[MoreDoor210]

I just ended up with a 1969 Firebird roller and I'm debating what engine to put in it.

I have a built 454, ~550 HP, and built TH400 that I was planning to put in a '57 Bel Air. Downside of using this for the Firebird project is that I have ceramic coated headers specifically for a BBC in a Tri Five, so I'd have to sell those.

I have a SBC 400 block and all the parts I need to build it except rotating assembly.

I have a tall deck 427 block but no parts for it.

I have a friend of a friend with a 1980 Firebird that has been parked since 1989, with a built Pontiac 400 and TH400, and headers, that I think would fit the '69 Firebird, that he would sell for $2000. I could also probably use the front seats and then sell what's left. The paint is ruined from sitting under pine trees and of course engine and transmission would need fresh gaskets at minimum.

I saw a recently rebuilt Pontiac 400 engine, complete with headers, but no intake or carb, for $2000. I have a spare Holley 3310, would just need the intake.

I also have a Muncie M20, but the Firebird was a factory automatic.

I could list out pros and cons but they are probably mostly obvious. I am not super cost sensitive but I do like the idea of using what I already have vs buying more junk. Posting to seek general advice. Can give more details as needed. Thanks!

 

[MoreDoor210]

I'm interested it being a fun Sunday driver type setup. I wouldn't go as far as to say daily driver. I might drive it to work sometimes but mainly would just drive it for fun. I do not plan to drag-race it, but, I do enjoy performance. So thinking "street/strip" type build.

Thanks for suggestions; will just reiterate that I have a 454 that is ready to go, and a SBC 400 that doesn't need much to be ready. If I went with a SBC, I'd probably use the 400 rather than acquire another engine, unless there's a major reason to get a different one.

 

[MoreDoor210]

Before anybody points this out, the Firebird did not come with a Pontiac 400 or any 400 in 1980. But this specific one has a Pontiac 400.

 

[MoreDoor210]

I bought the '80 Firebird and right now am planning to use the Pontiac 400.

The LS idea is tempting, but just as far as personal skills and comfort level, I'd rather mess with a carb than a computer for a car setup.

I also realized that the '80 has a corporate 8.5 rear end and the '69 has a BOP 8.2, so I may swap those while I am at it. And see if any other parts will swap before selling the remainder of the '80. I know somebody who is interested in it to build a drag race car out of it.

Thanks for all responses.

 

[MoreDoor210]

I might revisit the LS idea. I keep thinking about it. However, I already bought the '80 Firebird, so my default now is to use the Pontiac 400.

Now the looks part. My 1969 Firdbird has a plain hood with no hood scoops. I am thinking about switching to either the 400 type hood with smaller scoops, or the Trans Am style with bigger scoops. I think Trans Am style looks better. However, I am not planning to try to clone a Trans Am overall, so I am not sure if it will look out of place to people who know the model if I use the Trans Am hood, a Camaro rear spoiler and a single paint color (probably either silver or midnight green - car was originally limelight green). Maybe nobody cares about that since the Trans Am hood is an upgrade whether or not the car is a Trans Am. Since the car will have a Pontiac 400, I could alternately use the 400 style hood and do sort of a Ram Air clone to be a little closer to correct. But again, not sure that really matters at this point since I am not doing a faithful restoration.

Also trying to figure out what wheels to use on it. I have a spare set of 1970 Z28 wheels with peeling chrome. I am thinking about getting them powder coated. I've also thought about getting C5 Corvette wheels.