This is where it all began. This is my old High School car from 1990ish. It ran between 14:20 and 14:40 most of the time. Best time in this trim was 14:11 @ 102
Old Sunbird 1.JPG
We later cut it up a bit, added a 12-bolt, full cage, and frame rails.
Old Sunbird 10008.JPG
I painted the car in the garage. It wasn't the greatest job but for not having any experience I think it was OK.
Old Sunbird 10010.JPG
If you look close, You'll see the little 327 emblem over the front marker lights. These stayed with the car from the beginning.
I missed this car but forgot how rough it was. It was a great learning experience for me. I wish I had kept it as it was in High School and held on to it. I didn't enjoy the car as much after it was cut up. Lessons learned. I am fortunate to have the same car now but one that is in much better condition. The interesting thing is this car is virtually identical to my new car. Both 1976 formal window cars with the V6 automatic and both were originally silver. The old car had an all black velour interior whereas the new one is Firethorn vinyl. I wish I had the VIN from the old one to see how close it was to the new one on the assembly line. It would be amazing if they were built really close together in the factory.
I never plan to turn the new one into a full race car. This one will be kept stock in appearance but I'm waffling on motors and direction now.
Option one: Pull the V6 and rebuild it and put it back in as a restoration. The car is pretty complete and they are near impossible to find complete and not already cut up. It does have some issues in the floor and underneath in the rear. The quarters are solid as are the doors. They do need attention but they are very good.
Option two: I still have the 327 from the High School car. It spun a bearing and was pulled out so it would need a new crank (which isn't cheap) and a rebuild. I'd replace the heads as they were cast iron boat anchors with no accessory mounting holes. It would be kind of cool to have the same engine that I had in High School in this car. It would be enough power to be fun but not too radical. Maybe change the transmission from a TH350 to a 700R4 for the OD.
Old Sunbird 10001.JPG
Option three: The original plan was to do a crate LS3 motor with either 430hp or 480hp. The complete motor and transmission is between $10k and $12k depending on options. It would be pretty awesome in the power range but I worry about blowing the rear to bits and I really don't want to put a bigger rear in it or go away from the torque arm set up. The price is high too.
What do you guys think? What direction would you go?
Thanks!
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