Project Dirty Bird

[Cdn Dave]

Forum members:

We're embarking on a 1969 firebird convertible pro tour build, the long and short of it is, we need help and advice! We (myself and friend / custom shop owner Nelson) also invite you to follow this build.



Background: my first car was a 1969 firebird (30 years ago) I still own the car, it is a true Pontiac, 428, KRE heads, 4 spd, black on black. I don't ever see getting too radical pro tour with her.


This car is a 1969 convertible, in good shape, I bought the car as a roller, with the full hotchkis suspension set-up and wilwood brakes, black with red guts. Pretty cool, right?


The Concept is to do a nice, budget minded build, largely stock exterior build, with a red deluxe interior. We will likely paint the car silver, with the TA wing, steel TA hood.(I know what you're thinking, with those above pics, matching black birds, sorry, one black car is enough!) This car will be driven, locally, cross country, etc. I’m all about Pontiacs, but plan to run a GM LS motor in this car.


The current parts bucket (thanks Gary!):

Low mile 2007 corvette LS2
GM performance parts ASA cam
New 4L70E RPM transmissions Level 5 Transmission
New Precision Industries Torque Converter
Mast Oil Pan
DBW vette gas pedal
Corvette fuel filter / regulator
Stainless works headers
Speartech wiring Harness and ECM

Planned parts / components (open to comments, feedback on these, also suggested suppliers):
Tanks inc ls fuel line kit, tank with straps and cap, fuel pump and sending unit
Entropy radiator with fans
Vintage air set up

So, round 1 of questions, to get us rolling (or close to running...) any help and advice much appreciated:

This ASA cam, are there any valve train upgrades suggested or needed when going to this cam, such as the rocker trunion bearing upgrade? Who has a good go-by one line to install this cam? (I looked, found a few threads, but could use another)
What engine motor mounts / trans cross member would you suggest? (The car has the stock subframe) what engine set back do I want / get with the given motor mounts / cross member?
Who do you recommend for an Aluminum drive shaft supplier? We do have a local shop, can an OEM one be modified?
The car has 8.5 GM 10 bolt, don't believe it is posi, we plan to build it, was planning to use the Tru test posi unit? Any others? What gears do you like with that tranny engine combo, 3:55 / 3:73 / 3:90? What brand gears?
Trunk mounted battery, what do you like for a nice, cost effective kit?
Starter manufacturer / supplier?

Other, longer term issues to sort out(and I'm sure there will be a lot more):
No plans for paddle shifters, I want a simple clean floor shifter, no plans for a console, what do you like, Shift works shifter / lokar / American shifter?
We'll likely use Dakota gauges, wish they had the TA stacked gauges (I am enquiring) we're also considering a custom dash panel.
We have a good local exhaust guy, use a kit such as pypes or custom? 2.5 or 3?


So another aspect of this build: 30 years ago this November, I ‘moved’ (ran away...) from home in Dallas, TX, in that black firebird coupe. 10 days later (and one rear end, front wheel bearing, and snow tires installed on center lines) I was in Vancouver, BC with my mom. I was 16, needless to say, a life-defining event, and quite the trip and adventure. The wife and I have talked about a commemorative trip, of course in the firebird. With a 500 hp Holley carbed, no overdrive beast, I suspect I would be alone for that ride . So hence the excuse to the wife for this build....


Lots to do, we're looking forward to getting going! Again, any insights, useful links, PMs, etc appreciated. Thanks for having a read.

[Motown 454]

Welcome ! Nice looking cars,and It sounds like a great project.