Question 1

What was your original build plan?

Accepted Answer

Great question!  Originally we were looking to only do an engine build and install, expecting that we would have some minor technical items we would need to address based on he motor we were looking to install.  COVID 19 changed this.  Because of the lockdown and logistics issues, we shifted from doing just the motor to restoring the interior as well.  With this new focus we had to make some choices - original restoration or resto-modification?  We went the resto-mod direction.  No disrespect to those diehards looking for an all original build - but 70's technology wasn't all that great - thank vacuum lines to run your AC doors and levers.  With that in mind, we decided if we could do upgrades that kept the original look and feel of the car, and wasn't visible to us and others as an upgrade, then why not do it?  Modern touch, original look and feel.  That was/is our goal.

Question 2

What has been the hardest part of your restoration?

Accepted Answer

Believe it or not the most challenging aspect of the build so far has been sourcing parts and the impact of COVID 19 on the supply chain.  Even though GM build thousands of Firebirds, specific parts for those looking to do an original restoration are somewhat difficult to come by.  And, if you are fortunate enough to find what your looking for, the parts usually come at a premium - I.E. a complete set of OE engine accessory brackets, or an original curved back window -  Talk about difficult to locate!

Question 3

How did you know where to begin?

Accepted Answer

Research!  there is a ton of information out there from block information all the way down to upgrading the power windows in the car (if you have power windows).  Below is a list of websites that we used in our initial research to give us an idea about what we wanted to do and how to do it:

General Information:
https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/identify-pontiac-engine-blocks/

https://www.frankspontiacparts.com/engineparts/pontiacengines.htm

https://www.carid.com/1978-pontiac-firebird-engine-components/?filter=1&sub-model[Liter][]=6.6L

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pontiac,1978,firebird,6.6l+400cid+v8,1250402,engine

https://www.pontiacdiy.com/how-to-improve-pontiac-v-8-performance-engine-block-guide/

http://www.pontiaction.com/

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/early-late-pontiac-v-8-motor-mount-adapters/

http://nitemareperformance.com/11seconds.htm

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/1978-pontiac-firebird-400-pontiac-v8-engine~197362-1978-52-595-1-949-174-5-10

https://www.pontiacdiy.com/pontiac-v-8-high-performance-engine-combinations/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMUyDiPE5YA

https://gearheadengines.com/engines/engine-details/?partid=71576

https://houston.craigslist.org/ptd/d/freeport-auto-truck-rv-industrial/7253385571.html

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/d/mckinney-pontiac-engine-parts/7246198671.html

https://www.cartechbooks.com/blogs/techtips/cylinder-heads-performance-guide-for-pontiac-v-8-engines/

https://help.summitracing.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4695/~/what-is-the-difference-between-a-flat-tappet-and-a-roller-camshaft%3F

https://extrememachineperformance.com/#

https://www.facebook.com/AustinAutoMachineShop/photos

https://www.pontiacdiy.com/drivetrain-guide-for-pontiac-firebird-and-trans-am-restorations-70-81/

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2017/11/13/mailbag-how-to-get-400hp-from-a-pontiac-400-engine/

https://www.secondgengraveyard.com/

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/869/

https://www.laneautomotive.com/TheBeginnersGuide.htm

https://www.pontiacpower.net/numbers/head-codes/

https://houston.craigslist.org/pts/d/pontiac-intakes/7250169311.html

https://www.vintagepartsource.com/pontiacparts.htm

https://www.kanter.com/productdetail.aspx?DeptNo=1400&MakeName=Pontiac&MakeYear=1968&CategoryID=31&ProductCode=1655&Router=Gallery

https://www.npdlink.com/

https://www.eagleeyeparts.com/

http://45.32.198.163/

https://fbodywarehouse.com/store/

https://procarbyscat.com/

https://firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/harness/harness.htm

https://www.vintageair.com/surefit/complete-kits/?make=Pontiac&year1=1978&model=Firebird

http://pontiactransamshakers.homestead.com/

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1978/pontiac/firebird/parts/a8100300.html

https://www.stockinteriors.com/HeadlinerBoard.asp?Itemid=6966&ModelId=451

https://www.myperfectcolor.com/Custom-Spray-Paint/33865.htm

https://pontiactransamshakers.homestead.com/

https://rustyautos.com/how-to-read-car-wiring-diagrams/

https://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=283/category_id=128/mode=prod/prd283.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QYXrtfLEaw

http://ronspontiacpage.com/reference-pages/crane.htm

https://wordpress.com/page/bens78transam.wordpress.com/home

https://fbodywarehouse.com/store/you-tube-install-videos.html

https://www.chicagomusclecarparts.com/collections/70-81-trans-am-73-81-camaro-auto-floor-shift-linkage

https://screamingchicken.com/interior-lighting-2nd/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/1978-firebird-vehicle-led-lights?model=820&year=1978

https://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/harness/harness.htm

https://www.lectriclimited.com/wire-harnesses-and-lead-wires/transmission-shift-plate-indicator-light-harness-103060

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/engine-harness-143827

http://www.thepontiactransampage.com/index.htm

https://firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/harness/optionwire/optionwire.htm

https://www.powerbastards.com/proddetail.asp?prod=7111-220-HD3-266

https://fbodywarehouse.com/store/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-firebird-trans-am-parts/interior-parts/interior-paint-dyes/camaro-trans-am-interior-dye-set-3-cans-color-coat-1-can-clear-coat.html

https://screamingchicken.com/

https://www.classiccarstereos.com/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjYieyRpfn1AhXWkGoFHRIxDZsQFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.drclassic.com%2Fpdf%2FCamaro%2FTransmission.pdf&usg=AOvVaw05z1RwtTgqx8FLc8On89eX

Engine block research:
https://sites.google.com/site/kensautomachineshop/technical-information/pontiac-technical-information/pontiac-block-codes

http://www.wallaceracing.com/engine.htm

http://www.wallaceracing.com/head1.htm

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Frequently asked questions

What was your original build plan?

What has been the hardest part of your restoration?

How did you know where to begin?