'69 Firebird

[Josh@Ridetech]

Hey guys,



I wanted to go ahead and start a new build thread so I can document the new build for myself and anyone else who cares to see it! I parted with my '79 Trans Am a couple of weeks ago (great car but I've always had a thing for earlier Firebirds, GTO's, etc...). I absolutely love the '69 Trans Am and this car is a super solid foundation to start on. It needs the ram air hood, fender vents, and spoiler to play the part but I'm extremely happy to have this car. I've learned alot over the years and can hopefully build a pretty slick car out of this. I have all kinds of ideas in my head... but for now, here's the car and what I'm starting with. Original Pontiac 350 is gone and replaced with a Chevy 350/350 combo which will be removed this winter. It runs and drives fairly well so the plan is to get suspension, brakes, and a new rear end in it. I'll get the engine/trans in when the winter comes around!

[dontlifttoshift]

That's awesome! I thought for sure you were making room for another Fox.

[Josh@Ridetech]

That's awesome! I thought for sure you were making room for another Fox.

Haha, there is a fox sitting next to this one in the garage

[Jk918]

Sweet looks super clean

[gscherer78ta]

Looks like a great start! Nice find and have fun with the build!

[garickman]

Nice project, looking forward to the build. Speaking of builds, did you guys ever finish that 67 Chevelle? I think it might have been for Bret's wife.

[Alponcho]

Very nice! Look forward to watching your progress.

[gto406]

Keeping an eye on this one, thanks for sharing Josh!

[Josh@Ridetech]

I haven't made a ton of progress lately (life's just been busy) but that's about to change. The actual car hasn't changed a ton other than the new wheels and tires, trimmed the quarter panel lips for a little more clearance, and got everything lined out on the new engine. I just brought the car into the shop last week. I'll be putting the full coilover suspension on here, subframe connectors, Wilwood brakes, and a Quick Performance 9". While it's here, I'm going to go ahead and pull the engine out before taking it back home. The lift is a huge time saver... I'll keep this updated .





The engine is a fresh LS1, milled PRC 2.5 heads, and a TSP MS4 cam. It should be a fairly fun setup :D.

[ryeguy2006a]

Great project!! It's so nice to be able to just do an engine swap or update the brakes and not having to worry about rust repair or interior work. Very nice foundation for a lot of upgrades.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Great project!! It's so nice to be able to just do an engine swap or update the brakes and not having to worry about rust repair or interior work. Very nice foundation for a lot of upgrades.

Thanks! I'm extremely happy that I'm starting with one that I don't have to worry about those with this car. It's not perfect but it's so much different than everything else I've started with!

[ryeguy2006a]

What frame connectors are you planning to run? I did the DSE connectors that recess into the floor pans and tie into the frame. I was very pleased with the fit and it really stiffened up the car. And if for some reason you are on the fence on engine mounts, just go ahead and do yourself a favor and get the Holley mounts and the 302-3 pan. It was so nice just bolting it in and it all just fit.

[Josh@Ridetech]

What frame connectors are you planning to run? I did the DSE connectors that recess into the floor pans and tie into the frame. I was very pleased with the fit and it really stiffened up the car. And if for some reason you are on the fence on engine mounts, just go ahead and do yourself a favor and get the Holley mounts and the 302-3 pan. It was so nice just bolting it in and it all just fit.

I've got our new bolt-in subframe connectors going in. I had them on my '79 Firebird and they were a tremendous change in the car. They don't hang super low and I don't have to cut into the floor so I'm happy!

I do have the 302-2 pan already. As far as engine mounts go, I ended up grabbing some of the ICT plates (to have some adjustment) and the Energy poly mounts. We've used this combo on several cars running our Tru-Turn and LS combon. It seems to work out well! I'll definitely be on here digging for info though, the 1st gen platform is one that I've never personally had so I may run into a few questions. Luckily, we've done a few of them here too so that helps! :D

[Josh@Ridetech]

I've made a little bit of headway with the car here at work. We've done mock up on a couple new pieces/tweaked a things for a little different geomtery. I can't let the cat out of the bag just yet but I'm loving the way everything is looking. The bottom side of the car was really clean to begin with so seeing the four link/coilovers, QP 9", and subframe connectors under it makes it even better .

I snapped the picture below when I pulled it outside after installing the front coilover kit (I'll post pictures of that install later). The four link went on after this picture so the rear ride height is a little lower.



Pictures of the rear install:

[ryeguy2006a]

Very nice update!! Really showcases the new parts.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very nice update!! Really showcases the new parts.

Thanks Ryan! I've got a ton of things that I'm ready to start on now that we've got all the info off of the car we needed here. I should be making progress on the drivetrain swap now!

[thumper877]

Excited to see what you have in store! You aren't kidding about the underside being clean.

[Alponcho]

Love it!

[68Formula]

Awesome build.

For reference how high your ceilings and which model Rotory Lift is that?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Excited to see what you have in store! You aren't kidding about the underside being clean.

Thanks! I feel like a I got lucky finding this car. I'm very happy with how the underside of the car is. Now just to do everything else!

Love it!

Thanks!!

Awesome build.

For reference how high your ceilings and which model Rotory Lift is that?

Thanks! I'm not entirely sure. This is the shop at work, I'll try and get some info for you.