I've been off the site for probably over 8yrs. Due to family, work and a over heating issue my Firebird has been sitting. For a while I'd run her a little, but she's been sitting for several yrs now, all the while I kept telling myself I was going to start soon. Well I've finally gotten her out of my shop and decided to bit the bullet and pay a shop to fix her. Was a good decision, what I thought were bad head gaskets, has turned into a complete engine rebuild$$$.... This is the first daylight it's seen in years...
David
Thank you, Going to be a bit before she's back on the road. Plan on getting a lot of needed work completed. Clean/restore lower engine compartment, Full brake job (rt rear completely locked up), repair factory AC and all fluids changed. That's after we get the engine rebuilt and back in. As of now I'm just rebuilding parts as i get them. BTW, has anyone else had trouble finding engine paint? Here's some before pics of misc pcs...
Quick update, we've finally decided on a machine shop we feel comfortable with to do everything correctly. I was surprised as how few "old school" shops are available in my area that are knowledgeable enough to trust. And after the sticker shock, all engine parts are being ordered. The engine was actually in pretty good condition, but... as everyone knows, it becomes.. well since your this far why not turn the crank.., or bore it...,etc... so it does become a bit of a rabbit hole. However, when finished, should be better than new.
Decided to go 30 over and go with a bigger cam, complete rebuild. Want to keep everything else with the stock/ numbers matching parts, so i'll keep restoring those pieces. At some point i'll have to clean up the engine compartment, mainly just any area i couldn't reach when the engine was in there.
If wanted, i can post pics as we get things accomplished.
BTW, not sure if this post should be moved, or if i should start a new one somewhere else. thanks, David
If you want, start a post in the 2nd gen showroom. You can post photos & progress all in the same post. Great for others needing motivation or ideas. if everything is all in one place.
Really like that 68..... my first 'bird was a 1968 coupe, purchased brand new. Glad to see you're back.
Seems like a lot of help available on carb issues... as long as it doesn't deteriorate into an debate over the merits of the Quadra-Jet . Some people really get passionate about that subject!
Thank you, and I'm with you on the way a thread can be highjacked.. lets hope not. My question is rather specific, so we'll see. Since the car is numbers matching and very good providence (ie. window sticker, build sheets, pro-tech o plate...) I really have no choice but to keep it all original. However otherwise, i'd have no issues with a holley spread bore. I find them easier, but that's probably because I'm just more familiar with them.
A forum community dedicated to Pontiac Firebird owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!