Camaro & Firebird Performance Projects: 1970-1981
by Jeff Tann
While the first-generation Chevy Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds are
iconic cars that command high sale prices in restored and unmodified
form, the second-generation Camaros and Firebirds are much more
affordable. These Camaros often sell for only a few thousand dollars,
and as a relative bargain compared to the early cars, many owners use
these cars as a blank canvas to build an all-out performance car. Not
only are the second-generation cars great platforms for modification,
owners don't have to feel guilty about heavily modifying an extremely
rare or valuable collector car that the first-generation cars represent.
Several million Camaros and Firebirds were built from 1970-1981.
Many of these were sparsely equipped cars with six-cylinder or small
V-8 engines and are perfect candidates for a full pro-touring treatment.
There is a huge and growing amount of aftermarket support for these
cars, with engine, drivetrain, brake, steering, and suspension parts
being offered. Many owners are installing multi-link or Air Ride
suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, quicker steering gears, stroker or
late-model engines, modern overdrive transmissions, and other
cutting-edge performance parts.
Like all editions in the
Performance Projects series, this book covers the wide range of
modifications, from borderline basic to in-depth and complex. Included
modifications are supercharger installs, head swaps, ignition and
carburetor mods, brake upgrades, transmission, differential and
driveline upgrades, engine bolt-ons, multi-link rear suspensions, and
more. This book is an essential tool for the second-gen enthusiast
looking to modify their car.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 4
Chapter 1: Planning and Organizing 8
Choose Your Application 9
Choose Your Process 10
Project Your Time and Expenses 10
Organize Your Parts 11
Think about Safety 12
Buildup Overview 13
Chapter 2: Engine Performance 15
Small-Block versus Big-Block 15
Cylinder Heads 16
Project 1: Aluminum Head Installation 17
Chapter 3: Selecting and Installing a Camshaft 22
Emission and Mileage Standards 22
Hydraulic Lifters 23
Solid Lifters 23
Roller Cams 23
Project 1: Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Installation 24
Chapter 4: Intake Manifolds and Carburetion 31
Intake Manifolds 31
Selecting a Carburetor 34
Project 1: Intake Manifold & Carburetor Installation 36
Chapter 5: Ignition System 40
Project 1: Distributor, Spark Plug Wires and Coil Installation 42
Chapter 6: Exhaust System 48
Header Selection Tips 49
Emissions Standards 50
Chapter 7: Installing a Crate Engine 52
To Crate or Not to Crate 53
Chevrolet Performance Small-Block and Big-Block 54
LS Crate Engine Sources 55
Chapter 8: Performance Transmission 58
Second-Generation OEM Options 59 Transmission Sources 60
Chapter 9: Chassis Upgrades 63
Suspension Component Sources 64
Project 1: Subframe Connectors Installation 67
Project 2: Rear Wheel Tubs Installation 73
Chapter 10: Front Suspension 86
Front Suspension Sources 87
Project 1: Front Subframe Installation 89
Chapter 11: Rear Suspension 100
Eaton Detroit Springs 100
Project 1: Rear Spring Installation 101
Detroit Speed 106
Project 2: Rear Suspension System Installation 106
Chapter 12: Performance Brakes 120
Brake Sources 120
Project 1: Front Brake and Shock Installation 121
Project 2: Drum to Disc Brake Conversion 126
Chapter 13: Cooling System 132
Radiator 133
Water Pump 136
Fans 137
Thermostat 138
Chapter 14: Weight-Saving Measures 139
Chapter 15: Wheels and Tires 143
Sidewall Flex 144
Wheel Design 145
Chapter 16: Interior 148
Seats 148
Project 1: Seat Reupholstery 151
Dash and Gauges 161
Steering Wheel 164
Sound System 166
Chapter 17: Electrical System and Wiring 167
DIY or Outsource? 167
Project 1: Power Window Installation 169
Afterword 172
Source Guide 174
Author Jeff Tann is a veteran automotive magazine
editor/writer/photographer with 30-year track record for creating
exemplary tech articles. Jeff worked for "Hot Rod Magazine", "Popular
Hot Rodding" magazine, and was the editor of "Muscle Car Classics"
magazine, "Rod & Custom" magazine, and "Super Rod" magazine. He is
currently restoring a 1978 Gold Special Edition Trans Am and a 1967
Firebird 400 that will be a corporate giveaway car.