Highway Wonderland, Come on Catch Me If You Can Options

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Sammy Hagar references out of the way I figured I should do a project thread for my newly acquired Firebird. Since I already posted pictures in the Today I... thread I'll just post the one plus one of the engine for the time being.



For those that didn't see in the other thread it has a 4-bolt main 350 and TH-350 from a '69 Chevelle. The 350 has been bored .40 over, heads worked and shaved for 12:1 compression ratio, 3/4 cam, and Edelbrock 750cfm carburetor & intake. The transmission was also gone through and refreshed as well. The car also has new brakes and suspension, for whatever that's worth. Actually I'm surprised at how well it drives, sure it's no modern sports car but for a 70's muscle car I'm actually kind of impressed. Pretty much the bulk of what's needed is interior and exterior cosmetic work.

As far as plans I'd like to finish up the exterior and interior as I go. Then engine is sorted as far as I'm concerned, just needs some headers and a full exhaust done along with a new air cleaner setup as you can see. Oh, and hook up A/C again. I'll just get a compressor and brackets from a same year Camaro. Would like to upgrade the brakes and suspension along with converting to a manual one of these days. This will be a car I intend to keep for pretty much forever as I've always wanted one and it was/is one of my realistic dream cars, along with the Corvette. In the coming days I'll be touching up a few things here and there not really worth writing about, i.e. replacing bulbs and wipers etc... I'll have to get some exhaust videos this weekend when I have some time and help available. I think that pretty much covers everything. It does need some tires soon, so also trying to decide on what to do there. I can stay with 15's but get some snowflakes, get some 16's from the 3rd gen GTA, or get some 17's from Year One rather they be snowflakes or something else. I am heavily considering up-sizing to help with steering and handling feel, get ride of some of the sidewall flex...

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It really is, after setting it up and putting it into drive it surprised me the first time. It's just astounding how small things can make a huge difference, especially with not having a computer to bandage things on the go for you. I'd still like to do a multi-point EFI, but I don't really feel it's necessary as I'd be doing it more for efficiency than power. I'm excited to see how much better it gets just with the fresh plugs and wires, as it looks like what's on there was just scrounged up... I'll buy headers/exhaust and one of the cold air intakes here soon for it, and that should really help too. Definitely will keep an eye out for a 4th gen parts car, my thought process being the Miata will more or less cover buying one. I really like the idea of modernizing the transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis while keeping the old school motor.

It is fun, can be aggravating at times though. Mostly fixing previous owners' blunders, which is the most irritating... At the same time there's that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and knowing you're saving a car that otherwise might have slipped through the cracks. It also helps being a car I've always wanted. I just think they're a great looking car, and with the right touches here and there they really don't look dated at all. I've thought about it and part of me really likes the plain body with only having the spoiler, that and I love the fact it's a hardtop car. No leaks, stiffer body, and sleeker profile. I've already been told by numerous family members that if I ever go to sell it they're buying it. I think this is a car I'll keep forever though. Of course I really need to pick something up that's better on fuel, but now that it's sorted if I can get into the low 20's it won't be so bad.

I'd just like to have the medical exemption so that way I don't have to worry about it. I'd like to run 20% on the sides and back, then have the front done in 70-90% to cut glare from the sun and headlights.