[FBird69]

Not sure if this is the proper Forum, but this is where I go for specific first gen Firebird info.

Rocky Rotella's long anticipated book on first gen Firebirds is published and available. I received my copy from Amazon on Monday. Book is titled, "The Definitive Firebird and Trans Am Guide 1967-1969".

Lots of great info that has documented proof backing up his research. Some great pics too!

[68 Firebird]

got mine frfom B&N and that book is excellent

good job Rocky

Gerry

[1969 Ram Air]

Is there any information on the 1969 - code 611 - Ram Air Inlet option? Any production figures for that option?

[ponyakr]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...n=new&qid=&sr=

[TedRamAirII]

Is this a "restoration" type guide. Like showing what components are supposed to be painted, plated, etc? Lots of pics I hope. ; )

[Diego]

Originally Posted by 1969 Ram Air

Is there any information on the 1969 - code 611 - Ram Air Inlet option? Any production figures for that option?

Those have been around for awhile, but I don't want to spoil anything for Rocky.

[johnta1]

Is this a "restoration" type guide. Like showing what components are supposed to be painted, plated, etc? Lots of pics I hope. ; )

It's not a restoration book.

[The Boss]

Going to have to see about getting a signed copy.....

[keith k]

Just added to my birthday list

[1969 Ram Air]

Originally Posted by Diego

Those have been around for awhile, but I don't want to spoil anything for Rocky.

Thanks Diego. I'll buy the book!

[north]

just ordered a copy, hope it's good!

[92GTA]

I just bought this on Amazon since I bought my first 1st gen recently. Is this the best book of it's type out there?

But I also would like a restoration type book, like what TedRamAirII is also wanting. Something that really gets into the nitty gritty of what is factory correct like what there is for C1 Corvettes. What is the best book for that? I'm wanting much more than just a factory assembly guide.

Thanks!

[thews]

I received the book today and immediately skipped to the 69 (non-TA) section. It's a good read and worth the price of the book, but, through no fault of the author, didn't unleash the the data I so desperately seek. What I really want to know are production numbers of each color and engine combination and how the convertibles are divided. We know how many 400HO and Trans Am converts were made in 69, but I want to know how many 350HO converts were made. I hope this data is released (like the 69 Camaro data) before I die.

Not sure if this is a typo (I think it is), but on page 186 is states that on 69 Firebirds L76 (350 HO) option code D98 was "Rally side stripes." This is the first and only time I've ever heard that, as the 69 350HO is indistinguishable from a base 350 from the outside. Can anyone tell me what D98 is?

I did learn something about the 350HO 48 head, which the author states is the same head as the 400 48 head at 67cc. I always thought the factory milled the 48 to 67cc in the 350HO only to raise the compression, but it was too high for a 400. I have a complete 350HO engine with heads, 2 sets of 48's and a set of 62's, so someday when I clean up all this stuff I'll cc them and see what they tell me. I also owned a 69 400 4-speed car that had #62 heads, so I don't think all 69 4-speed birds had #48's.

This book is worth the money if you own a first gen. I can't comment on the 67 and 68 section but it was worth the money just for the option breakdown on the 69's... that doesn't break down hardtop vs. convertible.

One side note, "Illustrated Firebird Buyers Guide" is also a very good book with all the option codes.

[92GTA]

Maybe similar to the 326HO stripes?

I have a 69 350 2bbl and I'm hoping for some info on those as well; casting numbers, carb numbers, option codes, etc. all in one nice book in one place.

I'm not holding my breath for production numbers tho beyond what PHS provided.

[thews]

Originally Posted by 92GTA

Maybe similar to the 326HO stripes?

I have a 69 350 2bbl and I'm hoping for some info on those as well; casting numbers, carb numbers, option codes, etc. all in one nice book in one place.

I'm not holding my breath for production numbers tho beyond what PHS provided.

The 350 2bbl engine numbers are published. They won't tell you convert vs. hard top, but all the block codes (auto vs. manual) are easy to find. For part numbers, Pete McCarthy's book (Pontiac Muscelcar performance 1955 - 1979) has every engine part number you'll need, but you can find it on the web.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by thews

Not sure if this is a typo (I think it is), but on page 186 is states that on 69 Firebirds L76 (350 HO) option code D98 was "Rally side stripes." This is the first and only time I've ever heard that, as the 69 350HO is indistinguishable from a base 350 from the outside. Can anyone tell me what D98 is?

I too thought the stripes were deleted for '69.

[The Boss]

I'm sure he's included the production data that is available but some of that data just doesn't exist. Rocky spent a lot of time putting that book together, gathering images and technical information never before released. There is information in this book that's seeing publication for the first time in over 45 years. He's tapped into the knowledge base and experience of dozens of us here to write what should be the definitive insiders guide.

Although it may not be the best restoration guide or production breakdown, it should provide more information on 1st gens in one place than has ever been released before.

[FirebirdHank]

Mine came in the mail last week. Excellent book. My wife was surprised to come home and find me reading a book!

[92GTA]

Originally Posted by thews

The 350 2bbl engine numbers are published. They won't tell you convert vs. hard top, but all the block codes (auto vs. manual) are easy to find.

Correct, that's the same thing PHS supplies.

I'll check out Pete McCarthy book online if buy if it's what I'm after. Thanks!

[1stgenbird]

I ordered the book when I first heard about it here and it arrived last week. Nice read with great photos. One or two facts I am suspect about but generally worth the money. It is not a restoration guide by any means though.