In the current times of LS-Swap Mania, electronic fuel injection, and computer-controlled engines, it’s nice to see there are those traditionalists among us who still prefer old school, carbureted engines to carry us down the street and the dragstrips of America.

Tom Bromley is among those traditionalists, as he recently had QMP (Quarter Mile Performance) in Chatsworth, California build him a 460ci-stroker from a 400ci Pontiac mill. You see, Tom is one of those guys who enjoys the look of an original musclecar, but likes them with a bit more kick.

In his case, it’s a ’69 Pontiac Firebird convertible. Although that particular car isn’t technically a sleeper, Bromley wanted it to appear stock, but wanted it to be able to beat the pants off “one of those young kids in a new Mustang.” We can’t say we blame him.

Starting with an original Pontiac block with CNC-ported Kauffman aluminum heads, Bromley had the engine assembled using a Scat 4.250 rotating assembly featuring Icon pistons. A Comp Cams custom hydraulic roller was stuffed inside the block, while an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake and Holley Ultra HP 750cfm carburetor force fuel and air into the cylinders. The heads and the intake were painted the correct Pontiac Light Metallic Blue to help keep things under wraps.

The final numbers were 536hp and 551 ft lbs. We think Bromley’s convertible, a stock-appearing cruiser that will be seeing occasional dragstrip duty, will be the car to keep an eye out for in you local Southern California neighborhood.  We don’t have a picture of his car, which is all the better for him since we would hate to let the cat out of the bag.

Here's the dyno graph of Tom's Pontiac mill. The final numbers ended up being 536hp and 551ft-lbs of torque.