1977 Firebird Project

[Project77]

Hello all! I've been lurking here a while, getting up to speed on how to improve my Firebird. This year I've finally made some major progress!



What is it?

A 1977 Firebird Esprit with the stock Oldsmobile 350 and TH350 auto transmission.

What's the purpose of the car?

A fun daily driver with decent power that handles and looks great.

What have you done so far?

Installed a Hotchkis Stage 2 TVS with 2" drop suspension kit. Rebuilt the steering with the Hotchkis power steering kit. Replaced the tired original Quadrajet carb with a brand new one. Replaced the cracked exhaust manifolds and added a fresh cat-back dual exhaust with a Magnaflow cat, Texas TA mufflers and original split exhaust tips.

What's next?



Originally I was going to upgrade to 17x9 Year One Snowflakes, but upon doing more research I've decided to go larger for better tire and brake selection. I'm eyeing US Mags Bandit wheels, 18x8 in the front and 18x9 in the back. Right now Nitto 555 tires are first choice since this is a daily driver and not a track car. 245/45 up front and 275/40 in the back.

What's the plan for future upgrades?

Wilwood brakes, new rear end with quicker gears and posi, GM E-rod crate engine with auto transmission, Jetstream blue paint and fresh interior… more to come!

Suggestions and tips from experienced 2ng gen F-Body folks are always welcome!

[Project77]

Making progress! Now I have to find out what springs to use to raise my ride height to fit 255/40/18 in the front and 275/40/18 in the back. The Hotchkis "Small Block" springs are way too low for wider tires and the horrible streets of Los Angeles.

[FireBeater]

Making progress! Now I have to find out what springs to use to raise my ride height to fit 255/40/18 in the front and 275/40/18 in the back. The Hotchkis "Small Block" springs are way too low for wider tires and the horrible streets of Los Angeles.

Nice Wheels! They will look good on the Bird!

[Chadman27]

I like those rims, reminds me of Rally II's

[Project77]

Thanks, that's why I picked them. Even though I'm adding modern technology I still want the classic vibe. I was gonna go snowflake but wanted to be true to what my Bird is. That's why it's not gonna get a T/A or Formula makeover either.

[72blackbird]

Nice to see you here Brian. I would have bought the same rims before I told you about them if I didn't get ambitious and want 18 x10s- the cast 18 x 9 US Mag Bandits are a killer deal.

Geno

[Project77]

It's your fault I even know about these rims Geno!

[qnitro]

Love seeing the birds... Im working on several of them

[Project77]

Oh, I'm following all your builds Kevin!

[Chadman27]

Haha, I just realized that you had the new rims next to the rally IIs on the car... See I didn't even notice it before, they look that good

[tonykim]

I would do a shift kit in the TH350 and look for a cheap and quick way to improve your gear ratio. You didn't mention what axle ratio you currently have but I'm guessing 2.41. I bought a 3.08 posi out of a boneyard for $100 and it really woke the car up. Those were the days before Craigslist. A few years back I bought a 3.73 posi with aftermarket axles and richmond gears for $250 (I got lucky).

If the olds engine you have still runs pretty well (aka good compression and not too many miles) consider keeping it for a while vs. dumping all the money on the E-rod crate engine plus the cost of installing an LS engine. I think edelbrock performer intakes are smog legal in california and there probably is a long or midlength hedder that is as well.

Instead of ditching the hotchkis springs try the 245/45 tire first. I think it will fit. My 78 firebird is lowered at least that much and i have been running 265/50-15s since the mid 1980s and am making the switch to 17x8 and 245/45s.

To me I think you need sharper shifts, more gearing for cheap and a better stance with tires/wheels and you will be very happy.

[Project77]

Tony, thanks for chiming in with some good ideas! The 350 Olds has good compression and runs strong. I drive this car back and forth to work everyday and it has been reliable since replacing the original alternator and starter. I plan on keeping it as long as I can with my eye on the E-Rod further down the road.

Before I swap out the Hotchkis springs I'll see how much I can do with the spacers up front and blocks in the back. That might be enough to keep from any rub. If not I still have a fresh set of stock front springs that I never installed when I first bought the Bird. My stock height leaf springs may still be at my friends house too. It's a cheap way to at least get the new rims and tires on the beast!

I'll be exploring your other suggestions. Thanks again!!!

[72blackbird]

It's your fault I even know about these rims Geno!

No worries Brian! 275/40R18's on 18 x 9's wouldn't be wide enough for my Bird, at least in the back- as wide as those tires are I don't think they'll be much of a match for my 455 once it's in. US Mags makes a 2-piece forged version of the Bandit in a 18 x 10, but at $590/ea. I'd rather spend the money on something else.

I guess you won't know how the new wheels and tires interact with the car until they're on and you drive it on all of the roads you normally drive. Occasional rubbing is part of the fitment process, especially with a new set up.

Good to hear your original 350 Olds is still running strong- these engines are probably one of the few non-Pontiac V-8s that run well enough to keep.

Geno

[Project77]

Looks like some new springs and inner fender lip trimming is in order! I'm gonna do some test fitting this weekend to see how much room I need. Probably hammer in that seatbelt hump too.

[Project77]

Thanks to 72blackbird for helping me out with the test fitting and hammering in those stupid seatbelt bulges! It looks like I'm gonna have to raise the ride height a bit to handle the crappy streets of Los Angeles. I guess I'll have to use some blocks and spacers while I save up for the correct big block springs from Hotchkis. I'm also gonna roll the rear fender lips to be safe.

[zapper2003]

Just curious if those wheels have a clear coated lip/spoke or if they were left raw/polished? Also, what size tires did you end up going with?

[Project77]

Thanks to Gene aka 72Blackbird for rolling the fender lips and bashing the seatbelt humps to make these 275 wide meats fit!

[srh3trinity]

That looks awesome!