1969 Firebird
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
1969 Firebird Hey guys. I just bought a 1969 Firebird and it is currently on its way here to CT from TN. It needs a little work here and there, but all things considered, it's a nice find. I do have a few questions for the Firebird gurus however.
First of all, the previous owner claims it is a 1969 Firebird 400. He says the engine code indicated that the engine is a 400 from a 1973 vehicle. Is there any way for me to check the origins of the engine and the validity of whether or not it is a real Firebird 400? I don't really care either way, I would have bought it had it not been a 400. However, I don't want to go around claiming it is a Firebird 400 if it isn't. I checked teh VIN, but for 67-69 cars the model/engine were not in the VIN code.
Also, some wheel/tire questions. I'd be interested in some later-model wheels and tires for increased performance. Will wheels from later model F-body cars fit? For example, could I (if I wanted to) install 1998-2002 Trans Am wheels on the '69? Currently, I'm actually thinking 17" Y2K Corvette rims, if they'll fit. I think a tasteful mix of modern and classic styling can be beautiful when done well. Plus, I'd like it to be able to handle fairly well.
<---- I'm not sure what this is, by the way.
Thanks in advance for the help, guys.
First of all, the previous owner claims it is a 1969 Firebird 400. He says the engine code indicated that the engine is a 400 from a 1973 vehicle. Is there any way for me to check the origins of the engine and the validity of whether or not it is a real Firebird 400? I don't really care either way, I would have bought it had it not been a 400. However, I don't want to go around claiming it is a Firebird 400 if it isn't. I checked teh VIN, but for 67-69 cars the model/engine were not in the VIN code.
Also, some wheel/tire questions. I'd be interested in some later-model wheels and tires for increased performance. Will wheels from later model F-body cars fit? For example, could I (if I wanted to) install 1998-2002 Trans Am wheels on the '69? Currently, I'm actually thinking 17" Y2K Corvette rims, if they'll fit. I think a tasteful mix of modern and classic styling can be beautiful when done well. Plus, I'd like it to be able to handle fairly well.
<---- I'm not sure what this is, by the way.Thanks in advance for the help, guys.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Thanks man, I stumbled upon that in my travels and am considering snagging the packet.
Does anyone know of any first-generation-specific forums for the Firebird (or Firebird/Camaro, I'm not too fussy) that people actually post on?
<--- Still wondering what the hell this is.
Does anyone know of any first-generation-specific forums for the Firebird (or Firebird/Camaro, I'm not too fussy) that people actually post on?
<--- Still wondering what the hell this is. 
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: Shelton Ct
That's a sweet looking car. I looked through some of my books and don't see anything about the model on the vin#. Just hardtop or convertible. The engine codes for a 73 Firebird 400 were UPC L65,185hp, 320ft lbs. UPC L78,230hp, 325ft lbs. That is if the motor came out of a Firebird. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Thanks, man.
Not sure if it is even possible to check the model through the VIN without consulting some kind of registry.
As far as engine goes, let's assume it's a 400 for the sake of argument. Are there any parts differences between say a 1969 400, a '73 400 or perhaps even a later 400? That is, if I buy heads for a Pontiac 400, what year engines will they fit?
Lots of questions. Eagerly awaiting this thing arriving so I'll have something to keep me company when the girlfriend's off at work. Something other than...
and 
that is.
Firebirds, especially real old or real new ones =
Thanks, guys. My previous questions also still stand
<---- Now there's two? WHAT ARE THEY!?!? 
Not sure if it is even possible to check the model through the VIN without consulting some kind of registry.
As far as engine goes, let's assume it's a 400 for the sake of argument. Are there any parts differences between say a 1969 400, a '73 400 or perhaps even a later 400? That is, if I buy heads for a Pontiac 400, what year engines will they fit?
Lots of questions. Eagerly awaiting this thing arriving so I'll have something to keep me company when the girlfriend's off at work. Something other than...
and that is.Firebirds, especially real old or real new ones =
Thanks, guys. My previous questions also still stand
<---- Now there's two? WHAT ARE THEY!?!? 
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, AR
There will be a four digit code on the back of the block next to the distibutor hole. the last number will tell you what year the block is. As for the displacement if it is a 70 or later block it will be stamped on the passenger side of the block in front of the motor mount. There will also be a 2 letter code on the front of the block right under the passenger side head mounting surface. Try these sites for more detailed info.
http://classicalpontiac.com
http://www.teufert.net/identify/identify.htm
Classical Pontiac is a great site for info from fellow classic pontiac lovers.
As for the your other question is that all heads after 1965 will fit. The problem you run into using the pre 71 heads are combustion chamber size and compression ratio.
http://classicalpontiac.com
http://www.teufert.net/identify/identify.htm
Classical Pontiac is a great site for info from fellow classic pontiac lovers.
As for the your other question is that all heads after 1965 will fit. The problem you run into using the pre 71 heads are combustion chamber size and compression ratio.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Thanks man. It needs more work than I thought as far as the mechanicals go, the 400 in it is from a '73 car and puts out a whopping 170hp (stock exhaust manifolds still intact... 
)
The tranny (not sure which one it is yet, but its a 4-speed) has some terrible shift linkage and the clutch makes bizzare noises... But ya gotta expect that from a project.
But it *is* all that I wanted and it *will* be one of the baddest Firebirds around here (VERY few early Firebirds in my area). I plan on running with modified LS1s, '03 Cobras, and crapping all over Evos and STIs by the time all is said and done.
First major performance mod: Nitrous, with the purge valve spraying out from the hood scoops.
So much time and work to do, so little money. Oh well, I have a while. But I guess I'm done ranting
)The tranny (not sure which one it is yet, but its a 4-speed) has some terrible shift linkage and the clutch makes bizzare noises... But ya gotta expect that from a project.
But it *is* all that I wanted and it *will* be one of the baddest Firebirds around here (VERY few early Firebirds in my area). I plan on running with modified LS1s, '03 Cobras, and crapping all over Evos and STIs by the time all is said and done.
First major performance mod: Nitrous, with the purge valve spraying out from the hood scoops.
So much time and work to do, so little money. Oh well, I have a while. But I guess I'm done ranting
