2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

First timer here, this site is awesome. Have been building the Sunfire now for seven years. About to wire the car in hopes of getting out next year. Would love for the maiden voyage to be at the Texas motorplex. Pics to follow soon.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Little Chief,

you will make it, the Team is in place.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

I'll be right with you. I finished wiring my GT 68 Mustang and had an engine fire while adjusting the carb. Car and garage are OK but the wiring under the hood is, um, toast...

Dale

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Hate to hear that Dale but sounds like luck was on your side. hope you get to the track soon. Monte

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Does anyone know of a contact for any fiberglass pieces for my 05 Sunfire? Looking for front end components fenders, hood, anything from the windshield foreword.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

And what class are you building this car for?

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Dwight, I know Monte and the car. He is building a fast bracket racer with possible Super Gas races, no issue with front end materials.

Monte will be posting some pics soon.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Little Chief, your stock fenders are probably lighter than any glass stuff you are going to buy.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Little Chief without body

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

inside pic

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

We are bringing this build back to the top from several pages back.
It is being painted this week then coming home to become race ready. This project has been a long time coming, 2017 is its season.

Photos of paint and project completion coming soon.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

We have paint!

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Liking the paint...and the build too!

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

she is ready to go home

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Nice job Monte, how about showing us the engine and all the rest of your great car. Congratulation aon a beautiful race car. I'm sure there was days you never thought that you wold ever see it completed. Being a Pontiac it's already a rare car.lolClaude R.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

We will add photo's all along as it goes back together.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Monte has made some excellent progress. The "Little Chief" look great.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

The power plant is WAY under the bonnet!

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

It will require a long feeler gauge to check the point gap.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

We expect this will be a "fair" no box package :)

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Two thumbs up for Monte Pannell with his "Little Chief" build. He has built 99.9% of the entire package in his home shop. The chassis, suspension, body mounting, all manner of brackets and tabs and custom mounts all hand built by him.

His dad, Bill Pannell, and Monte began the build about eight years ago. Bill passed away about four years ago and Monte has kept plugging away to finish the job. It is both a tribute to his Dad and a tribute to Monte's skills.

Monte is a long time friend and fellow racer, as was his Dad. Monte is a key person with Team Woodfin, faithful to travel with us and helpful in all ways. I look forward to being at the track with the Little Chief. It will be a winner.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Well there never seems to be an end to the learning process in life and racing. I have been building my Sunfire over the last 10 years as funds would allow. In 2012 I found what I thought was a really "good deal" on a "freshened up" 406 small block that a local racer had been using for a couple of years so I jumped at the opportunity. Two weeks ago after much anticipation I fired her up with the help of Mr. W only to find out the little motor had several hidden issues. After the engine was taken apart we found it does not have the camshaft claimed, it has a bad cylinder head,the bearings were at least 5 to 6 years old in 2012,has one damaged piston, and one spun rod bearing. This latest issue will probably set me back a year or two but the lessons learned are invaluable. I know most of you know about buying used race engines but please be aware not all is as promised. Monte

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Story's like this are not uncommon , buying any used items is a risky deal. I myself have a engine that was a freshen deal that ended up with only had good rod's and pistons and block. I was lucky as I knew this going in and had all other parts I needed at the time . Monte I feel your pain , hope your set back does not kill your desire. Great Luck with the build its only a matter of time. This is one great looking car......

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Nick, have had some things actually go my way in the last few weeks and it looks like I may be able to try out my new ride this coming spring. I have a great friend in Mr. Woodfin and with his help and advise he has managed to keep my head up and moving forward. :)

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Well another week has gone by and now we find out the pistons in my little 406 are possibly 15 years old and matching one to the others could be a problem. It looks like it's time to punt. Hopefully I will have a game plan in the near future for little Chief but in the mean time I will be saving all the $ I can to make this happen. MP

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

WOW ... missed your 11/2 post and then saw today's post... Its great having a friend like Larry , everything he does it top notch. Hope you can figure something out on the piston deal .

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

I am currently making plans to rebuild my 406 SBC. I do know the block will need to be bored to clean up a few minor issues. I will need to purchase new rods and pistons and am wanting to know your opinions on these to help me decide what to use. My motor might see a max rpm of around 7600. Any input is appreciated. Monte

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Let a competent machinist determine if you need to bore the block, maybe a hone will do the trick. Try to match weights with the new/old stuff to avoid major balancing on the crank later. Look for " off the shelf " parts rather than custom. Consider a matched bal. crank, rod, piston kit with bearings and rings. Could save you in the long run. Fatigue is hard to measure.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

I will have a machinist check the block to make sure what is needed. I was wanting feedback on rods & pistons that you guys like or don't like. I have been looking at Manley & Callies rods and JE pistons. Thank You for your input.

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Just found out that my little 406 will now be a 413. New pistons on the way so hopefully we are headed in the right direction. Can't wait to finally get to try out the Sunfire for the first time. :cool:

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

I am looking at a set of Morel Sportsman Pro lifters for my SBC. Does anyone have any good or bad results with these lifters?

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Well we finally got all of the parts and pieces to put this little Pancho on the track. If all goes well we should be able to make a few passes before the season is over. Been a long time coming. :) Thanks Mr. W

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

a happy engine bay

Re: 2005 Sunfire. aka Little Chief
 

Little Chief will soon be on the war path!