73 Firebird

[jp455]

Of course it cant be all good news. Damn. :( The engine had a leaking rear main...so to take care of that the pan and main caps had to come off to put in a new seal...and good thing we did! The bearings were totally shot. A bit more driving with the engine as is and it would have spun one for sure or worst. The last time I drove it I did notice the oil pressure went down some when I went around a long turn but I thought it was just low oil level since it hadn't happened before. Anyway...this gets me thinking even more. Keep the 455 or go with an LQ9? The 455 would just get a rebuild and keep the iron heads so nothing high powered or anything. On the other hand the LQ9 has all the usual LS advantages and its way cheaper! I'm not even going to ask for everyones opinion as I know the Pontiac/nonPontiac engine debate heats up pretty quick haha! So Im going to have to price things out and see...

[Later-A-body]

Pontiac vs LS.....Since I have that experience behind me, I vote LS.

[Later-A-body]

Pontiac vs LS.....Since I have that experience behind me, I vote LS.

Mainly from the fact that after agonizing over the Pontiac vs LS swap that most Pontiac guys are subject to from the hardcore Pontiac enthusiasts (which I have been for a long time), I have had such a positive experience with the LS7 that I can't see myself going back. Everything is better. The reliability, mileage, horsepower. I had a very high powered 455 in the GA. It put down 437 HP, and 457 TQ to the wheels on a conservative Mustang dyno, so I know what that kind of power feels like. The LS7 is better in every way, and it makes more power, but feels so much more driveable and less radical than the Pontiac was. Plus it doesn't leak from the dreaded rear main seal. I also lost 200 lbs. right over the nose of the car. Modern technology....it's worth the investment.

[jp455]

I hear you. No doubt gas mileage and weight are way beyond what a 455 offers...just that is reason enough to change over. Unfortunately the budget doesn't allow it now...but its the next project in the cards once this is done and I save up again.

[70Uglybird]

Pontiac vs LS.....Since I have that experience behind me, I vote LS.

LOL as the guy that bought your motor and is now finishing up an ls3 top end forged 6.0 to put in my bird ,I agree with you!

Cool car original poster!!! I've been in your shoes and have had lots of LS cars including a supercharged 5th gen SS and Tahoe I currently own. I'm going LS.... If you do decide to stick with Pontiac I have a forged 455 with ported heads and roller cam....

[jp455]

LOL as the guy that bought your motor and is now finishing up an ls3 top end forged 6.0 to put in my bird ,I agree with you!

Cool car original poster!!! I've been in your shoes and have had lots of LS cars including a supercharged 5th gen SS and Tahoe I currently own. I'm going LS.... If you do decide to stick with Pontiac I have a forged 455 with ported heads and roller cam....

Thanks! It's an older PT build ('95 for most things)...back when that type of part was much harder to find. So with all these cool parts now it's time for some upgrades!

Thanks for the engine offer. I already have a 455 so I'm just going to refurb the crank, put new bearings in it and a roller can and be done with it for now. Then it's off to LS land...

[jp455]

Next thing is wheels...Ive been slacking on getting them considering the brakes already arrived and the suspension is on its way! Im going for a set of the E/T LTIII...I think they look great on 2nd Gens, gives that vintage TransAm vibe but theyre still 18s. Its a big back and forth on many forums but looks like Im settling for 18x9 with 5.5" backspace and 18x10 with 6" backspace. As is the norm though with the BS topic Im not 100% clear if those numbers will work without rubbing...it seems like they should!

[jp455]

As I said brakes got here last week...and the rears are on! Looking good. Fronts have to wait until the Speedtech parts arrive...

[cdoggy81]

As for the BS I don't know much about a 9" on the front so I'm looking forward to seeing your results. Most common I have seen are 8" wheel with 4.5" of BS. I have seen wider like 10" but they were on aftermarket subframes.

For the rears on a stock setup (no mini tubs, offset rear leafs, IRS, etc.) 10" wide with a 5.5" BS (which can fit up to a 285 tire depending on mfg) is the most common I have seen there. Again, plenty have gone wider & bigger but it requires some work

What size & brand tires are you going with again?

Car is looking good too!