Sprint Build-Up
Short answer: The Sprint package was essentially the engine, so many builders create the car the way they want. The mechanical Sprint pieces: a higher-compression head, the 4-bbl Quadrajet, dual valve springs, the hotter cam, and the dual-outlet exhaust manifold feeding a Y-pipe. Outside, only the rocker-panel emblems differ (all OHC-6 birds wore the “4.1 Litre Overhead Cam” emblems).
- Cams: there were two Sprint cams — the “E” cam (all 1966–68 Sprints and 1969 THM350 Sprints) and the “H” cam (1969 manual-trans only). Base 1-bbl engines used “A/B/C/D” cams. You won’t know which head/cam you have until the cam cover comes off (numbers are inside).
- Transmissions/axles: the Sprint could be had with the 2-speed automatic (even column-shift) or a 4-speed (Hurst floor shift; 3.55 axle on manuals). 1968 autos came with a 3.23 standard, 2.78 economy or 3.55 performance optional.
- Custom interior, posi, and console were separate options, not part of the Sprint package.
- Stripes: the plain Rally stripe (no lettering) was available on any 1967–68; A-body Sprints got “SPRINT” lettering. No Firebird stripes in 1969 until the Trans Am.
Note: many enthusiasts view the Sprint as a balanced ride/handling/performance package, not just an engine option (it inspired Herb Adams’ “PFST” tuner Firebird). Done tastefully, a Sprint conversion adds value — save your original take-off parts.
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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Was the hood tach an available option on the Sprint Firebirds?