1968 Firebird 400

[68400BIRD]

Thanks Guys. I just wish my car was at the same point as either of yours. Having a good friend who does powder coating has been a great big help.

[68400BIRD]

The next project on my list was to upgrade to bigger front brakes. I had already changed it over from drum to disc but now I wanted to go bigger. A couple of calls to Tobin at kore3.com solved the problem of what brake kit I was going to use. I started with locating some drum hubs.
I had a friend machine down the face of the hub so the rotor will fit on correctly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC07392-1.jpg
All cleaned up and I removed the seals,races,,bearings, and ran a chase down all of the threads. I know you see four of them. You only need two but it worked out better this way. And now I have an extra set.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC07395-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC07394-1.jpg
A little paint and new seals and bearings.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC07398-1.jpg
Then I took off the the old caliper mounting brackets and dust shields.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC07399-1.jpg
Another few weeks and I will have enough money saved up to buy the kit.

[LeighP]

Thats a cool set up....interested in seeing how the brakes go together.

[rohrt]

I like what you did with the ratchet shifter. I remember looking at doing that my self but the chrome on the ratchet shifter was really rusty.

The hubs look nice. What are your plans for the studs? Standard length?

[68400BIRD]

Thats a cool set up....interested in seeing how the brakes go together.

Thanks Leigh, I Can't wait until I can order the kit for Kore3. Tobin has been great to work with.

[68400BIRD]

I like what you did with the ratchet shifter. I remember looking at doing that my self but the chrome on the ratchet shifter was really rusty.

The hubs look nice. What are your plans for the studs? Standard length?


The shifter was a lot of work but I'm glad that I did it. I also cut another groove into the handle so I can use either the T-handle or a push button. I'm not sure what I'm going to use for studs yet. I have .30 worth of washers between the hub and rim. The Corvette rotor is .30 I'm not sure how much thread you need for it to be safe, I know I read some where if you have at least the thickness of the bolt in threads that the hold strength will not be any better than if the nut went pass the threads. Comments??

[Motown 454]

Nice job on the shifter, everything looks great. Those wheels look nice on there.

[Vicinity]

She's coming along nicely. I was curious about the steering arm setup you have, it doesn't look stock..

[68400BIRD]

Nice job on the shifter, everything looks great. Those wheels look nice on there.

Thanks Wayne!

[68400BIRD]

She's coming along nicely. I was curious about the steering arm setup you have, it doesn't look stock..

HMmmm, what looks different. Everything should be the correct besides the idler arm. I have a Camaro arm on the car. It will work if you use the Pontiac long branch manifolds. Otherwise it needs to be a curved arm to work with the stock manifolds or headers.

[ryeguy2006a]

Very nice, I just did the C5 brake upgrade on my 2nd gen. It is slightly different, but fundamentally the same. On a side note, I see that you are using a Vintage Air setup. I am curious, what are you doing about the two hose ends (one towards the rear of the pass. cylinder head and other on the timing cover) that come off the block for the stock heater box? I am doing the same thing, and was wondering how you were going to approach that?

[68400BIRD]

I don't have the Vintage air set up yet so I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the two hose connections. I'm either going to cap them off or connect them for the time being. Thanks for the compliments.

[68400BIRD]

The front brakes are slowly coming together. Nice heavy duty brackets.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07406-1.jpg
Kore 3 calipers. Nice and light.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07407-1.jpg
Old versus new rotor. I think I know which one will help stop the car quicker. LOL
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07403-1.jpg
All mounted up minus the pads. I like how they fill out the back of the rim.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07408-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07402-1.jpg
New PMD caps with custom made centering hub spacers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07413-1.jpg
Back side of PMD cap. I just need to add longer studs.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07412-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07414-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07411-1.jpg

[68400BIRD]

New master cylinder and adjustable prop valve. All matched up for my brake system.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07404-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07405-1.jpg
New front lines good for 3000 psi.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07410-1.jpg
The next project on the car will be a new posi unit and new gears.
THe car has a open carrier and 3:08 gears right now.
I hope the posi unit and 3:55 gears make a big difference.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07415-1.jpg
New KOYO bearings. Made in the USA by Timken. It seems that Timken sold their needle bearing business to KOYO.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07416-1.jpg
New gears.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07417-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Looking good...those spacers for the centre caps worked out nice!

[CliffS]

Looking great!

[68400BIRD]

Looking great!

Thanks, Love the new stance on your car.

[68400BIRD]

I installed new front hard and flex lines.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07421-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07420-1.jpg

I checked and double checked my pinion angle and then tacked it in place. I hope it's correct. LOL
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07430-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC07431-1.jpg

With the pinion angle set the rear could come back out and get it's new guts.
Bolted back in with my painted axels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07436-1.jpg
Black chrome powder coated rear cover.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07434-1.jpg
New rear brake lines installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07440-1.jpg
Rotors,calipers and QA1's installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07433-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07437-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07438-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC07439-1.jpg

[TheBandit]

Looking great! Sorry if i missed it above, but what are the specs on your front brakes? I can't wait to see this with the fenders back on. I love the wheels - if you ever change your mind and decide to sell them let me know!

[LeighP]

Looking real good! Very clean install.

[E.rodz]

Rob looks like you are still making progress. keep going you will have the car on the road again in no time. power tour ? maybe next year. keep it up.

[68400BIRD]

A little update. The car is running, but it has some exhaust leaks and I cannot get a firm brake pedal.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/th_M4H03786-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/?action=view&current=M4H03786.mp4)

[68400BIRD]

The brakes are a c5/c6 set up from KORE3. Rotors are around 13" in diameter. You use your stock drum hubs but they need to be machined down so the hat of the rotor can slide over them. I also added longer wheel studs. Talk to Tobin at Kore3 and he can help you.

[68400BIRD]

I hope to at least drive it to the Car Craft car show. It will be in primer but at least it should move and stop on it's own power.

[TheBandit]

Congratulations on getting it running! Sounds good in the video.

[LeighP]

Nice...sounds good!!!!

[qnitro]

I had to check your car out...I know Im doing the 90 day 1975 Trans am, and hopefully it will be pulled off.. But its funny, I have a 1968 Firebird Im doing next.. It already has a full 4 link airride set up.. I will definitely need your help :)

[68400BIRD]

I had to check your car out...I know Im doing the 90 day 1975 Trans am, and hopefully it will be pulled off.. But its funny, I have a 1968 Firebird Im doing next.. It already has a full 4 link airride set up.. I will definitely need your help :)

If you pull off the 90 day build it will be me who needs your help. LOL
I hope to start back on mine sometime this week.

[gordonr1973]

Looks really good and I am definitely saving this build for reference when I dig into mine later this winter.

Fantastic work!!

[68400BIRD]

Looks really good and I am definitely saving this build for reference when I dig into mine later this winter.

Fantastic work!!

Thanks, I started on the brakes again. Did a new bench bleed on the Wilwood master cylinder. Spent a few hours bleeding it off and on and tapping on the bottom to get all of the air out. Just when you think you are done a few more small bubbles come out. The rear CPP parking brake cables do not fit so I will have to buy custom made ones. I how ever did ratchet the parking brake assembly on the caliper by hand and that really firmed up the brake pedal. Doing a fresh bleed on the complete brake system. Intalled the rest of my PMD center caps. I might get a chance to drive it this week if the brakes work.

[blade]

Nice build, you are doing a great job. You have put in a lot of time and effort but it shows in the quality of work, this car is going to look great.

[Crestronwizard]

Hope you've been out driving. Looking good

[68400BIRD]

Not the greatest videos but I did drive it around the block. I made sure to stay close to the house and not go on any main roads. The brakes work good but are pretty loud with the drilled and vented rotors. I'm sure they will be more quiet once they get bedded in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/th_M4H03786-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/?action=view&current=M4H03786.mp4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/th_M4H04346-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/?action=view&current=M4H04346.mp4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/th_M4H04347-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/?action=view&current=M4H04347.mp4)

[Lenie]

Gotta be stoked getting to drive it. Congrats, long time coming.

[68400BIRD]

It was a great feeling to drive it down the road for the first time ever. This car has come along ways and still has aways to go.

[68400BIRD]

Made a little headway on my exhaust. My Pypes exhaust kit did not fit very well after the rear end. I tried twice to mount it starting from the back with no luck.

As you can see in this picture the hanger bracket is about as low as it can go on the rear of the seat hump.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/DSC07458-1.jpg

But the top of the pipe runs right into the frame rail. To lower this pipe to not hit the frame rail I would have my exhaust hanging about 5" below the floor pans. And the hanger bracket would no longer work.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/DSC07459-1.jpg
I figured since I needed to cut the pipes to make them shorter I would also angle them a little better. I was told that my bigger than stock tires were the main reason for the pipes not fitting correctly. Hmm high performance exhaust needs stock tires or it will not fit. LOL Seems a little ironic.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/DSC07460-1.jpg
Pipes both cut,welded, and reangled.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/DSC07467_zpsbfacd41f-1.jpg

Also got a chance to mount my back bumper. I want to put the whole car back together to make sure everything fits before it goes in for painting.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/DSC07468_zps6eb3f7a3-1.jpg

[Todd in Vancouver]

Just read the entire thread and what a great project. It's really exciting when you get to actually drive it down the road. When are you taking it for paint? Make sure you get a photocopy of their shop insurance before you take the car there :look:

[68400BIRD]

Just read the entire thread and what a great project. It's really exciting when you get to actually drive it down the road. When are you taking it for paint? Make sure you get a photocopy of their shop insurance before you take the car there :look:

That was a long read. Thanks for taking the time and for the compliments. I have this car appraised so I should be good. LOL I'm still at least one year away from paint. Family comes before the car.

[LeighP]

Looks like its coming together well. :)

[68400BIRD]

Thanks Leigh, I wish it was coming along as well as yours. How does it feel to drive it?

[68400BIRD]

I started with a blank DSE panel and mounted the stereo higher up in the dash.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/DSC07473_zpsd06e4266-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07473_zpsd06e4266.jpg.html)
I cut the panel to fit my new radio. Sand blasted and painted it low gloss black. I did not have an antennae so I had my I-Phone hooked up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/DSC07483_zps3ca9b921-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07483_zps3ca9b921.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC07486_zps16dba95b-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07486_zps16dba95b.jpg.html)
Installed an amp in the trunk using all existing holes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07484_zpsd04b7344-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07484_zpsd04b7344.jpg.html)

[68400BIRD]

Next I started on some of the projects that I was just dreading. The fit of the trim to body was horrible. Some was my fault (welding) and some was from the factory. My car started with a vinyl top so that might have been part of the problem.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07477_zpsb12405ee-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07477_zpsb12405ee.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07476_zps77af5e88-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07476_zps77af5e88.jpg.html)
Did a lot of cutting and grinding.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07497_zps77a0f5f5-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07497_zps77a0f5f5.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07498_zps9b0283ae-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07498_zps9b0283ae.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07499_zpsef4cba4e-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07499_zpsef4cba4e.jpg.html)
The trim fits much better now. I little filler or high build primer and it should be good.

[68400BIRD]

The front drivers fender needed a lower patch. I was going to make one but the inner brace was also in poor condition. The replacement panel came with both.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07137-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07137.jpg.html)
Inner brace.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07500_zpsf03a9a43-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07500_zpsf03a9a43.jpg.html)
New patch butt welded.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07493_zps7702e07c-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07493_zps7702e07c.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07495_zps6e4b60b7-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07495_zps6e4b60b7.jpg.html)
Inside of the fender.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07501_zpsb7622479-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07501_zpsb7622479.jpg.html)
New brace welded in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07502_zpsa2d5ed79-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07502_zpsa2d5ed79.jpg.html)
All done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07503_zps5328195c-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07503_zps5328195c.jpg.html)

[68400BIRD]

Had my front bumper re-chromed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07494_zps3df6a2c6-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07494_zps3df6a2c6.jpg.html)
New 400 emblem.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/DSC07496_zps5814a3c1-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC07496_zps5814a3c1.jpg.html)

[rickpaw]

Looking good Rob. I looked into having my bumper rechromed, and for the price to rechrome (in the NW at the time), I could have bought 3 new repros.

[gordonr1973]

Any more updates?

[68400BIRD]

Thanks for asking. I did more welding and massaging of gaps on the quarters to doors. But my camera quit working before I out it into paint jail/storage for the winter. I dropped it off at a friends house so I can do some jambing on it. And he said I could keep it there over the winter. I could not pass up the deal to get into a warm car and not scrape windows every morning. Just means I will have more to do come spring.

[68400BIRD]

Update time.
Trunk in paint.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00004_zps170317fe-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00004_zps170317fe.jpg.html)
Doors in paint.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00005_zpsffbdbf0f-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00005_zpsffbdbf0f.jpg.html)
Shell in paint.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00002_zps0a475b03-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00002_zps0a475b03.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00003_zps2843d8b1-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00003_zps2843d8b1.jpg.html)
Doors hung.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00006_zpsfd9ed7c3-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00006_zpsfd9ed7c3.jpg.html)
Front clip started.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00015_zpsd96f9593-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00015_zpsd96f9593.jpg.html)

[TheBandit]

That looks dynamite!

[FireBeater]

THAT THING IS SWEET! I like the blue and looks so sharp.

[LSXZ28]

Looks great!

[68400BIRD]

Thanks guys, I can't wait to get it back home this spring.

[E.rodz]

Congrats Rob looks like your still making progress! I love the color choice it looks great keep chipping away and we will see it at car craft ! keep up the good work!

[68400BIRD]

More progress.
Inner fenders all mounted, battery tray, lower fender extensions, and lower valance.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00019_zps613d4330-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00019_zps613d4330.jpg.html)
Drilled holes for 400 emblems and opened up the scoops.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00016_zps37dab223-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00016_zps37dab223.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00017_zpsf85c6489-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00017_zpsf85c6489.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DSC00018_zps4cb0fef5-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00018_zps4cb0fef5.jpg.html)

[68400BIRD]

Another couple of hours worth of work.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/DSC00021_zpsdd17dc02-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00021_zpsdd17dc02.jpg.html)

[68400BIRD]

Bolted on the back bumper, gas door, tail lights, 400 emblem, and side marker lights.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSC00030_zpsff8e1186-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00030_zpsff8e1186.jpg.html)
Front turn signals, and headliner. The headliner did not turn out as well as I was hoping. I might have to pull it off on the sides and try re-stretching it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSC00031_zps14f86d6c-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00031_zps14f86d6c.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSC00032_zps1ea2ecd4-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00032_zps1ea2ecd4.jpg.html)

[lucky13firebird]

wow, super nice, love the wheels and color. good job, way nice. I have the same wilwood adjustable prop valve and LOVE it. same c5 front brake setup too, but from cpp ( hate cpp btw). also USED to have the same rear brake hose, but it blew out when i hit a hard bump, so i switched to an inline tube piece that i prefer and have had no problems on the road with.

[Gil]

wow, super nice, love the wheels and color. good job, way nice.

X2

Your thread is a mine of good infos
Very nice work. Congratulations !
Gil

[68400BIRD]

Thanks Guys!!!
I hope to have some updates this weekend.
I have been working on the car but could not get it out of the garage for any pics.

[68400BIRD]

Cleaned it up and took some pics for insurance reasons.

Still working on getting the new trunk weather stripping to come down a little.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00036_zpsd30c78d6-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00036_zpsd30c78d6.jpg.html)

Re-plated front 400 bumper. New grills and powder coated front brackets.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00034_zps4122033b-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00034_zps4122033b.jpg.html)

Two front side shots.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00038_zps238fd3c4-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00038_zps238fd3c4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00039_zpse8b5299d-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00039_zpse8b5299d.jpg.html)

[lucky13firebird]

wow, man oh man I wish the body on mine looked like that. good job man

[68400BIRD]

Not perfect but good enough for a combo of aftermarket and original parts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00040_zps65620cc4-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00040_zps65620cc4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/DSC00042_zpse152ed24-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00042_zpse152ed24.jpg.html)
I did get the hood to sit a little lower on the drivers side.

[Gil]

Very nice !
I want the same wheels.
Moar piiics !
Gil

[gordonr1973]

Very nice!

[E.rodz]

Rob I looked at your car at car craft it looks great! good to see it is on the road! this is alot harder then anyone without kids could comprehend! nice job keep up the great work!

[68400BIRD]

Rob I looked at your car at car craft it looks great! good to see it is on the road! this is alot harder then anyone without kids could comprehend! nice job keep up the great work!


Thanks Eric. Yes, it is hard finding time to work on the car. I spent the last three weeks working on it from 9:00-12:00ish each night just to make it safe to drive to Car Craft.
It was a great feeling having a car their instead of riding in with a friend.

[68400BIRD]

Wow, it has been a long time since I have posted anything at all. Winter came real late in 2015 at least in Minnesota. I had a chance to keep driving it into November.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_1186_zpstkmzhzrt-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/IMG_1186_zpstkmzhzrt.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_1188_zpsrzyjwgjf-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/IMG_1188_zpsrzyjwgjf.jpg.html)
I drove the car all last summer. Only had one problem. I bought a new high flow thermostat and installed it right before a car show. I noticed the car running a little hot on the way back on Friday. I checked everything as soon as I got home. Nothing was leaking or boiling over. I had a laser temp reader and nothing was to hot. The following day it stuck closed a few miles from the car show. A hose blew and covered my whole car in anti-freeze. Some one stopped in a brand new Camaro and gave me a ride to Napa. I bought everything to get it moving again but did not have enough tools to change the t-stat. I limped it for three hours to get it into the car show. Changed out the t-stat and everything was great again.

With that being said I tore the upper end off for some upgrades.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/FB2_zpsgrf2drcb-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/FB2_zpsgrf2drcb.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/FB1_zps8p9wjh2k-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/FB1_zps8p9wjh2k.jpg.html)
I will be adding new to me big valve #62 heads with a bit of work done to them including some nice full roller rockers, ported and matched intake along with a Holley carb and a few other small new items.

[68400BIRD]

It's been a long time but rumor has it that my heads are done. Spring came about a month early this year so my stuff got pushed to the end of the line behind real paying jobs. LOL Decked, polished,ported,gaslet matched, valve job, hardened seats, new springs, vitron seals, and full roller rockers. I also had the intake runners polished and ported to the heads. The heads were already decked a lot so we also had to mill the intake for the correct angles so the gaskets would seal.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nice looking car!

[F-Body International]

Nice build! I'm happy to see someone else besides me doing a real Pontiac engine in their car. It seems as though everyone is hopping on the LS bandwagon these days.

[68400BIRD]

Nice build! I'm happy to see someone else besides me doing a real Pontiac engine in their car. It seems as though everyone is hopping on the LS bandwagon these days.
I agree 100%. I like the torque of the Pontiac motors. I'm trying to stay mostly old school. But, I will put an overdrive in it down the road along with EFI. But it will still look stock.

[Buryingthesun]

Car is looking great! I recommend looking into a good set of aluminum heads, But the #62 heads you are tossing on are great flowing heads.

[68400BIRD]

Car is looking great! I recommend looking into a good set of aluminum heads, But the #62 heads you are tossing on are great flowing heads.
These heads have more done to them than you can imagine. A good friend of mine who builds motors for a living through every trick that he knows at these heads. I spent all my spare time this last week bolting on the rebuilt heads and everything up from there. The intake which was ported/polished and gasket matched would not fit on the heads. It was hitting the valley pan in a few spots. I had to break out a small grinder and grind down the lower edge on the ports. I finished bolting everything up today. The same friend came over and set all the valve lash. Car started up on the first try. I was a very happy person today.

http://vid319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.B2E1A9D1-4510-47AC-9546-27B778F9BA62_zpsdylnz0mr.mp4

[68400BIRD]

A few pictures of the motor put back together.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/FB1_zpsl7nv3fiq-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/FB1_zpsl7nv3fiq.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/FB3_zpshvflgj8f-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/FB3_zpshvflgj8f.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/FB2_zpsnvpxwb7j-1.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/FB2_zpsnvpxwb7j.jpg.html)
Little video of the first drive after the upper rebuild
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/th_FB4_zps1pzc9uwg-1.mp4 (http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/FB4_zps1pzc9uwg.mp4)

[blade]

looks great!

[Dannnn]

Nice build! I'm happy to see someone else besides me doing a real Pontiac engine in their car. It seems as though everyone is hopping on the LS bandwagon these days.
x2
I seriously thought for a long time about replacing my '67 Firebird's 326 with an LS. I probably would have without any reservations if it were a Camaro. I know it's all GM but there's undeniably something unique about it being a Pontiac.

I feel lucky I found a 428 and then proceeded to go nuts with CNC ported Edelbrock heads, port matched performer manifold, hyd. roller cam, etc.. I'm pretty sure I would have more HP if I had put all that $$$ into an LS but with enough aftermarket speed equipment available now, I'm really happy with the Pontiac in a Pontiac choice.

[Donovan]

Great thread. Excellent work!

What color is that? Windward blue poly?

[rohrt]

Wow wish my engine compartment could stay looking that nice.

[68400BIRD]

Great thread. Excellent work!

What color is that? Windward blue poly?

It's 2006 Camaro Aqua Blue. It took me years to finally find that blue. I had a 2006 Camaro drive by me in a car show. I followed him by foot half way across the car show to figure out the paint code. The paint code was only offered for half of the year.

- - - Updated - - -


Wow wish my engine compartment could stay looking that nice.
That's what happens when you don't get to drive it very often. LOL

[Bennsb]

Wow! Nice job. Strange seeing you do all the things I have been knowing I'll have to do with mine. My rear seat is in the exact same condition yours was. It had a hole chewed through the front and a ton of nesting trash everywhere. I've got weld in that same corner. Amazing work, I know all that goes into it, haha! Can't wait until I get to drive mine around. Beautiful car.

[Dons67]

very nice - where did you get your air cleaner? i"ve been looking for one like that - was about to make one from a cake pan lol

[68400BIRD]

very nice - where did you get your air cleaner? i"ve been looking for one like that - was about to make one from a cake pan lol

Here is an ebay link. They are a little pricey.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-FIREBIRD-400-RAM-AIR-I-II-STEEL-SYSTEM-MADE-IN-USA-/111744028650?fits=Year%3A1968%7CModel%3AFirebird&hash=item1a04768fea:g:iM8AAOSwUuFWyomi&vxp=mtr

[68400BIRD]

Wow! Nice job. Strange seeing you do all the things I have been knowing I'll have to do with mine. My rear seat is in the exact same condition yours was. It had a hole chewed through the front and a ton of nesting trash everywhere. I've got weld in that same corner. Amazing work, I know all that goes into it, haha! Can't wait until I get to drive mine around. Beautiful car.
Thanks for the compliments I do appreciate them. Ask if you have any questions about my build and I will be glad to try and help.

[Dons67]

thanks!

didn't realize it was specific to the ram air hood - probably wouldn't work with a camaro cowl hood - cake pan it is - ha ha

[68400BIRD]

I guess it has been along time since I have posted on my own thread. Kids and family take up a lot of time but it is all worth it. I have been driving the car and just enjoying it.
I replaced the carburetor about two years ago with a Holley 750 to help with the hot starts. Solved that issue but now I have a little stutter off of the line. I had it looked at by a friend who builds high end race engines. Sounds like my converter is a little to tight. So, I had a 200-4R built for it last winter with a higher stall converter. This will replace my turbo 400 with a stock converter. I am still waiting on the computer from B&M to make the swap. I will wait until winter now as I do not want to tear the car down in the middle of summer. I also noticed about a 3/4" lean in the back of the car. I pulled the Landrum leafs out and replaced them with Hotchkis. I still have not put the car on the ground yet but I could see a difference in the two old leafs that I pulled out.

[Steve68]

Great build, color and wheels, plenty to learn about and change after its done!