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Old 08-18-2022, 03:11 PM
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Default Long Journey of 1970 Firebird Restoration

My father bought the 1970 Esprit new in May of 1970 when I was 15. I was able to buy it from him in 1974 and drove it until 1998. Ohio and Michigan salt ate up a lot of the body, but I was able to find a garage stored one in Texas as the new platform for restoration. Initial prep work on the body and the chassis rebuild was done in 2000-2004, then it went into storage for 14 years again. Finally locating a suitable shop in 2018, it was into paint where the Coronado Gold was nicely duplicated. A 4.25" stroker kit from Butler was ordered for the 350 block, 6X heads were added along with Comp roller rockers, Johnson Hyd roller lifters and a Comp XR276HR cam. Len Williams did the assembly work and the engine dynoed at Reher-Morrison. After Covid delays, work is finally underway again as the serpentine kit was installed and the engine/transmission put back in the car. It will be finished out as an Esprit again with a TA hood and HD suspension package for a 1976 model including the 3.23 posi rear axle. Completion hopefully in October.
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Old 08-18-2022, 03:12 PM
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Next set of photos.
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Old 08-18-2022, 03:13 PM
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Hopefully looking close to original (except for that serpentine kit, of course).
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Old 08-18-2022, 03:37 PM
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Nice work! That looks like it's going to be a blast to drive.

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Old 08-18-2022, 03:46 PM
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Congrats.....I know you are excited to get it drivable again.
Love the gold color....beautiful car!

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Old 08-18-2022, 04:07 PM
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Congratulations, nice.

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Old 08-18-2022, 04:46 PM
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Also like the gold. Nice work.

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Old 08-18-2022, 05:38 PM
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Looks great!. My only comment would be that the TORKER intake is Taller than stock. There may be some aircleaner base issues, etc if you intend to have the shaker " shake" and fit correctly. Nice project! Thanks for posting!

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Old 08-18-2022, 06:13 PM
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Looking great!
I love the Coronado Gold!



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  #10  
Old 08-19-2022, 01:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Formulabruce View Post
Looks great!. My only comment would be that the TORKER intake is Taller than stock. There may be some aircleaner base issues, etc if you intend to have the shaker " shake" and fit correctly. Nice project! Thanks for posting!
I ran it under the regular hood with about 3/4" clearance above the air cleaner lid. I'm hoping the TA hood has a bit more room.

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Old 08-19-2022, 07:40 AM
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Really nice looking car! What CID is it now with the 4.25" crank in a 350 and what did it do on the dyno?

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69 GTO Liberty Blue/dark blue 467, 850 Holley, T2, Edelbrock Dport 310cfm w Ram Air manifolds, HFT 245/251D .561/.594L, T400, 9" w 3.50s 3905lbs 11.59@ 114, 1.57/ 60'
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Old 08-19-2022, 08:08 AM
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413 cu in. 9.13 to 1 comp ratio

442 lb ft @ 4300 rpm

453 hp @ 5600 rpm

Sure, the 350 block is a small bore, but the big intake valve allows for a good cylinder fill.

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Old 08-19-2022, 08:16 AM
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Very nice. I run a Torker 2 on my 76 T/A. I had to mod the air cleaner a bit to make it fit. Now that you put the T/A hood on it, I'd add the wheel and trunk spoilers for a T/A look. Just me though.

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Old 08-19-2022, 09:20 PM
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Nice build!

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  #15  
Old 08-20-2022, 07:40 AM
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Thanks for posting! Are you in Oklahoma, Texas area?

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Old 08-21-2022, 12:30 PM
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Impressive results on that engine build, pretty much doubled the original hp. Should be fun on the street

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69 GTO Liberty Blue/dark blue 467, 850 Holley, T2, Edelbrock Dport 310cfm w Ram Air manifolds, HFT 245/251D .561/.594L, T400, 9" w 3.50s 3905lbs 11.59@ 114, 1.57/ 60'
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Old 08-22-2022, 01:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 77 TRASHCAN View Post
Thanks for posting! Are you in Oklahoma, Texas area?
DFW

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Old 08-22-2022, 02:03 AM
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AC with manual brakes - not seen every day.

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Old 08-22-2022, 09:46 AM
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My gold 1970 Firebird 350 is also AC with Manual brakes.

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Old 05-05-2023, 10:43 AM
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It's been a wait, but we finally have the engine fully installed, plumbed, wired running in the vehicle again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxDtH_76piU

We'll see if it moves once the new driveshaft arrives!

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