Scat 6-inch, small-block Chevy (SBC), Eagle I-beam rods with 2-inch rod journals were chosen, and the Carters assembled the engine using ARP rod bolts and Clevite 77 bearings. KB Hypereutectic 0.030 over 327 SBC pistons with 0.125-inch raised domes provided the proper deck height for this combo, while Sealed Power rings provided the cylinder seal.
To further reduce weight, Edelbrock 72cc aluminum cylinder heads were chosen and remain untouched other than a three-angle valve job. With compression registering at 10:0:1, a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy hydraulic XE 274 camshaft was chosen that features 230/236-degrees duration at 0.050 with lift of 0.537/0.540 using Crane 1.65-ratio roller rocker arms.
Induction duties are handled by a new custom sheetmetal intake, designed and fabricated in-house by Jonathon and dubbed a TribalFlow Gen 2. Rounding out the fuel system are Ford SVO 30-pound injectors that are fed fuel via a Granatelli 255-lph in-tank fuel pump, now regulated by a Mallory fuel-pressure regulator.
A BBK 58mm throttle body receives air via an LT1-style Ram Air airbox assembly, replete with a K&N air filter. Cooling duties are handled by a Flow Kooler water pump that sends coolant though a 180-degree thermostat and into a Griffin aluminum radiator.
Oddly enough, exhausting the engine is left to a set of RARE round-port, long-branch exhaust manifolds originally intended for '69 Birds. A set of 2.5-inch CarSound cats and a custom Y-pipe was fabricated, which exits into a Flowmaster after-cat that dumps into the dual, chrome, '96 WS6-style exhaust tips.
With all of the changes, Alvin Anderson of PCMforless.com provided a custom tune for the updated power package.
Regarding emissions requirements, Jimmy had this to say: "In our county of North Carolina, the car has to visually look correct. It did pass our emission test without any questions. I don't think the tech even knew it wasn't the proper motor!
"The car is equipped with dual cats, an O2 sensor, a knock sensor, a vapor canister, and an EGR. The only item we didn't put back on it was the AIR system. If I had had one, we would have installed it."
Drivetrain & SuspensionTo lower the engine in the bay and to facilitate handling, the factory rack-and-pinion assembly was dropped by 2 inches and a tubular crossmember was fabricated. Modifications were made to the LT1 bellhousing to mate the engine to a transplanted, stock '96 T56 manual transmission. A Ram clutch sends power back through a stock, LS1 aluminum driveshaft to a factory 10-bolt that is equipped with GM 3.42:1 rear gears and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
In order to better harness the power, a set of SLP subframe connectors were welded on, while Jonathon custom-fabricated a panhard bar that is constructed of 4130 chrome-moly and features heim joints.
WS6-specification stabilizer bars in the front and rear work in concert with Bilstein shocks and WS6 springs to provide a stock stance and crisp handling. Braking duties are handled by the stock front and rear discs, while the car rolls on the optional WS6 Speed Line rims wearing the factory Goodyear Eagle F1 tires in sizes 275/40ZR17.
Body TransformationWhile the stroker engine was being planned and built, it was the perfect time to transform the stock-bodied '94 Formula into what Jimmy Carter says typifies a "modern interpretation of a '69 T/A." To that end, the body was updated to the more aggressive '98-'02 appearance and a '69 T/A-esque paint scheme was envisioned.
A complete new front-end treatment, utilizing used '02 T/A front fenders, a bumper cover, and headlight covers was purchased, along with a Suncoast Creations Raptor hood. Rounding out the conversion is an '02 T/A rear spoiler, bumper cover, and honeycomb taillights.
With less than 10 days left before the POCI Nationals, the car was nearing completion save the paint and final tuning. With precious little time to spare, the Bird was transported over to Cannon's Auto Refinishing in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the Carters were graciously allowed the use of the state-of-the-art spray booth.
After some minor bodywork, the entire body was sanded with 400-grit paper and prepped for paint and sealing. The car was then shot with DuPont ChromaBase urethane paint in Arctic White, but problems ensued resulting in the basecoat lifting in places. With time running out, the car was sanded, resealed, and repainted-and this time the basecoat adhered properly. A total of three basecoats were shot with wet-sanding between each. After the white was dry, the body was masked off to allow painting of the blue. Thankfully, the blue went down without a hitch, and after it was dry, a total of four coats of clear were applied. After wet-sanding the clear progressively through 2,500-grit paper, the paint was buffed out to a lustrous shine.
ConclusionAlthough modern powerplants are wondrous in their own rights, there is no denying that retrofitting a classic-Pontiac engine into a late-model has crossed many a hobbyist's mind. Fortunately, the immeasurable passion and skills of the Carters have allowed them to create a unique T/A that performs on par with LS1 Birds. The combination of the white paint and blue '69 T/A-inspired stripes provides great visual appeal.
Like any project of this magnitude, it was not without it misfortunes. Upon returning from the POCI Nationals, engine problems ensued, which led to a major overhaul. Now rebuilt and featuring a milder Comp Cam and a TribalFlow Gen 3 aluminum intake, the high-revving short-deck combination has generated 300 rwhp and 340 lb-ft of torque at a recent dyno session, with Jeff Creech of Carolina Auto Masters handled the tuning duties.
More important than the hard numbers is the feeling the Carters get when cruising the streets. Jimmy says, "This car was built to drive and is driven on a regular basis. Sure, an LT1 or LS1 can develop more power, but there is no mistaking the satisfaction or the unique sound of a Pontiac engine residing between the fenderwells."
This stealthy Bird is well executed and worth some attention. Next time you go to a car show, look closely before offhandedly dismissing that "kid's" late-model.