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12/08/2014 at #4745V8 StaffKeymaster
This wicked 1971 Pontiac Firebird is wearing a deep blue flame job, but the owner felt it needed more fire under the hood. He sent the car, a T56 5-speed transmission, and a fresh E-85 burning 468 cube Pontiac stroker to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to install to fix all that. The new mill runs at 11.4:1 compression thanks to the alcohol in E-85, which is the best fuel the owner can get in his neighborhood.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4881V8 StaffKeymasterThis project came into our shop already wearing a flamed paint job that the owner did not want to change. However, he did want to improve the performance and the level of detail under the hood. The owner supplied a 468 in.³ Pontiac V8 that we were to install, and retrofit the fuel system to operate on E 85 fuel.
The crew wrapped to the entire vehicle in 3M protective adhesive backed to paper so they would not damage the paint.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4882V8 StaffKeymasterThey removed the front wheels, drained all the fluids, and disconnected the wiring. Then, they removed the entire front clip of the vehicle in essentially one piece so that they had better access to the engine, firewall, and subframe.
Once we remove the front sheet metal, it was obvious that the firewall needed help. It was green in color, and was a complete mess.Check out:
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4883V8 StaffKeymasterUnder the car, the crew removed the original fuel lines in preparation for the oversized lines required by the E85 conversion.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4884V8 StaffKeymasterNext, they removed the front subframe, and stripped the paint from the firewall. After some minor bodywork, the firewall was seam sealed and coated with satin black paint.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4885V8 StaffKeymasterThe subframe was media blasted and inspected.
The main welds were reinforced, and the front sway bar holes were drilled out and grade 8 nuts were TIG welded in place. This repaired the stripped out holes in the frame and added a much stronger attachment point for the sway bar mount.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4886V8 StaffKeymasterNext, the subframe was epoxy primed and painted a satin black. It was reinstalled on the body to check the fit of the new crossmember and subframe connectors.
Then, the subframe was removed and the entire bottom of the car one strip to prepare for paint and undercoating. This was originally a California car, so the bottom side was not rusty.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4887V8 StaffKeymasterOnce the bottom side was stripped and prepped, the car was masked and the bottom side was sprayed with black epoxy and a 3M Body Schutz undercoat.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4888V8 StaffKeymasterThe front suspension components were cleaned, and the steering box was painted. Then the detailed front Global West suspension components were installed on the subframe, along with a new transmission crossmember.
Next, the freshly rebuilt Pontiac 468 was prepared for installation on to the subframe.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/15/2014 at #4889V8 StaffKeymasterA Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission and clutch were bolted to the engine.
The engine and transmission were bolted into the subframe, ready for installation on the body.
The body was then lowered onto the subframe and the engine, transmission, and subframe assembly were attached to it.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV03/19/2015 at #5466V8 StaffKeymasterThe E-85 conversion necessitated a new fuel tank, as E-85 is very corrosive and will release any gum and varnish from the original tank, potentially perpetually clogging fuel filters and carb jets.
Plus there is a cool factor in a Rick’s stainless tank!
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV03/19/2015 at #5467V8 StaffKeymasterFront stub coming together…
The Pro Systems E-85 tuned carb
Plumbing the CPP master cylinder and Hydratech hydraulic booster with custom stainless lines
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV04/02/2015 at #5547Mike ClarkeMember04/04/2015 at #5550V8 StaffKeymasterYep, it was a small place that did some big things!
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV04/04/2015 at #5552Mike ClarkeMember -
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