76 T-Bird build

I just inherited a 76 T Bird from my uncle and was wondering if there are any suggestions you guys might have. I've read that my smag era 460 isn't that great. I'm looking to keep if fairly stock maybe just a lil more grunt. Not looking for a high hp engine just something me and my 2 yr old can cruise in and maybe melt a couple of tires here and there. Hoping to stay really budget minded


P.s. I'm new to the forum so thanks for having me
-Josh

I'll do a general outline now and we can get into details later.

De-smog the engine.
Change the timing chain and gears to a "straight up"  set.
Recurve the distributor.
Install a "free flowing" exhaust system.

Change the rear gear from the stock 2.75 to 1 ratio to a 3.73 to one ratio. You will need a Trac Lock or better.

With these changes you will be really impressed by the increase in performance.

It takes money to do anything, and this is the simplest way to increase the Bird's performance.

I appreciate the input. So I guess I'll go straight down your list 1. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of write ups and videos on how to de-smog it. 2. Where would be the ideal place to find the timing set and would it be wise to invest in a cam set ?. 3. Same as #1 but what does recurve mean. 4. The exhaust was actually something I was expecting to replace anyway. 5. Would 4.10/11s work just as well ?

DanE wrote:I'll do a general outline now and we can get into details later.

De-smog the engine.
Change the timing chain and gears to a "straight up"  set.
Recurve the distributor.
Install a "free flowing" exhaust system.

Change the rear gear from the stock 2.75 to 1 ratio to a 3.73 to one ratio. You will need a Trac Lock or better.

With these changes you will be really impressed by the increase in performance.

It takes money to do anything, and this is the simplest way to increase the Bird's performance.

DE-smogging a vehicle of that era if not done completely and correctly can cause other running issues however, everything else mentioned here will be a step in the right direction for sure; and pretty inexpensively.

Do not de-smog it if you live in Kaliphornya!!
If it don't pass the visual test, you cannot register it.

I'm in Texas

I'd assess the condition of the engine first, leak down / compression test, change the oils and look at it and maybe pull a valve cover and see how she looks for sludge and wear.

What kind of mileage does it have?

I believe 88k but I would have to double check that when I get off