I was thinking of changing the front end of my 78 to the 80-82 style front. Can anyone tell me if they have done this and how difficult it is? I have heard both ends of the spectrum on this.

I've got a '79 with an 80's front end. I realized this after I bought the car. I read somewhere on here that the 80's integrated front spoiler directs up to 60% more air flow over the engine than the bolt-on spoilers through 1979. The previous owner tangled with a sheet of plywood on the freeway and mentioned that he had it repainted. Apparently he replaced the entire front clip as the nose is a single large piece of fiberglass (no joints etc.). He also added an 80's rear spoiler which is integrated rather than bolt-on.

Something to consider. If your '78 is a pace car or a special anniversary edition (numbers matching etc.) You may want to forgo the front end swap as the collector value is greater with the original body. If however you just want something that runs cooler and you also like the look of the integrated spoiler, then by all means go for it. I believe Eckler's sells/makes new aftermarket 80's fiberglass front ends and rear spoilers. They might be worth considering.

That's my $.02 anyway.

All the best,
Andy

|UPDATED|5/25/2004 2:31:12 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|