Hey Kid, WONDERFUL Video! So, a 454 , good choice! It's a bit of an upgrade in HP, and Weight to the OLD suspension. It's also gonna be HARD on an OLD transmission and OLD rear Diff! I do know a thing or two from MY old days of wrenching, Take the HINTS in CAPS here! I DO LOVE your video's Kid. Please keep an old man happy and continue your work! Love Ya kid, David.
I've always liked the period look of your 78 Firebird. The scoop just fits the look perfectly. Thanks for taking us along on its journey. I can't wait to see the big block. I have a built 350 in my '90 Silverado. Heads and roller cam. I just ordered a centrifugal supercharger for it. It will be here in 2 days. I'm hoping for 600-650 flywheel hp when I get everything ironed out. I have fuel injectors rated for 650hp @ 81% duty cycle. It's a daily driver so I don't mind if I push the duty cycle a little higher in the rare, short instances that I'm wide open at redline.
A 1978 firebird esprit with a 350 was my first car when I was 18. I bought it with my own money I earned working at a lube shop. I loved it. It wasn't very fast but the barrels opened up good n loud when you stomped on it. Man I had so much fun in that car. I love what you did with this 78.
What I love on your channel is the high level of alternative engineering used, so don't bother with those people who want a perfect job. Congrats on the big block. Let the games begin.
Your stories may be painfully late in the day but I enjoyed the footage nevertheless. You comment at the end is spot on. You are never too old to learn and experience of doing something with your own hands is always invaluable. I speak as a newly turned 65yr old from Scotland and I still love "wrenching" on things, whether they are mechanical, electrical or computery.....
AH my vicarious life with Fuzzy Dice Projects. As usual this comment will be long. (Hey!!? I have a lot of words in my head, that and I have a good deal of info for you to consider) Thank you for this fill in video Ron, I think that what you show here is perfect, it is what 80% of the DIY gearheads do at home with their own projects and shows an accurate balance of backyard engineering, common sense and safety minded thinking. Now for the best part I swear to you that when you said rusty big block, wrecking yard, cobbled and budget I got a tear in my eye. Whether you planned it or not this is the exact route that nearly every project goes through as people get more knowledge, confidence and the desire for "just a little more" out of the project. I personally am a big block fan but that is primarily due to me being a torque junkie. I tried to build all of my engines in my career as an Automotive Machinist for $100 dollar cars, I am not sure if people still talk about fastish cars like this but what that actually means is that you are willing to put a $100 dollar bill on the passenger dash, if your passenger can grab it (by leaning forward) when you launch the car from a stop they get to keep it. Big blocks make a lot of torque and so make good baseline engines for the "$100" cars. Now with all that gobbledegoop out of the way I want to make a few suggestions for your consideration. 1) You might consider some front and rear suspension changes when you go to the big block. They are significanlty heavier and make a good deal more HP and Torque (most especially the torque) than the small block. You will probably find that you get significant wheel hop when you try to launch and you will want some snubbers (these will allow more hop but will also give you a better ride overall) or ladder bars (these will all but eliminate the hop but your overall ride will be in the kidney breaking realm) in the rear to help mitigate that. Heavier rated springs and ALL polyurethane front suspension bushings are my reccommendation. 2) Your "old" transmission will likely need to be refreshed with a shift kit and new friction discs at the very least. I am presuming you have a Turbo 350 trans in there right now. I would reccomend an "upgrade" to a Turbo 400 and doing the "garage rebuild" on that instead of the one that is in there now unless you are lucky enough to have a T400 in it now in which case you should be fine with a higher stall torque converter, shift kit and a new set of friction discs. 3) You will not only need but you will absolutely want to change the rear gears those 2:44 gears will not work for big block at all, you will want to put a set of 3:50 or deeper gears in there. 3:73 gears will give you the best balance of gogo vs. drivability. 4:10 gears will give you less driveability but a lot better torque in the seat of your pants. since you want more driveability the 3:73 set will be your friend. Keep it coming my unmet friend I have many more smiles to let out and a few more tears to release. Your channel is my absolute favorite on TH-cam (trust me I watch A LOT of content on here) I will see you soon!!
You are my absolute favorite youtuber. So educational and great production value! I just wish you could add more adventures and events more often, like when you did the autocross or when you went offroading with the blazer, you know, showing off what your builds are capable of!
I like how you cover everything you do in your videos, and how you explain it while keeping it simple. I also love how you fabricate parts rather than just buying new expensive parts that you really don't need to buy. Subscribed and liked.
Cant wait to see everything thats in store for the car and the channel. Dont let the little people in the world get you upset about the way you wrench on your own car. Ive learned a lot and appreciate all the time you spend working and editing to make these videos
Dude you vids rock. I started watching after i wrecked my dad camino. Youve been a big help. The camino is almost restored and ive already started on my next project. A 79 camaro. Its gonna be fookin rad. Ps, go show @OperatorDrewskie some love. Hed really appreciate it.
Thanks for letting me experience the journey with you. I have a great respect for what you do and wish you great success on your channel and in life. I look forward to what's to come.
Thanks for some of the ideas I use on my channel I'm not the best editor yet and definitely not use to talking to people while I work but I'm trying my best and hope to make more bigger and better videos like you do! Love your work!!👍
I would replace the rear gears with 3.21's. It won't be a super crazy change and will still have on great road manners. You'll get those engine revs up and you'll have more pep in your step. You gotta let that bad boy roar! Love the build man, excited for the big block!
To make that cam shaft seem larger you could have put some 1.6 rockers on it. Cheap way to improve lift on your camshaft. You seem to be doing a great job with what you started with.
I love how you just show stuff, ever since I put very small patch panels in the floorboards of my Caprice with rivets and people went crazy over that, I decided to not post anything questionable anymore haha. I can’t weld and I don’t have the biggest budget so I do stuff with what I have. The fact that you’re so optimistic about questionable stuff makes me feel good cuz I think the same way, but I can never express it. The first reaction is always “take it to someone who CAN do it then” which is rather annoying. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing and definitely show your home made fixes! :D
One of my favourite automotive chanels The stuff you do is so awesome and genuine Makes me wish I had the rescources to do such things on my own Keep it up
After watching this video, I'm finally going to rebuild the 80457-2 Holley that has been sitting for about a year and install it on my Torino! #inspired
Everyone can do it. Mechanic skills are like any other skill. They're acquired through time and experience. As long as you're going about your work safely, it's all good.
Beef up the suspension, and put something like 3.36 or 3.55 lsd in the back and that car will be a monster. And still easily daily driven. I’m super excited to see what you decide to do
I've used those JEGS reusable and nonstick gaskets on my Holley before and have taken off the fuel bowl covers maybe 2 or 3 times in the year I've had this carb on my Trans Am (looks like maybe I don't know how to tune a carb lol). I've not had a single issue with these gaskets, no leaking or anything, and they don't stick either.
What? Carb work when it's not -40F out? You getting soft? ;) As a thought, if in the future if you're hoping to get gaskets like that off and reuse them, try a little light grease on them before assembly. A touch of spray silicon or Vaseline shouldn't interfere with anything. ...you're also discovering the reason why when I rebuild steering, I rebuild it all. Too many do-overs like the boot a few months later finally convinced me that if one is on the way out, they're all about due. I also run all Moog stuff... Lifetime warranty that they actually stand behind. As always, great video!
I know I'm talking to you like 9 months in the past and I've commented it before, but Permatex No 3 aviation goop on those carb gaskets will help them seal, and it doesn't harden so lets you reuse the same gaskets many many times over with much more confidence.
Ignore the negative comments B. I'm not a mechanic but every now and then I have to work on my or the wife's car and I approach things in pretty much the same way you do. If you can't do it the right way (for whatever reason) just do your best to make it safe.
Definitely interested to see how you end up hooking up those electric fans. Whenever I get around to building my mopar, that's definitely going to be happening!
Hi it's very easy to just sit and run your mouth talk shit about what other people are doing but do nothing them selves you are doing well as you can with the money and tools you got or make I love watching you work and problem solving skills so don't listen to the haters just do you you are a Joy to watch and this is coming from a Mopar guy good luck and God bless brother
Nice work, Need to drop to a 3:43 gear. Not sure how it would affect highway RPMs. My wifes 77 TA has the 2:73's as well, super for highway cruising but not much off the line.
I am waning to check my cam specs on an 85 third gen I just picked up with a swapped in 350. Did you pull the plugs to ease the engine rotation? Great channel!
I really love how you explain everything and with detail teaching ur viewer I’m actually trying to install a Weiand 144 on my Chevy truck but I’m not sure how to run vacuum lines on it could you help me out please
Those highway gear are super funky I had a monte with 2.73 and the mph would increase 20 but the rpm didnt budge that was with the 2004r transmission which has a short first gear
Suspension tuning with the 454 to make it handle better. Weigh both engines fully assembled and try to get springs that are that much stronger or stronger
Just so you know - that blown 350 is probably stronger, HP wise, than that 454 depending on the year that engine was built. Maybe you'll rebuild the trans., maybe you'll locate a decent 12 bolt rearend, maybe you'll measure twice & cut once in order to make that bigger mill fit. Maybe. But I'll watch anyway - maybe I'll learn something. :)
Yay, 30 minutes of motoring meditation
Love the last minute plot twist! Looking forward to the "next chapter" for the 78 Firebird.
I love this channel because nothing actually goes right it's really accurate how everything goes when I work on my truck
Hey Kid, WONDERFUL Video! So, a 454 , good choice! It's a bit of an upgrade in HP, and Weight to the OLD suspension. It's also gonna be HARD on an OLD transmission and OLD rear Diff! I do know a thing or two from MY old days of wrenching, Take the HINTS in CAPS here! I DO LOVE your video's Kid. Please keep an old man happy and continue your work! Love Ya kid, David.
Love this channel! I’ve learned a lot especially with having an sbc in my wrangler. Can’t wait to see the 454 swap!
anthony cantando I want to see the Pontiac 455 swap. Gotta separate these from Camaros. Sorry
Whoa! Ya got me!
I was like "Nooooo! Ya gotta do more videos on the '78"
She's the reason I discovered your channel 👍
I've always liked the period look of your 78 Firebird. The scoop just fits the look perfectly. Thanks for taking us along on its journey. I can't wait to see the big block.
I have a built 350 in my '90 Silverado. Heads and roller cam. I just ordered a centrifugal supercharger for it. It will be here in 2 days. I'm hoping for 600-650 flywheel hp when I get everything ironed out. I have fuel injectors rated for 650hp @ 81% duty cycle. It's a daily driver so I don't mind if I push the duty cycle a little higher in the rare, short instances that I'm wide open at redline.
A 1978 firebird esprit with a 350 was my first car when I was 18. I bought it with my own money I earned working at a lube shop. I loved it. It wasn't very fast but the barrels opened up good n loud when you stomped on it. Man I had so much fun in that car. I love what you did with this 78.
I love that you are driving this. I see so many that just sit after all the work is done.
What I love on your channel is the high level of alternative engineering used, so don't bother with those people who want a perfect job. Congrats on the big block. Let the games begin.
Your stories may be painfully late in the day but I enjoyed the footage nevertheless. You comment at the end is spot on. You are never too old to learn and experience of doing something with your own hands is always invaluable. I speak as a newly turned 65yr old from Scotland and I still love "wrenching" on things, whether they are mechanical, electrical or computery.....
Happy birthday! There are lots of us out here tinkering. Never stop!
305 to 350 to 454...
Sounds like natural progression to me. Can't wait. Keep them projects rolling my friend.
AH my vicarious life with Fuzzy Dice Projects. As usual this comment will be long. (Hey!!? I have a lot of words in my head, that and I have a good deal of info for you to consider) Thank you for this fill in video Ron, I think that what you show here is perfect, it is what 80% of the DIY gearheads do at home with their own projects and shows an accurate balance of backyard engineering, common sense and safety minded thinking. Now for the best part I swear to you that when you said rusty big block, wrecking yard, cobbled and budget I got a tear in my eye. Whether you planned it or not this is the exact route that nearly every project goes through as people get more knowledge, confidence and the desire for "just a little more" out of the project. I personally am a big block fan but that is primarily due to me being a torque junkie. I tried to build all of my engines in my career as an Automotive Machinist for $100 dollar cars, I am not sure if people still talk about fastish cars like this but what that actually means is that you are willing to put a $100 dollar bill on the passenger dash, if your passenger can grab it (by leaning forward) when you launch the car from a stop they get to keep it. Big blocks make a lot of torque and so make good baseline engines for the "$100" cars. Now with all that gobbledegoop out of the way I want to make a few suggestions for your consideration.
1) You might consider some front and rear suspension changes when you go to the big block. They are significanlty heavier and make a good deal more HP and Torque (most especially the torque) than the small block. You will probably find that you get significant wheel hop when you try to launch and you will want some snubbers (these will allow more hop but will also give you a better ride overall) or ladder bars (these will all but eliminate the hop but your overall ride will be in the kidney breaking realm) in the rear to help mitigate that. Heavier rated springs and ALL polyurethane front suspension bushings are my reccommendation.
2) Your "old" transmission will likely need to be refreshed with a shift kit and new friction discs at the very least. I am presuming you have a Turbo 350 trans in there right now. I would reccomend an "upgrade" to a Turbo 400 and doing the "garage rebuild" on that instead of the one that is in there now unless you are lucky enough to have a T400 in it now in which case you should be fine with a higher stall torque converter, shift kit and a new set of friction discs.
3) You will not only need but you will absolutely want to change the rear gears those 2:44 gears will not work for big block at all, you will want to put a set of 3:50 or deeper gears in there. 3:73 gears will give you the best balance of gogo vs. drivability. 4:10 gears will give you less driveability but a lot better torque in the seat of your pants. since you want more driveability the 3:73 set will be your friend.
Keep it coming my unmet friend I have many more smiles to let out and a few more tears to release. Your channel is my absolute favorite on TH-cam (trust me I watch A LOT of content on here) I will see you soon!!
Honestly the best audio of the car I have heard. Well done absolutely beautiful
After every episode I find myself looking for old cars on marketplace. You are lucky to have the space and the time my friend. Keep up the good work.
DjoSimd I know, I really have the itch to go find an old car to tinker with after watching his videos
You are my absolute favorite youtuber. So educational and great production value! I just wish you could add more adventures and events more often, like when you did the autocross or when you went offroading with the blazer, you know, showing off what your builds are capable of!
David Freiburger would be so proud. never stop changing things
Glad I’m not the only one who builds cars and then immediately takes them apart again haha!
I like how you cover everything you do in your videos, and how you explain it while keeping it simple. I also love how you fabricate parts rather than just buying new expensive parts that you really don't need to buy. Subscribed and liked.
Cant wait to see everything thats in store for the car and the channel. Dont let the little people in the world get you upset about the way you wrench on your own car. Ive learned a lot and appreciate all the time you spend working and editing to make these videos
Dude you vids rock. I started watching after i wrecked my dad camino. Youve been a big help. The camino is almost restored and ive already started on my next project. A 79 camaro. Its gonna be fookin rad. Ps, go show @OperatorDrewskie some love. Hed really appreciate it.
Ps, don’t shoutout people to more known people because it’s selfish and scummy
Im currently at work when I got the notification, about to pick up snacks and a beer and enjoy this video, tonight
This is my favourite channel. I can’t wait to see the big block adventures.
Thanks for letting me experience the journey with you. I have a great respect for what you do and wish you great success on your channel and in life. I look forward to what's to come.
Very much looking forward to the big block build.
TurboCArDboard aided design. Also, this car sounds amazing. I'm glad we finally got to hear it.
Thanks for some of the ideas I use on my channel I'm not the best editor yet and definitely not use to talking to people while I work but I'm trying my best and hope to make more bigger and better videos like you do! Love your work!!👍
I would replace the rear gears with 3.21's. It won't be a super crazy change and will still have on great road manners. You'll get those engine revs up and you'll have more pep in your step. You gotta let that bad boy roar! Love the build man, excited for the big block!
Absolutely loved the surprise at the end, just another chapter in that cars life, great job man!
To make that cam shaft seem larger you could have put some 1.6 rockers on it. Cheap way to improve lift on your camshaft. You seem to be doing a great job with what you started with.
OH HELL YEAH. 454 with a blower is gonna be a super fun build
Great job my friend. You have one of the best channels out there. Keep up the awesome work and good luck in your future projects.
Cant waIt for new chapter! Big block brown strolls into town.
I love how you just show stuff, ever since I put very small patch panels in the floorboards of my Caprice with rivets and people went crazy over that, I decided to not post anything questionable anymore haha. I can’t weld and I don’t have the biggest budget so I do stuff with what I have. The fact that you’re so optimistic about questionable stuff makes me feel good cuz I think the same way, but I can never express it. The first reaction is always “take it to someone who CAN do it then” which is rather annoying. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing and definitely show your home made fixes! :D
Firebird sounds sweet. Great job saving it.
Can’t wait to see the 454 roar to life! Love it!
Yes!!! So excited for the big block build. Man I love your videos and I’ve learned so much. Thanks Bro. Keep it going!!
Dude your commentary makes these videos awesome.
One of my favourite automotive chanels
The stuff you do is so awesome and genuine
Makes me wish I had the rescources to do such things on my own
Keep it up
Love it, even though I prefer mopar. I enjoy every second of your videos.
Ah I see your a man of good tastes aswell.
Such a fun journey. Thank you for sharing.
I freaking love this series! I cannot wait until the next episode!!!
I loved the 454 in my old Suburban. Small ports, leaky Quadrajet, terrible gas mileage and all!
Brilliant stuff - my favourite Fuzzy Dice-isms from this episode: car guy repellant and cardboard aided design!
If you like "cardboard aided design", checkout Project Binky on TH-cam.
very kool man, well done !
i enjoyed your vids and seeing the project evolved. looking fwd to the next one.
After watching this video, I'm finally going to rebuild the 80457-2 Holley that has been sitting for about a year and install it on my Torino! #inspired
I like videos you come off as Average Joe having fun working on his cars make other feel they can do it
Everyone can do it. Mechanic skills are like any other skill. They're acquired through time and experience. As long as you're going about your work safely, it's all good.
I swear I saw this car driving down Indian head (210) highway last weekend. It looked just like your car!
I'm still waiting for the day where I see you driving on the road around me so I can yell out the window "FUZZY DICE RULES"
the return of the paper tiger, very nice.
Great stuff man. Been watching for a while now. Learned a lot. Nevermind the haters and purists. Keep doing what you're doing. Very enjoyable content.
Beef up the suspension, and put something like 3.36 or 3.55 lsd in the back and that car will be a monster. And still easily daily driven. I’m super excited to see what you decide to do
Can’t wait to see the 454 build!
One of the best Channels on TH-cam. Greetings from Brazil!
I recently discovered your channel and I have to say it's great and very good dialog.keep up making good content.
Dang, I didn't realize how close you were driving in the vid to where I'm at! I'm over at Indian Head!
I've used those JEGS reusable and nonstick gaskets on my Holley before and have taken off the fuel bowl covers maybe 2 or 3 times in the year I've had this carb on my Trans Am (looks like maybe I don't know how to tune a carb lol). I've not had a single issue with these gaskets, no leaking or anything, and they don't stick either.
Good to see a actual car guy that's not just a wanna-be car guy
What? Carb work when it's not -40F out? You getting soft? ;)
As a thought, if in the future if you're hoping to get gaskets like that off and reuse them, try a little light grease on them before assembly. A touch of spray silicon or Vaseline shouldn't interfere with anything.
...you're also discovering the reason why when I rebuild steering, I rebuild it all. Too many do-overs like the boot a few months later finally convinced me that if one is on the way out, they're all about due. I also run all Moog stuff... Lifetime warranty that they actually stand behind.
As always, great video!
lol, you literally drove passed my place in Tysons, love the area
Big block HYPE! looking forward to follow your future adventures, keep up the totally Amazing work! :D
I know I'm talking to you like 9 months in the past and I've commented it before, but Permatex No 3 aviation goop on those carb gaskets will help them seal, and it doesn't harden so lets you reuse the same gaskets many many times over with much more confidence.
Its better than it was 👍 you could sell the old engine once swapped or keep it ready for when the new engine brakes. 👍👍
Ignore the negative comments B. I'm not a mechanic but every now and then I have to work on my or the wife's car and I approach things in pretty much the same way you do. If you can't do it the right way (for whatever reason) just do your best to make it safe.
Definitely interested to see how you end up hooking up those electric fans. Whenever I get around to building my mopar, that's definitely going to be happening!
CAD - cardboard aided design - love it.
Can't wait for the big block.
Hi it's very easy to just sit and run your mouth talk shit about what other people are doing but do nothing them selves you are doing well as you can with the money and tools you got or make I love watching you work and problem solving skills so don't listen to the haters just do you you are a Joy to watch and this is coming from a Mopar guy good luck and God bless brother
Cant wait to see the big block
Thanks dude I needed this
Wow for a minute there I thought the crack in your windshield was on my phone lol .
Love that car dude
Hooray for CAD!
Now imagine it with a 3.42 or 3.55 rear gear. Still fairly streetable, if a little much for the highway, but totally different when you hit the gas.
Card Board Aided Design.. CBAD! Nice one :-D
3.42 gears in the rear works great actually.
Nice work, Need to drop to a 3:43 gear. Not sure how it would affect highway RPMs. My wifes 77 TA has the 2:73's as well, super for highway cruising but not much off the line.
Brazil here! Congratulations amazing channel!
I am waning to check my cam specs on an 85 third gen I just picked up with a swapped in 350. Did you pull the plugs to ease the engine rotation? Great channel!
Because of these videos, I may just get my own project car one day. Maybe. Who knows?
Go for it!
I really love how you explain everything and with detail teaching ur viewer I’m actually trying to install a Weiand 144 on my Chevy truck but I’m not sure how to run vacuum lines on it could you help me out please
Cant wait! But take your time.
My favourite chanell...more videos dude...!!! 1 day i will get same Pontiac 😍😍😍
effing genius move on the tab
Go for it!!
Those highway gear are super funky I had a monte with 2.73 and the mph would increase 20 but the rpm didnt budge that was with the 2004r transmission which has a short first gear
I'm a man of simple desires..
I see a Post notification here,
*I WATCH IT*
Great video.....🌟
I actually just finished swapping a 454 into my 81’. Picked up a gen 4 big block and ended up doing a heads cam build
A big block 😍
How many Oz ZDDP do you add out of interest per oil change (i'm guessing 8 pints?) ?
The hold down tabs were super well done! Did they help?
Suspension tuning with the 454 to make it handle better. Weigh both engines fully assembled and try to get springs that are that much stronger or stronger
Dude. I’m hooked. I love your videos. I’ll be watching them all! You’re inspiring me to do my own car! 😬🎲🎲 btw - when do the 455 videos come out?
Exciting!
Just so you know - that blown 350 is probably stronger, HP wise, than that 454 depending on the year that engine was built. Maybe you'll rebuild the trans., maybe you'll locate a decent 12 bolt rearend, maybe you'll measure twice & cut once in order to make that bigger mill fit.
Maybe.
But I'll watch anyway - maybe I'll learn something. :)
that engine sounds very nice
I would say a big upgrade is going from a 3 speed trans to a 4+ speed but that's just me and you can always shove the engine in the Blazer?
Any plans to lower it and getting rid of the 4x4 look?
Nah, it looks good at that height.
Big Block eh? Yeah......I'll stick around for that.
Mmmmm roots blown big block mmmmmmmmm. Yessssssss