Cars » David's 1969 Firebird
OWNER: DAVID GEBHART
VEHICLE: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
I purchased this 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible on January 23rd 1998. The 1969 engine came with a block code WC - Stamp and also came with No. 48 - Heads stamp was and is known as a 350 H.O. having 325 advertised horse-power. This is a very rare engine. The Odometer read 82,650 on January 23rd 1998. Pontiac produced the firebird with the 2 door coupe hardtop. Total made was 75,370. Pontiac produced the firebird with the 2 door convertible. Total made was 11,649.
I had the car in a body shop for 18 months replacing the inner and outer fenders on the rear of the car. The front fenders just needed some lead work and some body filler. Charlie was able to bring them both back to life. I also had to buy a new metal hood and the hood fit perfectly. The body work and the paint work that Charlie did turned out excellent. I was so happy with all the work he did. I spent many hours at the shop helping Charlie out anyway I could. He was my boss for 18 months and a pleasure to work with. The man is a master at his trade and all was completed in 2002.
I drove the car for two years, and one day I heard a knock coming from the engine. After getting the engine checked, it turns out the motor would need to be pulled and rebuilt. I contacted Jim Butler Performance Company from Tennessee who is the Pontiac engine master. I talked with Jim and I told him I was interested in a Stroker motor. He agreed that my 350 CI 325 HP H.O. #48 heads with large valves would be perfect for a Stroker motor. Jim Butler put together a quote with all the new parts I would need. I agreed with the quote and all of the parts were shipped to my house on a wooden pallet.
I had Christiana Auto Parts do all the machine work and put the bottom end of the motor all together. When I got the motor home I had some of my good friends with lots of experience working on cars put the rest of the motor together. They did a great job. I am so pleased with the choice I made choosing Butler Performance. Completed in 2004.
1969 - 350 Cl - 326 HP - #48 Heads
2004 - 407 Cl - 475 HP - # 48 Heads
Stroker Motor Parts List:
Motor was Bored to 0.030 over = 3.905 bore
Eagle Crank with 4.250 stroke
Crank shaft 3" Dia 4043 forged steel
Comp cam extreme energy 224 / 230 / 477 / 480 lift
Lobe separation angle 110 with 1.5 roller tip rockers
Ross forged racing pistons dish
Intake manifold edelbrock performer
Pontiac heads #48 large Ferrea valves D port 2.11 INT / 1.77 EXH with 72 CC
Carburetor speed demon 750 duel feed with electric fuel pump
Clutch - center force duel friction
Transmission Muncie M21 close ratio 4 speed
Rear axle 373 SAF-T track differential
Factory cast iron ram air long branch exhaust manifolds with 2.5 inch flowmaster duel exhaust
Front Tires 225 / 45 front wheels 17" x 8"
Rear Tires 275 / 40 rear wheels 17" x 9"
1969 - 350 Cl - 325 HP - H.O. with #48 Heads
2004 - 407 Cl - 475 HP - H.O. with #48 Heads
Paint - Med - Red - Met - 5590 - Code - 44 - GM Year 2000
