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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Figured it was time for an update since some noteworthy things have occurred. Up until now I did change the valve cover gaskets and engineered a PCV system, so no more leaks and constantly adding oil. Oil pressure is more stable too, just wish I had felt up to it sooner. Though in self defense the previous owner siliconed cork gaskets into place and it was a total nightmare to straighten out, had it not been for that... Anyhow for recent events I refurbished the air cleaner assembly off a '79 C10 to use in lieu of the tiny open element filter, as it wasn't happy at all sucking in underhood air. Bought a Wix filter to use with it for now and ran ducting from the snorkel down to the front bumper, much happier now. The next thing to do is refurbish the shaker scoop I bought and either finding a shaker hood or cutting out mine. A few pictures:




I wish I had taken some before pictures of the air cleaner assembly, it looked like it had been sitting on the ocean floor for ages. Amazing what a wire brush, some rust stripper, and epoxy paint can do.