The unorthodox budget Firebird (-74)

[Ripper]

Painted and finally done!



Painted the block too. Same color as before, but it suddenly looked worn and old with that fresh oil pan next to it. Masking the freeze plugs took some time, but it was worth it. lol


While I had the bottom end of the engine in parts, I took the opportunity to remove the crank to have it polished

[Ripper]

Does anybody know which side is the fan-inlet and outlet of my vintage air mini?
http://www.vintageair.com/2014catalo...08-15%2047.pdf
By just looking at the pic, it looks like the top should be the intake. But it would be nice if someone could confirm.

I'm gonna make a funnel so I can connect a hose and suck fresh air from outside instead of just recirculating the air.

[andrewb70]

Does anybody know which side is the fan-inlet and outlet of my vintage air mini?
http://www.vintageair.com/2014catalo...08-15%2047.pdf
By just looking at the pic, it looks like the top should be the intake. But it would be nice if someone could confirm.

I'm gonna make a funnel so I can connect a hose and suck fresh air from outside instead of just recirculating the air.

On the mini it would seem that the large fan opening is the inlet.

P.S. Race cars don't have heat...LOL

Andrew

[Ripper]

That sounds logic, thanks.

Well, they might not have it, but I want a nice comfortable temperature in it. You tend to make less mistakes if you can concentrate ;)

[Ripper]

Preventing some hot air from reaching the driver...

Glassfibre insulation with aluminum foil on top of it around exhaust and trans tunnel.


The double curvature makes it hard to cover some areas with large patches...

...but the splices are taped over with reinforced aluminum tape.


The firewall is kind of close to the engine, so I didn't dare to put thick insulation here (don't want to realize that the insulation was too thick when I'm mounting the engine...). Used gold foil instead. Not because of the bling factor. Not at all.



Engine is assembled and ready to fit


New pilot bushing after a small investigation of distances between the clutch plate and the throw out bearing:





Crank is in;

[Gil]

Bling factor is goood !
I love the the space shuttle look.
Awesome work !
Gil

[Ripper]

Win!

[Ripper]

Yes, the garage is kind of small... Here's an example of how to capture as much as possible on the pics. Documenting this project actually takes a lot more time than you might think. But I like photography, so I'm glad I can combine two of my hobbies.

[Guyt699]

Way cool!!!!

[Ripper]

Thanks!

[Ripper]

I got a problem which I hope someone can help me with.
I bought a DIY-spark plug wire kit so I could make custom length for the wires. However, I never checked the LSx ignition coils before doing it. Of course, they are different than the 70s HEI distributors...
So, since the spark plugs wires were kind of expensive - does anyone know if it's possible to just buy the fittings for the ignition coils alone?

[Ripper]

Turns out it wasn't that hard to find when I realized what it was called. I've found 135° at summit racing, but I would prefer the 90° instead... Still searching.

135°:
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-850448

[MrQuick]

looking good Anders!!

[Ripper]

Thanks MrQuick!

These should fit the coils above, right?
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0006/overview/

[hessdawg]

How did you adapt the t56 to the Pontiac engine?
It looks like the factory bell housing

[Cop Magnet]

Wow, serious planning, machining, and fab skills. Good on you, man.

[MrQuick]

Thanks MrQuick!

These should fit the coils above, right?
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...0006/overview/

Yes, but the crimp parts are pretty short. Its tough to get a tight bend if thats what you need. Similar to what I have used. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-3303/overview/

[MrQuick]

Looking awesome!! Love seeing updates on this car....

Just a heads-up on below, not sure if you've got something planned or not, but on my C5, the brake heat burns the tie rod and ball joint boots on the track. They're about the same distance from the rotor as yours. The simple solution is an aluminum heat shield to block the radiant heat from the rotor. With you building everything custom anyway, it shouldn't be too hard to make simple flat shields, could even integrate brake ducting into them

When I was at Dodge there was a recall part for the Neons. It was an aluminum tie rod shield. Pretty simple to make.

[Ripper]

Yes, but the crimp parts are pretty short.

I can see what you mean with short. The reason why I want a 90º bend is mostly cosmetic, so I'll might reconsider.

Hessdawg; I welded a Muncie and the T56 together to make a Pontiac T56 Bell Housing. I'll post some pics during next week when I'm at my other computer.

[Nicks67GTO]

I'm absolutely loving that Pontiac engine between the fenders