How to Replace a 1968 Firebird Starter

The 1968 Firebird featured in Pontiac's second year as a full-fledged combatant of the pony car wars. Changes for 1968 included replacing the venerable 326-cubic-inch V-8 small-block engine offering with a more powerful 350 option. The V-6 remained the same as that in the 1967 model, as did the big-block 400-cubic-inch 6.6-liter. All of these engines rely on a starter motor to fire them up when you first turn the key. If the starter fails to engage, a few well-placed taps with a hammer might correct it; otherwise, you'll need to replace it.

Instructions

1

Set the parking brake, and make sure the Firebird's transmission is in park if it's automatic or in any gear if it's a manual. Brace the Firebird's left-rear wheel with two wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling.

2

Open the Firebird's hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery post using a battery wrench. Lift the front end with a floor jack, and support it on two jack stands positioned below the front frame.

3

Place a jack stand under the body of the starter, which is mounted to the side of the engine. Lift the jack stand head so it touches the belly of the starter.

4

Disconnect the starter wiring using the socket wrench and 1/2-inch socket. Note the order in which you remove the wires from the post so you can reinstall them in that order.

5

Remove the two starter mounting bolts using the socket wrench and socket. Grab the starter body with both hands and carefully slide it back away from the engine. Lift it off the jack stand and set it on the ground.

6

Place the new starter on the jack stand and slide it into position against the engine. Thread the starter mounting bolts in by hand before tightening them to 35 foot-pounds with the socket and wrench.

7

Install the starter wiring on the new starter post so it's on in the same order it was on the old starter post. Remove the jack stand from under the starter.

8

Lift the Firebird off the jack stands using the floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the car before lowering it to the ground. Reattach the negative battery cable to the battery post. Close the hood and move the wheel chocks before driving the Firebird.