So after 2 years of engine problems I'm going to commit a horrid act to some... I purchased my 69 firebird from a family member 2 years ago. My car was originally a 69 400 that had some larger modifications done to the original engine In the late 90's. During that time it had been bored .30 over and new forged Pistons and rods were added. The cam was replaced with a RA4 replica and the OEM heads were ported. This was all done along with a host of other "upgrades" (MSD box, 12 bolt rear end from camaro and shift kit). Once all the work was done it was put away until 2012 when I unearthed it from a heated garage in MD. In the time it was stored it was driven approximately 500 miles. Once I got the car back to NY the issues started. It became evident to me that the combination of parts used did not work well together. I wondered if it ever worked well.
The car was flat out not safe at first needing all new suspension as most of the rubber had become dry rotted. While changing suspension out I decided to pull the engine to replace gaskets and electronics as technology has come leaps and bounds in the elapsed time. Once the engine was back in my engine guy began pulling his hair out a piece at a time as the car presented a new tuning problem at every step. Vacuum advance not working due to intake leak, carb (Holley 750) not staying adjusted and the worst case of pre-ignition that I have ever seen. After 3 months of tinkering she finally smoothed out with a couple of minor issues. After getting the car back it was great for about 300 miles. Then a slight knock began to develop. Not wanting to risk a larger failure and out of money I put her away frustrated.
I know this story is a poster-child for keeping your bird stock or returning her to stock but I'm at a loss. Has this bird gone to far? To rebuild it reliable would mean new aluminum heads, crank, etc. and to properly return it to OEM would cost a fortune. After much thought and consideration I made the decision in modernize my bird with an LS1. My plan of attack is as follows: I purchased a 2002 WS6 engine and Trans with 65k. I know it's a cooperate Pontiac engine but Pontiac non the less. I purchased all the nessessary swap components and electronics. I want to keep the engine fairly stock as my main goal is reliability. So in the next month I'll begin the change over.
I am not so obtuse to say that ill scrap or sell my original engine and trans but rather take my time in rebuilding them to as close to stock as I can. Once she is done I'll crate both OEM engine and trans and have them to preserve some form of originality.
To some here I know this is an unforgivable sin but I'm looking to hear what the overall opinion is given my birds situation. I do love Pontiac and all of the great people I've met having one. Really hope this move isn't viewed upon too poorly.
