I Spent $88 Bucks on Carb Jets and Added Nearly 100HP to My Barnfind Pontiac Firebird!

This is Episode 292 and we are giving you what you asked for; After finding problems with The Rubber Duck at the dragstrip, we headed right to the chassis dyno to figure it out. We left the dyno with more horsepower and a happier car. This video gives a breakdown of the changes and we double check our camshaft valve lash and valve springs at home in my garage. Hope you enjoy it. Next stop, is back to the dragstrip to see if we can finally run an 8 second pass in my 1967 Pontiac Firebird. Want more info on the tools I used? Check out the links below:
Holley Track Pack Carb Jet Kit: www.holley.com/products/fuel_...
Dart Machinery Block and Heads:
www.dartheads.com/product-cat...
LSM on-head Valve Spring Tester:
lsmproducts.com/collections/v...
The Blower Shop 8-71 Supercharger:
theblowershop.com/product-cat...
Quick Fuel Technology Supercharger Carburetors:
www.holley.com/products/fuel_...
MSD HVC 2 Ignition Coil:
www.holley.com/products/ignit...
Gearstar Turbo 400 Transmission:
gearstar.com/gm-turbo-400-per...
Quick Performance 9-inch rearend:
www.quickperformance.com
Gear Vendors Overdrive/Underdrive Unit:
www.gearvendors.com/index.html

[@brianlafollette7530]

Awesome Firebird no matter what it runs!

[@MatthewGraham51713]

Hopefully you can get Into the 8's. We need a crossover episode with Tony on stay tuned. Miss the 2 of you together.

[@dennissanborn3159]

just dont let tony drive

[@FinnegansGarage]

he and I talk often of getting together to film an adventure. my work schedule is super crazy these days. we'll make it happen sooner or later, just not sure when.

[@lamarw9901]

@@FinnegansGarage A Firebird match race would be fun with Tony. Maybe go to Charlotte with Newbern and Freiburger for all 4 to race. I know that is bigger money to get the track but one can dream.

[@ee-mon-ee1653]

Yes please 🙏 Tony is the homie love that dude and so is Finnegan even though I don't physically know either of you it kinda feels like I do because I have watched you both for a long time. Your both my kinda dudes easy-going,brilliant and you love your ponies what's not to love. I also love how you treat your fans just all around decent ppl and we love that.

[@michaelwynne4346]

​@@lamarw9901 I believe Tony sold his Firebird

[@andrewyeskoo3895]

Hey Finn! My wife is a PT and overheard your predicament with your walking boot. She recommended you buy a shoe riser - look for the EVENUp brand. It’ll get you walking right and save you a lot of hip/back pain. I’d send you one direct but I was worried it might get stuck in your PO Box and not get opened in time to help. Speedy recovery!

[@jacobpeterson628]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin because you're 100% doing what you want to do and not trying to "please the algorithm."

[@FinnegansGarage]

Thanks. this kind of video certainly doesn't fit the algorithm. :)

[@jacobpeterson628]

@@FinnegansGarage passion over profit will always have my vote good sir 🙌🏻. And my repetitive views.

[@Shiftyspeedshop]

​@@FinnegansGarage I love this kind of troubleshooting/tuning video. Please keep them coming.

[@slngblde]

@@FinnegansGarage I just hope you don’t roadkill the algorithm

[@LFshlevin]

easy to do when youve made money on tv already

[@MichaelJones-ky8ci]

So cool you went back to Blake for tuning 👏 true car community stuff right there 🚗 💨

[@jamesharris7206]

Something as simple as loaning out some carb jets opens huge doors of opportunity. Outstanding. Win win for everyone.

[@bobbyb4869]

Would love to see a basic carb set up on a blower like that. And how you tune it Thanks for the content.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Joe does a good job describing what is going on and to be done.

[@MilesRacing]

As a engine builder a big block with a solid roller needs more spring pressure to control that heavy valve

[@468bbccapri]

You need to listen to this man if that thing's got 155 lb of seat pressure you're going to have big problems if you keep running it like that

[@michaelwynne4346]

That pressure seems kinda low to me, not knowing what Cam is in it I couldn't swear to it but that's my guess.

[@MilesRacing]

@@fredmertz1791 I corrected it for ya lol lack of sleep had me fat fingers when typing that

[@MilesRacing]

@@468bbccapri 100% a big block need 250 on the seat for anything over 6200 rpm and I'd really like to see a stud girdle or shaft rocker on it

[@hetzlerracing5490]

Agreed. The only way those numbers would be acceptable was if it had a hydro roller in it.

[@yarrdayarrdayarrda]

The absolute fastest method to lash valves is to start with # 1 (take your pick, int or ex) then turn crank 1/4 turn and check cyl 8, 1/4 turn 4 following the firing order. You end up turning the crank 2 turns to check 8 valves. Then set up # 1 to check the other valve and again 1/4 crank turn at a time you go through the firing order. This method eliminates missing valves. Just remember, with the exhaust valve just starting to open you check the intake valve lash, and with the intake valve nearly closed you check the exhaust valve lash. (this is called the EOIC method, and it works on every single 4 stroke engine in existence)

[@ThatGuysChannel4Whatever]

Anyone else thinks its weird that people wear caps over their ears?

[@thomassabia5750]

No there ears are high

[@nicolasstanley1392]

Yeah me too. I think it’s from flat brimming, it spreads the arc of the hat out and makes a gap that their ears just slip into

[@JeffKopis]

No. You must be the weird one. 😂

[@16driver16]

I think wearing caps is weird... everyone is different, it's a good thing.

[@jameseastwood4984]

I do wonder why Americans wear hats indoors, seems unnecessary. But yes it's part of the flat brimmed hat cut/style, ears go inside if it reaches down far enough.

[@slngblde]

Mike, that was the engine builder calling while you were talking. 😂

[@FinnegansGarage]

lol.

[@kipmcmillan7800]

Great job Joe!! If you're comfortable, it would be great to see any of your projects. You're a great compliment to the channel sir. Keep being awesome

[@kyletaylor6058]

Good to see Blake on here. He tuned my 2012 Silverado after I built the 5.3 in it and got rid of all the AFM and VVT parts and got it perfect

[@blakefondren5380]

Thank you!! Glad the truck is doing well!

[@jamesmedina2062]

could the VVT have been tuned?

[@jeremyb4493]

​@@jamesmedina2062on some gm models, the vvt is more for egr/emissions than performance

[@kyletaylor6058]

@@jamesmedina2062 it could have been disabled but my engine was losing around 4 quarts of oil every 3000 miles with only around 80k miles on it and GM claimed that was normal and within range for their AFM engines so I just tore it apart and took it back to its pre 2007 roots with some better heads, cam, valves and springs and 3200 stall torque converter.

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@kyletaylor6058 Gotcha. You have a cooler connected to trans for that converter? I'm trying soon a new cooler with my trans and it's a lower stall but its a 9.5 Stallion

[@Titanis2000]

Hi Mike , A 63 year old fart here but I do love your content on youtube . Love the rubber duck and love Blasphemi even more ........ Great viewing with a cigar and a coffee.

[@richardzackery9934]

I’ve been walking in a Air Cast/ Medical Boot, like you’re wearing, and I’ve had the same problem, so I wear my work boot, and it is very close to the same thickness, I’m glad you’re doing better and hope the both of us can get out of the medical boot soon, have a great day and thank you for all your videos and the shows you’re on

[@ClassicStreetIron]

One of my past cars that I miss the most is my '68 Firebird with a '70 poncho 350. Loved the car even with the 1" thick bondo on the rear panels.

[@darrengriffin9339]

Awesome! I live in Trussville and have never heard of this guy. So cool.

[@Corvette09]

Blake is an awesome tuner. He tuned my Corvette a while back and it runs great!

[@blakefondren5380]

Thats awesome! thank you man!!

[@vehdynam]

Anxious awaiting track testing. Thanks for the update , love this combo.

[@bad406camaro]

Love the parts delivery notification system built into your facility !

[@mightymanntor8333]

I’m with you dude I broke my ankle and leg on Valentine’s Day and walking with a cane no casts so keep going my guy

[@robertjohnson4784]

Thanks Mr Finnegan and Joe for an awesome video. Can't wait to see rubber duck back at the track hope you guys get your 8. IF Otto can only see his car now he would definitely approve 😊

[@dsdhotrod5326]

I'm glad to hear that your leg is doing better.

[@patsgarage8593]

I really like Joe, he did a great job filming on his own at the dyno. Keep up the great work Joe

[@FinnegansGarage]

Agreed. its not easy to man the cameras, and talk, and interview and wrench all at once.

[@tf68charger]

One of my favorite cars

[@jameseastwood4984]

".. that's the only way I can do without loosing track" - 10/10 for honesty 👍, I'd also go with the simpler method.

[@user-mm1se7gy7e]

Even my solid roller Small block Blower stuff with 2.10 intake valves about 230 on the seat and 575 over the nose , my Hydraulic Roller stuff is about 140 on the seat !

[@arturozarate1752]

Exactly what I was thinking! I was also wondering if that was cold lash. I may have missed if the engine was warm, but both covers were off and filming. My guess is cold lash and that's way too much.

[@user-mm1se7gy7e]

@@arturozarate1752 I saw that too !

[@steveblottenberger1097]

We got so much in common with a beer in your hand there you go gets rid of anxiety keeps your nerves calm makes you happy drink a beer for me thank you love yourself you just so realistic so original it's about you and your car you're being so honest that you're not sure I really like that

[@GorhamWorks]

Enjoying the not laptop tuning shots! This car is a great project! Glad you were able to save it! Looking forward to track follow up!

[@Grimm-Gaming]

That graph is so smooth!

[@philipjohnson2608]

Good day Mike it's great your foots getting better brother. It's wonderful you and Joe found Blake and his kind kind generosity what a outstanding man he is awesome. Have fun getting the car right bro take care

[@RustyWells2]

I like the way that shop does business they will get mine in the future!

[@Cars.andclaws]

I broke my tib and Fib had to have immediate surgery so now I’m all rod and screws, ironically while in the hospital I watched your video of you breaking your leg so we are healing together brother!

[@shawnwalsh5430]

Back in the Day! Lol we just watched the pushrods turning and Backed off. Really appreciate you and Joe! Much Respect from down here in Macon Georgia...

[@arturozarate1752]

Mike, that seat pressure, if measured accurately, is TOO low for a solid roller. That's hydraulic roller seat territory. Also the lash....if cold thats a lot. In my experience with blower cams, the card has asked for 0.018" to 0.022" hot lash. With the expansion of metals different between engine to engine, I like to test each engine the same. I start at zero lash cold. I bring the engine to operating temperature at idle. I then remove one valve cover at a time checking lash at this point. On an iron block with aluminum heads, I've measured as little as 0.004" to as much as 0.006". With the difference in manufacturers materials there's a variation in densities and therefore expansion. So now knowing this hot lash measured you know your expansion and can set lash cold accordingly. Hope this helps.

[@rivermobster]

Strongly agree. Not sure I've ever seen both valves set the same. Exh normally has more clearance to compensate for more heat. Good advice. 👍🏼

[@arturozarate1752]

@@rivermobster well, the cam I just stabbed in a Shelby Aluminum 482ci FE asks for 0.020" hot int/exh. Although I know what you mean.

[@louchieandiani1992]

I hope the leg heals well. Just keep following the Dr's and PT's suggestions. Trust me, broke my leg 14 years ago. As you get older, things take time to heal.

[@pj77rm8]

Awesomeness, Blakes a good dude !

[@tedgerstenslager2949]

Air bleeds are part of tuning. Control upstairs fuel curve with hi air. O2 are great for guidelines, read plugs.

[@FinnegansGarage]

The odd thing here is that at the dragstrip I saw zero evidence of a fuel ring at the bottom of the porcelin on the spark plugs. But its hard to argue with a functioning wideband O2 sensor and dyno results. The car makes more power with smaller carburetor jets.

[@danmyers9372]

@@FinnegansGarage- Yeah any real timer will always use the plug as the end all decision maker. That is very odd that your plugs were not showing a ring on the base of the ceramic as rich as it was.

[@dough5626]

Floating Valves at that Spring pressure Mikey.

[@billmcdowell6552]

Love the channel man watch all the time

[@FinnegansGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@cjschoolcraft2038]

Dam fine job joe!

[@RearEngineShop]

It sounds much cleaner. This car is so good.

[@13Monkeys]

Loving all the rubber ducks on the dash of The Rubber Duck😂

[@Chris-ey6rn]

The Golden ticket at the end wrecked me 😢❤ I was not ready for or expecting that and Noodls finding her non mom with Genes song sung which he did a good job on

[@sru1436]

That motor sounds so sick

[@christianponopp8756]

Have you ever heard or tried the "carb cheater"? that device gonna help you tune the car on the fly and it will make your life with carbs driven cars much easier. I recommend you watch some videos on it I bet you gonna like that product.

[@wobblysauce]

ThunderHead289 has been a busy boy... and it works great.

[@user-mm1se7gy7e]

Tune the carbs properly , Carb Cheater just leans the mixture at part throttle , getting the jets and air bleeds corrected will do the same thing .

[@GreggeSB]

The first gen Firebirds are my absolute favorite. Nothing compares to their nose piece, which reminds me of a hawk's beak. Seeing this one come back from the dead, and with a rich history to boot, it's an awesome car. Here's hoping the next party pulley pass gets you an 8.70.

[@larrygcrews7971]

Just subscribed to this channel man i cant believe i didn't do this sooner! Some awesome content ive learned so much in the last 24 hours after binge watching the channel! I see this hitting 8.80s

[@FinnegansGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@Squintz45]

The effing positive boost at idle backing off the trailer. Man I wish I had this car,

[@timmygiles9554]

Great stuff,a beer and the plugs out was needed. I do the same to my bbc 69 Camaro hugger orange. Mine is old school super T10. What a life can’t wait to see it at the track. 100 hp and 125 tq 8.50 8.90. If it breaks up at 67 it’s going down rebuild before it shucks a bearing. Bbc do 7 and 8 thousand but breaking up if your gaining compression in a cylinder you know. They say that they really run good right before. Glad to see you getting around your almost there. I broke some ribs about 3 weeks ago. Thank God we were raised tough. Good day Mike.

[@seanjohnson6899]

Changed Valve springs in my 390FE using a compressor and spark plug adapter in the cylinder heads. No need to remove heads. Might try that for a quick fix..😏

[@user-po1rs3wh5x]

Hi Mike I so glad you are off 5he crutches and still font need surgery on your leg. Oh I really like the rubber duck. Thanks again for your videos.

[@elarr8733]

Joe seems more comfortable in the last two episodes. He's a pleasure to watch now. :)

[@ee-mon-ee1653]

Awesome I was looking for some Sunday relax horse powah t.v thank you Mike this is exactly what the doctor ordered.

[@paulmccool378]

Shout out to Joe! He's getting really good at talking to camera.

[@shanewright6958]

Another good one 👍👍

[@pearlguy6351]

Love the rubber duck beast of a machine 💪💪💪

[@architectjeff]

I like the shorter length of this episode. Keep up the good content, guys. 👍🏼

[@Johnswbigb]

The car had a cool history!

[@user-jy9rc1eh8g]

Love your videos Mike.

[@SamIam420]

Rubber Duck is my favorite!❤

[@Comet-hn3gm]

I like seeing someone else pulling on that blower to turn the engine over and someone else adjusting the valves. I still do it all the time, but good seeing others. I believe the springs are done ! Remember if the guides are whipped the valve may not land in the same spot twice making for erroneous adjustments. I am having fun watching though. Carry on.........😎

[@user-ve1kx9oi8r]

635 got my like button depressed. Hell yeah Mike

[@supertrucker5000]

Hoka one one running shoes have the tallest cushioned sole to even out that walking boot. Great content Mike

[@Dad-jk2wd]

Hope the leg gets better... man Rubber duck for the win!!!

[@jwag78]

Love the content. Hello from Arkansas.

[@FinnegansGarage]

hola!

[@StudioBeast7575]

8:83 is my prediction with the party pulley. It's really cool that you and Cleetus are trying to go eights. Unfortunately Cleetus broke his so it's going to be a while before it can happen but I'm hoping you can get it. Good luck!

[@anthonysilva4410]

Love watching the rubber duck videos. I wish you still made that FSM shirt you were wearing though.

[@jfk64kennedy95]

8,9% increase in HP just through jet changes, nice

[@burtbacarach5034]

Man that car sounds good!Saw Newberns vid where y'all were at the track together,and no offense to Dave,but the Rubber Duck just sounded SOOO much better!Hoping ya make it into the 8's!

[@user-oq8ym2fs3p]

Love the Duck!! Let’s see what she has got!!! No lift 1/4 mile!!!!

[@leonardfoster6252]

When you set the valves make a mark on the rocker or rockers with a magic marker that way you know which one you set.

[@econrey]

Creeping up on a million subs!

[@shtboxyj8406]

Running valves I've always marked #1 compression, a big fat mark. Then next cylinder is 90°, and continue.

[@christopherhuber2517]

Like his work

[@MrMechanicandy]

Well perfection is making sure everything is the same or close

[@user-tr7us4zc5p]

I went to school at Trussville Alabama ,my first job was in Trussville. Let's go Duck run that 8

[@dwarfgrumpy]

I find it amusing how this car has become the Pontiac version of the big block blower version of the Crusher Camaro.

[@hotroder105]

Mike I like the videos and can appreciate including folks that are new with history on the project, however we don't need a full history every video

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

I broke my leg (tib/fib)15 years ago, but just a couple of weeks ago, I had 2 screws surgically removed that were above my ankle because one of them actually wore a hole through the skin and became exposed, no joke! I had the other one removed just because it was next to the exposed one anyway, and it was bothersome and could have gone down the same road as the exposed one. If anyone would like to see a picture of it, ask me, and I'll email one. It was pretty odd. Even the Dr's had never seen anything like it, and I became the freakshow of the office.😅 So I feel for ya, Finn. I hope you heal up quickly!

[@FinnegansGarage]

ouch!

[@imalec]

I had a pin that healed under the skin in my hand. Freaked me out when the doc pulled it. But it popped through without any pain and was not a big deal. I do have screws and a plate that I am planning to remove this year from my foot. Hopefully that also goes without pain. Gotta stop breaking stuff!

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

@@imalec Yes, breaking stuff is no good! Good luck with the removal!

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

@@FinnegansGarage Ouch, indeedarooni!!!

[@lunsy9420]

​@@imalecI had a screw in my thumb that had a pin next to it. I went to grab something out of a friend's hand and he slapped my hand. The pin immediately popped out with no pain but I screamed just to make him feel bad. I went to the doc and he finished pulling it out, that stung a little. My friend felt so bad. He would do anything I asked until a week later I told him I didn't even feel it.

[@letzrockitrite8469]

It broke up on the last dyno pull at 69 but also that the shift light had lit before that point ... thanks for bringunus!

[@chadmcnutt8569]

The very last time that car ran I was there he ran a friend of mine Michael fuqua and a Chevrolet luv needless to say the firebird one I thought the world of Auto he was a good man I hope you enjoy it as much as he did

[@Vinegar_Stroke]

Oh shit did you break your leg? You kept that quiet! 😂

[@stance_is_everything]

If you're in the boot even longer there is a thing called an even up that goes over your shoe to make walking easier. I think I got mine on Amazon.

[@danstitt5629]

Before you take it out again, check out your plug wires. Check for resistance between all wires.

[@tfriesen3866]

1:20 @FinnegansGarage I feel your frustration with the boot. I did bunion surgery (one foot per year) and had a shorter height boot with basically a 3/4” difference between the two shoes. I had to do the same thing you did.

[@Backyardturbo]

Getting close to that 1 Million subscriber mark Mike!

[@michaelzimmerman9221]

You and David need to race!

[@jameseastwood4984]

I don't know if other folk have found this, but I've tappit clearance'd more than one cam where the base circle isn't concistent. I.e. the clearance changes by a thou or so for different positions on the base circle.

[@xgford94]

25:54 ah yes the new Brake Manufacturer Poomlim they make good stuff 😂😂

[@crautoguy8384]

As long as you have the valve lash measurement you don't have to worry about overlap if you put the base circle of the cam down individually on every single valve do One works every time on Just about any engine you'll rotate the motor a whole Bunch of times.

[@user-qs2md4cs3p]

Whatever you kicked.dont kick it again.Finnegan!!!

[@dougnations1270]

I’m a big fan of Joe. He needs more credit.

[@lamarw9901]

Agreed miss seing Mike but Joe puts together a good video.

[@justrandomstuff84]

indeed, since Joe joined the FSM team, the content on this channel have gotten way better

[@sixtus2318]

I had a similar accident. The boot you have i disliked as well. They molded a snug fitting one out of some kind of epoxy so that i can fit a size 12 shoe over it complementing my left one in size 9.5. I ripped the inners out to get a somewhat even stance.

[@therocketshopper]

do you have a stud girdle ? You probably should. I'm happy to see you are tuning this and making small improvements rather than throwing money at it.

[@baddaddybrady2]

That Carb life ! ❤😂

[@paullutherborrow637]

It sounded so much cleaner with the first 1-1/2 degrees put in it

[@liveyourbestlife3785]

Boi got them 99's!

[@daleanderson7629]

Joe is doing a great job. maybe show the plugs and the jets for comparison next time and take an extra mic for the tuner.