Sprint Build-Up

Q: Sprint Build-Up

I want to make a Sprint out of my OHC-6. I realize this decision also involves a number of different changes – interior as well as exterior.

Anyone have the list of options the Sprint came with? I know a 3speed was standard, but was there and automatic? From the Master List from Pontic Historical it seems only the 400 got the Hydromatic, everything else got the 2-speed automatic, but did Sprints come with them? I’d think surely so, but you don’t know til you ask.

So far, this is what I’ve gathered that needs to be changed\added:

From Standard to Custom interior
Sprint Hood Emblems
Rocker Panel Sprint emblem
Sprint cam

Things I have no way of knowing: Other engine and engine compartment changes – oil pump, water pump, alternator, battery, etc.

A: in fact you could get a Sprint with the 2-speed automatic, even mounted on the column! The Sprint option on the ‘bird was basically the engine, so if you’re going to add options, why not just create the car the way you want? Maybe stick with the neat triple teal color scheme plus the Sprint engine, plus whatever trans you’d like. A 4-speed with a tilt, hood tachometer and gauges, and a modern stereo. Some suspension mods, just enough for it to handle better, and a single piston front disc brake system from a 1969 bird or 1969-72 A-body.

A: There were TWO Sprint camshafts, the “E” cam and the “H” cam. The great unknown right now is whether you have a Sprint cylinder head, and you won’t know it until the cam cover comes off. The casting and date numbers are inside. The cam is marked on the end like a V8 cam. “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” cams are from one-barrel base engines. The “E” grind is what Jerry Woodland made a run of several years ago, but I don’t think he has any left. Gary had a local machine shop make an “H” pattern some time back to do regrinds, but you’ll have to discuss that with him. The “H” Sprint cam was used ONLY on 1969 manual trans cars, while the “E” cam was used on all 66-68 Sprints, and the 1969 THM350 Sprints (they quit the 2-speed option for Sprints only in 69).

There were no obvious changes under the hood except the engine – higher compression head, the 4-barrel and the dual-outlet exhaust that went to a Y-pipe. Outside the only difference was the rocker emblems, as all the OHC6 Firebirds had the “4.1 Litre OVERHEAD CAM” emblems. The manual trans cars came with the 3.55 ratio axle only. The automatics in 68 came with 3.23 as Standard release, and the 2.78 Economy or 3.55 Performance release axle ratios as options.

While the Custom interior is nice (and a favorite of mine, especially the Teal), it is a separate option from the Sprint package. Also separate were the posi rear, console w/floorshift on automatics, and anything else you might think was a performance option. The standard trans for the Sprint option DID come only in the Hurst floorshift however. One-barrel manuals were supposed to be on the column, but I have never seen a manual column shift in a 1967, 1968, and 1969 ‘bird.

A: The stripes were just like the HO stripe, but with no lettereing on the Firebird, and WITH the word “SPRINT” on the A-body cars. My Dad’s 69 LeMans Sprint convertible had them. They were available on Tempest/LeMans cars for all 4 years 66-69. The Firebird’s plain stripe was actually available on any 1967 and 1968, but the H.O. came standard with the lettered version. There were no stripes in 1969 on the Firebird until the Trans Am.

A: You mention the one that I didnt… the rocker panel emblems. However the hood emblems are the same as base OHC-6. Have fun adding whatever you want to the car…. if done properly and tastefully it will add to the value of the car. I would also (space permitting) save any orginal parts you have from the change over. I disagree that the Sprint option was an engine option. It was aimed at being a total package of ride and handling and performance. The idea of this was the first T/A type “tuner”that Herb Adams built, called PFST(short for PontiacFirebird SprintTurismo).It was based on a 1967 Sprint hardtop with triple webers, shaker scoop thru the hood, very large tire and wheel combo,upgraded suspension and brakes. This 300 hp Sprint would handle better than the V-8 counterparts and eat their lunch on all but the longest straightaways. Its too bad that tire melting muscle cars pushed the better balanced Sprints into extinction.

A: Sprints came with heavier springs,shocks,4 bbl with dual valve springs, different duration and lift on cam(same diameter valves)larger harmonic balancer, smaller chambered head to raise compression,split exhaust manifold with y pipe,larger clutch & Hurst floor shifter(manual trans). Different fuel pump,distributor,rear end ratio,larger tail pipe,and engine bearings. Im sure Ive left out something…

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