My Firebird build

[Jimmy Sean]

First off my name is Sean James and I’m introducing my project and starting a build thread. I bought my 1969 Firebird on October 1st, 2000.

It started off to be just a driver, get it running and drive until I get my Camaro done. I had it running in two days and then I started cleaning the engine and engine compartment. I thought I might as well blow the heads off and re-gasket the engine plus it makes it easier to clean. Well there were holes in two pistons, so I went out and bought a remanufactured Pontiac 350 short block, had the heads rebuilt and bought an Edelbrock intake. For the money I spent on it I should have bought a LS1. Oh well. Skip to today, second house and two more kids.

I have acquired many parts and I’m ready to just get it drivable. So my theme for this is JUST GET THE DANG THING RUNNING AND DRIVE IT! Also the budget is small (by small I mean try not to spend money frivolously and only on things that are necessary) considering I have four kids, house, wife and one income.

Here is the basic plan. Power will be from the Pontiac 350, 290-340 horsepower with 400 lb-ft of torque backed by a T-56. Later I will swap it out for a 5.3L LS out of a truck and add the turbos I already have.

Front suspension has the Guldstrand mod with hybrid 13” c4/c5 brakes and Z06 red calipers and hydroboost brake assist from Hydrotech. It also has hidden spring adjusters installed and poly urethane bushings that will be swapped for Delrin or equal after I start driving it. Steering box will be upgraded but I haven’t decided on what box to go with. Eventually I want to get the adjustable a-arms from SC&C.

For the rear it has 3” drop leaf springs and offset shackles from SpeedTech. 12 bolt out of a Chevelle with 4:10 gears and a posi. Later it will be converted to a coilovers and a torque arm setup. I need the back seat for the kids so that leaves out any 3-link. Brakes are from a LS1 Camaro with Z06 calipers.

Wheel and tires, Front 17x9.5 with 275/30-18 and the rears are 17x12 with 335/35-18. Front tires and wheels will be delivered today. I will hopefully post up some pictures tonight. They were cheap one piece wheels and I’m having the rears widened but they look a lot like the HRE 547.

Here are the wheels I bought.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/mbmesssmfang-1.jpg

Body and paint will be minimal for now but the plan is to shoot it in a flat or semi gloss dark green primer/sealer, nearly black with a lime green stripe.

My goal is to have it drivable in May for my birthday.

[Young Gun]

we need some pics of the car!!!! plans sound great though!

[dstryr]

Where did you get the wheels at and how much did they cost/

[dropit69]

hi and welcome i have a 69 bird in my garage also needs some loving though..sweet wheels must show where you got those me likey !!!!

[NOT A TA]

Sounds like a cool project. Especially GET THE DANG THING RUNNING AND DRIVE IT! My Firebird started as a get it running and drive project so I'd have something to drive while I finished up my 66 Mustang. That was back in the early 90's, and the Mustang's still in pieces !!! LOL

[Jimmy Sean]

Where did you get the wheels at and how much did they cost/


hi and welcome i have a 69 bird in my garage also needs some loving though..sweet wheels must show where you got those me likey !!!!


I bought them from Discount Tire Direct for $145 each. They come in 20mm and 35 mm offset. I'm very happy with the quality and cost. Most people that have seen them in person mentioned that they would have thought I spent $1500 for the set.

I will post up some pictures soon. I went to take some pictures and our camera was dead. It appears that it may have been dropped, the case was separated at the corner. I did take some with me Palm phone but I am having trouble finding the cable that connects to the computer so I can download them.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findWheelDetail.do?wd=18&c=1&pc=48662&rw=9.5&bp=5-120

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findWheelDetail.do?wd=18&c=1&pc=48657&rw=8&bp=5-120


I also bought some of these for the front. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250219916344&rd=1

I couldn't beat the price for that size of tire.

[derekf]

How much do those wheels weigh (wild guess is ok, they've got to be better than my Soft 8s)?

[Jimmy Sean]

I will weigh one tonight and post it up.

[Jimmy Sean]

How much do those wheels weigh (wild guess is ok, they've got to be better than my Soft 8s)?

According to my bathroom scale 27lbs.

[Fawkes]

Sounds like a cool project, and similar to my budget build. :)

If it were me, I'd bag the idea of spending too much building on the 350, and save the money for a proper Butler Poncho motor (see project Splitter). Way cooler than your run-of-the-mill LS motor, IMHO.

I had a nice 350 Pontiac built, but came to realize that for the money, I was better off selling it as-is, and buying a 400. So much more power for the $$$, and lots of room for expansion.

But, to each their own. You have to build it your way. Get some pics posted asap! :)

[GM_muscle]

nice wheels lets see some pics of the car. i have a 69 firebird that is waiting for its turn under the cutting tools

[derekf]

According to my bathroom scale 27lbs.Hrm. Thanks for weighing them -- but I would have thought they'd be lighter. Is that the bare rim, or did it have a tire on it?

[Jimmy Sean]

Hrm. Thanks for weighing them -- but I would have thought they'd be lighter. Is that the bare rim, or did it have a tire on it?

:pat: Bare rim. I'm ok with it, they were way cheap ($145 for a 18x9.5). If funds would of allowed I really would of bought some Foregline ZX3S, oh well maybe another day.

[Jimmy Sean]

Well I bought a camera over the weekend, a Canon PowerShot A720 IS. I post some pictures tonight for your viewing pleasure.

[Jimmy Sean]

Here are some pictures. First here are some hubs that I have. The left one is a two piece disk brake hub and the one on the right is a drum hub.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

This is the bracket I made for the disk brake conversion. you can also see the s10 bump stop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

C4 13" rotor and C5 caliper.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

With wheel and tire.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Jimmy Sean]

Here is the money shot.:lmao:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Front tire.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Here is a rear wheel that I had widened from 9.5" to 12" by WeldCraft Wheels, cost was $225 each wheel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

For fun, three of my kids. Titus, Destiny and Haley.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Roadrage David]

Vredestein tires disighend to protect you a dutch tire!!!!,

[Jimmy Sean]

Hear is one I really liked, Titus looking through the wheel register.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Jimmy Sean]

A few more of the back wheels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a shot of the hydroboost.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Jimmy Sean]

Hear is what I made too mate the T56 to the pontiac motor.
Adapter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Spacer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Modified Bellhousing to clear the starter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
The abonimation of a cross member that I made and I will be remaking.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[thunderzy]

WOW!! Sean, you just picked out the wheels for my 79 firebird project!! Thanks alot!! I was having trouble trying to decide what to get! Cant wait for more progress!!

[dstryr]

Did you have to run spacers for those rims?

Seems 20mm and 30mm is too small of a backspacing for a firebird.

i need 4.5" backspacing on the front and 5.5' backspacing in the rear.

[Jimmy Sean]

Did you have to run spacers for those rims?

Seems 20mm and 30mm is too small of a backspacing for a firebird.

i need 4.5" backspacing on the front and 5.5' backspacing in the rear.

They come in two widths 8" or 9.5" and two different offsets, 20 and 35. Which works out to be.....

18x8 20 offset = 5.29" backspace
18x8 35 offset = 5.88" backspace
18x9.5 20 offset = 6.04" backspace
18x9.5 35 offset = 6.63" backspace

I'm in the process of mini tubbing right now so for the rear I have not mounted them yet. The pictures of the wheel and tire on the front is without a spacer. The front hubs that I used changed the track width buy a 1/2" each side.

[Jimmy Sean]

Do you guys think I should grind the welds down on the back wheels that were widened or leave them?

[dstryr]

They come in two widths 8" or 9.5" and two different offsets, 20 and 35. Which works out to be.....

18x8 20 offset = 5.29" backspace
18x8 35 offset = 5.88" backspace
18x9.5 20 offset = 6.04" backspace
18x9.5 35 offset = 6.63" backspace

I'm in the process of mini tubbing right now so for the rear I have not mounted them yet. The pictures of the wheel and tire on the front is without a spacer. The front hubs that I used changed the track width buy a 1/2" each side.

Thanks a lot dude. I emailed Motorsport Technology last night for a quote on 1/2" wheel adapters and depending on what they give me as a quote I might be going with these rims. Something different from the TTII ya know?

Might as well just leave the welds...you wont see them after the tires are on ...

[Motown 454]

Wheels look awesome, How long did it take toget the wheels widened they look good?
Wayne

[Jimmy Sean]

Wheels look awesome, How long did it take toget the wheels widened they look good?
Wayne

Three weeks.

[69Bbird]

What is the hub you are using off?

[Jimmy Sean]

What is the hub you are using off?

Camaro, Firebird and Chevelle 2 peice disk brake rotor with the rotor removed. The factory rotor bolts onto the backside of the hub.

[69Bbird]

What year would that be? did'nt know they went to a two piece rotor?

[Jimmy Sean]

What year would that be? did'nt know they went to a two piece rotor?

I know 67 and 68 camaros with four piston calipers had them. My firebird (single piston calipers) had them and my 1971 chevelle had one that was. I thought that early 69 camaros may have had them. Hopefully someone that knows for sure will chime in.

[andrewb70]

Do you guys think I should grind the welds down on the back wheels that were widened or leave them?

Leave them alone.

Nice project!

Andrew

[Jimmy Sean]

Small update, I continued to work on the mini-tub. Here are a few pictures of the progress.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Hammered]

I know 67 and 68 camaros with four piston calipers had them. My firebird (single piston calipers) had them and my 1971 chevelle had one that was. I thought that early 69 camaros may have had them. Hopefully someone that knows for sure will chime in.

GM used them up through mid-1970 model year. The later one piece rotors were not backwards compatible with the 4-piston brakes.

[T_Raven]

hey Jimmy! any update on this thing?

[Motown 454]

Any new updates We need pictures.

[Jimmy Sean]

Noting much, I had to resurrect my daily driver.

I let my son take my driver (1994 Miata) to the Home coming football game and he wrecked it that night screwing around. Anyway I woke up that Saturday and the drivers rear wheel was toed out and there was grass wedged between the wheel and tire.:jawdrop: To add insult to injury I had to go ask him what happened. His story was that he turned off from a paved road onto gravel and didn't realize it was gravel and slid off in the ditch and hit a bolder. I don't believe him and he hasn't drove any of our vehicles since.

Had to replace the lower control arm bolts, lower control arm and the knuckle. So while I was in there I replaced the wheel bearings on both sides.

This past week I was busy with our church's vacation bible school, I ran the sound equipment, so no work this past week.

I think I have some pictures of the boom tubes I made, I will try and post those tonight. I finished up the drivers side minitube fab, still need to seam seal.

I hope to start working on it in the next week or so.

Thanks for the interest,
Sean

[Motown 454]

Sean as much as we'd like to shoot them for their Sci-fi account of what happened we're still glad they came home safe. I remember a few corker's I used ,they sounded believable to me back then. I hope you get to work on your project soon.

[T_Raven]

can't wait to see more. if i ever leave iraq i'll rip my 67 apart and start a thread. i've got an ls1/t56, and some c5/ls1 brakes i got off ebay. gotta stay here a while to get the money for the build though lol.....why couldn't i be addicted to something cheaper....like crack

[novanutcase]

Sean as much as we'd like to shoot them for their Sci-fi account of what happened we're still glad they came home safe. I remember a few corker's I used ,they sounded believable to me back then. I hope you get to work on your project soon.

LOL!!!!! Ahhhh yes!!!

I remember coming home, drunk out of my skull, and throwing up in the front yard. I grabbed the garden hose and tried to hose off the evidence. My dad came out and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was thirsty and wanted a drink of water!

BTW this was at 3 a.m.!:rotfl:

John

[Young Gun]

LOL!!!!! Ahhhh yes!!!

I remember coming home, drunk out of my skull, and throwing up in the front yard. I grabbed the garden hose and tried to hose off the evidence. My dad came out and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was thirsty and wanted a drink of water!

BTW this was at 3 a.m.!:rotfl:

John

I had a friend drive me home one morning, about 4 am, and I thought I made it home without being detected. About 10 minutes after I got home, my dad walked upstairs into my room, took my keys, and my license and cut my license in half, then walked out with my keys...I have not tried to sneak out since...not worth it haha

[SaturnVUEguy]

Man, my parents never busted me for coming home late. They were pretty easy on both my sister and me

[Jimmy Sean]

Wow it’s been a while. I got sidelined and remodeled our bathroom. I was supposed to do it before we moved into the house, that was seven years ago. I’ll attach some pictures of the before and after of the bathroom. I totally gutted it down to the studs, expanded and took the hall closet. I did all the work myself except for the taping and mudding. Well I got eczema really bad on my hands when I put the floor down. The thinset killed them, like a doof I didn’t were any gloves. So I have been battling that for two years and still have issues, so anyone that reading this, be sure to where gloves when working with the thinset.

Ok back to the firebird. I have been working a lot on it lately and have made some progress. The driver’s side mini-tub was finish before I started in on the bathroom. Recently I made (for free) and installed a DSE style cross member and started the passenger’s side mini-tub.

Here are few of the purchases I have made recently.
New gas tank – Rock Auto $97 Shipped
Megasquirt EFI DIY Kit – DIYAutoTune.com
In tank fuel pump PA_Series – Tanks Inc.
SS 2-1/2” Magna Flow Exhaust – Prodigy Customs, Thanks Frank.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/p9290249.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img823.imageshack.us/i/p9290251.jpg/)
Mold!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/p9290255.jpg/)

[Jimmy Sean]

Remodeled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img40.imageshack.us/i/paintmd.png/)
The shower
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/showera.png/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/vanityk.png/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/doord.png/)

[Jimmy Sean]

Progress has been slow. I have been working on the torque arm suspension. I also modified the front lower control arms to accept the Ridetech coil overs.

Control arm modification.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/frontcontrolarm.jpg/)

The rear lower control arm mount - front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/43/frontmountt.jpg/)

Rear Shock mounted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/rearshock.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/821/rearendo.jpg/)

Panhard Bar
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/panhardbar1.jpg/)

[Jimmy Sean]

So it’s been a long time but that is what happens when you don’t have money or time and life gets in the way. I have owned this car for 11 years and I recently told my wife that I wanted to get it drivable by my birthday in May 2015. Then my father-in-law called a few days later and wanted me to bring it down to Arkansas (from MO) for his birthday in late April. He also wanted to make sure I met that goal by helping me financially with it. What a blessing!

Some things have changed with the project since I last posted. I have two LS truck engines that I have acquired a 5.3L and a 6.0L that has some damage but I’m not sure what it is yet. I will be using the 5.3 instead of the Pontiac engine that was in it. Instead of fabricating a bunch of parts I have decided to buy parts that I can bolt on and speed up the progression. I want to focus on getting it running, get the under carriage painted and worry about the body after I get it road worthy. I’m tired of not being able to enjoy it.


Here is the initial list of large parts.

Hooker LS retro-fit adapter motor mount brackets
Hooker T-56 crossmember
Holley reto-fit oil pan
DSE subframe connectors
DSE Firewall fill plate
DSE Fuel pump access door kit
Ridetech tru turn
600 Steering box
Tanks Inc. Fuel injection tank
3/8” confer fuel lines
Matt’s Classic Bowtie Griffin Radiator combo
Classic Auto Air
Dakota digital VHX Gauges
Moser Axles

More to come…..

[Jimmy Sean]

I'm tired of the black subframe and want to do something different and felt inspiration from Mary's camaro and the Trans-am series race cars. I like the darker grey, it is darker than the picture shows.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.com/f/f0q4VK4Sj)

I was able to get the firewall fill plate installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_4705_zps8602ed81-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4705_zps8602ed81.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_4710_zps5d0c7b1c-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4710_zps5d0c7b1c.jpg.html)

Looks like I need to find somewhere else to host pictures but until then....

[lucky13firebird]

Hey, all that work will be worth it once you're rolling down the road with the windows down...

[Jimmy Sean]

Hey, all that work will be worth it once you're rolling down the road with the windows down...

I drive a wrecked 03 Taurus that was given to me so every day I day dream of grabbing my own gears in the bird, enjoying the smiles per mile and having some fun. It will be worth the wait.

[Jimmy Sean]

With a friends help I was able to get the drivers side subframe connector installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_4725_zpsd8c94bf4-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4725_zpsd8c94bf4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_4729_zps061afe5b-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4729_zps061afe5b.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_4732_zps54f0dd32-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4732_zps54f0dd32.jpg.html)

[Jimmy Sean]

Can someone explain what type of spacers go on either side of the coilover shock and where to get them?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_47262_zps1d311058-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4726-2_zps1d311058.jpg.html)

[Jimmy Sean]

Finished the passenger side subframe connector install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/IMG_0213_zps755d8344-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/IMG_0215_zps3c16027d-1.jpg

[Gil]

Can someone explain what type of spacers go on either side of the coilover shock and where to get them?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/IMG_47262_zps1d311058-1.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_4726-2_zps1d311058.jpg.html)

Hi Sean, nice work !

Not sure but may be something like this

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/art-90002044?seid=srese1&gclid=CLOWsYK42cACFeRj7Aod3HAAjQ

Gil

[Jimmy Sean]

I have been working on the firebird off and on over the past year but have not made much progress towards getting it back together. Both the 5.3L and 6.0L truck engines have broken rods. My father-in-law who has been helping me fund this project offered to buy another engine. We purchased a complete takeout engine, harness and computer from a 2009 G8 GT that had been wrecked. I had the computer flashed by Mike Norris and the harness reworked by John at Modern Vintage Systems.

Earlier this week we found out that he will not survive the cancer he has. He beat the cancer the first time but this time it is not treatable. Our relationship in the past was not all that great and I’ll leave it at that, in the past. The past few years though have been great and we have connected around this car. I hope that I can at the very least get it running so he can hear it and at best get it in a drive-able condition so that I can take him for a ride in it.

So the plan is to get it running as fast as I can and then focus on getting it in a drive-able state maybe not legal but drive-able.
I have order some parts this past week for reaching the goal of getting it running but still need to order the intake tube, headers and some misc. fittings for the fuel system. Then I’ll need to purchase a rear suspension system, hopefully the torque arm system from Speed Tech.

More updates to come.

[Jimmy Sean]

Here is the 5.3L's broken rod.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1561_zpsupsbxgrk-1.jpg

And the 6.0L broken rod and mangled crank.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1566_zpszwsfuelc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1565_zpsdzpabktq-1.jpg

The L76 from a wrecked 2009 G8 GT
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1609_zpspjivg0fv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1613_zpsbwydwdek-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

Test fit of the Holley A/C bracket and compressor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1644_zpsrmgfisix-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1645_zpscoc61esm-1.jpg

Checking the clearance from the alternator and the Holley motor mount bracket. Just enough to get the nut on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1614_zpsn5qq45by-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

A few weeks ago I was able to get some work done on the trunk.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1692_zpsvrb29jkn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1755_zpse8hhdnv9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1754_zpsy1yk1iyw-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_1714_zpsf06cwqt5-1.jpg

And this past two weeks I have been working on finishing the firewall and sanding the floorboard. I was able to get the firewall, floor and subframe painted last night. Very happy with how it turned out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_0471_zpsfskp31vv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/IMG_2421_zpsjnkdtnek-1.jpg

[cbpldc]

Sorry to hear about your FIL. You're making good progress! Your trunk will look nice when you're done too.

Chris

[Jimmy Sean]

I missed my goal by two days. My FIL passed away on January 28th and I got the motor running on Saturday the 30th. My wife and I had been caring for him 24/7 for the last five months and I had limited time to focus on the car.

I'll start with the older updates

Here I got the subframe paint (by my kids) and mounted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2557_zpsa9eac6ne-1.jpg

I took the top end off to swap the cam and remove the DOD.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2563_zpsbxjqkv9i-1.jpg

The engine has 145 thousand miles on it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2565_zpsxfzh3yzj-1.jpg

Dual Valve springs and titanium retainers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2567_zpspszzwtst-1.jpg

Modified the Passenger header to clear the Tru-Turn.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2571_zpsvolqe58s-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

Welded on reducing collectors onto the headers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2574_zpspdfplajp-1.jpg

LS7 Clutch Kit
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2595_zps6mhz3wbl-1.jpg

Engine and T56 mounted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2608_zpshwjvgios-1.jpg

Fuel Line whip from Tech AFX
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2620_zpszh64c9vb-1.jpg

Battery Mount
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2622_zps2emxeccf-1.jpg

Mounted the Tanks Inc gas tank, used electrical heat shrink in the straps.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2625_zpsfhtw7wnt-1.jpg

Trans mount and torques arm mount.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2626_zpsixfxwaqk-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

Fuel line
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2920_zpskoi33cs8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2924_zpsxrgiz2ef-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2925_zpsdqw1pzuo-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2926_zpsexlwzmaq-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2927_zpsb8bfszfp-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2928_zps2p4b3ogz-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2929_zpsxcjye9c9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2931_zpshomnhdpq-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2933_zpsbd2aaaaz-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2934_zpsdwrwokrh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2935_zps2vrt4zrr-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_2937_zpszy8kxyhl-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

I made my the battery cables. Bought the supplies from Polar Wire Products.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3002_zpspbhh5wmn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3003_zpsjqh2z1om-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3004_zpsjcvmfg7c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3005_zpsebi7em7s-1.jpg

Modified a DSE pedal mount to work with the G8 GT pedal
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3005_zpsebi7em7s-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3047_zps2mmc2q4x-1.jpg

Hurst Shifter and Twist Machine stick.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3041_zps7krmxa6n-1.jpg

Finishing the wiring for the ECU and fuel pump.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/IMG_3051_zpsyy3wh2wx-1.jpg

[Jimmy Sean]

Here is the start-up video. I have had this car for 16+ years and this is the first time it has ran since. The motor popped and had me concerned but I have since started it a few times and it seems all is well. Maybe it was learning?


http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_3069_zpsvmzztexr.mp4.html?sort=3&o=1

Here is my wife's reaction video.

http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/JimmySean71BBQ/media/Firebird/IMG_3070_zpsbmqz9rvg.mp4.html?sort=3&o=2

[NOT A TA]

Congrats on getting it fired up!

[Jimmy Sean]

Congrats on getting it fired up!

Thanks it was a great feeling.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Did you get our spacers for the coilovers? If not, give me a call and I'll make sure that you get the correct ones. Car looks great by the way!

[Jimmy Sean]

Did you get our spacers for the coilovers? If not, give me a call and I'll make sure that you get the correct ones. Car looks great by the way!

Yes I did. Thanks.

- - - Updated - - -

Here is a video of the engine idling.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/th_IMG_308720Rotated20Rotated_zpsbvvuuxr-1.mp4 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y398/JimmySean71BBQ/Firebird/IMG_3087%20Rotated%20Rotated_zpsbvvuuxry.mp4)


And one revving it up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/th_IMG_308820Rotated20Rotated_zpsqrhz1ia-1.mp4 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y398/JimmySean71BBQ/Firebird/IMG_3088%20Rotated%20Rotated_zpsqrhz1ia6.mp4)

[Jimmy Sean]

This past Saturday (2016/04/02) I was able to move the car on it's own power. This hasn't happened in over 16 years. The next goal is to get it road legal in the next four week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/th_IMG_3631_zpsalehdmg1-1.mp4 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y398/JimmySean71BBQ/Firebird/IMG_3631_zpsalehdmg1.mp4)

[Jimmy Sean]

A couple pics from when I pulled it out of the garage for the first time.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3619_zpsgv8oan5v-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3618_zpss5v0lfdt-1.jpg

And my two girls wanted to go for a ride.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3629_zpsdvasf3lp-1.jpg

That is no moon.... It's a Death Star shift knob.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3521_zpstluzpgne-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

Those wheels look good on the car. I think your thread was the first time I'd seen wheels widened, so they always come to mind when I think about wheel widening. Do you know what brand and model they are? I wonder if they still make them. I recently bought some Privat Legende wheels for my 69. 18x9.5, they look like the Kinesis wheels I really want, though darker grey, but they were only $600 so they'll do for now.

The ones you have look great for a cheap one piece wheel.

Edit: did a reverse image search. MB Motor Essen and they are discontinued. Too bad

[Jimmy Sean]

I was able to get the front clip hung back on and finish the exhaust.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3694_zpsvrzkd00t-1.jpg[/URL]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3696_zpszwg8nott-1.jpg[/URL]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3699_zpsl4ehmyha-1.jpg[/URL]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3690_zpsawpsylwr-1.jpg[/URL]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_3692_zpsypdigi9x-1.jpg[/URL]

[Gil]

Awwesome looking !
I love the rusty bucket look !
Very nice work
Gil

[Jimmy Sean]

Awwesome looking !
I love the rusty bucket look !
Very nice work
Gil

Thanks Gil. I think it'll stay like this for a while then I'll sand it down and primer it all white. Then it will be a year or two before I really dive into the body work.

[Gil]

Yeah ! Enjoy it with your gals, perfect as it is imo.
Gil

[rohrt]

Where the heck have I been. Sweet car. Don't paint it!

[Jimmy Sean]

Had the car Dyno tuned by Mike Norris yesterday. Could not be happier with how it turned out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/th_IMG_3876_zpsjfxup98f-1.mp4 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y398/JimmySean71BBQ/Firebird/IMG_3876_zpsjfxup98f.mp4)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/IMG_3881_zpsvubszvz0-1.jpg

[Josh@Ridetech]

Good numbers! Nice job man.

[Jimmy Sean]

Good numbers! Nice job man.


Thanks

[Jimmy Sean]

Had a friend shoot some pictures.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8162_fb_zpsw7w9kzt6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8206_fb_zpssgyeiudi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8271_fb_zpspzwz9qnd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8191_fb_zpswhltkdt3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8220_fb_zpsfhjtuyn8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8243_fb_zpskcuukvwa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8255_fb_zpsywmr7fve-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8268_fb_zpseuyfoy64-1.jpg

Had a guy approach me at a car show. Said he had a Hotwheel that looked like my car. It's his hobby to make Hotwheels that look like the cars at the shows he attends.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/3F0A8209_fb_zpssj2vanbi-1.jpg

[NOT A TA]

I really like the contrast of brand new and old & crusty. I'd be really tempted to leave the crusty parts crusty rather than primer it till you're ready to do the bodywork and paint it nice.

[Jimmy Sean]

I really like the contrast of brand new and old & crusty. I'd be really tempted to leave the crusty parts crusty rather than primer it till you're ready to do the bodywork and paint it nice.

After attending some local car shows and nearly everyone telling me not to paint it I've decided to leave it as is until I am ready to do all the body work and paint it. It gets a lot of attention like it is and if it was primered one color I doubt it would get as much. It's fun to watch people walk up to check it out and then be suprised by the motor and suspension.

[expensivehobby22]

Yeah, something about the rough look with new parts just works. Thumbs up!

[1965gp]

It's got a certain bad ass vibe to it.

[Jimmy Sean]

Yeah, something about the rough look with new parts just works. Thumbs up!

Thanks


It's got a certain bad ass vibe to it.

Thank you


Here is a small video my friend put together.
https://youtu.be/xqyix_4x5c8

[camarodude87]

Nice video! Are you running a Torque Arm? Great looking car! Love the look. Subbed!

[Jimmy Sean]

Nice video! Are you running a Torque Arm? Great looking car! Love the look. Subbed!

Yes, Speedtech's.

[Centerforce]

This car just oozes style! We love it!

[BanditDave]

Sean, loving your build man...you can enjoy it without worrying about a scratch here and there. Great job!

Where did you source your hardliners from for your fuel system, etc...I perused TechFX's website and couldn't find some -8an lines I would need for my field system...seeing if you could spare a few minutes to chat. I can direct message you on Facebook if that's easier?

Best,
Dave

[Jimmy Sean]

Sean, loving your build man...you can enjoy it without worrying about a scratch here and there. Great job!

Where did you source your hardliners from for your fuel system, etc...I perused TechFX's website and couldn't find some -8an lines I would need for my field system...seeing if you could spare a few minutes to chat. I can direct message you on Facebook if that's easier?

Best,
Dave

Thanks.

TechFX - I used their whip (QD Jumper Hose) to connect to the factory fuel rail. I used it because it clipped on like the factory fuel line does. They do have -8 BlackWrap Braided SS PTFE fuel line and fittings. At the fuel tank I used 910 PTFE Lined Aramid Braided Lightweight Racing Hose and fittings from Pegasus Auto Racing supplies. It's very flexible and easier to work with than the blackwrap braided stainless fuel line.

[GM_muscle]

i hope you are driving the wheels off that bad mother of a ride.

[Jimmy Sean]

i hope you are driving the wheels off that bad mother of a ride.

I might be! 8900 miles since May :6gears:

[Jimmy Sean]

I wanted to praise Ridetech, thank them publicly for outstanding customer service and in my eyes going above and beyond expectations!
This week I discovered I had a HQ Coilover fail on the rear of my car. The upper mount came off the shock shaft, luckily it all stayed in the car. I called Ridetech and spoke with John Johnson and made arrangements to send them the damaged shock. I was told they would either repair or replace the shock. Shipped it out and they received it on Wednesday morning, that same day they sent me a new shock. I couldn’t believe they handled it that quickly and on top of that at no cost. Keep in mind I bought my shocks back in 2011 but only got my car legal last May. My expectations were blown away as I was expecting to pay something to get it repaired/replaced.
Thank you Ridetech and Bret Voelkel for going above and beyond!

I was able to get my car back together last night, the ride is so much better now and I was able to do a little testing. 0-60MPH!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_0673_zpsqasjzqaa-1.jpg

[gator68428]

Just noticed this thread. Very cool all around. Love the Patina.
I noticed you started the thread back in 2008, wow I didn't know the forum has been around that long. I just discovered it a few years ago and am only just now starting my build thread--that I have almost the past 20 years to catch up on before the updates become current. Love the first gen Firebirds and the back stories with the car over the years. Now yours is getting fun now that you're driving it. I recommend autoX at some point!