Hot Rod Bio: 1970 Pontiac Firebird Driver Build

A True Hot Rod Bio Story
Some cars are built for trophies. Others are built for driving. This 1970 Pontiac Firebird owned by Tyler falls squarely into the second category. When Tyler stopped by with his Firebird, it was clear this car has been shaped by years of real use, personal history, and hands on wrenching.

Pontiac Power Kept True
Under the hood sits a Pontiac 400 backed by a Turbo 350 transmission. The engine is a mild build with a smaller cam focused on drivability while still delivering a healthy chop at idle. Internally, much of the engine remains a mystery, as the builder passed away before records could be passed along. What is known is that it is bored thirty over, runs higher compression pistons, and pulls strong with a distinct Pontiac sound.

A Driver Focused Suspension Setup
Up front, the Firebird runs tubular control arms paired with Viking double adjustable coilovers. Originally, replacement springs caused the car to sit far too high, so the coilover conversion was the solution that transformed ride quality. In the rear, the car still retains its factory air shocks, an original option that continues to function decades later, allowing Tyler to adjust ride height with simple air pressure changes.

CVF Serpentine Drive with a Unique Backstory
The Pontiac runs a CVF serpentine accessory drive with power steering. Tyler originally purchased a V belt setup but decided to upgrade to serpentine. Living nearby, he was able to visit CVF Racing in person, watch a pulley being machined, tour the facility, and leave with the completed kit the same day.

Exhaust Built for Sound and Comfort
Hooker Competition headers feed into a full exhaust with an X pipe and Borla mufflers. The setup delivers a deep, aggressive tone at idle while remaining quiet enough for long drives and conversations at highway speeds. After spending time running open headers, Tyler made comfort a priority so the car could be enjoyed more often.

A Car That Gets Driven
This Firebird sees between five hundred and one thousand miles a year. Cooling upgrades include a larger radiator and electric fans, keeping temperatures stable even without air conditioning. The car is dependable, comfortable, and built to be used, not babied.

Paint with Personal Meaning
When the car was restored, it sat in primer for years before paint was finally applied just in time for Tyler’s senior prom. Inspired by an 05 GTO, the color was chosen for its modern look while still fitting the Firebird’s lines. The paint was done at home with help from his dad, emphasizing function over perfection.

Largely Original Interior
Inside, the interior remains mostly original. The dash, gauges, and trim are factory pieces. The driver seat and headliner were replaced after wildlife damage during years of storage. The interior color was changed to white due to availability, but everything else retains a period correct feel.

Modern concessions include upgraded rear speakers for better sound quality, while the original radio remains. A cassette of Bon Jovi and Aerosmith still lives in the dash, fitting the car perfectly.

A Family Car Built Together
Tyler got the Firebird at just fifteen years old after searching for years with his dad. Both names remain on the title. The car helped shape Tyler’s career as a technician and continues to represent countless hours spent learning, fixing, and improving alongside family.

Always Evolving but Never Overdone
Future plans include larger wheels and tires, upgraded brakes, a rear suspension overhaul, and small quality of life improvements like cup holders. Every change is made with drivability in mind, staying true to the car’s original spirit while improving the experience behind the wheel.

Built to Be Enjoyed
This 1970 Firebird proves that a hot rod does not need to be extreme to be special. It simply needs a story, a purpose, and miles on the odometer.

To see the full walk around, hear the Pontiac fire up, and ride along with Tyler, watch the complete Hot Rod Bio video on the CVF Racing YouTube channel.