1967 Firebird OHC 6 to Carbed 5.3 w/ TH350
12-05-2009, 03:02 AM
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1967 Firebird OHC 6 to Carbed 5.3 w/ TH350 Hey guys,
I've been working on restoring a 67 Firebird and converting it to a carbureted LM7 (5.3L) from a 2001 Chevy Truck. I'm going to back it up with a built up Turbo 350, but will probably end up converting it to a newer 5 or 6 speed transmission at a later date in time.
So, Heres the story. In June, I found a firebird for sale on craigslist, up here in Anchorage, Alaska. These are few and far between, so I decided to give it a go. Turns out the car had been sitting for 22 years in some guys back yard, pretty much untouched.
Here's some pics of where it came from.
And after a very good wash with a bathroom scrub brush (literally), I got the the baked on tree sap and volcanic ash off it.
Well, I fixed it up a bit and drove it around for the summer, but as soon as fall hit I decided to tear into it and start the restoration. I ended up welding in new Quarters and a rear deck filler piece as well as patching the floorpan. I still have to do new door skins. Right now It's in the body work stage. After that comes the engine work.
I've been working on restoring a 67 Firebird and converting it to a carbureted LM7 (5.3L) from a 2001 Chevy Truck. I'm going to back it up with a built up Turbo 350, but will probably end up converting it to a newer 5 or 6 speed transmission at a later date in time.
So, Heres the story. In June, I found a firebird for sale on craigslist, up here in Anchorage, Alaska. These are few and far between, so I decided to give it a go. Turns out the car had been sitting for 22 years in some guys back yard, pretty much untouched.
Here's some pics of where it came from.
And after a very good wash with a bathroom scrub brush (literally), I got the the baked on tree sap and volcanic ash off it.
Well, I fixed it up a bit and drove it around for the summer, but as soon as fall hit I decided to tear into it and start the restoration. I ended up welding in new Quarters and a rear deck filler piece as well as patching the floorpan. I still have to do new door skins. Right now It's in the body work stage. After that comes the engine work.
Last edited by 67firebirdak; 12-05-2009 at 03:50 AM.
12-05-2009, 03:37 AM
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Which brings me up to now. I've almost finished the bodywork on the rear of the car, and it should be ready for primer/sealer here in a few weeks. Then it gets paint, and then the fun projects start. I'm currently working on building an LM7 5.3 to replace the old worn Pontiac OHC-6. I got the engine from a local junk yard, for $445, and cleaned it up, took off the truck intake and accessories.
Just with the block painted. I figured i'd paint it chevy orange to give to give it that classic look, but i'd leave the top all aluminium.
Just with the block painted. I figured i'd paint it chevy orange to give to give it that classic look, but i'd leave the top all aluminium.
12-05-2009, 03:41 AM
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Well, the new Edlebrock LS1 Intake came in yesterday, as well as the in-line fuel pump that I'm going to use. I went with the edlebrock EDL-71187 dual plane intake and the carter GP4594 in line fuel pump.
12-05-2009, 03:42 AM
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Today, my Edlebrock Thunder Series 650cfm carb came in. I'm not actually installing it until the engine is in the car.
Last edited by 67firebirdak; 12-05-2009 at 03:58 AM.
12-05-2009, 03:44 AM
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Today I fully installed the intake, and while it fit perfect and went on smoothly, I did run into something that I didn't expect. I guess the intake gaskets actually attach to the intake itself, and squeeze into the recessed grooves. I guess I'm just used to the older SBC ones! 
Definitely an easy and painless install though.
Definitely an easy and painless install though. 
12-05-2009, 12:15 PM
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Subscribin'. These pics are great man. I have a 72 Firebird I'm putting an carbed LS1 into, with the same dual plane intake.
Is the TH350 you're using the stock one from the 67?
Is the TH350 you're using the stock one from the 67?
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12-05-2009, 03:52 PM
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The transmission thats in the car is a 2 speed powerglide. I have a different th350 with a Chevy bell housing pattern that i'm going to use. The pontiac/ buick/ olds trannys use a different bolt pattern which is different than the pattern that chevy uses.
12-05-2009, 05:34 PM
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Thanks! That sounds like a cool project.
The transmission thats in the car is a 2 speed powerglide. I have a different th350 with a Chevy bell housing pattern that i'm going to use. The pontiac/ buick/ olds trannys use a different bolt pattern which is different than the pattern that chevy uses.
The transmission thats in the car is a 2 speed powerglide. I have a different th350 with a Chevy bell housing pattern that i'm going to use. The pontiac/ buick/ olds trannys use a different bolt pattern which is different than the pattern that chevy uses.
. I really love the pictures and build idea. Nice find, especially in alaska. Looking forward to your progress
.You should consider building on that powerglide, if not i'm sure someone wouldn't mind taking it off your hands for a dollar or two
12-05-2009, 06:35 PM
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SCRATCH THAT, I found this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TC...0/?image=large
I believe it's thinner than 3/8", so you should be able to keep the same driveshaft.
I believe it's thinner than 3/8", so you should be able to keep the same driveshaft.
12-08-2009, 07:54 PM
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Well, made some headway over the last weekend and today. Got the car down to pretty much frame and body (and engine too). It should be in the paint booth either tomorrow or the day after to finish up stripping the paint/ window channels/ etc... and some minor bodywork. Then its time for paint! 
Keep in mind the car had three different paint jobs on it, it was white stock, then it was a easter egg blue, then the blue that it is now. I'm taking the entire exterior of the car down to bare metal and starting over. Lots of work, but it's well worth it.
And look at that battery tray! Thats what happens after 22 years of battery acid on it.
Keep in mind the car had three different paint jobs on it, it was white stock, then it was a easter egg blue, then the blue that it is now. I'm taking the entire exterior of the car down to bare metal and starting over. Lots of work, but it's well worth it.
And look at that battery tray! Thats what happens after 22 years of battery acid on it.
12-08-2009, 08:00 PM
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My MSD 6010 Controller also came in today. Can't wait to start working on the engine, but I have to get the dirty work out of the way first. I guess that's how it goes.
12-09-2009, 09:53 AM
#18
Damn
Factory heater delete! I saw that too with heater patched back in later? And how about that outlet block on the fender well? wondering what that was doing....
Yes the 2 speed trans in that car is actually NOT a powerglide, they don't share many actual parts. This is a BOP Super turbine 2 speed. First gear is a different ratio than a powerglide as well. No point to keeping it or using it. Many of then didn't even use fluid cooler lines just a couple of holes drilled in the bell for air flow!
I would have painted the block Pontiac metallic blue as a nod to the Pontiac chassis and a double take kind of visual effect =) But it still looks sharp with the orange.
I look forward to seeing more progress.
Factory heater delete! I saw that too with heater patched back in later? And how about that outlet block on the fender well? wondering what that was doing....
Yes the 2 speed trans in that car is actually NOT a powerglide, they don't share many actual parts. This is a BOP Super turbine 2 speed. First gear is a different ratio than a powerglide as well. No point to keeping it or using it. Many of then didn't even use fluid cooler lines just a couple of holes drilled in the bell for air flow!
I would have painted the block Pontiac metallic blue as a nod to the Pontiac chassis and a double take kind of visual effect =) But it still looks sharp with the orange.
I look forward to seeing more progress.
