[Ramairnacho]

I bought this for some key parts but it's all there. I might build it into a formula clone or sell it after I swap and get needed parts. Im.not sure yet will decide by spring time.

[gobrdgo]

That’s great to have a parts car and room for it. Not easy to get these cars anymore that are complete and reasonably priced just for “parts”.

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by gobrdgo

That’s great to have a parts car and room for it. Not easy to get these cars anymore that are complete and reasonably priced just for “parts”.

Thanks . I was told it runs but knocks

[Aus78Formula]

Instead of a 'clone' how about just an Esprit with a Formula hood, if that's what look you had in mind? No need to sell it as something it isn't with included disclaimers, a worthy vehicle regardless, classic Firebird.

[keith k]

If it's a factory Esprit 400 (which presumably it was if it had a 12-bolt in it), that's a pretty rare car in its own right.

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by keith k

If it's a factory Esprit 400 (which presumably it was if it had a 12-bolt in it), that's a pretty rare car in its own right.

Yes it has the 307 rear end I believe it was a one owner car because service recites are in ash tray. It still has original radiator with tag!

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by keith k

If it's a factory Esprit 400 (which presumably it was if it had a 12-bolt in it), that's a pretty rare car in its own right.

Have owned one, great touring car indeed. Many 1970 Calif. /Nevada/Texas cars never got the top core support air block off plate and ran very hot with A/C
and have found the transmissions get cooked early and the engines dont make it too much further. ( daily's through the 70's and early 80's. )

[Douglas Willinger]

Originally Posted by Ramairnacho

I bought this for some key parts but it's all there. I might build it into a formula clone or sell it after I swap and get needed parts. Im.not sure yet will decide by spring time.

That is a rare car. Only 1043 made, Ought to be saved/restored, perhaps with some added parts as a Formula hood and formula wheel etc. A damn pity to treat as a "parts car" IMHO.

And essentially a "Rockford Files" prequel. Extra value potential in keeping it together,

[mrennie]

Totally your business but if it were mine and solid, no way I would part it out.

Front end is one of the coolest and would look great back on the road.

[SD455DJ]

It would be interesting to see the PHS on your Esprit 400. I certainly would just use the 3.07 from in in your RAIII/auto/AC Formula since you have it already and it's in good shape. I have a crusty 2.73 open 12-bolt rear end (drum to drum) from a Camaro that I'm planning on selling if anyone is interested.

Dennis

[71GP76TA]

Looks like a good car to work with. Too good to part out.

[bird72]

Just chuckling at the Esprit's are good when you put a Formula hood on them thoughts. Can't tell you how many people have said that to me.

It is a pretty rare car. 400 Esprits also got the T400, so one has a platform already in place for a subtle street build. Is it a hot equity ticket? With the 2V originality mojo, not really much more beyond the typical 350 car, hot 70-73 value these days. The drivetrain of heavy duty adds value to most people with any sense though. I would pay a couple grand more for a 400 car.

I always thought Pontiac should have offered some different choices on the early birds. Like flat hood 4 barrels, more performance flavored. (think LeMans Sports). Built my car with the factory look, what they should have offered mindset.

I personally would not use an intact 400 car as a parts car, but that is just IMO stuff.

[jhein]

I think it's a cool car and I'd leave the flat hood, but... I'd have to at least put a 4bbl on it and probably more motor mods to make it a real sleeper. Which is why I shouldn't be allowed to have such a rare car. But if you're using it as a parts donor car for your Formula project, it's not gonna stay intact anyway, so there ya go.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by jhein

I think it's a cool car and I'd leave the flat hood, but... I'd have to at least put a 4bbl on it and probably more motor mods to make it a real sleeper.

Why is this car one of THE best "Touring" second gen cars made?
The L65 ( 2bbl) has 400 Ft lbs of TORQUE ...........
............... at ONLY...... 2400 rpm's
UNHEARD OF ANYWHERE
I am building one now for a Formula , yup, Running a Dual Jet so I can run Ram air... Really? yeah... with a 2bbl and the 11 heads...
Why not have the Torque in the RPM range you actually drive in.
What a concept.. Perfected with this engine by Pontiac.
The 70 350's ( have one of those as well) is No slouch at low end.
Who has 400 lbs of Torque at 55-60 MPH in HIGH gear.........?? hmmm?

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

It would be interesting to see the PHS on your Esprit 400. I certainly would just use the 3.07 from in in your RAIII/auto/AC Formula since you have it already and it's in good shape. I have a crusty 2.73 open 12-bolt rear end (drum to drum) from a Camaro that I'm planning on selling if anyone is interested.

Dennis

Crusty what's that mean. Is it a 12 bolt from a 1970 made altered? I just learned it's not to by new the gears and install. Is it the 331 housing open carrier?

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Why is this car one of THE best "Touring" second gen cars made?
The L65 ( 2bbl) has 400 Ft lbs of TORQUE ...........
............... at ONLY...... 2400 rpm's
UNHEARD OF ANYWHERE
I am building one now for a Formula , yup, Running a Dual Jet so I can run Ram air... Really? yeah... with a 2bbl and the 11 heads...
Why not have the Torque in the RPM range you actually drive in.
What a concept.. Perfected with this engine by Pontiac.
The 70 350's ( have one of those as well) is No slouch at low end.
Who has 400 lbs of Torque at 55-60 MPH in HIGH gear.........?? hmmm?

You guys brought up some good points. I'm undecided but going to take off minimal as possible. Shoot I might find a 331 open maybe. There was 1 in Canada but very expensive to import. I will keep group posted on my discussion on the esrit. When I get back from vacation I'll try to order the phs docs

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by Ramairnacho

Crusty what's that mean. Is it a 12 bolt from a 1970 made altered? I just learned it's not to by new the gears and install. Is it the 331 housing open carrier?

Ramairnacho, Crusty means it's got scaly rust and is badly pitted from years of salted roads up here in Michigan. It would need a good sand blasting and 'body work' to make presentable again. It's an open 2.73 12-bolt from a '70 Camaro.

Dennis

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

Ramairnacho, Crusty means it's got scaly rust and is badly pitted from years of salted roads up here in Michigan. It would need a good sand blasting and 'body work' to make presentable again. It's an open 2.73 12-bolt from a '70 Camaro.

Dennis

That's interesting that camaros had this gear ratio but firebird didn't. If I remember correctly only z 28 is same as firebird meaning the 4 leaf springs vs 5 leaf springs is on all other camaros.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by Ramairnacho

That's interesting that camaros had this gear ratio but firebird didn't. If I remember correctly only z 28 is same as firebird meaning the 4 leaf springs vs 5 leaf springs is on all other camaros.

yup, the Camaro rear is a 5 leaf SS rear end.

[3tas4me]

Don’t part it out. Keep it stock looking and drive it! There are so few of these cars left and even fewer on the road. Everyone puts a Formula hood on or clones a Trans Am. Don’t do that.