73 Bird

[xplane]

Hi,

I have utilized your website for information for a while and would like to show you all my latest project. 1973 Firebird Formula my father purchased and restored a few years ago. He recently added a new toy to his collection and something had to go. The bird was on the chopping block, and I hated to see this very clean southern california car go. I purchased it and drove it home from Texas a month ago, and have since added a RideTech coilover kit, strongarms, 4-link, and front musclebar. I purchased GEN IV SFC, solid body bushings, and G-braces to stiffen the chassis, but have yet to install.

The future plans include installing a set of 540 HRE wheels i purchased from a forum member, and front and rear brakes from KORE3. I want to keep Pontiac power, yet lighten the package up with weight saving pieces up front. This will be a street car that will ocassionally see some track time. I work for NASA at Edwards AFB as a research aircraft maintenance technician, so Willow Springs is just down the road.

You have all been the inspiration to continue forward with my projects. I'm loooking forward to sharing my progress with you and maybe helping someone else in the process.5960659607

[paulgurley]

:cool: Awesome car do you have any more pics? What size are those wheels

[acegto]

Car looks great already. Tobin is great to work with(Kore3). Good luck.

[xplane]

Thanks for the compliment.

I purchased the wheels from RoninSoCal(great guy), they are 18". I am replacing the front 1.5" outer with a 2.5", to make it a 9" rim. The rear is a 9.5" According to my measurments this will allow me to tuck the wheels at this ride height. I actually ordered a replacement rear spring slightly softer the lower the rear a little.

I spoke with Tobin on the phone last week about options, and it was a very positive experience. I'm looking forward to doing business with him in the near future on several projects.

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[srh3trinity]

Looking forward to seeing those wheels on it. Great starting point.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Ugly wheels. Hate the car....

Haha! Just kidding Michael! Way to go brother! That car is clean clean clean. Can't wait to see it done and hear your diriving impressions when you get it all set up. Also curious how you're gonna keep it off Willow being so close...:lol:

[Later-A-body]

Wow, beautiful car. I have owned three of the '70-'73 Formula's. I love that era the best. Coincidentally, I run the same rims on my Pontiac (640R's) 18X8.5 / 18X10. Same design, just built a little heavier for SUV/Truck applications. They will look great on your car. It is very cool that you are so close to Willow Springs. I am hoping to get up there when my car is finished. Looking forward to following along with your progress on the car.
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[xplane]

Ron,

I have been driving the car quite a bit, dialing in the pinion angle, preload, and dampning settings. I cant believe it rides this nice at this ride height. I am a firm believer in RideTech.

I plan to draw from your project experience to steer me down the correct path!

[xplane]

Later-A-body,

I have been following your LS7 build and just love that body style. Did you sell the 455 shortblock?

What specifically drove you to abandon the Pontiac power for the LS based motor?

[Later-A-body]

I did. It was the only way to afford the LS7 build. What motor is in the Formula?

[xplane]

The car currently sports the original 350 motor, looking to step up to a 400 based stroker.

[Later-A-body]

If you have not picked a Pontiac builder yet, I would contact Dave at SD Performance. I used them for most of my Pontiac stuff. They are a great shop, and really know the Pontiac stuff best, plus just real good guys to work with.

[xplane]

Got it, thanks for the info.

[70Uglybird]

What an amazing start!! WOW...can't wait to see the wheels on it!

[xplane]

Thanks Bird, any pictures of yours?

[NOT A TA]

Very nice project! The short rear spoiler looks great on that car.

[LeighP]

That is a really good looking car.....the Camaro spoiler looks great on there (those D80 rear spoilers don't work great, apparently, but they look awesome...had one on my 70 RS/SS) I love the colour of the car.....can't recall seeing a Firebird quite that shade...nice.
I'll also be following your progress.....I have a thing for early 2nd gen Firebirds, lol.

Another Pontiac builder a bit closer to you than SD Performance is Ken Brewer at Pacific Performance Racing in San Pedro...good guy.
Stay the heck away from Rock and Roll Performance (Bruce Fulper)....do some internet searches if you'd care to know why.
I had my heads sent over to Australia from SD Performance and they are a work of art...great guys to deal with.

[xplane]

Thanks guys,

Love and have studied both your cars. I figured i would try the small Camaro spoiler and replace with the correct one if i didn't like it. It is kinda growing on me, although I realize it is not very effective.

That is the original color of the car, Valencia Gold. Although it looks more Orange than gold, it was mixed to the original code.

I will check out Pacific Performance Racing, thanks for the referral.

[Reckless]

Man, my favorite, 70-71-72-73 Formula. I am envious!

[LeighP]

Valencia Gold, eh? Its surprising, but I've seen quite a few original colours that have been mixed in new 2 pack paint systems that end up looking WAY better than the colours ever did when they were painted in acrylic. Its a great shade between orange and gold.

[twoformulas]

Nice car and I really dig the unique color. I love the early second gens!

[Later-A-body]

Ken at Pacific Performance does not build engines anymore. He built the 455 shortblock for me in 2007, but I spoke to him last year and he stated he wanted to concentrate more on selling parts. If your not already signed up on the Performace Years site, that would be a good place to go for all Pontiac needs. I still vote for SD Performance. I mail ordered everything from them.

[70Uglybird]

Thanks Bird, any pictures of yours?

Sure! Mine wasn't quite the clean start yours is :) Haven't updated the thread in awhile but the tranny is completely in with shifter. Its getting close to driveable again...

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?87286-1973-Firebird-Project&highlight=

[LeighP]

Ken at Pacific Performance does not build engines anymore. He built the 455 shortblock for me in 2007, but I spoke to him last year and he stated he wanted to concentrate more on selling parts. If your not already signed up on the Performace Years site, that would be a good place to go for all Pontiac needs. I still vote for SD Performance. I mail ordered everything from them.

I suppose it takes up a fair bit of time when you're a one man show...I guess Ken might want to do some racing rather than building other engines....lol.
Yeah, Dave at SD is really good to deal with.

[xplane]

Well it wasn't in fantastic shape when i picked it up in Ontario CA, the owners son was using it to drive to school. I shipped this car and my 68 GT back to Texas in 2009. My dad purchased the bird and a friend of mine bought my 68 GT. My dad did a nice job restoring the car(we used to do this together when I lived in Texas).
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My dad recently purchased another nice car and drove it back to Texas in March. He decided something had to go from his collection to make room, so we struck a deal on the Firebird.
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It's a G8 front / Holden UTE back with an LS2 and 6 speed auto, really fun vehicle to drive.

[xplane]

I have new HRE polished outters showing up tomorrow, so I should have the front rims reconfigured for a fit check.

[Jay71]

Second picture makes me think Rockford Files.

[ent72olds]

Damn that car is sweet! Stance is spot on and color is delicious!:yum:

[mikes70]

Where did you find that modern day elco? Sorry to get off topic, but i've never seen one here in the states and i will buy one if i can find one...

[mikes70]

Almost forgot, nice bird too!!!! Are the early 2nd gen birds rarer than the early 2nd gen camaros?

[xplane]

A place here in Southern California was doing the conversion, I understand they do not plan to do anymore. Last count was 10 of these in the US.

[mikes70]

Thanks for the info, one would have to fall into my lap though, we'll at least theres a chance LOL (i watched dumb and dumber last nite..."one in a million you'll end up with me...we'll there is still a chance...")

[LeighP]

Almost forgot, nice bird too!!!! Are the early 2nd gen birds rarer than the early 2nd gen camaros?

Yep...sure are....lots less Firebirds were built in the early days.

[mikes70]

Thought so. I love em both.

[cobragt]

Saw one of those G8 Utes in Georgia a couple years ago, Same color. Very cool.

[72blackbird]

Ken at Pacific Performance does not build engines anymore. He built the 455 shortblock for me in 2007, but I spoke to him last year and he stated he wanted to concentrate more on selling parts. If your not already signed up on the Performace Years site, that would be a good place to go for all Pontiac needs. I still vote for SD Performance. I mail ordered everything from them.

The last time I spoke to Ken at PPR he was still building engines on a limited basis- it's probably worth the he effort to give him a call to verfiy. But Dave Bischop at SD Performance definitely knows Pontiac engines and is the west coast source for CNC ported aluminum heads, so you won't go wrong there.

I do get all of parts for my Poncho builds from PPR, as well as get most of my machine work done through PPR's machine shop- I've had very good results over the past few years going with them, so I see no reason to change the formula. I'm planning to pick up my 455 shortblock from PPR soon, but I still don't know which route I will take with the heads and cam.

Geno

[xplane]

I picked up standard bore 72' 400 shortblock this past weekend, so i will at least take it to PPR and get it magged and looked over. The plan is to do a 461 stroker with this block down the road.

Next up is to get the KORE3 brakes front and rear and some rubber for the HRE's. Unfortunately it will be all bark and no bite till I can get into the drivetrain. At least I can drive the car and enjoy it the way it is.

I also picked up the OEM rear spoiler, as I'm not really sold on the Camaro spoiler. I have left over paint so will at least finish fit and paint in case I decide to go that direction.

Thanks for all the recommendations, much appreciated!

[bonecrrusher]

How the hell did you get a a Ute over here?

[xplane]

How the hell did you get a a Ute over here?


A place here in Southern California was doing the conversion, I understand they do not plan to do anymore. Last count was 10 of these in the US.

The back half is from a UTE, the front is US G8. 4" longer wheelbase, otherwise 2009 G8 drivetrain. I haven't driven a modern performance car for a while, but this thing is a blast to drive!

[Rick D]

Very nice build, and love the wheels! Thanks for the info on the wheels!

[xplane]

No problem, I hope it works out for you.

[xplane]

Couple of new pictures tonight, hope the next updates will be with the HRE wheels...
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[Ron.in.SoCal]

Couple of new pictures tonight, hope the next updates will be with the HRE wheels...


IN for the pics :thumbsupMichael: :)

[Angelo]

Love 70-73. My dad bought one new in 70 and i am thinking of looking for one as my next project. Yours looks fantastic. Excited to see where you go from here. Enjoy the ride.

[tazzz25906112]

I picked up standard bore 72' 400 shortblock this past weekend, so i will at least take it to PPR and get it magged and looked over. The plan is to do a 461 stroker with this block down the road.

Next up is to get the KORE3 brakes front and rear and some rubber for the HRE's. Unfortunately it will be all bark and no bite till I can get into the drivetrain. At least I can drive the car and enjoy it the way it is.

I also picked up the OEM rear spoiler, as I'm not really sold on the Camaro spoiler. I have left over paint so will at least finish fit and paint in case I decide to go that direction.

Thanks for all the recommendations, much appreciated!


Hope the 400 block checks out fine for you as the 461's are very cool motors for PT cars when you stay with the Poncho drive line..... If you find out that the block isn't all good,,,,, I have a complete carp to pan 461 and a set of headers for a 73 that I just pulled from my WarPath Light build (trying out a 475 stroked CV-1 motor in the car) and would sell youthst 461 for 5,000USD including headers.... That is a motor carb to pan with KRE heads, pacific performance intake and pump gas all included for that price at my door in Toronto.... If you're not in a panic for the motor, it sounds like I'll be out in SoCal for an American Street Car event this Oct all things equal as well....
[email protected]

[xplane]

I will get in contact with you Albert, Thanks!

[OLDFLM]

Stock 3-piece spoiler is the way to go! Consider a 440 stroker... check out the bore/stroke ratio!

[xplane]

OEM spoiler i bought shows up today, so will be fitting and prepping for paint.

I reconfigured the front HRE wheels and should have two Nitto's (front and rear) for test fit tomorrow. It's gonna be tight up front, I might have to raise the front ride height a bit.

I have been reseaching the various stroker combo's for poncho's and they have resonalble rod/stroke ratios especially for high torque low RPM street combinations.

BTW, I love your bird OLDFLM! I see they don't make the tire sizes you used anymore.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Hope the 400 block checks out fine for you as the 461's are very cool motors for PT cars when you stay with the Poncho drive line..... If you find out that the block isn't all good,,,,, I have a complete carp to pan 461 and a set of headers for a 73 that I just pulled from my WarPath Light build (trying out a 475 stroked CV-1 motor in the car) and would sell youthst 461 for 5,000USD including headers.... That is a motor carb to pan with KRE heads, pacific performance intake and pump gas all included for that price at my door in Toronto.... If you're not in a panic for the motor, it sounds like I'll be out in SoCal for an American Street Car event this Oct all things equal as well....
[email protected]

It'll be great to see you again Crazy, buy let's not gloss over this comment :D

[xplane]

Keen eye Ron, I don't see that on the schedule. Maybe Albert meant OUSCI in Nov?

[LeighP]

Damn, that is such a good looking car!!!!!

[xplane]

Thanks Leigh!

I recieved and inspected the OEM rear spoiler yesterday, and it's in great shape. If I wasn't headed to Vegas this weekend I would have it painted.

I should also have tires on the porch this afternoon and plan to have them mounted this evening. I should get some pictures posted tonight.

[xplane]

Mounted the Nitto's and took some pictures tonight.

I could not test fit the front rim because the OD on the factory brake rotor hub is to large for the HRE center bore ID. I need to get KORE3 brakes on order.

Enjoy...

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[454bug]

Car looks great with the new wheels and tires! :1st:

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Car looks great with the new wheels and tires! :1st:

x2!!! :cheers:

[LeighP]

Nice choice!

[xplane]

Went with Nitto 555 265/35-18 front and 285/35-18 rear. These are mounted on 9" front and 9.5" rear wheels. Backspace on these are 6" front and 5.5" rear. I might need a thin spacer in the front to get the wheel placement I'm looking for.

[regal454]

Awesome!!!!!

[BCHALK22]

the wheels look bad ass might add to my list in black.

[ryeguy2006a]

Love the new rims, If you get tired of them I will take them off your hands. Really nice car.

[xplane]

Thanks everybody, now I just need to come up with a couple grand for the brakes.

What do you guys think about the rear spoiler? Keep the Camaro spoiler or install the correct factory spoiler?

[68byrd]

My vote is for the firebird spoiler. Otherwise, the car looks great!

[LeighP]

Aesthetics aside, the D88 Camaro spoiler basically doesn't work. It looks good, but thats the reason that Chevy moved quickly to adopt the Firebird's rear spoiler as a COPO option (with different end caps), then later as the regular spoiler option. The Firebird spoiler was wind tunnel designed...it works. I hope you've got the early version...70-78...the end caps look better than the 79-81 versions (centre section is common 70-81 Firebird or Camaro).

[xplane]

Leigh,

I have the early end caps, but not the correct 70-73 versions. My understanding is the early ones have a flat bottom and the 74-78 have a pointed bottom, is this correct? This is from research I have done on the web and resto books. I am not hung up on the small difference between the two as this is car is nothing desirable.

I will post some pictures when I get home next week.

So by my count that's 3 votes for the factory Pontiac spoiler.

[xplane]

Car looks great with the new wheels and tires! :1st:

454bug have spent many summers near you at Elington field collecting data with the NASA ER-2. I live in the Mojave desert but damn it gets hot there. You do some fantastic metal work!

[MrQuick]

looks great, the camaro spoiler looks smooth and it goes with the body a bit better than the wrap around f bird version.

[Later-A-body]

I would vote for the factory rear spoiler.

[yellow1098Greg]

Car looks Awsome....love the wheels....what suspension setup are you using to get that Awsome ride height?? Looks perfect

[WS6]

Wheels look great! I prefer the larger rear spoilers on the 2nd gen Fbodies so I'd say go back to the OEM firebird and not the Camaro short spoiler that's on there now.

[xplane]

So that's 5 for the factory spoiler and one for the current setup...

[xplane]

Car looks Awsome....love the wheels....what suspension setup are you using to get that Awsome ride height?? Looks perfect

Thanks

Ride Tech coil over setup front and rear. I need to get the brake, wheel, and tire package finished and then dial in the ride height and suspension settings.

[xplane]

I have other long term projects that will require more time, attention, and $ to complete. I would like to backwards engineer this project with the visual cues first. Keep it drivible and enjoy the car, have something to keep my head in the game of moving forward with the more complicated projects.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Wow that is a great looking car,love those hre wheels on it!!! :twothumbs

[LeighP]

Leigh,

I have the early end caps, but not the correct 70-73 versions. My understanding is the early ones have a flat bottom and the 74-78 have a pointed bottom, is this correct? This is from research I have done on the web and resto books. I am not hung up on the small difference between the two as this is car is nothing desirable.

I will post some pictures when I get home next week.

So by my count that's 3 votes for the factory Pontiac spoiler.

Not even sure the 73's got those early, slightly shorter ends or not....I know the real early cars did. I believe you can shorten the pointer ones down a bit to resemble the shorter ones...truth is, unless they're side by side ,I'm not sure most people could even tell the difference.

But you're wrong on one count....your car is VERY desirable!!!!!! lol.

[xplane]

I prefer to have a clean example of the bodystyle I am looking for which is plain jane and not a sought after power train or package. I don't feel bad about modifying or not having the hard to find high dollar parts which make it correct. At some point I will post pictures of the other projects I am working on.

I will get the OEM spoiler ready for paint and install it in the next few weeks. My dad ordered and painted the Camaro spoiler, and we installed it when I flew down to drive the car home. He liked the looks of it, but I don't think he will be to upset with the factory setup. It just looked like it lacked something when it had no rear spoiler.

After mounting and test fitting the tires I am pleased with the results, so I ordered the other two. Great deal thru Discount Tire online, all four were free shipping and a free $50 visa card for the purchase of Nitto's.

[xplane]

I had an offer for a short article on PowerTV, check it out.

http://www.streetlegaltv.com/news/a-very-clean-firebird-gets-to-stay-in-the-family/

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Way to go Bro! :cheers:

[xplane]

I finally ironed out all the options with Tobin (KORE3) on the brakes, I should have everything next week. I am very happy with the service he has provided so far, a really first class guy to deal with.

I ended up going with the 325mm/305mm kits with C6 calipers and upgraded rotors. I could have gone up one size on the rotors (340mm/330mm), but really didn't see the need. This kit should be a dramatic improvement over the factory disk/drum setup. I plan to go hardcore on the 70' Boss trackcar i'm building, but keep the bird a pretty mild streetcar.

[cdoggy81]

Nice ride!

[Trans]

Man this little yellow bird has a great color combo and im not really a fan of orange.I dont know if i like the original or new wheels better?

[xplane]

After a busy 2012 at work I got the front C6 brakes installed today, which allowed me to finally get the front wheels mounted. Need to get the rear brakes installed and move to the next stage.

Thanks Kore3 for a well developed brake package!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/P1020325e_zps7c828f6b-1.jpg

[72blackbird]

xplane,
Your Formie is looking good with the HRE's- love the ride height. Any pics of the Kore3 install?

Geno

[mario65]

Love the color and the rims. Any chance you can go with a Pontiac rear spoiler. Don't get mad at me...I am a bird fan.... that Chevy fin just looks like a mole on that beautiful car.

[Zedzag]

Beautiful car!

[xplane]

xplane,
Your Formie is looking good with the HRE's- love the ride height. Any pics of the Kore3 install?

Geno

Spindle cut, drilled, and tapped for adaptor bracket. Baer bumpsteer kit not installed yet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/P1020307e_zps1abe7461-1.jpg

I will take some more pictures next time I have a front wheel off. I am doing some machine work to Kore3 billet center caps before I install them, standard dust caps are currently installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/P1020314e_zpse5aa5590-1.jpg

[xplane]

Love the color and the rims. Any chance you can go with a Pontiac rear spoiler. Don't get mad at me...I am a bird fan.... that Chevy fin just looks like a mole on that beautiful car.

I have a perfect OEM rear spoiler that will be going on, just needs paint.


Beautiful car!

Thanks!

[ryeguy2006a]

The car looks great. What are you going to run for the rear brakes?

[xplane]

KORE3 upgraded 325mm front and 305mm rear rotors and C6 calipers.

[xplane]

Rear brakes went on yesterday without issue. I need to reroute the brake lines on the rearend housing away from the upper suspension links to finish up.

Also gonna work on rolling the fender lips for additional clearance.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/P1020341e_zps421002b3-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

What are the specs on your wheels? Width and backspacing?

[Tincup]

Nice looking bird....

[cpd004]

Any updates?

[octaneracer]

what is the front wheel, size/offset/tire size for this factory formula?

[BlueBird455]

Love the color and the rims. Any chance you can go with a Pontiac rear spoiler. Don't get mad at me...I am a bird fan.... that Chevy fin just looks like a mole on that beautiful car.

I agree less Chevy more Pontiac.