Keep in mind your T/A is numbers-matching, and the more power you desire, the more stress you place on the engine. The block in 1978 for the 180hp variant isn't up to handling performance mods. The main webs are thin, the main caps were usually not installed very well-in my opinion, it's just not a strong block. Pontiac actually used another block for the 220hp engines, so that should tell you something.
My point is that you may want to start another build to protect the original numbers-matching engine for your T/A. The 180hp version was designed as a low-rpm engine, verified by the factory 471 cam. Increasing rpm causes more stress on the lower end, so keep that in mind when you increase performance.
Belt Squeak Round-About
In a past Tech Q&A, there was a question about a squeaking fan belt. I've had a similar problem with my '01 Trans Am WS6. I replaced the belt, which stopped the squeaking for approximately one year. After the problem returned, I thought it was the idler pulley, so I had that replaced, but the squeaking continued. I applied belt dressing in the hope this would solve the problem, but it only became worse. The belts aren't slipping; it seems that the rubber moving through the pulleys is causing the squeak.
I was finally able to find a temporary solution when I used CRC heavy-duty, multiuse silicone lubricant. When I start the engine, I spray the belts, and the squeaking stops. It hasn't caused the belt to slip so far, but I had to spray them again about three months later.
Charles Sipple
West Chester, OH
Ray T. Bohacz Responds:
Belt noise has always been an issue with either the older V-design or the newer serpentine system. As you correctly stated, often some lubricant will quiet the belt, but it doesn't always work.
Serpentine belt squeak is usually the result of misalignment on the pulleys (this can be very slight but will cause a shift in the ribs over time), oil leaking on the belt and altering the compound, and/or the belt drying out from age and heat cycles. The aging of rubber has come to light now with date codes on tires, but there is none for drivebelts. You may have purchased a belt new, but it may be five years old and has been sitting on the shelf in the sun at the auto parts store for all of that time. The belt isn't used, but it is aged.
Any drivebelt, if taken off, should always be reinstalled in the same direction of rotation, but if you want to try and eliminate an annoying squeak, go against that rule. This may cause the belt to stretch slightly since the load will now be pulled in the opposite direction, but that usually won't cause a problem. It's akin to rotating the tires for an even wear pattern.