Engine "Update"

4X-7H (98 CCs) Cylinder heads

The(similar?) Crankshaft being used (sitting in a different block)

Currently no completion date in site. Central Virginia Machine is still backlogged with my engine and two others from last years orders. Jim assures me that progress is being made. There is a crack on the outside of my block that he has to fix.

Pulled 305 with Transmission

I borrowed a cherry picker from my friend Steve, of Steeling By Design, and with the help of my co-worker David, I was able pull the original 305 and transmission out of KITT in three days of off and on work. The engine had oil and gasoline leaks, and the transmission had leaks, so there is gas and oil all over everything. Total mess. Now that I have it out, I am ready to put in my new 461 once it's done being built.

Auto-Tint - Electric Window tinting by Smart Tint

Here is a feature of KITT's that I always found kind of neat... his Auto-Tint. This is something that can be added to your KITT car. Electric Auto-tinting is a reality and Smart Tint makes the product, in Black, that replicates KITTs feature. Imagine being at a show, someone walks up to your KITT to peer through the window, and at a push or a button, you tint your windows. I so want to do this for my KITT. I really wish it could be reversed though, that when it's powered ON that its opaque, and when OFF its clear. However, as-is, it will really help with reducing sun damage and heat in the summers if the windows where heavy tinted while parked. Not to mention look totally cool being ALL black. It is expensive though, I believe it would run you about $300 per window (not including T-top, hatch, or windshield, if you wanted to do the whole car).

New Transmission TH400

For the new engine that I am having put in, I am going to need a new transmission to handle all that power. I was pointed to a Turbo 400 (TH400) transmission with a Gear Vendor Overdrive and Torque Converter installed.

Was also suggested to get a Heavy duty 34 Intermediate sprang
Internal Case Support
3:73 to 3:90 Rear Gear Ratio
Force draft stacked plate trans cooler
Shift reprogramming Mod (hold 1st & 2nd gears, plus have 1-2-3 auto up-shifts in drive)

New 461 Engine

I commissioned a Pontiac Engine from Central Virginia Machine to be built for my KITT on Jan 6th of last year. I am going away from the standard Chevy 300 small block engine that comes with the car and going with a
HP 550
Torque: 500-550
Engine: Pontiac 400 block
Displacement: 461 ci
Crankshaft: Eagle
Bore/Stroke: 4.155 bore x 4.125 stroke
Camshaft Type: XR288HR
Camshaft Lift: 0.236 in x 0.242 ex
Duration @ 0.50
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
.110 LSA
0.570 Lift
Cylinder Heads: 4X
Manifold: Edelbrock 5056 Torker 2
Carburetor: 850 Holley
RPM: 24-25

The Eagle Crankshafts have been on back-order for at least the past 5 months so it has slowed completion. Just got word that they are in-stock now and should be shipping soon. Estimated time for completion is at least four more weeks after they arrive. I am uber excited to get this done. I cannot wait to start driving my Firebird as a daily.

Compare that to my 2004 KIA Spectra EX: V4 2.0L. 3.23" bore x 3.68" stroke. 138hp 136lbs torque. 10.1 Compression. My KIA is almost ready to bite the bullet, unfortunately.

3-30-2016 UPDATE: Crankshafts should arrive by the end of this week, and Jim should get started on putting it together by next week