[cpu]

Hi, I'm Carl, from PA, USA.

I wrote in the title that I'm a "NOS" member because I've been a member here for 16.5 years but haven't posted until now.

In all that time I've been reading posts and learning and enjoying. Thanks to all the members here that share so much expert knowledge about Pontiacs.

Here's a short list of the Pontiacs that I have owned:
1970 Firebird Formula 400
2004 GTO
2009 G5

I gave the G5 to my daughter.
I gave the GTO to my ex
I still have the Formula 400.

I bought the Formula when I was 18 years old, and had just started college studying engineering. Somehow, I managed to restore the car and finish college, both with reasonable success. That was over 35 years ago.

The major work I've done on the 70 Formula was the rust repair performed during my amateur restoration as a teenager ~ 22 year old. There was so much rust. I tried getting replacement panels from the Pontiac dealer, but didn't find much back then (GM still sold metal door skins at that time). I found some panels here and there, Year One, junkyards, etc. Rockers and valance panels were not readily available and difficult to find in the pre-web 1980s.

As long as I've had the Formula I haven't had the engine apart; I haven't needed to. I've had the covers off. Someone before me had the engine apart They replaced the block. All the visible parts like intake, heads, exhaust manifolds are correct casting and correct date coded parts. I guess the block was damaged out of warranty and the previous owner got a used donor block.

Lately I've been looking at the body, suspension, engine parts, brake parts, etc confirming which parts are still original parts, which have been changed, etc. The threads on dual snorkel air cleaners, jacks, hood hinges, and many many more are very interesting reading! I'll admit I have a serious parts fetish.

Anyway thanks for listening to my long story. I hope to contribute to the discussions.

[4dblnkldude]

AAHHH the parts "FETISH" Dont worry I got it too.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Welcome back!!!
Back in the bad old days, when I was married. Someone offered me nearly nothing for my TA. REALLY made the evil woman MAD!!!

I'm still collecting parts. I have too many engine parts. But I don't consider it a problem!!!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

New Old Stock was a good definition.
I thought it was going to be an old member with a new name.
Welcome to the future of our past.

[kingbuzzo]

Welcome...what are your future plans for the old bird

[cpu]

My plans are: I'm going to drive it every chance I get!

During this winter I might try to get some work done on the Endura bumper. I need to have some cracks repaired and then have it reshot properly with flex agent in the paint.

Coming soon will be replacement of the roof line and door molded seals. I'll probably wait for spring for that.

[unruhjonny]

Welcome here!

Care to share more details on your Formula - and maybe some pictures?

[cpu]

Here is more info on my Formula:

Norwood 04C
I think the original engine was a YS code.
Turbo 400.
12 bolt limited slip rear, 3.31.
Carousel Red with black Cordova top (65, BB) (I removed the top and haven't put it back on).
Standard interior, black, with console.
PS
PB
A/C
Power Windows
remote decklid release
AM pushbutton
Delco 8 track
Roof rail stainless trim.

[unruhjonny]

WOWZERS!!

You just might be only the second or third person who has posted here with an original Carousel Red car!

Without documentation, I have found that the presence of a firewall mounted vacuum reservoir (or evidence of one having been mounted) would indicate if it was an L78 car;
The L74 cars did not have the reservoir, so there would be no holes to mount it.

[cpu]

My car has the vacuum canister. I removed it to clean it up, but misplaced the screws. Which screws are the correct ones? They are smaller than the washer bottle screws.

[cpu]

Vacuum canister removed from firewall.

I see there is what looks like a stamping on the firewall from the cavity side (between the canister screw holes). I'll have to take off the grill and check that out.

[keith k]

Originally Posted by cpu

Here is more info on my Formula:

Norwood 04C
I think the original engine was a YS code.
Turbo 400.
12 bolt limited slip rear, 3.31.
Carousel Red with black Cordova top (65, BB) (I removed the top and haven't put it back on).
Standard interior, black, with console.
PS
PB
A/C
Power Windows
remote decklid release
AM pushbutton
Delco 8 track
Roof rail stainless trim.

Welcome-
Cool car and history!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by cpu

Vacuum canister removed from firewall.

According to Jonny's observations - you are likely correct about originally a YS engine.
The L78 was the base 400 code YS with 13 heads
The L74 was the Ram3 400 code YZ with 12 heads

If you still have the drop base - dual snorkel air cleaner , that is a blessing.

[salem1912]

Welcome gald you are posting, CPU fellow Pa'er
Had a Formula 400 in H.S.

[cpu]

Baron, this dual snorkel air cleaner that came with the car fits well but I think it's not original (besides not having a chrome lid). The original for this car should be the RM-code dual snorkel, I think.

[unruhjonny]

the 70-72 Formula dual snorkle air cleaners differ from the A-body (ect) counterparts first and foremost in the dropped base;
the GTO one will technically fit under hood, but the small raised circumference of the lid will press against the underside of the hood.

My experience was a gentle closing of the hood netted the screen (layer between top and bottom halfs of the Formula hood) was instantly “cut” through…
whoops!

You are correct on the chrome lid;
The chrome engine dress up was essentially as I understood it) carry over from the Firebird 400 - and also used on the GTO.
Most 1970 air cleaners (if not all of the ones from the Norwood plant) did not have a fuel bowl vent hole - I believe that most (if not all) VN air cleaners had the hole, and it was present on all 1971-1972 air cleaners.