[north]

I just read the article in Smoke Signals about the 68 Sprint he bought. Interesting story about the ownership history.

I’ll preface my opinion by stating the obvious, what an owner does with his car is his business and I can see the appeal of modern upgrades for people who want to modify a car.

However this car was an exceptional survivor and seeing things like a minty original interior being replaced by Chinese junk (incorrect color, no depth to the tufting etc), an ugly aftermarket steering wheel etc. Even the mechanical changes like a 5speed, headers, big brakes etc destroy the originality of the car.

Why do this to such a nice original survivor?

I know a lot of people will disagree with me and I love watching all that Jay does but this project rubbed me the wrong way.

Speaking of OHC survivors i just bought a 69 Firebird with the base OHC6. I posted some pics in the 1st gen Firebird section.

[padgett]

I had a base 68 Firebird with the OHC-6 Monojet. Was a decent beater once you picked up on the oddties (slide the oil pump to adjust the tension). That said I've learned to avoid anything, particularly an interference engine, with a timing belt.

[Goatracer1]

My wife had a 1969 Fbird Sprint and it ran SO much better with the Qjet than her other Fbird with the single barrel carburetor. If you notice JL is using an Edelbrock AFB style carb. I don’t know why he would do that.

[694.1]

North, I agree with every point. Some day Jay's car will likely bring more at a big, fancy auction but it is another original survivor gone. And that AFB is not an improvement.
The thinking in the resto-mod business is start with the nicest example you can find. Much less work that way but it is the death of many an original car.
Maybe the next caretakers will convert them to electric?
I hope to be dead then.

[Stuart]

I've only seen the car in the periodic shop updates he does on his YouTube channel and he hasn't yet covered any modifications to the interior. He did mention the engine work was done by Ed Pink's shop, and it probably doesn't get any better than that. In any case it's his car, his rules. There are probably things on my car that purists don't like either.

[north]

As I said at the beginning, your car = your call.

All I’m saying is that it’s a shame I that a minty and nifty survivor car is now gone and there is no going back. The blurb from the original owner was obviously written before he found out what happened to his car. He was so happy it would go to an owner who would preserve it like he and the second owner did for over half a century. He must be heartbroken.

That being said I’m sure the car will be a far more capable machine but everything that made it unique and special is gone forever.

[Jeff Hamlin]

While I am on the STOCK TEAM, I do somewhat agree with some of what has been posted.
I do however think everything that his team has done is not at a point of no return if someone decided to do so.
I'll bet or at least hope all the bits that came off are stowed away.

Can't really say some of these mods are my choice if I were to do so but,
also can't deny it is probably a much better driving machine than it ever was.

I wouldn't kick out of my garage!

[JSchmitz]

That is one sharp ride!

[mgarblik]

I think one thing that may be missed here is Jay Leno's depth of knowledge and appreciation of this particular car. There is no doubt Mr. Leno is a "real" car guy. But he can't be an expert on every make and model in his extensive collection. This little Firebird is a nice, cute very inexpensive little addition to that extensive multi-million dollar collection. Probably, one or two steps above some of his pedal cars and other little trinkets. His collection is worth millions of dollars and this is nice little Firebird that we love, myself included, doesn't even put a blip on the radar screen. When you look at it through that filter, I think the modifications/restoration made the car the driver he wanted from the start. If that car loses originality or is worth 10-20K more or less one way or the other, he couldn't care a less. Overall, I think it is tasteful and much less modified than many cars in his collection. Being an engine guy, The horrible Edelbrock carburetor would be the first part I would toss in the aluminum recycling can.

[JSchmitz]

Is there a page with some more level of detail? I could only find small level of detail on this build.

[sprintbird]

I don’t believe the engine was modified much from stock. The only thing I am aware of is the followers were made from tooled steel, instead of using stock cast ones. I believe it was basically a stock rebuild done by Ed Pink. (Who said he did not want to do another one)

[sprintbird]

The thing that Mr Leno does bring to the table, is the exposure to this engine! Many people follow what he does, so it will only bring positive attention to our Cammers! I agree that there are a couple things I would do different, but I think the positives out way any opinion of mine or anyone else’s about his vehicle.

[Jeff Hamlin]

IMHO I think the engine shop was just another victim of not knowing and/or doing their homework on this little engine.

I think any of us have horror stories on our first builds

[sprintbird]

Agree with you Jeff 100%

[Goatracer1]

I only hope that the exposure will make the engine more popular. I've seen too many of them removed only to be replaced with a V8. Usually a SB Chevy. Maybe someone will make new cams and followers for them. I always wondered why someone couldn't make a roller follower like Chrysler used on their 4 cylinder engines. Maybe with more interest we will get new parts.

[Jeff Hamlin]

I'm loving the exposure. Even before Jay joined the ranks we now have over 900 on our FB forum page and our POCI Chapter is doing well.
I'll admit it's a double edge sword. Available parts are and have always been very limited and this newfound interest adds to the issue.
But it sure beats just falling through the cracks never to be seen again.
The Smoke Signals write-up was good,
but I just hope the upcoming issue of Hemmings Classic Car fills in with more technical information on his build.

[63 bomb]

Originally Posted by sprintbird

The only thing I am aware of is the followers were made from tooled steel, instead of using stock cast ones. I believe it was basically a stock rebuild done by Ed Pink.

Does anyone know if Ed Pink is the one that made the followers? I'd really like to find out who made those and see if they'd make some more. As you all know, the ones that are available as "new" are substandard at the very best. I ended up with two that were made incorrectly and cost me 3 valve cover gaskets trying to figure out why the valves weren't closing...

[Jeff Hamlin]

Yes, he did and for $2814.50 you can have a set made as well.

[63 bomb]

Originally Posted by Jeff Hamlin

Yes, he did and for $2814.50 you can have a set made as well.

Wow... Is that a real number?? If so, I guess Jay Leno can afford that but a poor working stiff like me is out. I wonder if the price would go down with more orders.

[unruhjonny]

I believe the HCC article said that a production over run was done in anticipation of other Pontiac OHC-6 owners wanting some - iirc they would be sold at pretty much cost.