First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List Tyre (Tire) Pressures by "Ian Highfield" <Ian.Highfield@actfs.co.uk> Ram Air 101 by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Water Pump Plates by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Re: dash light question by <hugoba@apcom.com> Re: 455 build up by <hugoba@apcom.com> Re: Tyre (Tire) Pressures by <hugoba@apcom.com> 69 Grill Brackets by <David_Kiklis@abtassoc.com> water pump plates by "Craig" <coreman@uniserve.com> Rant... by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Re: Fuel Addative by "Dan Lawrence" <danl@fdn.com> Re: Rant... by <JGeigel@aol.com> RE: Rant... by "Rodger Fromm" <rwfromm@nf.sympatico.ca> Re: Tyre (Tire) Pressures by <NoPinkTutu@aol.com> Re: Todays progress again by "Jeff Lane" <JeffLane32@hotmail.com>
(back) Subject: Tyre (Tire) Pressures From: "Ian Highfield" <Ian.Highfield@actfs.co.uk> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:04:40 +0100 Well it really is spring here, and the cover is ready to come off the Bird for the first flight of the year. One minor problem - what pressures should be in the tires (tyres) ? A dumb question I know, and yes, I have looked in my original (1968) = owners manual. Trouble is, it talks about 4 ply / 8 ply tires from the 1960's. I have = 21st century Michelin 205/70 X 14. Any help will be appreciated, as I have several shows this year, and 5,000 summer miles beckoning ! Happy motoring wherever you are based. Ian Highfield 1968 350 Coupe
(back) Subject: Ram Air 101 From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 10:25:30 -0400 Rowan, My opinion is that you would upset a carburator by forcing too much air through it, because it was meant to "suck". With a blower, the ratio of = air to crank speed is known so you can jet accordingly. On an EFI = application, as much air as you can stuff into the motor the better. Your application either uses "Speed Density" (heated wire) or a "Mass Air Flow Sensor". In either case, the computer sees the amount of air going by it, knows the barometric pressure outside, listens for knock, sniffs the exhaust, and makes adjustments to the injectors to maintain the "magic" ratio of = O2(heat) coming out of the other end. The increased air pressure is not the = problem, just make sure it is not turbulent and has a direct shot at the maf. That is why the Ram Air setup on the Trans Ams is much better than the ram air hood on the SS. On the SS the air has to turn around and come back toward the front of the car to enter the maf, whereas on the TA it gets rammed right up the snout (argueably looks better also). I had a 94 TA that this worked well on. It didn't have the ram air hood, = so I took out the driver side fog light. I used it as a snorkel, and ran 4" dryer hose up to the air box and trashed all the convoluted/restrictive corporate piping. Then I relocated the ABS(read carefully bent the lines) so I could get a straighter shot from the air box to the maf with 4" thin wall PVC. I reset the computer so it could "relearn" the fuel and spark curves and the car picked up .5 in the quarter. You MUST reset the = computer by leaving the ignition on and pulling the fuses for 5 mins. I would size your snorkel no more than 1/2" larger than the inlet on the MAF. Now on my 1969 Firebird, I am not sure if my home made "Ram Air" pan is worth it other than the fact that it forces the car to pull outside air. This has improved the consistancy of the car for bracket racing. The = reason I say it probably does not have much of a ram air affect is because if you look at the ram air hood for the 69 TA, Pontiac Engineers moved the = snorkels waaaay forward on the hood. I think the standard 400 scoops are probably too far back in the hood to be getting any pressure in there. Hope this helps, Jason >Subject: Ram Air 101 >From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> >Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 10:34:28 -0800 > > In installing my EFI motor, I have a great deal of freedom of design >for the air intake system. >The only rule is it must come from the front. >I know my engine will respond best to cold forced air. >A 5lb. supercharger can be installed with nothing but a fuel pump change. >From this, I assume the ECM will deal with any changes I make, but if not = I >do have a bro who can reprogram my chip. > > >It seems to me that a carb might be upset by too much pressure added, >especialy as it would be relatively minor on the street, but a lot at say >100mph. > >My system has a MAF sensor that measures the actual amount of air that >enters the engine, and fuel is adjusted based on that. > What I am looking for is information on sizing my ram air snorkel. >Do I just go as big as I can (the entire grille opening becomes a giant >scoop while the radiator is fed by the chin breathing kit from the donor >car), or is there some practial limitation? >any input, links, or formulae would be welcome. >Thanks, > Rowan *68
(back) Subject: Water Pump Plates From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 10:43:04 -0400 Andy, I just went through this myself. If you have the "early" style pump (I believe it has 8 bolts: 67') you will have 2 plates but no connecting grommets. Just use monkey snot to glue it to the block with the gasket inbetween. The pump to timing case uses only 1 gasket. On the later pump (I believe 11 bolts: 68' or 69+), you need to use the grommets that = straddle the timing cover to block and the gaskets go on either side of the plates and get sandwiched between the timing cover and pump. The grommets = usually only come with the "cam replacement gasket set" and not in the "intake = set". Also, FYI the gasket for the valley cover is called a "pushrod cover gasket". The car parts kid looked at me funny when I asked for one of = those LOL... Usually if you have an overheating problem it is because you have the = latter pump and installed it without the grommets and only 1 gasket. I run a 160 thermo BTW. Check your antifreeze/water ratio also. Too much antifreeze = is just as bad as not enough. Tip for everyone: When you go to put the intake on, glue the o-ring to the manifold and let = it setup. Then put the gaskets down and put snot on the rubber 0-ring and tighten the long bolt on the pump to manifold FIRST BEFORE tightening down the intake. Otherwise it will leak. Jason Subject: Water Pump Plates From: "Andy" <fbird68@ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 23:25:26 -0700 I recall once reading somewhere (here?) that the holes in the plates behind a V8 water pump are supposed to be connected by small tubes and rubber grommets. My car has the plates but no tubes. Is anyone here familiar with this, and if I recall all of this stuff correctly, are the tubes, etc. still available? I've pretty much solved my cooling problems by putting in a high-flow thermostat and a four row radiator, but it still can reach 200 degrees sitting in traffic on a hot day. Thanks, Andy
(back) Subject: Re: dash light question From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 07:49:51 -0700 (PDT) If I can crawl under mine today (and see anything) I'll let you know. Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Tue Apr 3 00:05:48 2001 > From: T2AVLIS@aol.com > Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 00:32:22 EDT > Subject: dash light question > To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Ive got a short in my dash lights so I'm going to re-wire them. The = main > gauge cluster has a plastic snap in bar that feeds the back. Does = anyone > know which wire feeds the dash lights for the gauge cluster. Top row or = > bottom and how many over? Also what color is it. > > Thanks in advance > > Tony > 69 conv >
(back) Subject: Re: 455 build up From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 07:54:01 -0700 (PDT) Good point on the headers since I do want to run them I'll have to use = heads that support the right number of bolts. Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Tue Apr 3 00:20:57 2001 > From: PStonebrak@aol.com > Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:46:07 EDT > Subject: Re: 455 build up > To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > 7K3's are fine if your are not running headers. One thing to consider = when > discussing compression is that a smaller motor will not have as many = problems > as a large displacement engine with high compression. Around 9-1 is = ideal. > Besides upping the compression will not gain much especially if fuel is > inadequate. Also the valve size should not be an issue on a 455. You = don't > want to buzz these things up over 5200, at least on a regular basis. But = ther > is no need when you have 500 ft lbs of torque before you hit 3000 rpm. = Pete >
(back) Subject: Re: Tyre (Tire) Pressures From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 08:01:41 -0700 (PDT) I usually run mine at 28 psi all around. Do it when the tires are cold since the pressure will go up a bit as they = get hot. Have a good flight ;-) Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Tue Apr 3 07:51:30 2001 > From: Ian Highfield <Ian.Highfield@actfs.co.uk> > To: "Firebird-L Email List (E-mail)" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> > Subject: Tyre (Tire) Pressures > Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:04:40 +0100 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Well it really is spring here, and the cover is ready to come off the = Bird > for the first flight of the year. > > One minor problem - what pressures should be in the tires (tyres) ? > > A dumb question I know, and yes, I have looked in my original (1968) = owners > manual. > > Trouble is, it talks about 4 ply / 8 ply tires from the 1960's. I have = 21st > century Michelin 205/70 X 14. > > Any help will be appreciated, as I have several shows this year, and = 5,000 > summer miles beckoning ! > > Happy motoring wherever you are based. > > Ian Highfield > 1968 350 Coupe >
(back) Subject: 69 Grill Brackets From: <David_Kiklis@abtassoc.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 11:07:57 -0400 These brackets are pretty simple. The ones on mine are simply "L" shaped steel with cage nuts clipped on each end. I can measure them exactly if you want, but they shouldn't be hard to make at all. Mine are about 1 1/2 " on each leg. I would think you could use hardware store L-braces you just may have to elongate the holes. Cage nuts can be bought at any auto-body supply store. Classic has them in the catalog for $5.75 each without the cage nuts PN C959861 As for the price - I saw those on ebay as well a little pricey dontcha think.... Keep looking I got mine in perfect condition off ebay for $71 = so that price is a little high. Classic Industries has them new for 99.95 each PN # 9705935 RH and 9705936 LH David Kiklis Director of Computer Services Abt Associates Inc. 55 Wheeler St. Cambridge MA 02138 617-520-3661 p 617-520-3640 f
(back) Subject: water pump plates From: "Craig" <coreman@uniserve.com> Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2001 08:34:56 -0700 68 and newer V8's have 2 of those grommets that go inside the water holes of the timing cover and seal up the water pump backing plate. 67 and earlier have one grommet but there are 2 plates that behind the water pump.Not sure if the grommets come with the gasket kit. They usually dont like to come out of the cover very easily. Craig
(back) Subject: Rant... From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:17:03 -0400 Ok, now I am really P.O'ed. For years now there has been discussion on whether to eliminate the Firebird and Camaro. Watching NHRA this past weekend, I really think those bastards are going to do it. If Warren Johnson is testing the new Grand Am, that tells me they are going to can = the Firebird. I don't buy the reason that the Grand Am is more aerodynamic or more stable. The reason I am so pissed is they are spending money to = revamp the Aztek to try and save it. HELLO people. Nobody wanted that car, a bunch of magazines say the engineers at Pontiac didn't want to work on it, but it was pushed through by management. HELLO, If you have to pay your sales people to drive them back and forth to work, something is wrong = here. Then I read on their website: "Pontiac Aztek was named the "Best of What's New" 2000 from Popular = Science. This annual award honors new products and technology developments in a number of categories. The editors of Popular Science selected 100 = applicants for distinction as the "Best of What's New." Pontiac unveiled the Aztek concept vehicle at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. Propelled by overwhelming customer demand, Aztek went into full production status for the 2001 model year. This multifunction vehicle offers flexible seating, and an available 22-way configurable net system and sliding rear cargo tray. Plus, it features a sprightly 185-horsepower engine, along = with the available VERSATRAK All-Wheel-Drive system. There's no denying the Pontiac Aztek is uniquely designed to keep up with your life." Overwelming customer demand? You must be kidding? They didn't ask me. Is that why you only sold 10,000 last year when your target was 70,000? Who did your marketing research? Maybe the big wigs should trade in their Bonnies for Azteks? There are some really good ideas in the Aztek, but = come on Pontiac. Oh, and don't be too quick to celebrate an Anniversary. Olds celebrated 100 years and they canned it. Well, atleast we will inherit = the Quad 4 for the Sunfire. I hope someone from Pontiac reads this... I went to the Pontiac's at the Grove at Maple Grove Raceway last year, and Pontiac had a tent there to show off their new vehicles. I can't tell you how many people said, "OMG, is it supposed to look like that?" I walked = up to the salesman and said, "Do you have to park that thing out front where everyone can see it?" The salesman said, "You don't like the Aztek?, it = is a really nice driving car." Me, "Yeah but its really ugly". He then = turned his back on me to talk to another customer whos first words were something to the affect of, "Eww that thing is ugly". Dear Pontiac, please put your effort and money into making the Firebird = and Camaro pass 2003 safety standards instead of wasting money on the Asstek. I realize this is a first gen list, but I would like to hear the true Pontiac enthusiast opinions. Sorry for the rant, ok I feel better now. Going racing on Sunday in the 69', breathe.. breathe...
(back) Subject: Re: Fuel Addative From: "Dan Lawrence" <danl@fdn.com> Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2001 14:51:30 -0400 Keith, It is like night and day. Actually, I have been pricing the Tolulene at different places and I found some at $7.20/gal at a paint supply store. = That gets the price down to an affordable solution for me. I haven't tried putting the Xylene in yet. The web page said it wasn't necessary. I'm undecided on trying it. I'm trying my second tank full today and I'm going to get the ratio up to = 10% this time. I'll let you know. Dan 68/coupe/428 Keith Donmoyer wrote: > Dan, you really saw that big of a difference? I can't believe it is = that > easy to get the octane levels up, maybe it is. Does anyone else have > opinions on the tolulene thing? > > Keith > 68 H.O. >
(back) Subject: Re: Rant... From: <JGeigel@aol.com> Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2001 15:47:09 EDT Right on Jason!!!!!! They are idiots to push the Aztek and then try to kill the Firebird. What = will they do next??? Joe Geigel
(back) Subject: RE: Rant... From: "Rodger Fromm" <rwfromm@nf.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 17:54:55 -0230 ~clapping~ Very well said. The Aztek is damn ugly...unless placed next to = a Fxxd, but everything looks better next to them. I am really hoping that the firebird is not canceled, i was hoping to buy = a new one in a couple of years. The other rumor that i heard was that the vette will end up having its own badging and no longer be under chev...and that after a 1 year absence that the camero would also go under the new vette badging....HOWEVER, i heard = no plans about bringing the firebird back (the much nicer looking of the F body). I swear, they do this and kill the firebird, i am going to freak!!! Rodger -----Original Message----- From: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com [mailto:Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com]On Behalf Of Jason Rogers Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 3:47 PM To: First Generation Firebird-L Subject: Rant... First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Ok, now I am really P.O'ed. For years now there has been discussion on whether to eliminate the Firebird and Camaro. Watching NHRA this past weekend, I really think those bastards are going to do it. If Warren Johnson is testing the new Grand Am, that tells me they are going to can = the Firebird. I don't buy the reason that the Grand Am is more aerodynamic or more stable. The reason I am so pissed is they are spending money to = revamp the Aztek to try and save it. HELLO people. Nobody wanted that car, a bunch of magazines say the engineers at Pontiac didn't want to work on it, but it was pushed through by management. HELLO, If you have to pay your sales people to drive them back and forth to work, something is wrong = here. Then I read on their website: "Pontiac Aztek was named the "Best of What's New" 2000 from Popular = Science. This annual award honors new products and technology developments in a number of categories. The editors of Popular Science selected 100 = applicants for distinction as the "Best of What's New." Pontiac unveiled the Aztek concept vehicle at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. Propelled by overwhelming customer demand, Aztek went into full production status for the 2001 model year. This multifunction vehicle offers flexible seating, and an available 22-way configurable net system and sliding rear cargo tray. Plus, it features a sprightly 185-horsepower engine, along = with the available VERSATRAK All-Wheel-Drive system. There's no denying the Pontiac Aztek is uniquely designed to keep up with your life." Overwelming customer demand? You must be kidding? They didn't ask me. Is that why you only sold 10,000 last year when your target was 70,000? Who did your marketing research? Maybe the big wigs should trade in their Bonnies for Azteks? There are some really good ideas in the Aztek, but = come on Pontiac. Oh, and don't be too quick to celebrate an Anniversary. Olds celebrated 100 years and they canned it. Well, atleast we will inherit = the Quad 4 for the Sunfire. I hope someone from Pontiac reads this... I went to the Pontiac's at the Grove at Maple Grove Raceway last year, and Pontiac had a tent there to show off their new vehicles. I can't tell you how many people said, "OMG, is it supposed to look like that?" I walked = up to the salesman and said, "Do you have to park that thing out front where everyone can see it?" The salesman said, "You don't like the Aztek?, it = is a really nice driving car." Me, "Yeah but its really ugly". He then = turned his back on me to talk to another customer whos first words were something to the affect of, "Eww that thing is ugly". Dear Pontiac, please put your effort and money into making the Firebird = and Camaro pass 2003 safety standards instead of wasting money on the Asstek. I realize this is a first gen list, but I would like to hear the true Pontiac enthusiast opinions. Sorry for the rant, ok I feel better now. Going racing on Sunday in the 69', breathe.. breathe...
(back) Subject: Re: Tyre (Tire) Pressures From: <NoPinkTutu@aol.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 17:00:05 EDT In a message dated 4/3/2001 9:50:32 AM Central Daylight Time, Ian.Highfield@actfs.co.uk writes: << Trouble is, it talks about 4 ply / 8 ply tires from the 1960's. I have = 21st century Michelin 205/70 X 14. >> The recommended maximum is molded right onto the sidewall. = Wayne
(back) Subject: Re: Todays progress again From: "Jeff Lane" <JeffLane32@hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 17:25:40 -0400 Glad to see I'm not alone. (see link). Man, who ever painted this car the last time painted I mean everything burgandy. I'll fix up the engine compartment with that flat/ satin black while I have everything off. Might as well do the blower motor and heater core while I'm at it... Have fun. Jeff. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=3D1290580&a=3D9574748&p=3D45648790&Se= quence=3D 0&res=3Dhigh > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > I hope Im not boring anyone but Im so excited about acutally working on > my car I just want to show my progress. Heres todays ........... > http://home.att.net/~gtoken/fbwork6.html > > Hope to try to set the 455/200r4 in tomorrow. Then the new 3.73 > 12-bolt. After that all the details, hoses, wires, accessories, you > know. > > Ken F. > > >