This fine example of a 1970 Firebird is going to go through some big changes. Throttle Works will install a 5.3L LS motor with single turbo and a built turbo 400 transmission. It is also receiving some special treatment out back too, a new 9" with 3:73 gears and a Caltrax leaf spring suspension set up to get the new 10x30 Hoosier slicks to hook up and get this car down the track fast and safe, well as safe as can be anyway. Along with this new found power and traction some driver protection is required so a 6 point roll cage to meet NHRA specs for a 10.0 second cars will be added as well, custom built in house to suit our customers desires for safety and also some measure of comfort for street driving, since who doesn't want to drive a 10 second car on the street. Check out the pictures below for more progress and updates!!!
Now with the front end removed it is time to starting fitting some new things into this old car. Seen as how this will be 90% racecar we are going to solid mount the motor. This might make for some additional vibration but again since it is a racecar these little things aren't as big a deal as they would be if it were primarily a street car. Looks like there might be some hood clearance issues with that alternator.....We don't mind a power hump in the hood on occasion but not for an alternator so this will have to be addressed.
Time for some cold side work. The new parts are in for the water to air intercooler set up. We decided to go with water to air because it is primarily a drag car and the reservoir tank allows for Ice to be added on those hot summer days thus keeping the intake air temps down and the power up.
Now after removing all the unnecessary accessories from the firewall and engine bay we can fix all the holes and clean it up. It can take some work and some time but in the end with the firewall cleaned and painted and the frame painted it looks like a more respectable place for the powerplant that is soon to be rocketing this car down the track.
Now for some of that custom rear end work we were talking about.....with some fantastic parts from some of our vendors at Dutchman Axles and Caltracs, the back of this car is starting to come together. With edition of some spring perches in the proper location and angle The axle is ready to be mounted into it's new home on the leaf spring and traction bar set up. Can you say wheelie......? Oh and let's not forget it has to stop at the end of the track too so some Willwood drag disc brakes have been added as well.
Just because it's a racecar doesn't mean it can't have a little "pretty" to it too. It's amazing how a little paint can go a long way to making a great part look that much better. Gotta respect the car to expect from the car!!