DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK! '67 FIREBIRD TRACK BLAST.

We are rapidly approaching the big 300 and in Episode 291 of Mike Finnegan's Garage we head back to Alabama International Dragway in Steele, Alabama, to track test the Rubber Duck. My 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 is a legit barn find, a car that my friends and I drug out of a Georgia wood barn after lying dormant for 16 years. Since that day we have been tweaking and refining this Pro Street car in search of turning it into an 8 second street/strip car.
QA1 Mod Series Coilovers
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C&J Engineering
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[@danareynolds1786]

I think the Rubber Duck would be a perfect candidate to do some "back to basics" type episodes. The engine apparently still leaks and you have no clue what the cam specs are, and also not sure if indicated TDC is true. One episode could be just about details of putting an engine together that us "old timers" take for granted, but newbies to the hobby may not know. Then another episode on degreeing a cam. Difficult to get full cam card specs that way, but you'll know a whole lot more than you did. Verifying TDC is part of degreeing the cam, so there! Great episode!

[@davevangemert9853]

You'd be a good candidate for back to basics. One change at a time. You have the information.ask freiburger for help, don't think. You know bettet.❤❤❤❤are ❤there power val❤vessel or blocked? You got the world by the balls, but keep your hands in your pockets

[@TommyRibs]

This is a great idea for an Episode.

[@quickdeuce]

I was thinking 'sort of' along the same avenue. I'm surprised our buddy Mike didn't tear the motor down and investigate so he's KNOW what's in der. [edit] @10:49,, "Hopefully this is accurate." Case in point. This isn't the Mike Finnigan we're come to enjoy,, he usually KNOWS if it's accurate or not.

[@Motorcitypower1]

Mike needs to go back to the basic because he's soo over his head that's why Mike has someone always holding his hand like a little school boy, take his 1955 chevy for example, nothing but problems after problems just like this episode more if the same old bullshit with Mike, sad indeed !!!!

[@TommyRibs]

@@Motorcitypower1 please point us to your KZbin channel where you wrench on cars, wire and weld. We would all love to see it.

[@stevemoores510]

Nice to see you and 12 volt Dave in a video again! It would be nice to see you guys collaborate more often

[@LloydBrawn]

This was one of your best videos. The editors got the pacing right, and told a continuous story while including just the right amount of details during the slower moments. Keep it up!

[@simonedmunds2627]

That firebird is definitely a keeper. Noticed a lot of axle tramp as she was burning out , dialling that out should help her hook n book bro. Good luck with your projects in the future Big love from Wales U.K

[@ee-mon-ee1653]

Ya know, I just love that you treat this car with the respect and appreciation the last owner did. You have brought the family much joy as well as yourself, and this car is now doing what it was built to do go rounds and drag race. You know the owner is looking down from up there going heck yeah, that's my baby doing the things. This car landed in the proper hands it deserved to be with someone with your passion and love for racing and horsie power.. From one gear head to another thank you, Finnaginaginaginagan, for doing right by the owner, his family, and the car.

[@tazbertdt]

Love the Rubber Duck. The front end on those Firebirds is just perfect.

[@ericthompson3551]

Except for the 69.

[@jlconway]

"They run better with eight" quote of the day, bud. Love the test & tune episodes.

[@davidhiggs5670]

Check valve spring pressure, might be floating the valves up top….maybe. Love the content Sir!!!

[@NZMOPAR]

very good point

[@BumDogSuMo]

Came here to say the same thing

[@sixx6sixx107]

Great point but I'm thinking the camshaft doesn't have enough to Rev that high either.

[@Nick210]

Rubber Duck is my fav of all Finn’s cars

[@AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C]

Mine as well.

[@the318pop]

Same here

[@JeffKopis]

Blasphemi by a mile for me. And Im a MOPAR guy! But both of Mikes Chargers are P's Of S. 🤣

[@jbr496]

What happened to that '69 Firebird he got a few years back? It might have been on an episode of Roadkill.

[@jrlittle2]

Rubber Duck deserves a well built engine with know parts. Love that blower surge!

[@jefferyfunk5364]

I really like the fact Finn takes the time/effort to look through the comments and repleys. Its one of the great things that separates him from others. ❤

[@xmo552]

Bingo.

[@epiphoneguy8392]

I know it might be blasphemy (lol) to say this but rubber ducky is by far my favorite vehicle you own.

[@jaredshoemaker9196]

Rubber Ducky in my opinion is the most important car in your fleet. I love Blasphemi but I love Rubber Ducky's story and history. It holds a special place in my heart for sure. Love your channel keep it up. Best of luck. Take Care!!!

[@alvinames5041]

Do Ya Think Rubber Duck Could Handle Some Hits Of Nitrous??🤔🫣

[@iambiggus]

GG Blake from Avid Speed!

[@sleepingbunny1946]

Glad to hear you are healing and taking it slow. Better to be a bit cautious now rather than rush it and have a longer recovery! stay healthy and thank you for sharing.

[@davidgough7382]

I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I consider this a REAL old school street/strip car (OG front end, pump gas, huge motor). WAY cool.

[@hollowpoint357sw4]

A man after my own heart first gen firebirds are my favorite GM cars ever made. Absolutely love the rubber ducky.🐤

[@dkyproductions]

Big props to the dudes at Abbot Speed. Reminds me of the shops in eastern North Carolina back in the 80s.

[@luckyPiston]

20:47

[@the318pop]

Avid Speed

[@bryangordon8518]

Love the firebird. My dad had a 67 formula 400.

[@chrisdunaway2562]

Glad to see Newbern is back on a video!! :)

[@michaelmaher4328]

Newbern Turk is back!!!!! Lol

[@stannelson2582]

Newbern has a channel and it way more gooder ish.

[@work2play352]

Looks like a new Ford pulling that trailer

[@waynerohde1036]

Newbern is doing Faster show too

[@dustinh4175]

Do not rush to stop using the crutches! Trust your pain.

[@jamescardwell3254]

No doubt you'll get the Duck dialed in, and with a 9.04 previous et a 8 should be obtainable. The biggest change I saw was setting the timing. I'm sure you would agree that was the biggest performance change that was made. I have to belive that pointer is off. It's great to see you healing well and off the crutches friend.

[@vehdynam]

Love the Firebird , keep going with it ! Thanks for the video.

[@matthewschimelfenig2135]

Nice to see you and newbern in a video and see some progress on rubber duck. I noticed during the video that you got a newer Ford FX4 diesel and at the end it was pulling the trailer a nice white one. Nice truck.

[@ChristopherKitson]

One of my favourite cars that you have and it’s got an incredible back story! Love that you took that last owners wife down the drag strip one last time 🤙🏻

[@williamstamper442]

The comment section is pretty brutal this episode Mike. Don't let it bother you, us ollder G's are riding with you every vid!

[@beekeeper6109]

Absolutely, half of them can't write a comment that's even close to being comprehendable, it's embarrassing.

[@user-rl3kw7sk2x]

That's awesome they handed y'all the key and let y'all get the parts

[@jamesbanister8556]

Love the Rubber Duck! I could listen to that chop all day!❤

[@ZeGermanHam]

Always love to see videos featuring the Rubber Duck. Thanks to Finnegan & crew for making this video happen despite the leg. Also, what's it going to take to get Boshears back on the channel?

[@64CHEVYTWO248]

HI NICE TO SEE YOU ARE OUT WITH RUBBER DUCK . YOU WILL GET IT RIGHT !! AND 8 SECONDS HERE WE COME !! YOU HAD FUN TO! WILL BE WAIT FOR THE NEXT SHOW !! TODD IN MICHIGAN .

[@frankgeimer5952]

What a beauty! Keep her and make her into what you want. You have the know how, the technology and the will to go there....sooo GO THERE!

[@Mgreen0104]

I can’t believe you came to little bitty Steele Alabama! This place has provided So much happiness and excitement! Please believe I love Dixie.

[@danielpeck6269]

I wanna see this engine disassembled and inspected before its on the dyno. There is a lot more content here and I'm ready for it!

[@s10issues84]

Looks good, I am glad to see this out and making it. Personally being a turbo LS, data, and EFI lover have grown to find that everthing different is cool. It isn't always about the end goal it is about the journey. I am glad to see it out, and hope to see it being out used and put up against the Crusher Camaro again!

[@jsteed4388]

Love the car definitely would love to see more.

[@raysplace6548]

Props to the Boys at Avid Speed.. 🍻🍻 Good stuff, Gentlemen..

[@the318pop]

Avid Speed

[@raysplace6548]

@@the318pop Well,That was embarrassing..lol.. Thanks for the correction..🍻

[@gryffent]

Here’s my keys, go get what you need. Damn that’s a whole lot of Southern Charm and trust that I’m sure you wouldn’t see in most places. Good on Avid Speed, True gentlemen there.

[@EricDFleming]

That Van Gilder sticker on the valve cover tells anyone local everything they need to know about that engine. Surprised it has lasted this long!

[@Jimschannel4321]

Dude I am honestly happy God has blessed you with this car. Because it's my dream car and the blue 67 short bed truck you guys were in are my dream vehicles. I thought I would be able to get them because I had a great job but I was disabled 20 years ago because of a flu shot I'm 55 now and unless God blesses me I'm not going to ever be able to afford my dream vehicles. I'm praying your safe and you get your 8 seconds. But if I am blessed with them they are going to be daily driver's no way I'm going to race them I might goose them. But no way I will race them I'm going to enjoy them every day.

[@colinjohnson7663]

I love old school stuff, this might be my favourite car of yours!!

[@moabwheeling1305]

Love the Rubber Duck! I can't wait to see your next vision for it ! Take care Mike .

[@michaelblacktree]

I have a soft spot for 1st gen Firebirds, so this video was a real treat! 👍

[@tonytrumble]

That was a good looking G wagon! More on that please

[@dennishuskins6847]

I love that you keep doing things with this car I know members of the family you bought it from still enjoy going to the dragstrip he built.

[@lamarw9901]

Firing up on 7 was a great moment to yell "we're losing the shop!" and cut to a commercial.

[@jesseshelby4383]

Love when Finn says newburn and I...... We all know who was turning the wrenches. 😂

[@jasonsparshott7208]

Malibu wagon is a thing of beauty in my eyes! I have wanted to build one just like it ( same color) since I was in high school 30 years ago

[@kennethohnemus3192]

I can't believe he hasn't pulled the engine out and get it blueprinted so you HAVE the specs. And then put it back together and do your tuning from there.

[@StudioBeast7575]

Gotta be losing time having to steer it left. Adjust the suspense so it goes straight might help. Loved the video Mike keep up the good work and I hope your leg gets better soon.

[@rickeyracer44]

I Love th'Duck! More upgrades, Go Faster! My Favorite!

[@PAVEMENTMOD]

Before the chassis dyno, pull the pan front cover and heads. Using what you have at the shop, measure the bore and stroke, the cam specs, lap the valves, treat it to new bearings, pick the kids up from school, put it all back together in time for dinner.Waiting till you blow it up, a replacement is about 10% the cost of your new tow rig.

[@Jpilgrim30]

This is just of many lovely things about the South. People are generally friendly and will help you any way they can.

[@jackcaldwell485]

Dont forget to move the starter switch so you dont keep knocking off with your knee 😅

[@marshalloveracre3204]

I think Van Gilder built the engine. I had him build mine and almost exact same experience. Keep up the great content. Hope I see ya at a show this year.

[@cudak888]

For highlighting the marks on the harmonic balancer - slide some white chalk over the marks and then wipe it off. Alternatively, smear a white paint pen over it and quickly wipe the fresh paint off the high spots. It'll pool in the markings.

[@robbertmadden1386]

Thanks Mike for this video, I was needing a drag racing test and tune video to remind me of my bracket racing days of getting the car dialed in a ready to race. I'm a retired bracket racer and I needed this. I like your way of figuring it out and thinking and I always would forget half of what I needed and would have to improvise, that's racing.

[@caspar0777]

Wonderful firebird with a great story. Your video is very intresting and well done. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from France

[@iowasandy]

You might check the air scoop hold down as the square shape of the bar may cause air flow problems. There was an engine masters program on this in the past.

[@BIGGOTOR1046]

Rubber Duck 🦆 is one of my absolute favorite cars that you own, next to Blasphemi. Love the old school vibe. Also Joe needs to grow the beard out again.

[@brucejr.5833]

Avid speed showing up big time and keeping the show on the road! Props to those badass hot rodders.

[@philipjohnson2608]

Greattt to see your mobile mike awsome still take it easy brother. Bless you man

[@UncleManuel]

"Why did it shut off? ......... Oh, that's why! I did hit the ignition switch!" 😂😂😂

[@robertwest3093]

I gotta admit.... that Poncho will downright SCOOT!! I remember when most racers were pretty satisfied breaking into the high 12's in their street car. These days racers are breaking into the 9's like it ain't nothing!

[@jameseastwood4984]

Remember track prep has improved too.

[@BIBMaster23]

Love the “999” on the valve cover because that was the troop I got my Eagle Scout in!

[@chevyfan82]

Love the Rubber Duck 👍 can't wait to get going on my 67 400 convertible firebird.

[@luissantiago7525]

Nice to see ya again...

[@robm.6400]

Would be cool to see a full rebuild of that motor

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@ballpickerinparadise3481]

Beautiful testament Joe!

[@richardharvey8939]

Great video loved the collaboration 🎉

[@user-oq8ym2fs3p]

Got to keep the Duck!!! There is a ton that could be done!! But I like simple!!!!

[@user-oq8ym2fs3p]

I am a Ga boy too!! Love seeing you on the roads hauling something!! I do love over though in case something falls off!!! Still love seeing ya though!! Don’t worry people move over from behind me too!!!

[@joshhubbard2053]

The Rubber Duck is an awesome car, and it’s pretty cool to see guys like you testing at a track in small town Alabama. Being from the town of Steele myself makes it even better to see these videos.

[@paulrhame9634]

Cool firebird and a great story. It’s a keeper for sure

[@T51B1]

This car has really came a long way, it looks great Mike! Please keep this car and don't sell it. It's plenty fast and hasn't been chopped up a lot in the pursuit of more speed, have it be the 'old school' version of the go fast fleet. For the breakup issue at 6K, maybe it could be the ignition setup breaking down, spark blowing out, or valve springs? What are the plans for the Corvette?

[@user-cb3ti8qt1w]

Looking forward to seeing the saga of the Rubber Duck Carrie on. You would think with a blown 540 it would run 8s no problem. I can’t wait to see the next installment.

[@316Autos]

Love the car. You and David were like 20 miles from my house when you raced the Crusher. Wished I could have been out there watching, but Covid screwed everything up at that time.

[@mitchf1508]

It didn't break! That's a win right there in my book. Nice ride and glad you are going to keep working on it.

[@robertjohnson4784]

Hey guys love the rubber duck video still think you have some Gremlins to work out but I know one thing Mr Finnegan won't rest that car will go into the eights LOL

[@Cutin4You]

Sure wish the track would have opened for fans to come watch. We live 10 minutes from the track and this would have been great to see live!!! Keep the videos coming!

[@thehoule70]

Good stuff love the car !!!

[@Jim_M_75]

I really think you should keep her Mike, rubber duck is the favourite car for me and many others of all the cars in your fleet. Proper old school huge tire / carb drag car and she looks stunning.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Lots going on with the RD, need to take the small steps to dial it in. Much respect for keeping it mostly old school, very cool. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@richd4935]

Thanks Finn . I hope I get to ( as well as everbody else) race yall someday!

[@johnhogue9415]

That chop is amazing

[@nonamegarage6721]

Great video, love that trailer. ..

[@douglasmoore2441]

That car looks exactly like something Krass & Bernie would have built!

[@ringerson4x4]

Sounds to me like Joe is first in line to buy the rubber duck when there’s nothing left to do to it.

[@davevangemert9853]

It looks really good. Thats worth a half a second!

[@tonykemper8896]

I love the rubber duck! the new tow rig looks nice s well!

[@ImTHATguy...]

I love the Rubber Duck. That and the Crusher Camaro. And your other rides, too, but I really like the 67 Firebirds and Camaros.

[@bassassin2ohseven584]

I'm with Joe, can't get rid of this car! The back story alone is enough to keep it forever!❤ I think a Pro-charged aluminum 632 and a tube front end would be pretty amazing. Or keep the blower cuz they're amazingly cool! Can't wait to see the future for the Rubber Duck! Along with getting Blasphemi right...😂

[@LukeLong-oi4uc]

Cool car! I’ve been watching since you pulled it out of its sleep at the old drag strip. You’ve definitely improved it.

[@friguy4444]

This is what I've always hoped the channel would be like!!

[@taquitojohnson2868]

Instant like for yellow duckie burnouts. 10/10 will watch again.

[@Dickie-311]

I see you decided on a truck to buy 🎉

[@strokerwatson4770]

I have a 67 firebird with a 400 and a 4 speed I have had this car for 20 years and I love it you have a awesome car my friend nice video keep up the great work

[@rodrocket8216]

Good, diagnostic vid.🖖

[@gkelley47]

i like this kind of racing vid the best. street stuff has its place but this is the good stuff!

[@knutbkristiansen]

Awesome episode

[@skipper6567]

Springs valve floating? Love old firebird, My 2nd car in hs was 73 Formula 400 firebird with stock tach in the hood. Like to have that back now

[@rytime700]

HEY FIN...I SEE YOU FINALLY MADE A CHOICE ON THE TOW PIG! GOOD CHOICE GOIN WITH THE FORD!!!!!

[@adematthewsracing]

It's a rental.