The blown, big block Pontiac gets the win in a clash of 1st generation GM F-bodies.
This video features a 1968 Pontiac Firebird which appears to be purpose built for the drag strip making a run down the quarter mile against a 1st generation Chevrolet Camaro. The twins from GM that gave the original Mustang a bruising back in the day.
We don’t get any details on the black and gold 1st gen Chevrolet Camaro in the far lane, but the video details explain that the 1968 Pontiac Firebird in the near lane is powered by a 496 cubic inch big block V8. That massive engine is topped by a Weiand 8-71 supercharger which is fed by a pair of FITech fuel injection throttle body setups. It is an interesting, modern take with a classic look, and based on the explanation of the run – I would guess that the driver is getting accustomed to the current setup in this Firebird. The details also suggest that this was the first run with slicks, so the driver is likely getting used to launching this beast with real traction.
The video begins with the Camaro and the blown Firebird doing a couple of burnouts in tandem as the roar of the big block and the whine of the blower provide an awesome soundtrack.
As soon as the race begins, the Firebird jumps out into the lead and never looks back, laying down a solid 11.54 at 128 miles per hour – although the person who posted the video points out that this classic Pontiac has plenty left in the tank. That 128 MPH trap speed should be good for a high-10 second pass with some tweaks. The opposing Camaro turns in a respectable 12.71 a 108 miles per hour, so it clearly isn’t stock, but the supercharged Firebird in the near lane takes the win in dominating fashion.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
