Newb 69' Firebird

[trwchevy]

Hey guys, I just bought a 1969 Firebird.

It has what I think is a pontiac 350 (I checked the vin number). TH400 trans

I have a few questions;

Is it worth a lot more as a numbers matching vehicle? (from what I've heard the pontiac 350 isn't worth much)

Would it be worth converting to a Camaro? (I know how people feel about this but it would be an easy changeover in my shop using camaro fiberglass front clip) I would like to drop an LT1 or LS1 in it either way.

What is the widest tire size and appropriate backspacing with a 16" rim?

Anything substantially different or special about the 69 bird opposed to the 69 camaro?

Thanks everyone!

Travis

[trwchevy]

Here's a pic.

[SC2150]

Always worth more matching #'s unless it is a LS transplant with mondern suspension...then they seem to bring more $ at auction.

The 350 did not come with that hood. Thats a 400 hood, and the wheels are gen 3 camaro wheels.

Look at the trim tag and you can look up all the car originally was. Also, build sheet may be under the rear seat.

[its a syn]

Keep it a Firebird. Make it a Trans Am clone if nothing else.

[Vinz68]

I'd pro-tour it with a LS and t56. Cool car good luck with it.

[trwchevy]

SC2150: I would love to put an LS with a TCI front end on it but that is $$. I picked up the hood off of craigslist a few weeks ago, it's fiberglass. I think I want to swap the iroc rims out for 16" GTA rims. Do you know the widest tire I could put under the fenders?

its a syn: I'm not sure if I want it to look factory but I'd definitely go Trans am if I did!

Vinz68: I'm definitely going T56 but I think I'd like to build an LT1. Definitely looking for more of a pro touring look!

[shank0668]

Originally Posted by trwchevy

SC2150: I would love to put an LS with a TCI front end on it but that is $$. I picked up the hood off of craigslist a few weeks ago, it's fiberglass. I think I want to swap the iroc rims out for 16" GTA rims. Do you know the widest tire I could put under the fenders?

its a syn: I'm not sure if I want it to look factory but I'd definitely go Trans am if I did!

Vinz68: I'm definitely going T56 but I think I'd like to build an LT1. Definitely looking for more of a pro touring look!

Keep it a firebird at least. If it were #'s matching, I would probably keep it that way.

[shank0668]

Find code stamped on the block in front
of the right bank of cylinders.
http://firstgenfirebird.org/firebird...d_numbers.html

[pincoin]

Keep it a Firebird, anyway the rear quarter panels and tail panel are different anyway.
Matching numbers is a real plus as many arent matching.

[shank0668]

Originally Posted by pincoin

Keep it a Firebird, anyway the rear quarter panels and tail panel are different anyway.
Matching numbers is a real plus as many arent matching.

Certainly, my Bird is the victim of this. That's when you go LS powered

[SC2150]

69 1/2 TA clone would be my choice.....My Father had one new when I was in grade school.

[daveagogo1]

No way i'd convert that gem.

[trwchevy]

Thanks for your input guys. My next question is how to properly identify the engine to verify whether it is numbers matching or not. I know the car was produced with a 350ci by reading the vin number but I'm not quite sure what engine is in the car.

Underneath the passenger head on the block is the code "700616" just below that is "X5" (definitely not "XS")

I've heard that there is a code near the distributor on the rear, passenger-side of the engine block but I can't seem to find it. It might be that I haven't cleared away the grease build up enough :X

Thanks again, guys..

[trwchevy]

Shank0668, I did see your link but I'm still a little confused as I'm reading bunch of codes off my engine that don't seem to match any pontiac codes.