by 79BlackbirdGT » Sat Jan 08, 2011 1:06 am
Hey guys. Just found this site. I think its really cool that someone has the love for H-bodies that I do (did). I do currently own an H-body. a 1979 Sunbird (Blackbird GT). Not sure how rare this car is, but looking at the production #'s sh'e not very common. She has all of the Formula "stuff" snowflakes, spoiler, hood scoop (had), and big "chicken' (had the hood was replaced). Factory 305 2bbl.
I'll tell you how I came to aquire this car, but I'll start from the begining. It had to be 1984, I was working in Leominster for my dad as a electrician. Every day, I'd drive by a junkyard (Airport Auto) about 10 times a day. One day, I see this really cool car in the yard. It was a repairable. Too small to be a Trans Am, but it sure did look like one. Every time I'd drive by it, I'd check it out. I couldn't wait for the day to end. When I got home, My brother was all excited. I wanted to tell him about the car. He had something to say as well. I told him to go first. "I'm going to look at a car with Paul." (Now Paul's dad OWNED Airport Auto) I go, The Black trams-am like thing... no way!!! Man, I've been eying that all F'ing day!!! We went and looked at it. 4 Speed, V-8, mini Snowflakes.... Very cool. Well, My brother bought the car, and all the parts to fix it (front fender, grill, hood, and bumper) for $1500. It was a light right-front hit. He had it fixed, and the new parts in primer in no time. There was 1 problem, he didn't have a driver's license yet, but that didn't stop him from moving it in and out of the garage. Turning it around in the driveway. Once he got his license, he found that the engine was junk. Sounded like he spun a bearing after the first week of driving it. He had a freind that knew of a 350 cheap. My bro went and picked up his "350" for $200. After another $100, the engine was in and ready to go. There was a slight problem though, the engine was an SB400!! With tons ey-seid TONS of tourque!!! The limited-slip rear couldn't keep those tires from frying!!! Riding shot-gun with my bro, I spent more time looking out the passenger's window, than I did the winshield. What a QUICK car. not very fast, but Q U I C K !!!!! You'd hit 95 (top speed) about as quick as you can shift. After a few years, he got bored with the car, bought himself a nice RED 57 Chevy 2 door post.. Yup!!! I always told him that if he ever sold it, I wanted it. I would have bought it the day I saw it, but Paul had already seen him about it, "I've got the perfect car for you!!". Well, it came up for sale, and he wanted $3500 for it. It was 87, and I was making $10/hr, I told him, I can't afford it. One day one of his buddies, asked him how much do you REALLY want for it?? He said give me a grand, it's yours. I overheard the conversation, and after his buddy left, I asked him, You'll take a G for it?? Yes, Sure. Done. I'll pay you tomorrow. So now the car is mine, with a 400 SBC, for a G. Cool.
I haven't driven that car since 93. She is parked in my barn, just waiting to be "freshened up" and driven again. Gone is the 400SBC (350). There is a 3 speed where the POS 4speed was. Everything else is still stock. When I get around to it I will put in a 383 stroker, amd a T5 tranny. Could get a higher top speed if I put some 15" wheels in the rear. If anyone knows ANYTHING about a Sunbird Blackbird GT, please reply to this post.
Thanks,
Cary Boudreau