Project Formula - 1974 Pontiac Firebird

[PonchoJohn]

Ok, I'm going to attempt to update my '74 Pontiac Firebird Formula in the vast expanses of my garage- LOL!

I started a YouTube channel for my garage shenanigans- It's called Crawdaddy Customs. I'm going to be doing live action filming, and much more in depth coverage of my car build.

This is an intro video for Project Formula:

https://youtu.be/dSZ2Ef-mBi8

The first video for the build is up. It covers the unboxing, unwrapping, and parts layout of the Tanks, Inc. TM203-T Kit from Summit Racing. This is a fuel injection retrofit tank for 74-78 Firebirds and Camaros.
I also go through testing the sending unit with a Volt Ohm Meter(VOM), and the differences between a float and a "floatless" sending unit.

The first fuel tank video is here: https://youtu.be/jgHa6Wqqg1A


I hope you like it, and if you do, please subscribe! I'm going to be doing the install video as soon as the weather cooperates with me
Oh, yeah- This was the impetus for the whole thing: My first car- a 1976 455/4 spd. Trans Am. I built every aspect of that car at 18-20 years old. Sold it in 1993, and have regretted it ever since...

[PonchoJohn]

The 74 back in 2014

My son inspecting it-
And posing next to it....

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It's a W66 Red/Red Formula 400/TH400 car.
It's lead a strange life- when I got it, there was no motor/trans, but it had SBC clam shell mounts on the frame... and a bunch of 'speed' parts stickers all over the radiator support.
I quickly dispatched the SBC stuff and started prepping it to receive some proper Pontiac power again.

[PonchoJohn]

After some scrubbing w/ Simple Green...

[PonchoJohn]

Everyone was going crazy for US Mags Bandit rims because they look so similar to Rally II rims, but I wanted something different, so I grabbed the Rambler rims in an 18" size.
This was necessary to clear the braking system that you'll see shortly.

Had to have the silly shot of my pup- he's a little over a year in this pic

[PonchoJohn]

Forgot to post these: the Front end shot in April 2014, and the grungy crossmember... yuck!

[PonchoJohn]

Fitting the 18x9.5 for mock up... and the old 14 vs the 18.

[PonchoJohn]

Installed some new window seals... old vs. new

[PonchoJohn]

Many years ago, I was on NastyZ28.com and Pro-Touring.com and publicly commented on the similarity of the S10 and Corvette rear parking brake setup, and speculated that they could be used together as a hybrid. A gentleman who produces brake setups exchanged emails and PM's with me, and then he started marketing the rear conversion.
Well, since I know what is involved in making it work, I just gathered my own parts to allow a staggered, C6 Z51 Corvette rear caliper disc brake setup. I just need to measure and cut some brackets to space the caliper upward from the S10 backing plate.

I needed a lightweight, modern 4 WDB M/C, so this A/C Delco got the nod.

And finally, a rough mock up of the new C6 Z51 brakes on some CPP spindles, and an old vs. new rotor comparison.

[PonchoJohn]

Then life kicked me in the arse...
Someone stole my dog, the well went dry, the house foundation developed a massive crack that lifted the south side of the two story home!
Long story short, had to move :-/
I'm finally getting back on it...

[PonchoJohn]

So, here we are in 2018, and things are progressing... slowly....

My son getting down on the grinder... because the outdoor storage caused the frame to rust- no lovely grease dripping to protect it- LOL

[slimjim]

Good job with the build, video recording your progress is a neat touch also, I plan to do the same from here on out.

[instro84]

nice, always like the mid 70's bird had a 75 trans am years ago.

[PonchoJohn]

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Good job with the build, video recording your progress is a neat touch also, I plan to do the same from here on out.

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[PonchoJohn]

nice, always like the mid 70's bird had a 75 trans am years ago.

Yeah, I've always loved the 74-76 cars. This Formula is a new thing for me- I've always owned Trans Am's- (2) 76's, a 77, a 71, and an 88.

[PonchoJohn]

I'm using CPP C5 spindles, but have upgraded to C7 Corvette wheel bearings and ARP hardware.
When I mocked it up, I was still using the cheap C5 bearing-- don't do this!
Since you're converting your car from tapered rollers to a sealed (ball) bearing, you want it as strong as possible- I believe the C7 bearing will fill that spot.

[PonchoJohn]

275-40/18 vs 235-60/14 tire
Passenger side before vs. Driver side after

Also---
These are ET lugs (extended thread)- Notice how much more engagement you get! Use these, if at all possible!

[PonchoJohn]

More info on the S10/C6 Z51 hybrid rear brake setup- these are the parts I purchased, along with some size reference and proof of fit pics:

[69Goat]

Subscribed.

[69Goat]

My 74 TA is waiting for me to quit being lazy.

[PonchoJohn]

Right on!
I've been sidetracked lately w/ other people's projects... I hope to get back on this very soon- I should have another fuel tank video up pretty soon, too.