What do you think of this custom?

[Drewman74]

I built this 69 Firebird over the last 5 years....wanted something unique and different.

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=642

Above is a link my my car. It's a custom 69 Firebird coupe with 2-tone paint and lots of suspension and drivetrain upgrades.

Click on the link above for details and let me know what you think!

[Drewman74]

Anyone?

[GTP Dad]

Great looking ride!!!!

[MrPbody]

Do you REALLY wanna know...?

[Drewman74]

Yes, be completely honest. LOL that's what I'm looking for. I'm soliciting feedback to make the car better.....have a look at it and tell me what you'd change.....

[MrPbody]

Well, I would shed ALL the Chevy stuff. The Firebird 400 hood would be more desirable than the Corvette.
I woulld install good engine parts to make it run like a 455 should. That is, Comp XE cam, Edelbrock Torker or Torker II, Holley 850HO carb (double pump, 4-corner idle), Hooker headers, etc.
Get Jim Hand's book "How to Build Max-performance Pontiac V8s". Based on your description, the engine was built with a Chevy mentality. You're missing out on a 100 horsepower or so...
But this comes from a Pontiac guy, not just another car guy. I don't mean to be harsh. Sometimes I may come across that way. We always tell our customers that consider putting a Chevy motor in their Firebird or GTO, just get a Camaro if a Chevy is what you want. Leave the Pontiacs to the Pontiac guys. Contrary to popular belief, Pontiacs are superior cars, including the engine, especially for street cars.
It does look like you've put a ton of work into this project. You are to be commended for that. Don't take my critique too seriously. The hood is one area you could REALLY improve the looks, though.

[Drewman74]

MrPBody, thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the constructive criticism! I have a couple questions. Why is the Comp XE cam better than the Lunati Bracket Master II cam? What makes the Torker or Torker II better than the Holley Street Dominator?

I got a lot of input and did a lot of research on various Pontiac specific websites and engine builders to come up with this combo.

The only "Chevy stuff" in the car are the late model seat for comfort AND support when carving through the corners faster than the car was originally built to. The 4 wheel disk brakes were added for safety and better stopping power, and the 3 point front and rear belts were added for the safety of myself and my family. What's the point in building something the whole family can't enjoy at some point? The rear differential was simply upgraded for strength and durability, plus the availability of parts.

I'm planning to keep the heart of the beast all Pontiac.

Thanks for the feedback!

Drew

[MrPbody]

Lunati cams are generigrinds from old engineering. When Joe retired, Holley bought the company. It's rumored one can buy the UltraDyne grinds from Lunati. It is also rumored they can be had from Bullit. Considering patent laws, I would think only one of them could be selling the true UD grinds. I know BracketMaster has been around for a LONG time.
XE technology is "leading edge" regarding ramp designs and assymetric lobes. We've tested many of the old grinds against them. They (XE) always make at least as much, and usually more power than parametrically similar grinds from other sources. They ALWAYS run smoother (less "chop" in the idle) and generate a better vacuum signal. They are designed for use in "low" compression (under 10:1) engines.
Street Dominator is a genuine imitation Torker (1). It is said, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. For the most part, Edelbrock manifolds (and heads) are better than any others offered at the same level. This is because Edelbrock wears engines out on stress dynoes testing. T-1 has an edge over SD because of the "Volu-Step" design, for use with spread-bore carbs. T-2 has refined runners and a better plenum. It is a whole generation newer than SD.
I don't know who the Pontiac "builders" you're talking about might be. Most of us far prefer Edelbrock. I KNOW Jim Butler and Jeff Kaufmann sell ten times as many Edelbrock intakes as they do all other brands combined. They (JBP and KRE) are the two "leading" Pontiac builders in the entire world.
This is not to say the other stuff is useless, just obsolete. About 100 HP worth...
Based on the brands and "style" you selected for the build, I suspect a Chevy influence.
Again, don't take me TOO seriously. I think your car is beautiful, and I KNOW how much work you have in it. I still think the hood needs to go... It's DEFINITELY Chevy.