Project Frankenbird - 1968 Pontiac Firebird

[65_LS1_T56]

Looks like a production line..how many are you building?
Looks like the plasma parts worked good.

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by 65_LS1_T56

Looks like a production line..how many are you building?
Looks like the plasma parts worked good.

Well in theory I could build a couple more if I don't screw this one up. The plasma parts worked out awesome. They bent really easy - and right on the cut line. I just need to figure out fore/aft placement of the 6 subframe mount holes and strut tower. The rest is ready to weld together.

[Tuske427]

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Thanks! Currently planning on using an S54 out of an E46 M3. Sort of a modern take on a Firebird Sprint.

very cool rationale. Any plans for Turbocharging it?

a couple of thoughts, hopefully they are welcomed-

- maybe remove the BMW logos on the engine and replace with Pontiac logos/ paint with Pontiac blue for an homage.
- I took the liberty of quickly photoshopping somebody's 'bird pic I pulled from the web and made a single scoop 400 hood with it- thinking of those euro/ japanese cars with an asymmetrical scoop intake. Maybe make a modified OHC 6 emblem with the BMW engine displacement on it. Or maybe don't do this, ha ha ha

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Tuske427

very cool rationale. Any plans for Turbocharging it?

a couple of thoughts, hopefully they are welcomed-

- maybe remove the BMW logos on the engine and replace with Pontiac logos/ paint with Pontiac blue for an homage.
- I took the liberty of quickly photoshopping somebody's 'bird pic I pulled from the web and made a single scoop 400 hood with it- thinking of those euro/ japanese cars with an asymmetrical scoop intake. Maybe make a modified OHC 6 emblem with the BMW engine displacement on it. Or maybe don't do this, ha ha ha

Phase 2 will likely include a supercharger. They make some nice kits that will get it over 500hp (Active Autowerke, ESS Tuning, etc). First priority is to start driving and hear this thing at 8000 rpm!

The engine block will definitely be Pontiac Blue - just need to check how much you will see. I'm not planning to show any BMW logos underhood if possible.

I have a repop 69 T/A hood that I'll be using - will definately chew on the single scoop idea. I hadn't previously thought of that. Let's see how my sheet metal skills develop between now and then!

Thanks for the input - it's always welcome as long as it doesn't involve someone telling me it's a bad idea!

[bdahlg68]

Got the front subframe welded up enough to test fit and finish the firewall clearance cuts. Fit with no issues after a couple of cuts. Now I need to mock in the front suspension and drill holes for the threaded mounts. The strut towers will require some cuts to the fenders so those will come last when I have the fenders a bit closer to final position.

So far very happy with the parts as sourced. They have all been spot on. Knock on wood.

[WSSix]

Nice work, Brian. Glad to hear you're going to remove the BMW logos etc from the engine. That's a pet peeve of mine seeing words or logos that are no longer relevant to the car.

I'm really partial to the TA hood and spoiler on a 1st gen just because I think they look great. However, that single scoop Ram Air hood isn't a bad idea at all. You may even be able to put a single stripe on there like Mayhem. It could really give it a Euro look if you wanted to go that way. Keep up the good work!

[Ron in SoCal]

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Got the front subframe welded up enough to test fit and finish the firewall clearance cuts. Fit with no issues after a couple of cuts. Now I need to mock in the front suspension and drill holes for the threaded mounts. The strut towers will require some cuts to the fenders so those will come last when I have the fenders a bit closer to final position.

So far very happy with the parts as sourced. They have all been spot on. Knock on wood.

That s so impressive! Keep goin' man

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

That s so impressive! Keep goin' man

Thanks Ron! I'm trying! I did get 4 of the 6 holes drilled for the mounts. While I think they are in the right spot so that the tires are centered in the front wheel wells this is the part that is purely an educated guess.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ just a suggestion, mock it up with (close to) final caster so it's as close as possible.

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

^ just a suggestion, mock it up with (close to) final caster so it's as close as possible.

That's essentially what I've done but there are many variables. It should be close and I should have some adjustment in the body mounts worst case.