Schwartz 2nd gen Turbo Trans Am

[jeff s]

We're building this 1981 Trans-Am to serve as a demonstrator for our G-Machine Chassis, engine, brake and other capabilities.

It features a Schwartz-built 6.9L LS9 with a custom twin-turbo setup using 70mm Master Power turbos. This car represents everything Schwartz Performance stands for—Understated style, luxury and extreme performance. Following this idea, we've decided to use an automatic transmission.

We're also building a sister car for comparison: a 1976 Trans Am receiving an OEM restoration. Non-believers can take a ride in both to fully understand how significantly the Schwartz Performance treatment transforms a car.

(More updates on every page)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/7657169976_fc99ed8372_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7657169976/)
DSCN1253 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7657169976/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/7604762126_cfb821e4c4_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604762126/)
DSCN9652 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604762126/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/7128693875_ed43da78b1-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7128693875/)
Schwartz_TransAm_Engine1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7128693875/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/)

The G-Machine Chassis designed for this is the same as the 2nd-gen Camaro chassis, Firebird chassis and, obviously, the TransAm chassis.

[67SSDan]

That very first one that is just red and white is SICK...

[jeff s]

That's gonna be it. Thanks

[Nine Ball]

Agree, the red/white one is the only one I like. Should be a cool ride!

[Crafty One]

Very nice....

Is there are way you would take a closer pick of the rear 4 link set-up. I'm really interested in how the reversed uppers work.

[Code Red]

nice so 2nd gen f-bodies were full frame cars? or your making this a full frame car?

[andrewb70]

nice so 2nd gen f-bodies were full frame cars? or your making this a full frame car?

The car will now have a full frame due to the Schwarts Extreme Performance full frame.

Andrew

[Smock67]

Like has been said go with the red and white rendering it looks sick. The appearance will definitely live of to the performance of what underneath.

[shabbs]

WOW! No more uni-twisty. I can't even count how many Fbody windshields I've gone through in my life time. That frame is sweeeeeeet!

[2manybirds]

NICE

I gotta vote blue but do it like the red one. All white with the blue bird

[formula]

wowzers, I'm excited to see this one come together.

[WS6]

Jeff, any idea on cost for the frame and all the pieces necessary to have it complete? Basically that one picture of the full frame and the rear end and front suspension.

I'm going to have to check the site out form time to time. Thanks

[cdoggy81]

NICE!!!
What is the cost for the Schwartz LSx Serpentine Drive set-up? $2600...

[Johnny Blaze]

Nice.

So weird seeing a full frame under an f body.

Interested in the 4 link, I thought having the upper arms going back was a no-no? Only for the low rider guys?

[jeff s]

Nice.

So weird seeing a full frame under an f body.

Interested in the 4 link, I thought having the upper arms going back was a no-no? Only for the low rider guys?
The upper links would be super short, due to the shape of the floor on the 2nd gen and have radical pinion angle change. To have longer links and less pinion angle change, we went rearward. The benefit is better traction on acceleration due to slight increase in pinion angle as suspension compresses. Some off road trucks use similar. Email me or call for any pricing info.
Thanks

[SixSpeed454SS]

awesome project

[jeff s]

Here's some more pics.
Test fitting the Forgeline TA3P wheels. Minitubbed, marker lights and door locks shaved, etc. I'll start assembling the twin turbo 6.9L LS? in a week or 2.

[PleaseNoSteve]

LOVE the red wheels!

[Mike Holleman]

Jeff, I noticed in picture #2 you have added webbing in between the motor mount brackets. Is this something that I should do on my chassis? Have you had a twisting issue or just doing this to avoid that possibility?
Mike

[jeff s]

Jeff, I noticed in picture #2 you have added webbing in between the motor mount brackets. Is this something that I should do on my chassis? Have you had a twisting issue or just doing this to avoid that possibility?
Mike
One of the guys added that because this thing is getting a 1000+ hp twin turbo engine and I'm gonna beat the tar out of it.
Haven't had any problems though. I hadn't even noticed it at the shop until you mentioned it here.

[cdoggy81]

Dude, that's gonna be a SICK ride!!! :)

[jeff s]

Powdercoated Schwartz Full Frame for 2nd gen F bodies along with the Forgeline TA3P wheels.

[70 Chevelle]

Will you be at goodguys Chicago?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

youd be absolutely retarded if you didnt go with the red color scheme.

[Yelcamino]

That very first one that is just red and white is SICK...

I couldn't have said it better myself!

[Young Gun]

sweet!

[SaturnVUEguy]

Jeff, you looking for any additional help? I'm in the market for a new job, and would love ot work at a "speed shop"

[jeff s]

It's white with red.
Yes, I'll be at Goodguys Joliet in the BFG Display. Should have the 68 Vette there, a Camaro full chassis and the Ultima.
If you can TIG weld aluminum and stainless, call me.
Thanks

[SaturnVUEguy]

It's white with red.
Yes, I'll be at Goodguys Joliet in the BFG Display. Should have the 68 Vette there, a Camaro full chassis and the Ultima.
If you can TIG weld aluminum and stainless, call me.
ThanksUnfortunately, I have no welding experience at all :(
Maybe I'll be able to make it out to the Joliet show to see some of these cars in person. Been a while since I've seen the GTR in person, last time it was still sporting an NA Z06 motor, now I see its twin turboed

[orbit]

youd be absolutely retarded if you didnt go with the red color scheme.

LMAO!!! :twothumbs

[jeff s]

Here's some pics I took yesterday. It's rolling on the new Schwartz 2nd Gen F body full frame. The PPG Schwartz White Lighting is so white it makes my new GMC Duramax truck look gray.
It's gonna make it's public debut at Detroit Autorama.
Twin Turbo stoked LS9 powered.

[Damn True]

What's the ballpark on that LSx accessory belt drive system?

[Code Red]

Here's some pics I took yesterday. It's rolling on the new Schwartz 2nd Gen F body full frame. The PPG Schwartz White Lighting is so white it makes my new GMC Duramax truck look gray.
It's gonna make it's public debut at Detroit Autorama.
Twin Turbo stoked LS9 powered.


car is looking great

but twin turbo LS9????

since the LS9 is super charged your going to add twin turbos to it??

[cdoggy81]

Lq9

[andrewb70]

Lq9

No, it will be based on LS9 parts.

Andrew

[jeff s]

LS9 block and heads, with LS7 crank, LS7/9 dry sump.
Schwartz modified aluminum intake.
I'm assembling the engine next week.
No supercharger, just twin T70 turbos.
Thanks

[cdoggy81]

Cool :)

[89Formula]

That thing will be nuts.. Loving it!!

[LT4POWR]

Agree, the red/white one is the only one I like. Should be a cool ride!

I agree, and also think a white w/ flat black would be nice.

[Motown 454]

wow can't wait to see more

[jeff s]

Here's some shots of the "one off" hood bird


Thanks

[WS6]

very cool.

[cdoggy81]

I really like how you kept the turbo hood for a turbo car!
Cool bird too. What an icon that design has become :)

[69rs]

Looking great, Jeff!

[67SSDan]

Here's some shots of the "one off" hood bird


Thanks
Very cool man! I didn't realize this was your car while we were talking at RTTH... I wish I had! This thing is going to be sweet!

Keep us updated.

Dan

[JMarsa]

:naughty: hmm, 69 interupted by a period.

[orbit]

:naughty: hmm, 69 interupted by a period.

LMAO! Foul!!!:poke: :scared: :hah:

[81 trans-am]

glad to see some late 2nd gen firebird love.
Car looks awesome.

[jeff s]

Here's some more shots. Modified air extractors.

[Hellbound]

would love to see more pics keeps us updated

[BMF Machine]

AwsomE!

[cdoggy81]

Are you going to add wire mesh back in the extractor?
Looks great BTW!!!

[BossaNova]

V. cool project.
LOVE IT!

[cityofthesouth]

kick .... ass

[T_Raven]

People won't need to ask about the displacement of the engine lol

[jeff s]

yes, I'm using a unique pattern of aluminum perforated metal for the air extractors and the front grilles. The screens will be black powdercoated as well. The bird and displacement, we wanted to retain some of the late 70's early 80's vibe.
Thanks

[jeff s]

The Schwartz website is updated with latest pics here:
http://www.schwartzperformance.com/projects.aspx?projectid=13
Thanks

[T_Raven]

I like the frame you guys have but does it require floor mods? also the front rails seem a little small. Does it need to be tied into a cage?

[Young Gun]

I like the frame you guys have but does it require floor mods? also the front rails seem a little small. Does it need to be tied into a cage?

If I recall correctly they bolt right in! pretty sweet deal IMO, if they made one for a third gen nova thats prolly what I would do!

[jackfrost]

so what'd it make on the dyno?

[jeff s]

so what'd it make on the dyno?
Still developing things, not talking about numbers yet. Here's a pic with T76's instead of T70's.

[T_Raven]

Dang, twin t76s seems pretty big. I was going to use either a t70 or t76 for a single front mount on the 6.0 that is going into my silverado. How much power can twin 76s support?

[tomshouse516]

car looks awsome, i really am liking the full frame set up's. i might try and get my buddy to sling one of those under his 64' pro touring nova.

[jeff s]

Dang, twin t76s seems pretty big. I was going to use either a t70 or t76 for a single front mount on the 6.0 that is going into my silverado. How much power can twin 76s support?
1600hp

[T_Raven]

1600hp

:eek:

[craigs73]

congrats on the write up on page 19 of march 09 issue of popular hot rodding:1st:

[ajjones44]

Jeff anything new? The wait is killing me. I'm in the process of looking for a 77/78 myself.

[jeff s]

It's on hold til my divorce is final.

[ajjones44]

It's on hold til my divorce is final.

Damn....sorry to hear about that.

[cdoggy81]

Dude, that sux :(

[jeff s]

It does suck. We may put together a 65 Tempest as a quickie project to display our performance capabilities until this gets sorted out. Or we may hit some of the events with Customer cars, like the Lemans Twin turbo or 67 camaro

[1971CHEVELLE]

look great this car is going to be awesome

[jeff s]

Yes, it will.
Thanks

[jeff s]

Back on track, been on it for a couple months.
updated pics here:
http://www.schwartzperformance.com/projects.aspx?projectid=13

[wellis77]

Looking forward to seeing this one finished.

[LeighP]

that car is coming along very nicely...super clean!
Love the lightening holes in the bumper..those suckers are darned heavy!

[TGVettes]

I love this project, something I could totally drive mysefl

[89 RS]

This build is awesome. Look forward to seeing the final stages, great work Jeff.

[tellyv]

nice carbon fiber trim!!!!

[RJ66]

The bird is lookin' good Jeff , can't wait to see it on the track!

[WS6]

I'm so glad to hear this car will be completed. So many nice little touches that make it really cool. Thanks for letting us know it's still out there Jeff

[jeff s]

It will hit the road soon!

[jeff s]

another eng shot

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Glad to see if coming together, Jeff!

[sokoloka]

Looks amazing as is - glad to see this one getting done!

[ryeguy2006a]

Nice updates.

[pedro gonzalez]

jeff will the car see the hot rod power tour this june?if so lets meet up, im in milwaukee,mines a 79 my pal has a sick 78!

[jeff s]

Yes, planning to drive it on HRPT 2012. After finish a Chevelle chassis
It was at the Milwaukee Auto Show for 10 days, ending last Sunday.
Not yet ready to drive, but getting closer.

[CruizinKev]

looks good!! :twothumbs

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking good, I would like to see some more pictures of the Turbo setup.

[pedro gonzalez]

LOOKS GREAT!Dammit I had no clue it was at that show in mke,anxious to see it perform,Im sure to mount that hot schwartz billet optima battery mount in trunk by pt time!

[Schwartz Performance]

We've been working after-hours on this for the past few weeks. There are so many little details at the final stages of a build.

We made a big push last night to send the TransAm to compete in the Pro Builder Shootout at the CAR CRAFT Summer Nationals. We're excited and flattered to be competing against some great builders and cars from around the country. We would really appreciate your support (read: votes)! :)

You can vote online here: http://www.carcraft.com/summer_nationals/2012/pro_builder_shootout/index.html
Voting starts tomorrow (Friday) at 9am and goes until 12pm (noon) on Sunday.

Now, on to the pics!

Fitted our amazing STACK dash unit with a few other STACK gauges in a custom turn-polished dash (with matching door cards and shifter plate):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604750130_73587bc78a_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604750130/)
DSCN9625 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604750130/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr
Finishing up the YearOne interior and tightening all the fittings in the bay:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604755530_9a598f62c1_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604755530/)
DSCN9634 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604755530/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

Jeff Schwartz closing the hood finally!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604764868_9a546d2fe3_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604764868/)
DSCN9637 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604764868/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

Painstakingly applied the obligatory Schwartz Performance windshield banner:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604758692_338434d614_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604758692/)
DSCN9644 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604758692/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

Check out the intake tube Jeff designed... Both intercoolers feed into each end of this. To help the air make the sharp upward turn, Jeff used two 90-degree Vibrant pieces (cut down to about 45), which you can see inside:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604766512_327b3fc1f5_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604766512/)
DSCN9627 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604766512/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/7604752278_a71fcff38a_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604752278/)
DSCN9628 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604752278/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

And finally, the 1010hp twin-turbo LS9 engine. We've played around with a few intake options and finally deciding to fabricate our own. We're still going to powdercoat all the piping. Everything will be black for a simple OEM style. The whole feel/vibe of this car is understated style, luxury and performance.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/7604762126_cfb821e4c4_c-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604762126/)
DSCN9652 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7604762126/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

Don't forget to vote for us tomorrow after 9am! http://www.carcraft.com/summer_nationals/2012/pro_builder_shootout/index.html

[ILLMATIC]

very nice

[Schwartz Performance]

Thanks!

Voting is open for the Car Craft Pro Builder of The Year. We're up against some great competition so we really appreciate your votes!

www.carcraft.com/summer_nationals/2012/pro_builder_shootout/index.html

[Schwartz Performance]

Tiny update, but we got the intercooler piping back from powdercoating. Jeff decided to go with satin black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/7845265906_0072b6b96a_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7845265906/)
Powdercoated Intake piping (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7845265906/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/7845266242_2186d82269_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7845266242/)
Powdercoated Intake piping (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwartzperf/7845266242/) by Schwartz Performance (http://www.flickr.com/people/schwartzperf/), on Flickr

[pedro gonzalez]

Cant wait to see your finished product,and cars performance,spoke to your son at woodstock square last week,last minute roadtrip went in the white and orange ta from road america.btw the shop truck looks awesome!

[ryeguy2006a]

That car is just awesome!! The engine is insane. Any finished pictures of the interior?

[Schwartz Performance]

That car is just awesome!! The engine is insane. Any finished pictures of the interior?

I'll dig up some photos. We're using a very cool STACK dash (all-in-one display), but the whole interior isn't finished. The carpet we had didn't fit well, so we're swapping it out. Also, we're installing a bolt-in RideTech TigerCage: http://www.ridetech.com/store/tigercage

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/08tigercagepage_18-1.png

[jeff s]

After 6 years, I've actually driven it around the block a few times.
On the Chassis dyno next week.
Can't wait to beat on it at driving events this year.

[jeff s]

I still have to adjust and trim the seat belts.

[xxxturbo6]

Looks Fantastic Jeff! What seats are those?

[ryeguy2006a]

Great job. Engine bay is so clean.

[jeff s]

Scat Pro-Car Rally, Leather

[bhcustomdesigns]

You done a excellent job on this car Jeff!:twothumbs

[Chadman27]

:twothumbs

[jeff s]

Here's a few more pics from the Car Craft shoot

[sicknss71]

Love this car. Very clean well done car . Congrats

[Twin_Turbo]

Super slick, any details on the billet wiper motor cover?

[qnitro]

Hey Jeff,

Im putting together a 1975 T/A, I cant tell from pics, but it doesnt look like it, did you use and welting on the fender flares??

Thanks

Kevin

[jeff s]

The Schwartz billet wiper motor cover is one of our New Products, call Dale at the shop for pricing. We have them in stock.
The flush mount fender flares are from Year One, designed to use without welting.

[speedfreak68]

Like always, This one turned out Awesome!! Great Job

[jeff s]

Here's a few shots and last Sunday's dyno run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a6R6T43f0g

[SRD art]

Very cool! I like the personal touch on the back :)

[jeff s]

The car is at Racing and Performance Expo in St Charles IL this weekend, then to Detroit Autorama in two weeks. Followed by Hot Rod and Restoration in Indy

[zouk52]

Where did you get that rubber moulding for the rear glass? Or is it a custom flush-mount glass? Sweet ride by the way!

[jeff s]

Testing at Road America a few weeks ago, in prep for the Optima Face off at Road America this month

[Typhoon1015]

Looks great. It will be nice to see it running! Think you will have the highest HP car there?

[T_Raven]

Looks dang good. That engine bay looks great

[DJW32]

After 6 years, I've actually driven it around the block a few times.
On the Chassis dyno next week.
Can't wait to beat on it at driving events this year.

Jeff,

Why didn't you stick with the Holley high ram intake?

[andrewb70]

Jeff,

Why didn't you stick with the Holley high ram intake?

My guess would be is that the High Ram won't fit under the hood...

Andrew

[jn66]

Evening all -

I see this car has been for sale a couple of times now - does anyone know if the engine was replaced? See it was originally ls9 but the new ads are saying modified ls3

[TheJDMan]

I would reach out to Schwartz and ask them for the cars history.

[jn66]

Will do.

Thanks!