1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula *special

[TOA]

Here she is, just off the boat into Melbourne. Bought sight unseen and shipped by USAtoAUS, who did a fantastic job.

Was planning bare metal and bright orange metallic with rally strips, but she's too sweet, so now I think we'll just fit the TA spoiler kit and 1976 Formula hood that came with the car, freshen the paint and spend some dough on the go.

The original 350, 2 barrel, single system runs nice but has had it's time. But first, brakes and suspension which I think I have under control.

Has anyone dealt with KRE (Jeff Kaufmann) in US for Pontiac engines?

Any pointers and suggestions or sources for either getting the TH350 set up for bigger HP, or losing it and going with....?

Same questions for rear axle, looking for 12 bolt posi. Do I just go Moser? with floaters?

Any advise, tips appreciated.

Cheers,

Scott

[gke60]

i have not dealt with kaufmann, but i have a set of their heads on my yet to be started home built 468, i bought all my parts through sd performance in canada, they will build engines as well, butler are reputable builders as well, the amount of expence & drama i have had building my engine, i think i would get a built one imported, although i do know exactly what parts i have in this thing & i know all the clearances because they were checked so many times. lol
cheers

[AUSCAMARO]

Is there meant to be pics Scott... I can't see them if there is...???

Christian is in the middle of his build up on his Ponti as well. So there are a couple on here...

[smote]

i'm currently having a 480ci built by Tin Indian Performance in the States.
Its a MR-1 Block made by K&M and running KRE heads.

I believe alot of it is sourced through Kauffman racing.

i've also read good reviews on their gear.

:( man i need to start paying it off faster....at the present rate will take ages!

[christian]

Good to see another poncho on here.
I have bought a correct dated 400 for my car,trying to sell the 350.
Can't wait for pix of your ride

[TOA]

Here she is, one photo I have doctored to see what the 1976 "Formula" bonnet will look like, and added rally stripes, which apart from the T/A spoiler kit I have to go on will be about all I do body-wise for now.

[TOA]

I spoke with Jeff Kaufmann, and Kevin Swanney from Tin Indian, they were both involved in a SEMA car "Freedom Bird" which I quite like.

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/project_files/pro_touring_suspension_drop/current_project_1/current_project_1.htm

I've got KORE3 355mm front brakes in a box somewhere, and a full kit from Pro Touring F Body also in garage somewhere takes care of suspension and some of the RWC issues.

[TOA]

Interior... will fit new carpet and leave it along I think...

Engine Bay... is gunna change.

Kaufaman 428CID, 400kw (to go with the Formula 400 badges I'll put on it)

Moser 33 spline 12 bolt and KORE3 330mm rear disc brake kit is current spec.

These things change, sometime daily as you'll appreciate.

Transmission.... I don't know yet.

[adz372]

cool ride mate, great to see some more second gens on here:D

[cluxford]

Love the colour really suits the car with the vinyl roof and those wheels

[smote]

Dude that looks schmick!

very nice green :)

definitely leave the interior, gotta love the all black :cool:

yeah i've been dealing with Kevin Swanney who is building my engine.

[71RS]

Very nice as it is!

[gke60]

nice looking car, why 428 ?, you could have one of these....lol

http://www.jbp-pontiac.com/products/engines_assemblies/505-541_CI.html

[chevval]

noice noice and ah....noice!!!

[AUSCAMARO]

Glad you got the pics up... She looks REAL nice!!

[69SS]

Very very nice. Love the wheels, colour, vinyl roof :-)

[tonner]

Very nice, you have scored well there. The wheels look like forglines?

Greg

[TOA]

The Wheels are Rushforth "Livewires", 18x8 Front, 18x10 Rear. Brushed centres, polished rims.
I can recommend Jason Rushforth, no one seemed to know the rights backspace etc for the 10" rear, and what we ended up with fits and fills the rear wheel wells perfectly.
Although it seems I'll have to momentarily re-fit the 15x8 rears it came with to please my VASS Engineer.

Tonight we put the 1976 Formula hood on.

This weekend we fit and rewire the lights.

Anyone know the specs for the Lap/Sash belts I need to buy?

Also looking for a front left indicator/park lense, which Pontiworld don't seem to have listed.

[69SS]

Scott, theres quite a bit of info on here already covering seat belts just one thread - http://www.usmuscle.com.au/Forum/showthread.php?t=4099&highlight=seat+belts

Nice work on the Livewires, a number of us have Jasons wheels and he is a member of USM, great bloke and knows his stuff.

[TOA]

Now with 1976 Formula Bonnet fitted, needs some paint yet

[AUSCAMARO]

They are cool hoods... Looks sweet fitted...

[TOA]

Registered !

Woo Hoo.

Now to make it low and noisy.....

[cluxford]

Damn, that was fast !

[TOA]

Ha ha,

I did all the lights and belts myself, had a Guy fit the new suspension components that i shipped with the car, and new windscreen - and then it was a sordid tale involving a retired Biker, a pile of $50's and a bottle of bourbon.

[69SS]

Good job mate, you put me to shame, I've had mine for 8 months and only just took it over the pits for the first time! :o

[TOA]

hmmm...

hooker Headers going on today, Edelbrock Performer 4brl manifld next.

Carby Question;

750cfm? I think
Vac or Mech secondaries?
Demon or Holley?

All answers welcome

[blackoutsteve]

Holley!
What are your engine details?

[TOA]

Hey Steve, she just a standard Pontiac 350 with Hooker Comp Headers and twin 2 1/2 system.
Edelbrock Performer Manifold
Hei Dist

Is 750cfm too much carb?

[blackoutsteve]

Vac secondaries.. Squarebore of course.

650 is probably plenty if it was a 2 barrel with no other changes..
Go to Holley.com.. Thay have a calculator thingy to help. ;)

[TOA]

670 CFM Four Barrel Carburetor Sq Bore
Electric Choke; Vacuum Secondary

Done

[TOA]

So I got carried away... who would have thought...

New interior
Bare metal paint
New Sounds
Stage 3 Build on the TH350 with full manual 1st and 2nd gear
2500 Hi Stall
12 bolt Moser
New Aluminium radiators from Aussie Desert Coolers incl twin Thermos
MSD 6Al Ignition, SS Blaster Coil, Pro Billet Distributer
Holley Electric fuel pump
-6 AN Braided fuel and oil lines
2inch deeper Aluminium fuel tank
Custom Autometer dash
G Braces, Sub Frame Connectors, solid body mounts...

[Nev68]

Cool!
Looking forward to some more photos

[18htan]

Never been a fan of the birds...

However as Chris said, the colour, the roof and the wheels. It all just works! And works bloody well.

After having another look... Its the colour. Just sets the car off a treat!

Nice work and keep the pics coming.

[TOA]

Maybe home for xmas...

Having some problems with the Fuel Tank, the guy that built it went 2" too deep at the rear and I'm worried the 'departure angle' may be compromised.. don't want to find out the day a speed hump tears the tank open.

Anyone had experience with same, or got any Gen 2 drop fuel tank pictures?

[TOA]

too low?