Pontiac Firebird. The TurdBird

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• TurdBird gets a turbo and a manifold. Part 2
• TurdBird gets a turbo and a manifold. Part 1
• TurdBird gets a chopped oil pan. Part: 1
• TurdBird meets it’s new heart
• Pontiac Firebird. The TurdBird

I have done it again, bought myself a new project car. A Pontiac Firebird 1984…..With no engine or gearbox.

What’s up with this madness then?

I had a Opel race car standing in the garage with a fully forged engine in it for no good use. I also have a Volvo as a daily driver which I don’t want anymore, Volvo is too much of a tractor for me. If I had a field to plow I would keep it, but I don’t so it has to go. 

Here is the plan, keep the engine and gearbox from the race car and sell the Opel chassis and Volvo to pay for the Pontiac build and maybe even make a little profit to use on the KingCobra.

What will happen with the Pontiac now?

If you aren’t a big fan of controversial engine swaps then cower your ears now. The engine from the Opel is a fully forged SAAB B205 turbo engine with maybe 2 miles on it. It’s unsalable here or should I say no one wants to pay for it. Instead of giving it away or just letting it sit for years, why not use it for something fun like a turbo Pontiac. The upside is that it came with a 4 cylinder so it will be easier to register in my country.

Why build a Pontiac with a 4 cylinder when there is V8 power?

First, because I can and like a challenge. Second, I had the engine so why build a new one. Third, I will always annoy someone.

I’m also a firm believer that we need to step outside of the comfort-zone when it comes to engine swaps. Be brave and try something new. There are more good engines out there besides Chevy LS, 2JZ, M50 and B230.

I don’t have so many pictures on the whole car yet, but here is the engine bay. Lots of room for a 4 cylinder European.

This project will go under the name: TurdBird.

Here is a little quick tip on how to remove the front end on a 3rd gen Camaro / Firebird.

1. Remove the front bottom plastic skirts on both sides.
2. Remove the plastic clips holding the lower part of the front.
3. Remove the 4 bolts on the inside of the fenders. Yes you will hit your hand on the horns on the driver side. The top bolts next to the headlights are a pain to remove so be patient.
4. Remove the 2 bolts holding the hood lock mechanism.
5. Remove the 4 bolts along the radiator support. 
6. With all this removed, pull the front forward. This is easiest done if you have a friend to help you so you don’t scratch the paint.
7. Remove the 8 bolts holding the front crash beam and pull it forward. Be prepared because it’s heavy.
8. Done. Now you can fit an engine hoist from the front.