1968 Firebird Mild to Wild

[JHanko]

My 68 Firebird is receiving some significant upgrades this spring, including a fuel injected 535, 4L80E trans, PTC 3500 stall triple disc converter and 12 bolt 3.55 Eaton rear end. The car is already beautifully restored and should be really special when finished. Here she is right now...

 

Block all cleaned up and ready to assemble...

Installing cam bearings...

Camshaft and main bearings installed...

Crankshaft checked for straightness, main bearing clearance and end play. .009" end play seemed a little big to me, but Butler confirmed it is OK.

Rear seal installed and main caps torqued down...

Pistons and rods weight matched...

I degree'd the cam with only cylinder #1 piston installed without rings. I find it much easier this way. When installed straight up, the intake center line is at 112.75 degrees. Cam card says it should be 114. I guess I'll leave it as is and let chain stretch get it closer...

[Ringo64]

Nice work! Looking good already.

[JUSTA6]

Thankz for sharing your build. Looking forward to more.

[JHanko]

Piston rings filed to correct gap...

Installing pistons...

All pistons installed. Rods checked for bearing clearance and side clearance...

Head gaskets sprayed with copper...

Beautiful combustion chamber and port work...

Heads torqued down. Starting to look like a motor. Measuring for push rods next...