at work at the moment, so I don't have them here. I will try and dig everything up and post here if you would like.

Also, you said it isn't running. Any ideas what's wrong? What are the symptoms? I discovered from the very beginning that there are not that many people who know what to make of the Turbo 301, much less how to work on it and diagnose it. So, I will be glad to offer ideas on what the problem is. (The only thing that was keeping mine from running when I picked it up was a $25 ignition module. Someone had replaced the original, failed module with the incorrect one.)

Good luck!