Recently around in the area that I live there was a woman who was selling what she said was a 1968.5 Firebird for 2 grand. But it was in such bad shape it wasn't worth half that. (or so I thought) And plus I have done alot of research but have never heard of such a thing. But recently I was going through one of my old HPP and it was showing pictures of certain heads that had came off of certain engines and one of them was labeled 1968.5 Ram Air 2. When I saw that my mouth dropped open. I know how rare a ram air 2 is. And since there is such thing as a 68.5 does that mean all 68.5 are ram air 2 or is just a low amount of Firebirds produced or something.

Bottomline: Is it just another one of those birds that posts an intersting question. Or is it one I should try my hardest to track down.

James

Ram Air 2 was introduced in 1968 .... maybe half way through the production year - I don't know for sure. But that does not make a 1968-1/2 Firebird. There's no way to distinguish a mid-year production car from any other without going through the cowl tag and VIN info.

Value varies on opinion and condition.

Q

If it is in fact a RA car snag it up quick. It wouldn't be hard to figure out. Just pop the hood. You can almost get 2grand from the round port heads alone.

Check the Trim Tag on the firewall of the engine compartment to see if the car was built during the time frame when Ram Air II cars were rolling off the production line:

May 20 '68 Ram Air II engine becomes available for Firebird/GTO

May 21 '68 First Ram Air II Firebird (and GTO) produced

PHS-online can verify/disclaim the car in about 6 hours.

Fax it there, get it faxed back.

Need VIN..

PHS charges $35 for the info and an additional $10 for the fax. Small price to pay.

I believe the '68 Firebird Ram Air 2 is in the Top 10 of the all time fastest stock muscle cars.

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/general/musclecars-50fast.shtml

Good list of cars, doesn't have em all thought. No SD Catalinas, does have a good bit in the history section about em thought.

If you really look at CI and 1/4 mile times, the 1970 LS6 is the fastest production car in 1/4. The 68/9 Firebird with a 400 was 5th. with 40-55 less cubes. If any of the cars that were faster than the Birds were 396-410 CI, the Bird would have had the title.

Anyone remember the fastest production car zero to 60 time?

1965 Catalina 421 2+2 = 3.9 seconds

http://www.parrotbyte.com/330GTRegistry/MagazineArticles/CarAndDriver196503.htm

It takes while to load ... but so worth it

Q

Can you say ringer? I knew you could! Good article, gives a good snapshot of the car culture of the time and the work that Pontiac was doing to influence it.

Q, GREAT article link! Wouldn't you of loved to have been there that day??