1979 trans am "trans-formation"

[Larry Navarro]

I been bitten by the P-T bug so i figured this forum would be a great resourse for all the needs pertaining to my project. I basically want to lower the stance and upgrade the front suspension with control arms and coil-over type shocks, lower the rear with dropped leafs, upgrade from a factory 4 speed to a 6 speed, also improve the factory 4 wheel disc setup with trick modern components and last but not least get some G-machine rolling stock under the fenders.

There is so much info to sift through so I'm hoping to get those members with 2nd gen f-bodies to chime in on what works best for this platform.

[69*Goat]

Brace yourself... :D

[Larry Navarro]

Bring it on! :D

[ponchoblue]

is that the Bandit..........
savitske is the way to go you still making air cleaners

http://scandc.com/new/catalog/9

[Larry Navarro]

is that the Bandit..........
savitske is the way to go you still making air cleaners

http://scandc.com/new/catalog/9


Yes, I'm still producing the WFO assemblies.

[Z06killinSBF]

She is purty! You know the Howards? They drag race Pontiacs.

[Project77]

There's a ton of options for 2nd gen f-bodies! I can't wait to see what direction you go.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Nice Trans Am I look forward to see what direction you go!

[Larry Navarro]

Hey guys i'm looking forward to this as much as you are, that's why I'm looking for some direction and experience on what products work, fit and perform the best. I don't plan on mini-tubs or ultra-wide rubber, just basic P-T stuff for now.
Constructive critism is welcome!


any thoughts on this?
http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=57/category_id=36/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd57.htm

[Larry Navarro]

....or these?
http://www.detroitspeed.com/1970-1981-F-Body-products/030102-tubular-upper-control-arms.html

[BanditDave]

....or these?
http://www.detroitspeed.com/1970-1981-F-Body-products/030102-tubular-upper-control-arms.html

I used the detroit speed arms on my TA way back when I still owned it...haha. Everything they make is phenomenal quality. The Delrin bushings make install a little snug but everything is great from them. I loved the ProTouringFbody.com springs, swaybars, and shocks on my car. That thing handled like it was on rails and I only had 255/45-17 fronts and 285/40-17 rears...

Good luck to you...hope ot one day build another one!

Dave

[Larry Navarro]

could you post a pic of your t/a?

[reedld]

Larry, I'm the guy that was fortunate enough to purchase "Banditdave" 's TA...feel free to ask for any specific pics of the suspension. The car is put up on jack stands for the winter.

Car is every bit of awesome that Dave built it to be! The front 255's do rub a little...I plan on trying 245's in the near future.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/98444-78-TA-LS1-build

[Chadman27]

Larry was that a pic of your car from High Performance Pontiac from wayyyy back in the day by any chance? I could be way off... but I feel like I remember that from back in my high school days about a decade ago when I had a subscription. If not, disregard. Regardless, thanks for what you have done for us Pontiac guys with the shakers!

[Larry Navarro]

Chadman.....yes that would be my car. The pic in my opening post is from that feature in HPP "LoneStar shootout" Pontiac Southern Nationals, Texas Motorplex.
That particular engine has since been replaced.....see sig.
Glad you like the shaker assembly!

[LeighP]

Depends on the budget and desire to move away from "bolt on", as to what you choose to run in the way of suspension.

Mine is pretty "budget", mostly PTFB gear (GT kit), solid body mounts, subframe connectors, sway bar brace, adjustable front and rear sway bars. Stock control arms, but using tall forged ball joints on the uppers, with offset cross shafts and metal bushes. Delrin/alloy bushes in the lower arms.
I use a GM670 steeering box - 12.7:1 quick ratio. I had Dave @ PTFB set my front springs to bring the ride height 1/2" higher than a normal GT kit.

The feel is firm (I wouldn't want any firmer), handles very well, turns in fast and is pretty well balanced. You have to be a little careful with the steering, its a lot more direct than a stock T/A and will dart around if you aren't smooth with your inputs.

If I wanted to go further, I'd be looking at the BMR torque arm system or the Ridetech 4 link rear ends.....some PTFB tubular control arms (more built in caster - yet the wheel is maintained at it's stock centreline relative to the suspension), AFCO or Ridetech coilovers all round (both compression AND rebound adjustment a requirement).

PTFB do some good brake kits, front and rear.....Kore 3 also has some good feedback on their kits/options. Then you step into Wilwood and Baer etc. Watch your kit/diameter vs the choice of wheel you want to run. My 1LE 12" front conversion "justs" fits inside a 15" Rally II wheel, which was a requirement of mine.

Just some thoughts.....

[Chadman27]

Awesome, glad to hear I haven't killed too many braincells since then. Good luck with the project, and keep us updated with pics!