70 Formula 535

[Alponcho]

About a year ago I picked up a 70 Firebird Formula 400, 4-speed, gauges, non-A/C, carousel red, sandalwood interior. Cool car, fairly rust free, but NOM and rear end, and in rough condition, so I decided to use it as a platform for a build centered on an aftermarket aluminum Pontiac block that will displace 535ci, and a T56.

The car spent some time at a frame shop to make sure everything is straight and it has just come back from stripping and is in primer.

So far I've committed to the engine--most of the parts are in--it will be fuel injected. I also have suspension; DSE subframe set-up with single adjustable shocks, 4-link rear suspension, 9" rear end, tubs, etc.

Big ticket items I still need include transmission, brakes, and fuel tank.



My original idea was to maintain as much of the car's original vibe as possible. For example, I plan on going back to the original color scheme (or something close). The heads have been modified to look like "614" units that would have come on a RAIV car in 1970, and I have a custom intake that has been designed to fit under the stock Formula hood. I'm planning on painting the engine and heads the appropriate Pontiac Blue.

The trouble I'm running into now is deciding where to draw the line with originality--need to make decisions regarding many things: dash, gauges, wiring, interior, seats, trim, emblems, rear deck spoiler. Do I stick with original (most of which I already have) or go with newer/updated?