1979 Trans Am

[Josh@Ridetech]

After selling my last couple of cars, I finally picked up what I've been wanting to build since I was 16. Growing up, my dad had a couple '79 Trans Am's that we'd cruise around in. Sadly, those cars were sold when my parents split up. I just picked this up on Saturday. It's a pretty dang solid car with a 400 Pontiac and 4 speed. At the moment, I'm going to leave the engine/trans setup in it but will be swapping it out for an LS setup hopefully next year. The first thing going onto the car will be a new suspension setup and brakes. It's straight out of the 70's at the moment. The traction bars and chrome mudflaps have already been taken off :rolleyes:.

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[76TA]

It's a shame you're going to cut that car up.

[GTOtzel]

Build it, Beat it, Fix it... Repeat. Excited to follow the build!

[Josh@Ridetech]

It's a shame you're going to cut that car up.
It's not really getting cut up. It will all be done with bolt on pieces.

Build it, Beat it, Fix it... Repeat. Excited to follow the build!
That's the plan! Thanks Josh!

[79bird]

I think what 76TA meant was it was the last year of the Pontiac 400, only available with the 4 speed, production of 2200 out of 200,000 cars...Not just another Trans Am. '79 Pontiac block was thick web like the early blocks. Pretty rare car.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I think what 76TA meant was it was the last year of the Pontiac 400, only available with the 4 speed, production of 2200 out of 200,000 cars...Not just another Trans Am. '79 Pontiac block was thick web like the early blocks. Pretty rare car.

Ah, there's the catch. It's not an original 400 car. So this one is good to cut up? :cheers:

[Zspoiler]

Its your car just build it the way you want .And try to keep the original parts ,If you ever want to change it back.

[dontlifttoshift]

Glad you found a nice start!

I have never met a single person that went back to stock.

[cornfedbill]

I like the styling. I think it would be cool to keep the paint and sheet metal original, but with the suspension and drivetrain modernized as you want. These Trans Ams are iconic.

[gscherer78ta]

Great Looking car John! Glad you found it and have it to drive around in, enjoy!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Its your car just build it the way you want .And try to keep the original parts ,If you ever want to change it back.
That's the plan!

Glad you found a nice start!

I have never met a single person that went back to stock.
Thanks man, I appreciate it. I really doubt I'll ever take it back to stock. I'll keep the parts for that purpose but I'm probably going to hang on to this one so it won't matter!

I like the styling. I think it would be cool to keep the paint and sheet metal original, but with the suspension and drivetrain modernized as you want. These Trans Ams are iconic.
Thanks! I'm really excited about it.

Great Looking car John! Glad you found it and have it to drive around in, enjoy!
Thanks Greg. I've looked at your build several times in the past (and even more in the last few weeks). I'll probably hit you up with some questions in the future if you don't mind!

[79bird]

Ah, there's the catch. It's not an original 400 car. So this one is good to cut up? :cheers:

Absolutely!! Haha. And I'm no collector or purist, just have one so I figured I'd chime in. When you look at prices for a Pontiac engine build, the LS is very attractive.

[BonzoHansen]

That's a really nice color combo

[Josh@Ridetech]

Absolutely!! Haha. And I'm no collector or purist, just have one so I figured I'd chime in. When you look at prices for a Pontiac engine build, the LS is very attractive.
Haha, no doubt. Luckily, this 400 is running pretty good right now. I will change it in the future but I'm just going to enjoy the car and play around with it for a little bit. I'll start changing stuff up this winter I'm sure.

That's a really nice color combo
Thanks!

[gscherer78ta]

Thanks Greg. I've looked at your build several times in the past (and even more in the last few weeks). I'll probably hit you up with some questions in the future if you don't mind!

Anytime! I'm happy to share what I've done, what's worked and what hasn't. I would definitely get going on the T56! That's going to be great and it makes the driving experience so much better.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Anytime! I'm happy to share what I've done, what's worked and what hasn't. I would definitely get going on the T56! That's going to be great and it makes the driving experience so much better.

I would appreciate it. I'd definitely like to get a T56 in it sometime soon, the 4 speed is a little clunky to say the least. I'm chasing down some wiring issues in it right now (it appears I'll end up changing it all out, it's a rat's nest now). The engine feels like it makes decent power so I'll make the most of it until it breaks or I can afford to start swapping out to a different engine/trans setup!

[gscherer78ta]

I would appreciate it. I'd definitely like to get a T56 in it sometime soon, the 4 speed is a little clunky to say the least. I'm chasing down some wiring issues in it right now (it appears I'll end up changing it all out, it's a rat's nest now). The engine feels like it makes decent power so I'll make the most of it until it breaks or I can afford to start swapping out to a different engine/trans setup!

If the engine runs decently spend your money on all that new Ridetech suspension stuff and make it ride and handle really well. Then get some good tires and go enjoy, get seat time and improve your driving skills. Have fun all the while!

[Josh@Ridetech]

If the engine runs decently spend your money on all that new Ridetech suspension stuff and make it ride and handle really well. Then get some good tires and go enjoy, get seat time and improve your driving skills. Have fun all the while!

That's what the goal is! I'm going to leave this engine in for now and make the swap later. I'll have a couple updates today actually. The stock suspension is getting ready to go into storage at my dad's garage!

[Steve Chryssos]

I can't wait to go for a ride. :drive1:
/Steve

[Josh@Ridetech]

I started working on the car the other night and ran into a couple things that I'd like to address while I'm doing the suspension install. The passenger side toe board shows signs (and a good size hole...) of where the heater core has leaked on it in the past. I ordered a new floor pan and it's coming in today. I called one of my good friends/ex-coworkers who is a plethora of knowledge, Herb (Yelcamino on here), for a little advice. During that phone call, Herb offered to let me bring the car over to his shop for some help and use of his lift, which will be a tremendous help. We'll be doing the suspension install over at his shop in the next week or so!

[Josh@Ridetech]

On a side note, I've always wanted a set of these but I haven't had the car to put them on. Now I do :)

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[Protour_Pinto]

I think what 76TA meant was it was the last year of the Pontiac 400, only available with the 4 speed, production of 2200 out of 200,000 cars...Not just another Trans Am. '79 Pontiac block was thick web like the early blocks. Pretty rare car.

There are plenty of restored Fbodys. Just think how much this will raise their value.

Mod 'em all!

[Josh@Ridetech]

There are plenty of restored Fbodys. Just think how much this will raise their value.

Mod 'em all!

Hey, there you go! Good thought process! :bananna2:

[keepat]

Congrats on the awesome TA and love the new wheels!
Pat

[xsboost90]

very cool. My dad had a 78 when i was a kid and got rid of it when my parents split up. Lots of memories of cruising around in that thing. Pull that heavy chunk out of the front and put some power in there!

[70CougarXr7]

Always loved those wheels, but as you said, need to have a matching car for those...
Well you do, so points for styling there ;).

[Steve Chryssos]

Congrats on the wheels.

[jlcustomz]

Looks pretty god from the pics. Only thing that bothers me right off is those replacement tailpipes that look like half a splitter.
The older olds & Pontiac engines in stock form took a beating pretty good as long as you didn't spend too much time above 4000 or so rpm. Definitely hard to go wrong with a classic with some functional upgrades.
A friend of mine has had his 79' TA since brand new.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Congrats on the awesome TA and love the new wheels!
Pat
Thanks, Pat!

very cool. My dad had a 78 when i was a kid and got rid of it when my parents split up. Lots of memories of cruising around in that thing. Pull that heavy chunk out of the front and put some power in there!
About the same situation that I went through! It'll have a new powerplant at some point :).

Always loved those wheels, but as you said, need to have a matching car for those...
Well you do, so points for styling there ;).

Congrats on the wheels.
Thanks guys!

Looks pretty god from the pics. Only thing that bothers me right off is those replacement tailpipes that look like half a splitter.
The older olds & Pontiac engines in stock form took a beating pretty good as long as you didn't spend too much time above 4000 or so rpm. Definitely hard to go wrong with a classic with some functional upgrades.
A friend of mine has had his 79' TA since brand new.
Don't worry, those tips were the first thing to go when I got the car in the garage. I can't wait to get some more power into this thing along with some modern technology. It definitely drives like a stock 70's car at the moment.

[FoxGranadaChuck]

There is a huge part of me that wished this was an '80-81 Turbo T/A with that notoriously unreliable turbo 301 engine. Replace the turbo 301 with a twin-turbo LS engine. But that was already done by Jeff Schwartz a few years ago. LOL.

Still a good-looking car...

[Josh@Ridetech]

There is a huge part of me that wished this was an '80-81 Turbo T/A with that notoriously unreliable turbo 301 engine. Replace the turbo 301 with a twin-turbo LS engine. But that was already done by Jeff Schwartz a few years ago. LOL.

Still a good-looking car...

Haha, me and you both! Sadly, the only way for that's going to happen for me is if someone decides that they just want to donate that engine to me :rotfl:.

and thanks!!

[kochevy67]

I have a 1980 with those 17 inch wheels and a LS2 that I am building with my son. Damn near the same color as well.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I have a 1980 with those 17 inch wheels and a LS2 that I am building with my son. Damn near the same color as well.

You've got me on the engine, still the old pontiac here! As long as it's running, I'll leave it in. You have a thread for that car going on here?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Last week, I brought my car into the shop to do a quick install video on the Streetgrip kit that we offer for the 70-81 cars. Because the Pontiac's are kind of neglected, we thought this would be a good opportunity to take some pictures of my car in four wheel drive, and then with our SG kit on it! It definitely helped out with the stance and drivability, now I'm just lacking some horsepower. Next stop, the coilover kit! :twothumbs

Pictures of stock height vs Streetgrip:

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Link to this kit:
https://www.ridetech.com/products/suspension-packages/1970-1981-camaro-streetgrip-system/

[cornfedbill]

I'm eager to see how this project turns out.

By the way, my Nova is a real numbers matching 97k original miles Spirit of America that I bought back in 1974. It was a one year only option, and is rarer than a Super Sport. As you may have guessed, a purist I am not. So I won't complain if you take a Sawzall to the underside to make room for the right engine, transmission and suspension.

I do, however, like the styling of the second gen T/A's. It would be hard to make it look better in my opinion. I've seen it done though with very subtle mods.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I'm eager to see how this project turns out.

By the way, my Nova is a real numbers matching 97k original miles Spirit of America that I bought back in 1974. It was a one year only option, and is rarer than a Super Sport. As you may have guessed, a purist I am not. So I won't complain if you take a Sawzall to the underside to make room for the right engine, transmission and suspension.

I do, however, like the styling of the second gen T/A's. It would be hard to make it look better in my opinion. I've seen it done though with very subtle mods.

Thanks! I'm eager myself. Sadly, I may be eager for a while. I'm about to welcome a baby into the world so I'm sure time won't be found as easily in the next few months. I'm going to try like hell to work on it as long as the wife doesn't kill me. :)

This car isn't perfect nor a collector's item so I don't feel bad about cutting it up. The cutting that will be done is going to be small though, I think the swap and other modifications will be very subtle. The 2nd gens have always been one of my favorite body styles as well, I think they hit the nail on the head with this design!

[cornfedbill]

Thanks! I'm eager myself. Sadly, I may be eager for a while. I'm about to welcome a baby into the world so I'm sure time won't be found as easily in the next few months. I'm going to try like hell to work on it as long as the wife doesn't kill me. :)

This car isn't perfect nor a collector's item so I don't feel bad about cutting it up. The cutting that will be done is going to be small though, I think the swap and other modifications will be very subtle. The 2nd gens have always been one of my favorite body styles as well, I think they hit the nail on the head with this design!

Also, the second gens have pretty good suspension geometry from the factory compared to the fist gens. Not much cutting is generally needed.

I started my project before my 19 year old daughter was born. She is the last of 5 children. Now that she is generally independent as well as her older siblings, my progress has accelerated dramatically. I have made more progress in the past year than in the first ten years. It is always a balance of time and money.

[Martin71RS]

I like the ride height before and after pic.... makes the difference very clear! :-)

[kochevy67]

No I don't have a thread going I have no idea on how to upload the pics from my phone.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Also, the second gens have pretty good suspension geometry from the factory compared to the fist gens. Not much cutting is generally needed.

I started my project before my 19 year old daughter was born. She is the last of 5 children. Now that she is generally independent as well as her older siblings, my progress has accelerated dramatically. I have made more progress in the past year than in the first ten years. It is always a balance of time and money.
Much better than the first gen cars. Maybe I'll get lucky and he'll want to be in the garage all the time early on in life! Haha

I like the ride height before and after pic.... makes the difference very clear! :-)
Thanks! I thought that'd be a good way to do a comparison. I like it much better now!

No I don't have a thread going I have no idea on how to upload the pics from my phone.
Ah, off of a phone I have no idea. Maybe one of the other guys can chime in and help.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I've had the car over at Herb's shop (newly named Rotten Metal Garage) for the last few days. We're tearing into it a little more, fixing some things that I've ran across, and also starting on the coilover kit (Going with this kit: https://www.ridetech.com/products/suspension-packages/coilover-system-for-1970-1981-camaro-firebird/). The car does need some love in a few spots. It's got some rusty spots (I have to keep telling myself it's almost 40 years old) that are really bugging me so I'm going to address that while it's here. The heater core leaked and rusted a spot that's about 8" wide up by the toe board. I've got a new floor pan that we're going to cut up and weld into place. On the rear end of the car, I just need to do some wire wheeling, and coat it with some paint.

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Last night, we put the new arms, coilovers, and new sway bar on the front. I've been sitting on these wheels for a couple of weeks so I've been itching to snap a picture of the car with them on it and at the even lower height.

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I did acquire another subframe that I am in the process of modifying/cleaning up as well. I have it completely tore down at the moment. I've going to add some welds to the factory upper arm/shock mount for more rigidity and add some material to the lower arm mounts to help spread the load more. While I've got it this far tore down, I might as well beef it up some. The plan is to put it under the car when the new engine goes into place. It may be next year but I want to have this new sub done and ready to slide in when the time comes.

[F-Body International]

Same issue as me Josh! Keep us posted on this! I need some pointers on doing a floor pan and toe board due a leaking heater core.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I'm finally able to post some updates on the car! I've been out with the newest addition to the family :twothumbs.

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Now I just have to turn him into a gearhead! My car has been over at Herb's way longer than I've wanted it to be (it's been busy to say the least). I can't thank him enough for working on my car even when I wasn't available to help (and for not pushing it outside). I know he wants his garage space back as bad as I want my car back home! I'm playing catch-up now, buying a few things that were needing to be replaced, and fixing issues that needed to be addressed. The front and rear suspension have been changed over to the full Ridetech coilover package. For this car, the HQ system was more than enough, as I'm not building a full on track car . I want this thing to be a remarkable driver that will also get down in the corners! Some install pictures (also showcasing Herb's welding skills):

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When I bought the car, it had a fuel cell in the trunk for whatever reason. It was removed and replaced with a new Tanks, Inc setup. It had an ungodly loud Holley fuel pump, with the previous setup, so I did opt to go to an in-tank pump as well. It was a super nice kit for the price!

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For the last update, I picked up an LQ4 6.0 over the weekend. It has roughly 60k miles on it, ls1 intake, and some other goodies that came with it. It was in a dusty garage for a period of time but cleaned up nicely. The plan is to throw a different cam in and run it. I'm not going to get all fancy with it just yet, I'm just ready to yank the 400 out of the car. Once I gain some more money, I'll be in the market for a T56 takeout from a 4th gen Camaro/Firebird. I will then put the engine on my other subframe and shove it in the car! I'll get some more pictures but here's how it sat when I got it.

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and that's all I have for now!

[F-Body International]

Look into the Lab-14.com stuff for your new subframe. For the cost, it will save you a lot of time with the frame reinforcement.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Look into the Lab-14.com stuff for your new subframe. For the cost, it will save you a lot of time with the frame reinforcement.

Thanks man!

[Subsea69]

Looking great Josh! I have an 81 TA and it just takes me back to high school days when I drive it. Looks like your wheels are the 17x9 Year Ones? What tire size did you go with? They look awesome on your car! With that rear suspension can you fit an exhaust (2-1/2") with the standard split Trans Am exhaust tips? What are you planning for exhaust?

Dwayne

[76TA]

John has been fairly busy. Not sure if he's on here. I believe he's still recovering from falling ill.

I can attest to the quality and customer service he offers, though.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looking great Josh! I have an 81 TA and it just takes me back to high school days when I drive it. Looks like your wheels are the 17x9 Year Ones? What tire size did you go with? They look awesome on your car! With that rear suspension can you fit an exhaust (2-1/2") with the standard split Trans Am exhaust tips? What are you planning for exhaust?

Dwayne
Thanks! I appreciate it. After fixing some of the halfway done things on this one, I'm really starting to like it more! They are the 17x9 Year One wheels. The fronts are 255/40's and the rears are 275/40's. I was very glad that I went with the 40 series sidewall, it gave it a better look in my opinion. On the exhaust (at the moment), I'm running turn-downs. However, once I switch to the LS engine, Holley just developed an exhaust package that runs 3" tubing underneath the housing, that I will be using. It's easier than going over the rear with the upper four link bars and still looks very clean. I will be doing the same thing with the Pontiac motor in the car shortly though, I'm just having the tubing made at an exhaust shop though. It will still come out in the factory location and I will still be using the splitter tips!


John has been fairly busy. Not sure if he's on here. I believe he's still recovering from falling ill.

I can attest to the quality and customer service he offers, though.

Our sales guy John? He's back and doing just fine! He is on here as well though.

[F-Body International]

Thanks! I appreciate it. After fixing some of the halfway done things on this one, I'm really starting to like it more! They are the 17x9 Year One wheels. The fronts are 255/40's and the rears are 275/40's. I was very glad that I went with the 40 series sidewall, it gave it a better look in my opinion. On the exhaust (at the moment), I'm running turn-downs. However, once I switch to the LS engine, Holley just developed an exhaust package that runs 3" tubing underneath the housing, that I will be using. It's easier than going over the rear with the upper four link bars and still looks very clean. I will be doing the same thing with the Pontiac motor in the car shortly though, I'm just having the tubing made at an exhaust shop though. It will still come out in the factory location and I will still be using the splitter tips!



Our sales guy John? He's back and doing just fine! He is on here as well though.

I think he’s referring to John from Lab-14. His account name on many different forums is NOT A TA. If you look up Firebirds, you’ve probably seen his “Number 14” car with the chrome side pipes.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I think he’s referring to John from Lab-14. His account name on many different forums is NOT A TA. If you look up Firebirds, you’ve probably seen his “Number 14” car with the chrome side pipes.

Ah, very ironic. Our John has been sick as well. I have seen several of his posts, I've chatted with him a few times.

[BonzoHansen]

I had an 81Z28 with similar rot in the right hand floor. I actually found that the seam sealer was bad at the top of the cowl and that let water in run down the fire wall on the inside.

Love the progress

[Josh@Ridetech]

I had an 81Z28 with similar rot in the right hand floor. I actually found that the seam sealer was bad at the top of the cowl and that let water in run down the fire wall on the inside.

Love the progress

I'll have to look into the cowl area as well, I appreciate the tip. I'm 99% sure that this was caused by a leaking heater core (or a few of them over the years). It appears that someone either didn't want to replace it again or just didn't care about having one in the car because it is nowhere to be found :doh:.

[Martin71RS]

A baby...and still time to work on the car.... Congrats ! :-)

[Josh@Ridetech]

A baby...and still time to work on the car.... Congrats ! :-)

Haha, most of the work was done before he came around! I hadn't even had time to make a post in 3 weeks until the other day, my time is definitely not as free as before :). My wife has been fantastic though. She let me sneak over to the shop and work on the car for a couple hours last night (and hopefully tonight as well). She's tired of hearing me saying that I want/need to get my car back home! Haha

and thank you very much!!

[Subsea69]

When you get it in the sunlight again I would love to see another side view with the 17s for comparison to the previous pics. Curious about the stagger in tire size, would the 275s fit all around? I've never been a fan of under axle exhaust, interested to see how yours turns out. That's my only hold-up on going with this kit right now. I like that if I purchased an axle with the brackets already installed it is 100% bolt on.

Dwayne

[Josh@Ridetech]

When you get it in the sunlight again I would love to see another side view with the 17s for comparison to the previous pics. Curious about the stagger in tire size, would the 275s fit all around? I've never been a fan of under axle exhaust, interested to see how yours turns out. That's my only hold-up on going with this kit right now. I like that if I purchased an axle with the brackets already installed it is 100% bolt on.

Dwayne

Without a doubt, I can't wait to take that picture for comparison. With these wheels only having the one option for backspacing, I was a little unsure of being able to fit a 275 in the front. Now that everything is on, it does appear that there is plenty of clearance for a bigger tire. All of my previous builds have had the pipes going over the rear, I never even thought about going under. However, we've had several shop cars in the past with the tailpipes going under the axle housing and the only time you'll see it is when the car is on a lift. Holley just developed this 3" exhaust system on our 48 Hour Camaro and it turned out great. You'd wouldn't know it was on the car unless it was pointed out.

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[Subsea69]

That exhaust does look nice. Interesting there are no sub frame connectors on the 48 hour Camaro. I had assumed that would be something I would need?

[Josh@Ridetech]

That exhaust does look nice. Interesting there are no sub frame connectors on teh 48 hour Camaro. I has assumed that would be something I would need?

Here's a shot from the rear of the car to show how nicely the exhaust is tucked away.

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On the subframe connectors, they can be ran, however we do not. The Tiger Cage in our car is a great chassis stiffener so we don't typically use them. As far as them being a "need", that's more of a preference. If you want a street car, the coilover kit makes the car corner much better all by itself and doesn't necessarily need that much stiffness. If you're wanting a corner carver, it would be a decent idea to to look into a cage or a set of subframe connectors.

[76TA]

I'm not saying anything riveting here, but sub frame connectors are essential for any 2nd gen putting down decent power that is going to get worked.

In order of descending structural assistance for any 2nd gen:
1) Sub frame connectors
2) 8 point cage
3) Cowl to front sub frame bracing (like what F-Body International / Lab-14 offer)

And if you're going this route you might as well toss in at least poly-body mounts if not solid aluminum ones.

The Camaro pictured above does appear to have some inherent integrity added via the design of their rear suspension. Based on what I can tell they are at least partially benefiting from the bracing. I'm not sure if that car has a cage or not. Regardless, sub frame connectors would provide significant benefit.

There are several options available. DSE offers a great kit although the installation is more extensive than others being that they run 'within' the floor pans. The benefit here is that you don't lose any ground clearance. If you're building a street car that won't get beat on time and time again...no, you probably don't NEED sub-frame connectors and would likely over build the car. However, if you're trying to get the maximum potential out of a 50 year old design; yes. You need them.

[Josh@Ridetech]

There are several options available. DSE offers a great kit although the installation is more extensive than others being that they run 'within' the floor pans. The benefit here is that you don't lose any ground clearance. If you're building a street car that won't get beat on time and time again...no, you probably don't NEED sub-frame connectors and would likely over build the car. However, if you're trying to get the maximum potential out of a 50 year old design; yes. You need them.

This is what I was getting at. I'm not disagreeing with you at all. The car's definitely weren't built for the power levels and autocross events that we have today. The kit that we build can facilitate a street car build or can be added onto to create a track car. It just depends on how far you want to go into it. As far as our new four link, we're not losing any ground clearance at all. We create our own "frame rails" that run right next to the factory ones with this kit to add strength and a stronger mounting point for the coilovers.

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[jlcustomz]

Thanks for posting the exhaust pics. Been considering that route on the el camino when I do 3" pipes sometime after the airride. So much cleaner & simpler.
Looks like a good find on the 6.0. Guess you need pretty much everything to go with it, but at least it's easier to find both used & more affordable aftermarket parts these days compared to when I did my LS swap back in 02'.

[gscherer78ta]

What about all that talk of "just driving it for awhile" John????? Now, you are getting way ahead of where my Y88-R is. You are addressing all the areas that need to be addressed. I will be waiting for you to install that LS. I'm actively looking for the right deal to come along on an LS3 pull out. I'm tired of the Pontiac motor with how I apply this car- it's a great motor for a blvd bruiser and a car show cruiser but, there's 40 years of tech beyond what the Pontiac motors have and I want to jump on that train.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Thanks for posting the exhaust pics. Been considering that route on the el camino when I do 3" pipes sometime after the airride. So much cleaner & simpler.
Looks like a good find on the 6.0. Guess you need pretty much everything to go with it, but at least it's easier to find both used & more affordable aftermarket parts these days compared to when I did my LS swap back in 02'.
Not a problem. I'll be looking for some used stuff for sure. I did just pick up a 4th gen F body pan for cheap so I'm getting there!

What about all that talk of "just driving it for awhile" John????? Now, you are getting way ahead of where my Y88-R is. You are addressing all the areas that need to be addressed. I will be waiting for you to install that LS. I'm actively looking for the right deal to come along on an LS3 pull out. I'm tired of the Pontiac motor with how I apply this car- it's a great motor for a blvd bruiser and a car show cruiser but, there's 40 years of tech beyond what the Pontiac motors have and I want to jump on that train.
I'm Josh. :D

I'm hoping I get on it sooner than later! Herb han LS3 is that has less than 3k miles on it. It's cheap (for something that was once very expensive). However, it does need a little work done. There was a failure in the driveline and when things flew apart, the starter mount was broke off the block. It needs welded back on, everything else is perfect. Let me know if you're interested!

[Josh@Ridetech]

The car has been back on the road for a few weeks and I'm very happy. The Tanks Inc. tank was a great fit and SO much better than dealing with the 10 gallon fuel cell (especially in a car that gets 8mpg on a good day...). Our coilover package gave me the stance and performance that I've been wanting. The car is going to a mixture of a street/performance restomod so I'll be updating as the budget/time allows! The new stance and wheels made a huge difference!

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[andrewb70]

Josh,

The T/A looks fantastic!

Andrew

[Josh@Ridetech]

Josh,

The T/A looks fantastic!

Andrew

Thanks, Andrew! I'm starting to like it alot more :D

[Steve Chryssos]

Looks great Josh. I can't wait for a ride...
Steve

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looks great Josh. I can't wait for a ride...
Steve

Thanks Steve! I've got quite a bit of work ahead of me but I'm enjoying it too much to take it apart right now. I'll be busy throughout the winter though!

[F-Body International]

Nice man, I’m jealous! Hopefully one day I can get my ‘79 going again.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nice man, I’m jealous! Hopefully one day I can get my ‘79 going again.

Thanks! It still needs ALOT of work but I'm enjoying it right now for sure. I play on doing quite a bit of "maintenance" over winter.

[LERM]

Foxbody AND a T/A!?.... its like we're separated at birth from the same mullets, canned beer and unfiltered Camel parents...

[Josh@Ridetech]

Foxbody AND a T/A!?.... its like we're separated at birth from the same mullets, canned beer and unfiltered Camel parents...

Haha, it's a possibility!! Somehow we ended up on opposite sides of the country!

[Josh@Ridetech]

I suppose it's about time for an update... I haven't had the chance to be on here as much lately but I've been staying busy on the car. I've made a ton of changes in the direction that the car was originally going and the parts that are being used. The 6.0 that I originally posted on here has been traded for a freshly built 5.3 (and cash :)). The plan is to drive it around NA for a year or so and then play with a small turbo or supercharger.

Passenger side toe board and drivers side pan have been cut out and replaced. Apparently I need to take more of it in it's finished state...I'll add those later.
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Initial tear down
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Pulled the original subframe off to replace it with another one that I had blasted and powdercoated. I had a ton of cleaning to do, finished welding in the bottom side of the floor pans, replaced body bushings.
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Mock up block on the new subframe with the the T56. I used the stock clam shell mounts along with the Holley engine and transmission mounts. Got it rolled under the car to check clearances on the factory shifter hole. I ended up cutting into the factory floor brace about an 1.5" to get everything where it worked well. Braced it all back up and she's ready to rock.
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And while it was in this state, I thought I might as well start cleaning up the firewall too. I sanded it down, welded in one of the DSE firewall fill plates (I can't stand completely smooth firewalls so this piece was perfect in my opinion), and painted it satin black with a matte clear over it.
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The new engine just hanging out on the stand:
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and what will be controlling the new heart :).
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Next on the list are getting the engine and trans bolted together along with all of the Silversport hydraulics and then putting it in the car. I'm awaiting the arrival of my clutch and then it should all go together!

*edit...I apologize for some of the small pictures and then large. Not sure what I did there lol.

[T/A Addict]

It's been quite a while but there's some great progress going on there!

[Josh@Ridetech]

It's been quite a while but there's some great progress going on there!

Thanks! There's a lot going on behind the scenes with it but it's just been a slow process. Hopefully I'll have some big progress pictures in the next week!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Just a few more updates! I'm using the Silver Sport Transmissions hydraulic setup to get the T56 up and going. Its been a very easy kit to work with. At the moment, I'm trying to save a little cash so it's just getting a stock LS1/LS6 replacement clutch (as much power as I'd like it to make...let's face it, it'll be way more than enough for an N/A 5.3 :)).

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I've mocked up the bellhousing on the engine to make sure the throw out bearing had proper cushion. The measurement from the clutch fingers to the transmission mounting surface was right at 2.06", compressed the throwout bearing with a straight edge and measured to the face of the transmission. I came up with 1.80" on the second measurement, giving me .260" on the bearing "cushion". Everything looks to be where it needs to be, time to bolt the engine and trans together and get it in the car!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Time to drop it in the car!168721

[andrewb70]

Making progress!

[c4racer2]

Looking good !!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Thanks guys! It went in without too much of a fight. 168780

[jlcustomz]

Posting small & large pictures together, how dare you, what the heck.:spank2:
Seriously though, at least they aren't upside down like some of mine.:smashcomp
As popular as LS swaps are, it's still a bit of work getting everything setup, so really not a bad thing starting out a little less glorious than you intended & working your way up at a later date. Just don't do like me & still be internally stock 17 years later.

Lookin good , keep it up.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Posting small & large pictures together, how dare you, what the heck.:spank2:
Seriously though, at least they aren't upside down like some of mine.:smashcomp
As popular as LS swaps are, it's still a bit of work getting everything setup, so really not a bad thing starting out a little less glorious than you intended & working your way up at a later date. Just don't do like me & still be internally stock 17 years later.

Lookin good , keep it up.

Haha, the pictures get a little messed as some are posted off of the work computer and some are done from the smartphone app. Sorry about that! [emoji28]

And thanks! I'm trying really hard to get this thing out together in a reasonable amount of time. Money and time aren't on my side with the new baby though so it's going a little slower lol.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Threw on part of the Holley high mount setup. Clearance looks good on the box and the upper control arms. Now to figure out what I'm going to use for the hoses and make them up.

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[andrewb70]

Looking good!

[dontlifttoshift]

97-04 corvette power steering pressure hose is a direct fit with that pump and that box. There are some on RockAuto on close out for five bucks.

[Josh@Ridetech]

97-04 corvette power steering pressure hose is a direct fit with that pump and that box. There are some on RockAuto on close out for five bucks.

Thanks for the heads up! I'll look at them. The PS pulley is fairly close to where the fitting will come out so clearance will be a little bit tight but something like that might work!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Got some more parts on! Because I'm running our pre-truturn control arm setup on the front, my control arm setup utilized factory second gen spindles which have almost zero decent brake options. I switched over to the CPP spindles that are set up for C5/C6 brakes. Nothing crazy brake wise now, just some factory replacement Corvette brakes. The one thing I did upgrade to was a C7 hub.

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Also got in my catch cans in from UPR Products. I figured two would be useful when I throw some boost at it ;). I used these exact same ones on my Mustangs and loved them. They've actually ventured out quite a bit with these and do quite a few setups for newer cars as well.

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[c4racer2]

Probably too late. But Ron Sutton has a setup in early production stage through stoptech. Not sure if ST is selling the set up yet but it uses a modified stock spindle and includes a very nice race capable hub, 14x1.25” rotors and the ST60 calipers. Decent clearance vs wildwood aero6 and stiffer too.

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Sorry I don’t have a better pic on my phone.

Also you can use the Kore3 brackets for C5/6 calipers and their hub and then use anything designed for a C5/6. For example wildwood has a kit for Aero6 for the C6 for under $2K. It’s another good way to go.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Thanks! The thoughts behind this was really just giving me more options to choose from in the future when I come up with some more cash to throw at a good brake setup. Baer, Wilwood, many more options for the c5/C6 setups!

[c4racer2]

Ya it’s basically the same approach as the Kore3 c5/6 bracket with their hub on the stock second gen spindle. Six of one half a dozen of another - either way the car looks like a C5/6 from a front brake perspective.

Just wanted to throw out the other idea for others looking at options. Not sure the cost of the CPP stuff but it may be cheaper to use the Kore3 hub and bracket and that entire setup may also be stronger. C7 hub is good but is it a factory hub or a cheap knock off? All the devils are in the details.

[Josh@Ridetech]

The spindle just opens more doors for the future. I didn't cheap out on the hubs, I don't want to replace them any faster than I have to.

[jlcustomz]

Well Josh, planning for future upgrades is what any smart hot rodder does, small or big budget. Though I never finished getting parts for my fist g-body front upgrade (98 to 02' ls brakes with stock spindles & modified hubs) , I did a lot of researching & definitely amazing the amount of upgrade options people have come up with. Us that can fab can make our own brackets for caliper mounting & mix & match parts. With just street driving, I could get away with my junkyard LS calipers, which are similar to the base c5/6 model but less stiff, & go past the f-body 12" rotors with 13 or 14" rotors with a bracket change. A bolt on caliper swap to larger rotors is the CTS-V calipers which extend up from the same base mounting points.
Prices have come down on many factory brake parts with so many vendors selling them. Even Rock Auto has vette & cts brake parts. So many future options.....

[Josh@Ridetech]

Well Josh, planning for future upgrades is what any smart hot rodder does, small or big budget. Though I never finished getting parts for my fist g-body front upgrade (98 to 02' ls brakes with stock spindles & modified hubs) , I did a lot of researching & definitely amazing the amount of upgrade options people have come up with. Us that can fab can make our own brackets for caliper mounting & mix & match parts. With just street driving, I could get away with my junkyard LS calipers, which are similar to the base c5/6 model but less stiff, & go past the f-body 12" rotors with 13 or 14" rotors with a bracket change. A bolt on caliper swap to larger rotors is the CTS-V calipers which extend up from the same base mounting points.
Prices have come down on many factory brake parts with so many vendors selling them. Even Rock Auto has vette & cts brake parts. So many future options.....

Thanks! I could've modified my stock spindles and I did look into those routes first. This just made getting some better brakes on the car a lot easier at the moment (and I can take any aftermarket Corvette kit and throw it on when I do have the funds). These will be great for what the cars going to be doing 90% of the time anyway :)). I appreciate the ideas! I'll want to do an upgrade from these at some point im sure!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Holley's high mount setup is on! Really liking the way it's working. It went together very well.

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[Josh@Ridetech]

Made a little more progress, floor pans are all seam sealed and ready for sound deadener. Also got this in the mail today, I'm super excited about it. The wife gave me my Christmas present early!

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[syborg tt]

Made a little more progress, floor pans are all seam sealed and ready for sound deadener. Also got this in the mail today, I'm super excited about it. The wife gave me my Christmas present early!

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My girls and I are watching Transformers and when it’s over I’m ordering the dash. Can’t wait.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Haven’t posted an update for a little bit, everything else is keeping me quite busy. I’ve ran all new brake lines, got all of the Wilwood components on, intake/fuel rails are on, and Hooker cast manifolds on. I just need to find the time to paint my core support and get the coolant hoses figured out. After that it’s just running fuel lines and the Holley Terminator X. I can’t wait to hear it start up!

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[andrewb70]

Looking great Josh!

Andrew

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looking great Josh!

Andrew

Thanks, Andrew! :D

[im4u2nvss]

168522


What slave is used? Looks like an adapter plate also? Curious why there kit does not use a stock 98-02 f-body slave. I am working on clutch stuff and wondering if there are better options now then the stock f-body stuff. Thanks

[Josh@Ridetech]

What slave is used? Looks like an adapter plate also? Curious why there kit does not use a stock 98-02 f-body slave. I am working on clutch stuff and wondering if there are better options now then the stock f-body stuff. Thanks

This one right here: https://shiftsst.com/concentric-slave-cylinder.html

Correct, there is an adapter plate that bolts on where the original slave went. The plate just has a nice flat surface for the new bearing to sit on.

I'm using the whole Silver Sport Transmissions PerfectFit hydraulic setup. I've talked to Jeff over there quite a bit and he said that they use this particular slave cylinder because they're simple and had great success with them. Although this is the first time I've used their kit, I'm familiar with this style slave cylinder from a few of the Mustang's that I've had in the past.

[im4u2nvss]

This one right here: https://shiftsst.com/concentric-slave-cylinder.html

Correct, there is an adapter plate that bolts on where the original slave went. The plate just has a nice flat surface for the new bearing to sit on.

I'm using the whole Silver Sport Transmissions PerfectFit hydraulic setup. I've talked to Jeff over there quite a bit and he said that they use this particular slave cylinder because they're simple and had great success with them. Although this is the first time I've used their kit, I'm familiar with this style slave cylinder from a few of the Mustang's that I've had in the past.


Thank you

[andrewb70]

So take my comments for what they are worth. The TOB that comes with the Silver State kit might actually better, depending on the clutch that's being used. The SST bearing has a radius face as opposed to the f body bearing that is flat. This means that when using a clutch like the ls7 clutch, the pedal might be softer, all things being equal. The closer the bearing contact is to the tips of the clutch spring fingers, the better.

Andrew

[dontlifttoshift]

SST is using a Ford bearing, I don't know the OE application but it is not anything that had a T56 stock, that is why there is the adapter plate. I have only used this CSC with the SST kits that I have installed but they all have worked perfectly.

If using a 98-02 bellhousing, the 98-02 CSC works fine with any single disc clutch.

With that same bell housing, and a twin disc, I use the GT500 CSC with a spacer. I start with a .500" spacer and machine it as needed, it varies from application to application. The F Body CSC is too tall and your clutch will start slipping.

None of the Ford CSCs have a bleed line, you need to vacuum bleed them from the reservoir......that can sometimes be tedious.

[im4u2nvss]

SST is using a Ford bearing, I don't know the OE application but it is not anything that had a T56 stock, that is why there is the adapter plate. I have only used this CSC with the SST kits that I have installed but they all have worked perfectly.

If using a 98-02 bellhousing, the 98-02 CSC works fine with any single disc clutch.

With that same bell housing, and a twin disc, I use the GT500 CSC with a spacer. I start with a .500" spacer and machine it as needed, it varies from application to application. The F Body CSC is too tall and your clutch will start slipping.

None of the Ford CSCs have a bleed line, you need to vacuum bleed them from the reservoir......that can sometimes be tedious.

Do you buy your spacer from SST?

[Doug1]

I've been off the site for a while. Man that looks good Josh. I love a Trans Am done right!

[Josh@Ridetech]

I've been off the site for a while. Man that looks good Josh. I love a Trans Am done right!

Thanks Doug! I appreciate it!

I’ve been around the site but haven’t been posting much on the car. I’ve been getting closer but yet so far away... I just got some of the 3/8” Vapor Guard hose in from Holley along with all of the fittings to finish up the fuel system.

I didn’t feel like laying under the car tonight so I started playing “arts and crafts”. Got the measurements down on the 4th gen radiator to make the fan shroud. I’ll cut/bend it up tomorrow over lunch and get it thrown in the car this weekend. Then it’s down to finding the right coolant hoses!

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[Josh@Ridetech]

It’s crazy how I’ve actually got a lot done but it still looks the same... one step at a time! Fuel lines are ran, now it’s buttoning up the coolant system and wiring the Terminator X!

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[Gmachine1911]

Nice build! I like the changes you’re making and how you’re going about it. The color combo and your choice of wheels is spot on...keep up the good work, can’t wait to see the finished product!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nice build! I like the changes you’re making and how you’re going about it. The color combo and your choice of wheels is spot on...keep up the good work, can’t wait to see the finished product!

Thanks! I appreciate it greatly. The color is one thing that attracted me to this car, it's a little different to see a burgundy one! I'll keep it updated for sure, I can't wait to see it done either :).

[F-Body International]

looking good fellow '79 owner

[Josh@Ridetech]

looking good fellow '79 owner

Thanks bud! I'm doing my best! :D

[Alwhite00]

Great build. I like your choice of headers. What’s the closest point to hitting anything?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Great build. I like your choice of headers. What’s the closest point to hitting anything?

Thanks!

Honestly, there really is nothing remotely close on either side. It’s clear by a mile!

[Josh@Ridetech]

I suppose being stuck at home right now isn’t a bad thing. I found a ton of motivation yesterday and was able to spend almost all day (and until 2 this morning) in the garage. I got the fan shroud finished up, made a new hold down, and got everything mounted in the car. Lokar throttle cable is hooked up. Fuel lines are all done and mounted up in the car. Now to figure out coolant hoses and wire the car.

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[Josh@Ridetech]

A little more of an update! Hung the inner and outer fenders this past weekend. Coolant hoses figured out (who would’ve guessed that one from a 2003 Windstar van would fall right into place...). Getting ready to wire up the car, going to pick on andrewb70 for some tips and info so I’ll be sure to post that up too! Car goes in for exhaust next week. I couldn’t be more excited to see this thing going together.

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[Josh@Ridetech]

Had our local exhaust shop (M&M Exhaust) bend and weld up the exhaust on the car. Under the rear like the cars here and clear as could be. I’m happy with the way it came out!

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[Josh@Ridetech]

Got a few things done last night :twothumbs


https://youtu.be/jtcom94bD6c

[GTOtzel]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/smilies/firefire.gif

[JustJohn]

What are you using to cut out the fan holes in your shroud? I don't think any of my current tools would keep it from warping.

[Josh@Ridetech]

What are you using to cut out the fan holes in your shroud? I don't think any of my current tools would keep it from warping.

I used some electric metal shears on the last shroud I made but I couldn't get my hands on them this time. Me being impatient, ended up cutting it out in sections with a cut-off wheel. After I got the big chunks out, I smoothed it all down with a flap wheel on my die grinder. It wasn't as efficient as the previous shroud but it worked well and you'd never know the difference between the two.

[zamora7]

Man that sounds really good, what mufflers are those?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Man that sounds really good, what mufflers are those?

Thanks! They’re the Magnaflow Race series mufflers, I’m using part number 14156. I’ve had them on 3 different cars before this one and loved them so I thought “why do something different now?” Haha.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I’ve had it out and driven it to the gas station a couple times. Other than a few minor tweaks and still needing to put the interior in, I’m loving it! I need to align it and pick up some carpet and a steering wheel (this Grant wheel will be free to a good home if someone wants it...). I put the hood on,gapped the fenders, and made some brackets for my shaker over the weekend. It’s starting to look like a car!

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[andrewb70]

Apparently my base tune was pretty damn good :-D

Andrew

[zamora7]

Im in need of a steering wheel. You got a picture of it?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Im in need of a steering wheel. You got a picture of it?

I'll try and grab one tonight! It's an old Grant GT wheel.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I’ve been doing my best to get the car out and put some miles on it while the weather has been nice! Got the new MPI wheel put on, much nicer feel. I also got the front spoiler back from paint as well, it helped out so much having it back on. I can actually take pictures from the front now! Haha. So far, the only thing I need to track down is something in the rear, I’ve got some chirping sounds going on. It’s not brake related so I’m guessing an axle bearing.

I’ve got the car at the shop right now doing some testing some new spindles we’re doing. Once I get it back, I’ll keep throwing more miles at it!

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[andrewb70]

Look at that awesome charge voltage!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Look at that awesome charge voltage!

Haha, charge voltage was great until the new battery died after three weeks. Thought it was some wiring or alternator issues as the voltage just continued to drop over time, threw the old battery back in, and it charges at 14.7v. Put this one on a slow, low amp charge, and it's at 3.2v after charging for 3 days.

[andrewb70]

Haha, charge voltage was great until the new battery died after three weeks. Thought it was some wiring or alternator issues as the voltage just continued to drop over time, threw the old battery back in, and it charges at 14.7v. Put this one on a slow, low amp charge, and it's at 3.2v after charging for 3 days.

Hopefully you took it back and got a new one!

Andrew

[Josh@Ridetech]

Hopefully you took it back and got a new one!

Andrew

Going through that warranty process now...wooh, lol.

[timmytimm3]

I keep hearing complaints about those batteries. Some people have great luck with them and others they die quick like you experienced...

[Josh@Ridetech]

I keep hearing complaints about those batteries. Some people have great luck with them and others they die quick like you experienced...

Hopefully that's not the case with the new one. I got the new one yesterday and got the car back out :D.

[jlcustomz]

U-joint can chirp also. Was a light chirp I couldn't track down Had a name brand part turn out to fit too tight at the end caps on rear joint between the replacement clips. Put the vehicle up on 2 sets of wood blocks per side in rear & ran it up past 160 mph. The u-joint issue showed it's a** right quick.

[csouth]

I don't know how I missed this.... Beautiful car Josh! You're making me want an F Body....lol

[Josh@Ridetech]

I don't know how I missed this.... Beautiful car Josh! You're making me want an F Body....lol

Haha, thanks Chris! I appreciate it. It's been the most love/hate relationship I've ever had...but it's becoming a better friend as of lately! lol

[F-Body International]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.

[syborg tt]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.

Funny I was checking the status also and car looks great.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.


Funny I was checking the status also and car looks great.

Thanks guys! I appreciate it. I need to post some more pictures, I've done quite a bit more over the last few months but haven't had a chance to get over here much. I picked up a cam from BTR that I'll be swapping in, hopefully in a few weeks. Had a couple new build leaks to chase down, got those taken care of (hopefully :) ), rebuilt the trans tunnel, put the center console in, new stereo, wiring up new speakers, etc. It's been getting a little bit of love! Just slow progress.

[syborg tt]

Okay we’re waiting for those pictures

[Rsj4h]

The car has been back on the road for a few weeks and I'm very happy. The Tanks Inc. tank was a great fit and SO much better than dealing with the 10 gallon fuel cell (especially in a car that gets 8mpg on a good day...). Our coilover package gave me the stance and performance that I've been wanting. The car is going to a mixture of a street/performance restomod so I'll be updating as the budget/time allows! The new stance and wheels made a huge difference!

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156066
Nice! How does the 4 link ride and handling compare to the Streetgrip setup? Is 4 link better suited with TruTurn system?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Okay we’re waiting for those pictures
I'm slow... I had a few issues right before I put the car up for the winter actually. I noticed that there was some antifreeze in the oil catch cans when I went to empty them so that only means a few things... I found out that I have a set of the Castech 706 heads on mine which is where I'm believing my issue is coming from. The head bolts, gaskets, and everything else is new. I think one of the heads has a small crack in it. I've got another set of heads and gaskets that I'm putting on it when I pull it back out along with the cam swap.


Nice! How does the 4 link ride and handling compare to the Streetgrip setup? Is 4 link better suited with TruTurn system?

Thanks! The four link rides very nice as well but the handling is on a different level. As far as it being better suited with the TruTurn, it's not that it won't work with the Streetgrip components, we just built that coilover system to correct all of the geometry issues that we could (which required tubular arms). I've had many guys run the Streegrip in the front and coilover system in the rear (or vice versa) with nothing but good things to say.

[Rsj4h]

I'm slow... I had a few issues right before I put the car up for the winter actually. I noticed that there was some antifreeze in the oil catch cans when I went to empty them so that only means a few things... I found out that I have a set of the Castech 706 heads on mine which is where I'm believing my issue is coming from. The head bolts, gaskets, and everything else is new. I think one of the heads has a small crack in it. I've got another set of heads and gaskets that I'm putting on it when I pull it back out along with the cam swap.



Thanks! The four link rides very nice as well but the handling is on a different level. As far as it being better suited with the TruTurn, it's not that it won't work with the Streetgrip components, we just built that coilover system to correct all of the geometry issues that we could (which required tubular arms). I've had many guys run the Streegrip in the front and coilover system in the rear (or vice versa) with nothing but good things to say.
Yeah I have a TruTurn system for the front, trying to decide on the composite spring setup with HQ shocks versus the 4 link coilover. I love the stance!

[Rsj4h]

Any updates on the build?