A billet big-block Chevy water...
A billet big-block Chevy water neck was required to route the upper radiator hose away from the fuel rail, which necessitated moving the Mass-Flo coolant temperature sensor from its recommended mounting opening, due to its height, to the stock factory temp sending unit hole. (The factory unit was simply swapped to the other hole.) The EFI system uses the coolant temp sensor for fuel and ignition calibration.
The EFI fuel line needed to...
The EFI fuel line needed to be insulated because it ran directly over and touched the upper radiator hose. In addition, the rear support bracket from the alternator had to be modified for the installation. (Since this photo was taken, the fuel crossover was relocated to the rear of the rails, thereby eliminating any heat transfer.)
A 3-inch Ultimate Oval Exhaust...
A 3-inch Ultimate Oval Exhaust System for Tube Headers from Ram Air Restorations was installed in the T/A prior to chassis dyno testing. The system features mandrel bent 3-inch oval pipe with an X cross-over, 3-inch mufflers and 3-inch tail pipes. According to Melvin, the installation was a snap and the system fits well.
The Ford EEC-IV ECU was mounted...
The Ford EEC-IV ECU was mounted under the console in the area between the dash and shifter. A single hole was drilled through the firewall and a rubber grommet was installed to route the wiring harness from the ECM to the engine.
An in-line fuel filter that...
An in-line fuel filter that could hold 45 psi of pressure sourced from a local supplier was installed under the T/A. Our SD used a serviceable cartridge fuel filter but your installation would work just as well with an AC-Delco GF-481 filter from a TPI Firebird. Though a mild steel fuel line would lower the cost of the installation and be just as functional, Melvin felt that a braided line is easier to route and requires less fitment time and labor to install.
Since the Firebird's original...
Since the Firebird's original gas tank had seen better days, a new replacement was sourced from YearOne. A Tanks Inc. electric fuel pump was sourced from the Detail Zone and is very similar to what would be found on a modern EFI Pontiac. Scott Hand did some measuring and then used a hole saw to cut the tank to fit the pump. It is important to keep metal shavings out of the tank. A good method is to cut the hole with the tank upside down.
The Shaker Fix
Since the T/A is Shaker equipped, more mods were needed to properly place the hood scoop with the EFI system. The scoop was 3/4-inch too far forward due to the Torker II's mounting flange positioning relative to the stock intake, and 3/8-inch too high because the adapter ring between the throttle body and MAF, on which the air cleaner base sits, was slightly too tall. Keep in mind that you won't need to do any of the following mods on a non-shaker Pontiac.
The adapter ring for the air...
The adapter ring for the air cleaner to the throttle body needed to be cut so the air cleaner base came down far enough for the Shaker hood scoop to be installed.
After lowering the air cleaner...
After lowering the air cleaner base, clearance at the fuel rail is close, but not a problem.
The breather tube was massaged...
The breather tube was massaged for a proper fit by heating and slightly bending. This was needed because the air cleaner base is slightly turned counterclockwise from stock to provide more heater hose clearance.
Melvin had a '73 Shaker, so...
Melvin had a '73 Shaker, so he modified that one (right), and kept the original date code stamped 1974 unit stock. The rivets that hold the retaining plate were drilled out. Since the intake flange for the throttle body was 0.75 inch forward from stock, the plate had to be moved forward on the shaker scoop to position it properly, as you can see by comparing the retaining plate position relative to the drain tube on the upper right of both scoops.
Also, since the scoop was...
Also, since the scoop was still a bit higher than stock, the 1974-style seal seen here on the stock scoop was replaced...
...with the smaller 1979-style...
...with the smaller 1979-style seal shown here. Note the subtle FI callout on the modified scoop.