Highway Wonderland, Come on Catch Me If You Can Options

[Box]

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...

[Box]

First noteworthy update in awhile. Was going to install a PCV system instead of the breathers, but whatever valve covers(look like Mr. Gasket) are on it now the holes are too big for the PCV grommet. So will have to figure something out there, or buy new covers that're OEM style but just taller. The thermostat that was in there was a 180º surprisingly, but it looked to be pretty old... So I threw in the 195º and a new gasket along with replacing the radiator cap. Then I replaced the spark plugs and wires. I don't know what the Hell, but the spark plugs that were in there were so old the body where the socket fits over were rusted...that and they were so fouled and worn I'm surprised it ran as well as it did. Not to mention one didn't even match the rest of them... Also new 8.5mm magnetic core wires to top it off. Needless to say it runs much smoother and I'm not choking from the smell of raw fuel being dumped out of the exhaust. Now it just smells like old car, which is fine. The only other thing is I replaced the original fuel cap as I figured it probably needed it anyway. The only thing now is to reset the idle speed and choke speed, but it ended up taking longer than it should have. The number 6 plug is a bit of a pain to get to thanks to the A/C condenser, but with enough cursing and arm twisting you get it eventually. Definitely was easier to change the plugs on my brother's with the 301. The next thing to do will be to replace the transmission filter and pan gasket, along with adjusting the shift cable. That and the oil and filter, perhaps the oil pan gasket.