Shaker/trans swap

[newfx11]

I was thinking of getting a shaker hood for the Bird, however I can't find one around here for a good price. I paid $20 for the hood I got, and it is probably the best hood I've seen (the guy I got it from has an '81 that he restored costing around $15k, only wanted to get rid of this hood because he's got a fiberglass one on his), with no rust, dents, or anything. Paint is perfect except for some minor scratches from me putting it in the back of a truck, but can be buffed easily (I'm gonna paint it anyway). Would it be better for me to have the shaker hole cut out or buy a stock shaker hood? Any differences between a shaker hood and regular hood as far as construction goes? Thanks.

Oh, another thing. How tough and how much money would it cost to convert to a 4-speed? Should I do it or should I leave it? Thanks.

[MrMojoRisin681]

I think the hoods are the same, b/c I've seen someone cut a hole in one top make a shaker hood. It was alot of work though.

I've seen a couple of 4speed swaps (includes everything to do swap) going for around $1200 on TAC.

[MattODoom]

What kind of engine is it? I think you'd find it really nice to have an overdrive trans in there in this day and age. (700R, T5, T56, whatever).

[newfx11]

I'm not converting the 301 if that's what you think. I am hoping for a 400 or so, and was wondering how hard it would be, what I'm looking at as far as price and parts, etc.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

If I recall correctly, the shaker vs. non-shaker hoods are different as the shaker hoods have a rolled reinforcement lip around the shaker hole.

You can find them on eBay fairly regularly along with the shaker for not too much money.

As for the motor, did you say you're keeping the 301? If so, I've never seen a 4-speed mated to a 301 (bellhousing differences).

But if you go for a 400, you should be able to get a used T-10 4 speed for $200-300 from a yard. T-56s will be more, but you really only need a T-10 unless you're over 500 hp.

[newfx11]

I'm not going to put the trans in the 301, as I don't see much reason to. A 400/4-speed combo would be nice, I just don't know if I should keep it automatic, because it's more of a preference/original thing. Then again, it's not like I'm taking an all-original Firebird that would be worth a lot of money and switching transmissions and engines, though. Plus I don't even think the car is numbers matching, so it's pretty much open game to me. I'm aiming for some high horsepower though, so maybe a bigger trans would be good. I just thought I would ask you guys to see what would be better as far as performance, fun, and if it would be a desireable thing to have.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

I'm not going to put the trans in the 301, as I don't see much reason to. A 400/4-speed combo would be nice, I just don't know if I should keep it automatic, because it's more of a preference/original thing. Then again, it's not like I'm taking an all-original Firebird that would be worth a lot of money and switching transmissions and engines, though. Plus I don't even think the car is numbers matching, so it's pretty much open game to me. I'm aiming for some high horsepower though, so maybe a bigger trans would be good. I just thought I would ask you guys to see what would be better as far as performance, fun, and if it would be a desireable thing to have.

400/4-speeds are always desireable. Even though autos are usually faster.

Either one is a good option.

Now, if you've got the coin, a Richmond 5-speed is extremely nice...

[newfx11]

It's more of a preference thing I guess. I've always wanted a stick shift muscle car, and I've been searching around for the combo. I thought my car was a manual but turns out it's an auto with shift kit. Maybe I'll just leave it auto, seems like way too much trouble to redo everything, just figured I could tack it on the to-do list since the list is big enough already.