March's Feature Firebird of the Month belongs to Stormin
(http://totas.ca/forum/gallery/0/medium_4-020216185920.jpeg) (http://totas.ca/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=363)
Stormin's Pro Stock Firebird is also featured in this months RPM magazine.
Congradulations Stormin
In Norm's own words...
A bit about my 1976 Formula firebird. Sorry.. not a t/a... but..close enough to be on the forum.. right? hahah
I bought this car almost new in the fall of 1976.. it's never seen snow.. and only even been in the rain a handful of times.
Over the years... doing minor modifications here and there.. eventually tubbing the rear.. and adding it's first paint job and doing some isca shows.
About 9 yrs ago.. had to make a decision.. either sell it.. or keep it and do something more radical to it. I always loved the pro stock/pro street look.... so...
here I cut the car entirely apart.. Save only for the roof.. quarters and fenders... and this is the result.
Chrome moly, pro stock style tube chassis.
Body is all steel...except for hood and front and rear bumper. Glass is all original.
Car maintains all the goodies needed for the street...headlights.. tail lights.. turn signals... dot tires...wipers..defroster...and power windows and door locks.
Paint was done by Scott Jahren paints in North Tonawanda N.Y. Paint itself is from "house of Kolor"
Drivetrain right now.. is a .030 over 455 with venolia pistons.. comp cams shaft.. lifters.. milodon gear drive..and oil system..ignition is from accel and msd...
Trans right now... is a t350 with a custom built 4000 stall converter...
Rear end is a chevy 12 bolt with moroso carrier...4.56 gears...strange axles.
This combination will remain until the summer when the new engine and trans arrives along with a few other updates and fun things.
the car has run high 10's before THIS build.. but.. since then... has been lightened 700 lbs!!! and has been on the dyno and has some new found hp.
So... will take the car to the track.. to get an idea of this combination before seeing what the new combination will do .
If you see me out and about at the cruises... please say hi !!!
take care all
Norm
April's Feature Firebird of the Month belongs to 95Bandit
95Bandit tells us more about his Firebird...
Thanks for choosing my ride as TOTA’s April 2016 Firebird of the Month. It was in April 2007 when I came upon her after searching for this exact model generation and colour. I loved the 93-97 style beaks on these birds. Nine years have gone by with many road trips and driving bliss. This is the longest ownership with any one vehicle I’ve ever had. NINE YEARS!
Back in the day I was looking for a weekend toy with an ability to accommodate all four in our family and be equipped with the latest safety equipment such as ABS Brakes and SRS. That meant the Corvette and all two seaters were out of the running to address the first criteria. I’ve owned two prior previous generation F bodies; a 1983 Pontiac Firebird and a 1987 Camaro IROC. I’ve had a history and fond memories with F bodies. When the big three revealed their annual new model rollouts I eagerly looked for these cars on the streets of our town. Great designs like Riviera, Eldorado and Toronado were standout designs for me. I’ve always loved GM cars; my dad drove them – Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac in that order. My first ride was an Oldsmobile. The fastest muscle car I drove in the seventies was a friend’s highly modified 1968 Firebird. It was dark blue, sounded like thunder and went like stink equipped with chrome oversize Cragar wheels. Hell yes, it was MODIFIED.
When GM first released their 4th Gen Firebird I was in awe of its swoopy good looks and performance that started my car obsession all over again. To make matters worse, a neighbour just down the street took delivery of an all-black Trans Am. I’d purchased a new sedan only months before. I remember that T/A motoring past my house and thought “what a machine; lucky guy” – or something like that LOL.
I purchased my T/A from a local dealer who included a 6 month warranty, so no worries eh! It looked neglected with stone chips on the bumper and water logged tail lights that I replaced immediately. It came with a new exhaust, tires and disk brakes that the prior owner had completed just prior to trading.
My all black Trans Am began life as a GT and is now highly modified as a fully functioning Ram Air WS6.
I call it the “Bandit Edition” made with extensive interior, Founders/BMR/Koni suspension; Bi level 6000K HID lighting and Alpine/MTX audio upgrades added since my ownership. It rocks.
New seats were sourced and required an Ohio road trip. I picked up my hood from a dude in Welland. Exhaust came from speaking directly with Mr. Mechem in Arizona who I convinced to accept my order and ship to Canada (thanks NAFTA). SLP closeouts scored me my anniversary edition floor mats and badging. My pristine high polished wheels came from a parted out T/A in upstate NY, custom SS vents from Pennsylvania with many more parts and accessories found across the USA.
I’m looking forward to enjoying many more spirited driving excitement years with my ‘Bandit’.
(http://totas.ca/forum/gallery/medium_11-110715155228.jpeg) (http://totas.ca/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=166)
More photos of 95Bandit Firebird (http://totas.ca/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=7;u=11)