Ther is no wrong answer here. Maybe just a trick question?!?!? Both cars are beautiful and either would amazing to own. I’m really blown away on how well you build these cars. The details make such a difference!! Well done sir.
You need to frame that picture side by side in your driveway, awesome shot, both beautiful cars. I'd go for the 400. I'm Pontiac all the way, just not a firebird guy, although I could be persuaded. Mines a 67 LeMans 462ci poncho with a GTO front fenders and hood, GTO buckets and his and hers shifter console. Can't wait for the next project to start (wish you were "my" neighbor), I'm in California, no snow here. LOL
100% the resto for me. I totally get those who prefer all original, but for the drivability...its hard to pass up the modern amenities. Gonna get the looks either way...might as well enjoy the modern creature comforts. :) Great job all around!
They are very nice cars...but I would roll with the stock original appearing car...nice job on the project... enjoy the miles of smiles when cruising around....thanks...🔧🔧👍
Gonna be honest. I think this video helped me decide to go LS again. Just the ease of being able to get parts. Plus I think it will be cheaper than rebuilding this 350.
Didn't realize your ragtop had an LS swap, very cool. It would be even cooler with a man pedal and a 6 speed. Been following the mockingbird from the beginning, beautiful job sir.
I wanted to man peel and 6 speed it originally but the cost were more then budget allowed at that time. But if the 4l60 dies it might just happen plus a little more mods to the engine.
Well first let me start by saying you really have done an excellent job on this car I can't tell you really which one I will pick I am a little greedy and really love these birds I will have to have both I really don't think you could get any better and my eyes you are more than gifted you are the bird master
Turned out great! I would have agree LS platform is easier to get parts. That's why the GT-37 is getting a L92 aluminum 6.2L. Still love the Poncho engine though.
Unbelievable what you did to that car in around a years time! Congratulations Jon, you are inspiring! To answer your question, I’d definitely take either of em, but I would probaly lean towards the 400 car. I just have a love for carburetors!
Restomod all the way. Drivability, better gas mileage, 17” wheels. Spend so much time on these restorations you should build it the way you want it. Just make sure you have good twilights because that is what most should be seeing as you cruse by.
It’s the factory Compressor and bracket, in 2002 there was two compressor choices for the 5.3 trucks as long as it wasn’t the variable displacement one it can be used with the vintage air kit. The subframe and passenger side engine mount had to be modified to get things to fit. I did the extra work to help keep the engine bay cleaned up and hide the fact it has AC
www.firebirdspecialty.com/ They are still in development but should be available soon. Mine was a prototype Dennis is the guy making them and he has been great to work with.
Guess I'd be down with the 400 Pontiac over the LS. Reason being, I want to have that factory 'Muscle Car' feel that made the cars so popular, well before my driving days. That being said, I surely would not be averse to an LS swap daily driver. Funny, I have a '69 granny 350 Firebird, which like your cars, would make the perfect candidate! Well Done!
@@VinylVillageGarage guess my question to you is, are you more happy or sad that the project is completed? Do you have a next 'customer' Firebird lined up, or are you looking forward to spending the next year on your High School Firebird, or the Judge GTO?
@ it’s a mix of feelings for sure. I really enjoy bringing life back to these old cars using my hands and gifts to do something cool. I can’t keep them all not enough room or money. So building cars for other people isn’t a bad gig. I get to play cars on someone else’s dime. Not entirely sure what’s next. I am in the process of potentially moving so don’t want to get to deep into a new project but it’s also getting to cold to paint my car so maybe tinker on the judge for a bit.
@VinylVillageGarage Well Said, Jon! I really enjoy your content. Kudos to you & your team for such a great job of production! Just making a video of a car for sale takes me hours...Keep 'em coming!!
LS with one major exception; I would have run exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters. Leave the original style 400 for weekend cruises and preservation, but if I’m going modern and drive the wheels off of it, I don’t want to have my clothes stink like an old car. Plus, we need to do our part in the hobby and not upset too many people with stinky cars.
I like both steering wheels, the wood grain is hard to beat but the trans am wheel was originally only put on a handful of cars in 69 making it more rare
Jon, did you make a video going over the front end, nose, grill, headlights, buckets, etc installation and I just missed it? It seemed like you wrapped up the mockingbird really quick there at the end. Just wondering. Thank you.
You didn’t miss it. I did a lot of the finishing parts without a video. I needed to get it done before the bad weather hit so it could be transported back south and I didn’t want to move it to the new home if we end moving in the very near future. I needed to finish the mockingbird quick for those reasons. Need not worry I will be doing a video on 1969 bird front bumpers on my highschool car. I will be mocking it up for test fitment before painting. That will be one of my winter projects. It will be soon
Good point. The owner told me to build it as if it was mine, meaning what parts and options so I went for all the good Stuff and it’s going to be tough letting this car go.
@VinylVillageGarage only time I say keep it stock is if it's rare options like a RS SS 396 car or if your going to LS swap it, keep the numbers matching parts so they stay with the car. That's why I buy base coups that I can do whatever 👍
400 hands down. Love that rumble
It does have a nice sound and drives fantastically.
You are the man! Hey now what are you going do? Lol
@ I will be storing the judge in the garage for a bit, I think will be doing a little on it possibly.
Ther is no wrong answer here. Maybe just a trick question?!?!? Both cars are beautiful and either would amazing to own. I’m really blown away on how well you build these cars. The details make such a difference!! Well done sir.
You are correct! All the little things add up plus it doesn’t take that much more effort. Thanks for watching like always much appreciated
I'll take the white one with the blue stripes. 😁
good choice lol
Love it!
Same here.... They're both amazing.
Another great series! Looking forward to the next one.
I have a few ideas for the next one.
You must be the envy of the neighborhood driving these beautiful cars. Amazing job on the Mocking bird
I really enjoyed having both in my garage, I almost opened the door everyday I got home for work just to take a peak.
They are both AWESOME cars!
I could not agree more
I just inherited a 69 all original recently. Can't wait to start getting time to work on it
Congrats on the new car. Being original is great you can make notes and have a good map on how it goes back together
There's no wrong answer here. Both look awesome. Congradulations on another beautiful car build.
Awesome, thank you!
OEM all day everyday!
Right on!
They are both awesome birds. 👌 you do phenomenal work
Thank you very much!
You need to frame that picture side by side in your driveway, awesome shot, both beautiful cars. I'd go for the 400. I'm Pontiac all the way, just not a firebird guy, although I could be persuaded. Mines a 67 LeMans 462ci poncho with a GTO front fenders and hood, GTO buckets and his and hers shifter console. Can't wait for the next project to start (wish you were "my" neighbor), I'm in California, no snow here. LOL
I had a 67 tempest and did the same thing even painted it plum mist purple. Wish I had kept that car.
You are the Man!! Great looking Birds!! You make it look too easy!!
Thanks 👍
What a great video, Jon!
Glad you enjoyed it!
100% the resto for me. I totally get those who prefer all original, but for the drivability...its hard to pass up the modern amenities. Gonna get the looks either way...might as well enjoy the modern creature comforts. :) Great job all around!
Well said!
They are very nice cars...but I would roll with the stock original appearing car...nice job on the project... enjoy the miles of smiles when cruising around....thanks...🔧🔧👍
That's the plan!
Resto, the modern reliability.
Can’t disagree, plus that one is my car 😎
I’d take either one!
Fantastic, I agree
Would love to have either one of them! Both are awesome cars!
Really isn’t a wrong answer
I myself would never own a convertible. If they were hardtops I would take the 400. I had one in a 72 Grand Prix and couldn't believe how well it ran.
Right on
Great job John and an amazing timeline for "part time" !
Many thanks! I could not be happier besides the car being mine of course.
Gonna be honest. I think this video helped me decide to go LS again. Just the ease of being able to get parts. Plus I think it will be cheaper than rebuilding this 350.
Fuel economy is an added bonus as well
Both fantastic cars. Congratulations, Jon. Finished product looks great!
Thanks a bunch! I love opening the garage door and seeing these cars side by side
Didn't realize your ragtop had an LS swap, very cool. It would be even cooler with a man pedal and a 6 speed. Been following the mockingbird from the beginning, beautiful job sir.
I wanted to man peel and 6 speed it originally but the cost were more then budget allowed at that time. But if the 4l60 dies it might just happen plus a little more mods to the engine.
GREAT job! Beautiful work!
Thank you very much!
Well first let me start by saying you really have done an excellent job on this car I can't tell you really which one I will pick I am a little greedy and really love these birds I will have to have both I really don't think you could get any better and my eyes you are more than gifted you are the bird master
Much appreciated! Wish I could keep all the cars I build.
Turned out great! I would have agree LS platform is easier to get parts. That's why the GT-37 is getting a L92 aluminum 6.2L. Still love the Poncho engine though.
Right on, your car will be a runner for sure.
@VinylVillageGarage
That is the plan! Keep up the great content.
@@rajcam80 will do! Thanks
both are extremely nice, quality work! kinda sad neither is a 4-speed though! but remains incredible builds...
I have a 4 spd bird and definitely does change the driving experience and smiles per mile too.
It may be unpopular, but I'll take the restomod. Both are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your builds Jon!
Anytime friend.
400 all the way. I like the boat sounding exhaust.
It’s a very original restoration and puts you back in time when driving it for sure .
Ragtops are GORGEOUS.!!!!
I agree
Man that’s tough, can I drive both and let you know? Thanks for sharing your work always enjoyable watching what you do!
Deal! That is a reasonable request.
Phenomenal work! What’s next?
Not sure. My dad’s 68 convertible, my 1969 coupe from high school or 1969 GTO judge. It will be one of the three.
Not sure. My dad’s 68 convertible, my 1969 coupe from high school or 1969 GTO judge. It will be one of the three.
Beautiful cars. I would go for the one with the 400 in it. Really enjoyed the video. Just subscribed. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the sub!
@@VinylVillageGarage Sure thing.
Unbelievable what you did to that car in around a years time! Congratulations Jon, you are inspiring! To answer your question, I’d definitely take either of em, but I would probaly lean towards the 400 car. I just have a love for carburetors!
I feel quite accomplished at a one year build, seems larger shops don’t turn them that quick plus this isn’t my full time gig.
I would have to drive each one for at least a year to make up my mind!
🤔 very good point, stop
By anytime
I like the 400. Did you lower the one with the LS, and add the 17s?
Yes 2” drop all 4 corners and 17” wheels.
Both are awesome. We will take both. His and hers. 👍
Plus I know you both would drive them
2:14, whats with the gallop with a newly rebuilt engine? just been sitting?
Not sure why the mic makes it sound like that. The car idles at a steady 600 rpm in gear
I will take them both. lol. Beautiful work on both cars Jon.
Wish I could keep them both 😎
I love the hard tops ❤❤❤❤
Wish I had one
Me? I like the restomod. I have a 67 I'd love to do but I just don't have the $$, so I'm doing things a few pieces at a time and drive it when I can.
Little by little still gets you to the finish line.
6 to a half dozen of the outher both are great
Well said
love them both
Yeah me too. Wish I got to keep them both.
@@VinylVillageGarage Love the work you do on these cars, 67-68 are my favorite years but the 69's are growing on me !!!
Did all the first gen cars have power steering coolers??? I don't remember seeing that before.
Nope only cars with I think it’s 3:55 or higher rear gears. Wasn’t a trans am only thing
LS since they are just really great replicas!
Precisely why I built it with a LS
The Resto mod would be good for road tripping but for me it would have to be the OEM 400 bird.
That’s it one of each 😎 problem solved.
Restomod all the way. Drivability, better gas mileage, 17” wheels. Spend so much time on these restorations you should build it the way you want it. Just make sure you have good twilights because that is what most should be seeing as you cruse by.
Exactly! Your car your rules.
Love them both... great work. Would go original first 😊
Good choice!
What ac compressor did you use to get in stock ls location?
It’s the factory Compressor and bracket, in 2002 there was two compressor choices for the 5.3 trucks as long as it wasn’t the variable displacement one it can be used with the vintage air kit. The subframe and passenger side engine mount had to be modified to get things to fit. I did the extra work to help keep the engine bay cleaned up and hide the fact it has AC
Where did you souce the stacked gauges?
www.firebirdspecialty.com/
They are still in development but should be available soon. Mine was a prototype Dennis is the guy making them and he has been great to work with.
Resto all day
Thanks!
Both beautiful but I have to go with the classic. I like classic cars to drive and feel like a classic car.
Right on! I will say the original rides better than the modern tubular with poly bushings.
That’s a tough choice! Only answer is both.
Bingo!! I will be hauling the judge up to the VVG not saying it’s the next project but it’s coming home.
@ I can’t wait to see that build.
@justindennis1186 I can’t wait to drive it.
Guess I'd be down with the 400 Pontiac over the LS. Reason being, I want to have that factory 'Muscle Car' feel that made the cars so popular, well before my driving days. That being said, I surely would not be averse to an LS swap daily driver. Funny, I have a '69 granny 350 Firebird, which like your cars, would make the perfect candidate! Well Done!
You felt like the owner, wanted the feel of a real trans am but without the price tag of an original.
@@VinylVillageGarage guess my question to you is, are you more happy or sad that the project is completed? Do you have a next 'customer' Firebird lined up, or are you looking forward to spending the next year on your High School Firebird, or the Judge GTO?
@ it’s a mix of feelings for sure. I really enjoy bringing life back to these old cars using my hands and gifts to do something cool. I can’t keep them all not enough room or money. So building cars for other people isn’t a bad gig. I get to play cars on someone else’s dime.
Not entirely sure what’s next. I am in the process of potentially moving so don’t want to get to deep into a new project but it’s also getting to cold to paint my car so maybe tinker on the judge for a bit.
@VinylVillageGarage Well Said, Jon! I really enjoy your content. Kudos to you & your team for such a great job of production! Just making a video of a car for sale takes me hours...Keep 'em coming!!
Can I have the restomod, but with the poncho engine?!
That’s a solution too.
LS with one major exception; I would have run exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters. Leave the original style 400 for weekend cruises and preservation, but if I’m going modern and drive the wheels off of it, I don’t want to have my clothes stink like an old car. Plus, we need to do our part in the hobby and not upset too many people with stinky cars.
Great point!
I would switch the steering wheels between the two cars
I like both steering wheels, the wood grain is hard to beat but the trans am wheel was originally only put on a handful of cars in 69 making it more rare
The one with the LS. I'd hang some twin hairdryer's on it 💪😎
I would too if the 4l60e transmission could handle it.
@VinylVillageGarage the answer to that is a turbo 400 and a gear vendor overdrive
@woodrowdelozier1 yes indeed 😎
@VinylVillageGarage have a great day today my friend
@ will do
Jon, did you make a video going over the front end, nose, grill, headlights, buckets, etc installation and I just missed it? It seemed like you wrapped up the mockingbird really quick there at the end. Just wondering. Thank you.
You didn’t miss it. I did a lot of the finishing parts without a video. I needed to get it done before the bad weather hit so it could be transported back south and I didn’t want to move it to the new home if we end moving in the very near future. I needed to finish the mockingbird quick for those reasons. Need not worry I will be doing a video on 1969 bird front bumpers on my highschool car. I will be mocking it up for test fitment before painting. That will be one of my winter projects. It will be soon
@@VinylVillageGarage Thanks Jon. Will look forward to the high school bird videos.
I would the LS one😊
Thanks! 12,000 miles and counting without a break down too
Mercy ❤🇺🇸😊
Thanks!
Where's the test drive?! We need to experience these cars through you lol.
Good point, that’s a great video idea.
What are the horsepower ratings?
The LS probably around 300. And the 400 car about the same. Neither car was built for speed more with the idea of reliability
The 400 can't be beat!!!
Sure looks and sound good
The ram air 3 with the original wheels
It sure drives great that way.
Give me the LS for a daily driver!
You could still swap your bird and I know a guy that can help get it going for you to. Just a plane ticket away
do my 68 next!
Wish I could, looking for a larger place then maybe
Anything restored by you.
Fantastic!!! Thanks buddy.
Compare a TA and Z28 and I would have a more difficult time choosing.
If so which one?
@ I’d go with a 327 Z28. Higher compression, higher rpm torque. A definite rat racer.
@masshole-inRI right on 👍
Ill take which ever one you're willing to let go!!!!
lol yeah good point.
If you're doing as trans am clone you have to do the 400.
Good point. The owner told me to build it as if it was mine, meaning what parts and options so I went for all the good
Stuff and it’s going to be tough letting this car go.
another one down GTO next ?????
It will be coming home for a bit, good chance I will tinker with it some
Take the 400 please. Building a 69 hardtop along with your help. I’ve had it since 1981. Carousel red. Are you available for questions Jon?
Heck yeah I am available,
Plus I have a 1969 carousel red coupe too. I hope to get to build it someday. I have been collecting parts.
Moving to a house with a bigger shop?
Bigger storage is the plan but work space the same. Small shop is easier to heat and cool. Plus it’s keep thing in line with the goal of the channel
restomod by far.
Thanks!
Poncho all the way, but as a begger I am not choosy either would do😂😂😂😂
I am a Pontiac engine fan for sure, many 400s 455s and many many tires in my past.
Ls way to go I put ls 3 in my 67
Awesome! It is nice to just be able to reach in and turn the key to start.
Restmod all the way, still bothering are awesome.
I agree both are great cars.
Original all the way
I won’t disagree
The original 400. Pontiacs must have Pontiac power. Anything else is a "Chevy-iac".
Right on
Resto-mod
I won’t disagree.
@VinylVillageGarage only time I say keep it stock is if it's rare options like a RS SS 396 car or if your going to LS swap it, keep the numbers matching parts so they stay with the car. That's why I buy base coups that I can do whatever 👍
Neither one. I like that earlier GTO.
Fair enough. I have a 1969 gto in line to get done
@ is it a judge with a four speed orange red
@ it’s a judge carousel red but automatic. It’s all number matching drivetrain as well.
I’ll take the Pontiac over the LS anyday
Right on!
Factory style.
Definitely a great car, going to miss it when it’s gone
original all the way....
Good choice