1976 Pontiac Firebird - 350 Engine Pull, finally getting the fire out of the bird! - Episode 5
The Fire is Out of the Bird! | Engine Pull Day | Episode 5
This is a major milestone for the '76 Firebird project: we are finally pulling the original 350 V8! This wasn’t a "textbook" pull—we had to fight every step of the way, from seized exhaust flanges to a hoist that didn't quite reach.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to pull your first motor in a home garage, this episode is for you.
What we tackle in this episode:
• Exhaust Carnage: Fighting seized 1970s exhaust studs and eventually bringing out the reciprocating saw to clear the way.
• The "Short Reach" Problem: Realizing the Harbor Freight hoist boom was too short, leading to an emergency removal of the front bumper and grill for clearance.
• Freeze Plug Failure: Confirming why we’re doing this—finding multiple "Expando" rubber plugs and leaking core plugs hidden behind the starter and motor mounts.
• The Milestone: Successfully separating the 350 from the TH350 transmission and getting it onto the engine stand.
• Junior's Help: Getting some extra hands to torque down the grade-8 bolts and shift the weight onto the stand.
Chapters:
• 00:00 – Intro: Prepping the top end and labeling the harness
• 01:30 – Hoist Prep: Levelers, chains, and the engine stand setup
• 03:15 – Restrictor Plate? Investigating the carbon-caked EGR and intake
• 04:30 – Rare Parts: The 1976-specific smog pipe
• 05:40 – Under the Car: Seized exhaust flanges and PB Blaster soaking
• 08:00 – Starter Removal: Finding more "Expando" rubber freeze plugs
• 10:45 – Reciprocating Saw to the Rescue: Cutting the rusted exhaust pipe
• 12:30 – First Gen Cat: Checking out the massive 1976 catalytic converter
• 14:35 – The Clearance Issue: Removing the front bumper to let the hoist reach
• 17:50 – Lifting the Motor: Tension on the chains and first separation
• 20:45 – The Vacuum Line Snag: Clearing the last transmission connection
• 23:15 – Success! The 350 V8 is officially out of the Firebird
• 24:30 – First Impressions: My first ever full engine pull!
• 26:15 – Inspecting the Block: The "Trifecta" of leaking rubber plugs
• 30:30 – Engine Stand Install: Marrying the block to the stand
• 33:30 – Weight Shift: Lowering the hoist and final cleanup
• 36:30 – Wrap-up: Next steps for the teardown
Tools Used:
• Harbor Freight Engine Hoist & Stand
• Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw & Angle Grinder
• Engine Leveler / Load Balancer
• PB Blaster (A life saver!)
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