Trans Am SacrilEdge is free!

[opnwide]

This was a short incarceration for my bad boy '76 SE. I hear horror stories of cars going into paint for years.
CoolCars of austin got my car out in ONE MONTH.
I have nothing but good things to say about Jeremy and Enrique.
Their number in Lakeway is 512-266-3313.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/1976transam017-1.jpg

[FatfreeGTO]

But they only painted half the car?? :) Just kidding glad you found a good shop!!

[tazzz25906112]

Good to hear,,,, looks nice

[opnwide]

That first photo was half polished. Here's a few more...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/P1010764-1.jpg?t=1271380983

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/P1010762i-1.jpg?t=1271381041

[mc84_zz4]

Holy Crap! Smooth as glass.
Duly noted, Austin is a short trip for me....

[tazzz25906112]

Nice

[BirdsThaWord]

Looking good!:firefire:

[CruizinKev]

looks awesome - like its still wet :twothumbs

[78 Type-LT]

ocean deep paint

[AM.MSCL]

Looks great! I have never heard of them.

[opnwide]

Have you ever heard of Austin Speed Shop? They do all the paint work for them, so if you've seen Austin Speed Shop's work, then you've seen Cool Car's work. (They do not advertise)

Lots of high end cars. They had the '49 Merc from Pearl Jam's drummer in there, getting some detail work for the recent hotrod show here in town.

Lots of $100K cars go through there.

[Dons67]

nice ride - love the 2nd gen bird! nice find with the low production number car

[MonzaRacer]

uhmm they for got to paint the bumpers and the glass is missing,,,,man what a rip.
J/K looks great!

[opnwide]

Engine and trans are back in. You can also see the dash installed and lots of wiring hanging around. I need to do just a few more details before the core support and fenders go back on.
Yes, that is a twin turbo 455:bananna2:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/002-1.jpg?t=1272206439

[avewhtboy]

Wow nice motor and project

[zamora7]

Dman! Thats nice, paint is almost like a mirror!

[topher455]

More please!

[Conrad283]

Sweet ... That's going to be one bad ass ride.

[Capown]

My keyboard just lifted a few inches!! I cant wait to tear into my Lemans u guys make me soooo jealous!!

[BA.]

That black looks so deep, wow, I'll bet it's fantastic in person.

By the way, you show us a picture of a "twin-turbo'd 455" and you only gave us ONE Dancing Banana?? wth man, that is way-cool dude, you gotta bust out more Dancing Bananas and stuff for that!! :bananna2::bananna2::bananna2::twothumbs:firefire: :firefire:

[opnwide]

Here are a couple more images of my progress. I wish that gold honeycomb paint would come in (backorder) so I can get my real wheels on the car!



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/P1010827i-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/P1010826i-1.jpg

[cobragt]

Sweet!

[CruizinKev]

yeah looks great!! :headbang:

[TonyHuntimer]

Nice pair of aluminum snails you got there! :)

Look at that Es-Car-Go!

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com
Camaro Performers Magazine

[68firebird]

lookin good, love the deeeeeeeep black paint......oh and love the turbo big block too.

[LeighP]

My first T/A was a 76....originally a black 455 4 speed...man, that car looks great!!!

[opnwide]

Its been a while since I've last posted. There have been a few parts in paint shop hell. NEVER EVER EVER pay off the paint shop early, even if you only have a few more parts that need touch up. This touch up has taken FOUR MONTHS. I can no longer recommend COOL CARS or SOUTHWEST CUSTOM CREATIONS.

I am now going to miss Central Texas' larger drive-in car show at Rudy's BBQ next Sat. Yeah, I'm pissed.

So anyway, I finally got Jeremy on the phone and confirmed that he would be there same day. I drove 18mi to their new shop and took my shaker with me. I had to do something, and finishing the turbo plumbing has been high on my list. I'd like to get the back window in also, but they have that trunk panel piece that has to go down first.

Sorry for the venting. Enjoy the latest photo.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/engine002i-1.jpg?t=1285978584

[NOT A TA]

Coming out very nice!

[speedshftr]

:cheers:my first car was a 75 t/a 400 4 speed.i love them.your car is sweet i really like it alot.hats off on a sweet car that would make anyone proud

[Takid455]

that paint looks nice and deep. it will get there eventually.

[opnwide]

I finally got my brake issues worked out. Remember to always bench bleed a new MC and check all sliders. Anyway, here's a pic of my S10 setup out of a 4WD Extreme.

The car is almost ready to tune. I need to call my agent Monday to get insurance before I put it on the road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/056-1.jpg?t=1289005695

[85GPLEf41]

BADASS!!! Makes me jealous lol! Good job on the build and love the twin turbo setup. What are you doing for the front brakes? Too bad about the paint shop though what was there excuse? If you don't mind elaborating a bit more.....just wondering since they did a awesome job.

[LeighP]

Wow! Thats some paint...then I see the engine....killer project!

[Taman]

Just make sure you drive it. I will tell you what my paint guy told me. " You will NEVER have to paint the whole car again. I a couple of years when you get paint chips, take it back and they can blow in some paint and fix the chips. It will look new again" My first chip was from my crutches when I had a broken leg. Slipped on some gravel and my crutches hit the car. Thank goodness it was just a mirror that got hacked.
Awesome paint job!

[73RSZ28]

Just make sure you drive it. I will tell you what my paint guy told me. " You will NEVER have to paint the whole car again. I a couple of years when you get paint chips, take it back and they can blow in some paint and fix the chips. It will look new again" My first chip was from my crutches when I had a broken leg. Slipped on some gravel and my crutches hit the car. Thank goodness it was just a mirror that got hacked.
Awesome paint job!

^^^2nd that. I drive mine however most my damage has come in the shop. Like my '30 roadster taking off on its own and running the front wheel into the front fender of the camaro. Then my wife backing out of the garage running over my daughters scooter and launching it into the side of the camaro. The paint shop has a slot open for me this winter!!!

[TA Dave]

Very nice build, the 76 was always a favorite of mine.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Very nice sorry to hear about the paint shop hell but the car looks super sweet and those snails are gonna make it haul the mail...

[Throttle]

Looking Good so far.. I can understand why it takes so long to get some of that small stuff done(Owning a shop myself), sometimes it is hard to fit the little stuff. Im pretty sure we have done some Stainless and Welding work for Cool Cars..

[opnwide]

Here is the view most people are going to see (windows and decals not withstanding). I hope the aeromotive fuel pump doesn't give me up to those unsuspecting vipers out there:machine:

You can also see the 12" Mickey Thompsons on the 9" rims. The fronts are 10" MTs on stock 7" rims. I think it looks darn stealthy. Too bad MT doesn't make 14" tires on the same 26" diam.

The car is NOT muffled. Just the turbos and a couple of high flow cats. The sound is about as loud as any other muffled musclecar:ssst:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/P1020158-1.jpg?t=1289242714

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I think I would try to hide that pump or maybe just some semi gloss black to make it go away from a distance..

[Doug1]

I think I would try to hide that pump or maybe just some semi gloss black to make it go away from a distance..

I have done a number of these 2nd gen TAs and my "go to" spot for the fuel pump is in the between the tank and the rear end. These cars came with a cross flow muffler there so if you use regular mufflers there is a bunch of room to mount the pump and filters. If you want to keep it behind the tank, as most suggest, you have to drop the tank and try and wedge it up between the tank and tailight housing. Not really much room up there but it can be done.

There is a new sump from Aeromotive that includes the pump inside the sump. That is pretty cool. The latest build I am doing will get a custom tank with internal pump I am thinking. We'll see how much room is left after the back half.

[opnwide]

Doug,

I saw that new aeromotive sump. I think it comes with two walbo 255 pumps, so if I decide to go f.i. then I'll definitely check it out, and I'll probably just let Rick's Stainless Tanks handle it:)

[opnwide]

New development. In case any of you were wondering if my modified shaker would seal well enough to build boost.....well, yes. It does. But the shaker itself might be the weak link. I only saw about 5psi at the engine, not sure about the shaker.

KER-PLOOEY!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/P1020191-1.jpg?t=1290999571

I guess its time for Plan "B".

[tazzz25906112]

Yep Carbon composite shaker ;-) ,,,,, and I just happen to know who can help you with that LOL...

[fbody_mike]

New development. In case any of you were wondering if my modified shaker would seal well enough to build boost.....well, yes. It does. But the shaker itself might be the weak link. I only saw about 5psi at the engine, not sure about the shaker.

KER-PLOOEY!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/P1020191-1.jpg?t=1290999571
I guess its time for Plan "B".

How about laying a few sheets of glass and resin on the underside of another shaker, maybe double up more on the spots that broke on this one.

[srh3trinity]

Tig welded/fabricated sheet metal shaker like Jesse James did on the Coors Bandit TA he built. That was cool.

[cdoggy81]

Ouch... :(

[opnwide]

Albert,

Do you really think a carbon fiber shaker would hold? I plan on running at least 10psi through this thing, with the possibility of an occasional 15psi.

[tazzz25906112]

Albert,

Do you really think a carbon fiber shaker would hold? I plan on running at least 10psi through this thing, with the possibility of an occasional 15psi.

Greg if we did one for the app I'd likely look to do a custom composite schedule (I have the schedules expert in town and will ask him tomorrow night at dinner for his impute) with high temp epoxy resins used...... It's a relatively small part and I already have the mold for it so it shouldn't represent that tough a challenge or added expense in material all things considered.... As a matter of fact I kinda like the idea of the challenge and we can work something out between us as I think it'd be neat to be a part of the solution on this deal Poncho guy to Poncho guy....

[whayden2003]

might as well make 2 while you are at it

[tazzz25906112]

might as well make 2 while you are at it

I just saw your earlier post and apologize,,,,,, you can reach me at [email protected].
Thanks,
Albert

[andrewb70]

I am confused. Why is the shaker seeing boost? The outlets from the turbo enter the air cleaner pan, but isn't the pan sealed up? The shaker is normally an entry point for fresh air, so the hole should be sealed. I would use something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170458457504&crlp=1_263602_304652&ff4=263602_304652&viewitem=&guid=a295977112c0a0a9f555f8c5fd49f082&hlp=false&rvr_id=177253724442&ua=M*F%3F&itemid=170458457504

Then fabricate a mount for the shaker, since it will be purely cosmetic.

Andrew

[PhillipM]

i think i would try to hide that pump or maybe just some semi gloss black to make it go away from a distance..

x2!

[tcronkright]

Nice build. Love the twins!

[opnwide]

Andrew,

I embarked on this journey as a way of satisfying hood clearance and keeping a functional shaker.
I originally had the factory aircleaner welded up shut with an "air straightener" welded to the inside to help direct air vertically and to hold it down. The shaker itself was sealed off (like the factory did it) it the back and between the metal pan and fiberglass. It worked well. It gave the engine lots of plenum, and also gave good access to the carb. Unfortunately, 5psi blew the shaker apart like a funny car with the hiccups. 2-3psi, no problem. Then I hooked up my boost ref'd regulator and got into it a little more. My 12" MTs let loose instantly, but 1/2 second later... POW!

So I bought another shaker for $20, and fabbed a steel inner structure to fit inside the shaker to contain the boost. It looked good. Very stealthy. I tried it out today.
Same thing. Mickey Ts broke loose immediately, 5psi, and POP! This time the stainless steel shaker retaining ring let loose.

HMMM. So then I drilled seven holes peripherally in the air cleaner assembly and ran 1/4" bolts through it. This assembly is going to necessitate going with a dif method of supporting the shaker, but I've got an idea for that already. Also makes it harder to get to the carb for tuning. If the 1/4" bolts can't keep the assembly together, then maybe I'll check out that $500 hat you pointed me to.
I'll post results soon

[tazzz25906112]

Greg I figured that the bottom plate on the shaker would be the next blowout point....

You're on track and should be looking at how much heat is going to be developed and what joint/seem material to use... The rivets will let go or the plate will bleed off pressure and whistle like crazy if you don't blow the stock shaker I'd say with initial consideration....

At the very least all the holes you're talking about will weaken the stock shaker pretty badly and their construction/design didn't take flex into account as a base material,,,, that is by the way how many years old now....

[opnwide]

Albert,

I wasn't the bottom plate, but rather the connection. The bottom plate was removed and sealed to my new "steel inner shaker structure", so no whistling there. I coated the mating surfaces of the connection with a thin layer of RTV silicone, so it doesn't appear to be leaking. The problem was the thin stainless band that holds the two pieces together. The aircleaner has a 45 degree retention angle and the upper shaker base has a 90 degree retention angle. Yes, the 45 degree angle let go. I'll try to post pictures tonight if I get home before dark.

[andrewb70]

Andrew,

I embarked on this journey as a way of satisfying hood clearance and keeping a functional shaker.
I originally had the factory aircleaner welded up shut with an "air straightener" welded to the inside to help direct air vertically and to hold it down. The shaker itself was sealed off (like the factory did it) it the back and between the metal pan and fiberglass. It worked well. It gave the engine lots of plenum, and also gave good access to the carb. Unfortunately, 5psi blew the shaker apart like a funny car with the hiccups. 2-3psi, no problem. Then I hooked up my boost ref'd regulator and got into it a little more. My 12" MTs let loose instantly, but 1/2 second later... POW!

So I bought another shaker for $20, and fabbed a steel inner structure to fit inside the shaker to contain the boost. It looked good. Very stealthy. I tried it out today.
Same thing. Mickey Ts broke loose immediately, 5psi, and POP! This time the stainless steel shaker retaining ring let loose.

HMMM. So then I drilled seven holes peripherally in the air cleaner assembly and ran 1/4" bolts through it. This assembly is going to necessitate going with a dif method of supporting the shaker, but I've got an idea for that already. Also makes it harder to get to the carb for tuning. If the 1/4" bolts can't keep the assembly together, then maybe I'll check out that $500 hat you pointed me to.
I'll post results soon

I am not in love with that $500 dual inlet hat. It was just something I found to demonstrate the idea. I actually think even the welded stainless box may not be up to any kind of real boost pressure. The dual inlet box that is used on the Banks twin turbo system is heavy, cast aluminum.

I think maybe for a carburetor system you may be better off with something like this:

http://www.superiorairflow.com/

Then fabricate a pan around it to hold the shaker for cosmetic reasons.

Just my $.02....

Andrew

[tazzz25906112]

Andrew has a solid point about strength and if you fabricated a pan with the following features it could be something to consider.... I'm working on the presumption that you want to maintain a stock appearing cleaner assembly as best as possible and did a quick edit/design in Photo shop for you to convey the essence...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/shakerassemblycopy-1.jpg

the pan and shaker could be molded or fabricated from steel (likely best option for one off) or molded and built from composites, however the constant would be the need for that "ring gasket" and multiple attachment points around the pan to insure the seal....

[opnwide]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/P1020192-1.jpg?t=1291340257
Here is the photo of the inner structure I built. You can see the tops of several peripheral bolts to clamp it tight, along with four 10-24 screws that will support the shaker.

I've got about 2 3/4" clearance from the top of the carb to the hood. I need 1" for the shaker. That gives me about 1 3/4" for a carb hat. This is why I attempted to use the drop-base air cleaner shaker setup. I'll be testing tomorrow, taking video next time (just in case something exciting happens again).

[opnwide]

Car is getting photos taken for the insurance company. All the stripes aren't on yet, but I dimensioned this photo so you can use it for wallpaper:)
The hoodscoop is also the old blown up scoop. New scoop is in primer right now
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/wallpaper-1.jpg?t=1292459953

[formula]

Love it. Great mix of factory style and custom touches.

[tazzz25906112]

Congratulations Greg we'll all have a blast this summer.....

[WS6]

Looks great.

[opnwide]

I can't believe it. The Trans Am developed an oil link somewhere behind the engine. Not the valve cover. Not the dist. gasket. Not the timing cover.
I pulled the Super T-10 and replaced all the seals. Not the transmission.

I finally decided it was the oil pan seal or the rear main seal. I ordered a 1-pc oil pan gasket from BOP engineering ($63 shipped) and started to pull the pan with the help of my bro. That pan would NOT come out. We had the motor mounts undone and the transmission dropped in back and nothing! We worked on it for 1.5 hrs and gave up. So we decided to pull the engine.

Surprisingly, we had it sitting on the ground in less than 3 hours. I feel like I'm going backwards, but I'm also ordering a new Viton rear main seal to replace the "graphite rope" seal just in case.... I don't want to pull this engine again. Anyways, I suppose this is a good time to get the headers and down pipes coated. Any ideas for a good ceramic guy in the Austin area? I heard good things about Carlos down there in Seguin (about 1 hr away).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/003-1.jpg?t=1294616036
That's not me in the photo. That's my brother, Kirk. He lives in downtown Austin and has been helping me put this thing back together. He's hoping to build a '65 fastback one day with a coyote 5.0. He needs a garage first, though. He may only get one parking space with his condo downtown, but he has a great view of Marti Gras on 6th!
(I'm much better looking:)
P.S. I was drunk on coconut rum when I wrote this. I'm glad I have spell checker.

[tazzz25906112]

Dam that's a kick in the butt.... I thought the "graphite ropes" were the Pontiac seal of choice??? Are you sure you didn't just get a back apple or something??? I sure hope it isn't crankcase pressure you're experiencing cause that'd suck...
Anyways good luck bud and I'll look forward to seeing you out at events this year....

[monteboy84]

Friendly Advice: Find a shop nearby that has a smoke machine for finding leaks, it will be well-worth the money to smoke-test the engine before you drop it back in. There really is no better way to make sure that everything is sealed up, or to find a sneaky leak.

-matt

[Ron.in.SoCal]

What exactly is a 'smoke machine'? Sorry for the rookie question, never heard of that before...

[opnwide]

smoke machine: Spicoli's van as seen in Fast Times at Ridgemont High :)

[WS6]

lol, almost. It just pumps smoke into the engine under pressure. Smoke leaks out from the location of any leaks.

[opnwide]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/transamcristysilverinternet-1.jpg?t=1299279135
I know people have been wanting more info on this for quite some time.
Here is my car with the new YearOne Cast Honeycombs in a 17X9 size. I plan to eventually widen the rears to 12.5" (I've got almost 4" clearance to my inboard mounted leafs and homemade minitubs). My wife won't let me send off brand new rims to be cut off, so I've got to go through a set of tires first! (That shouldn't be too hard with 800+hp)





https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/rearsilverinternet1-1.jpg?t=1299279807
YearOne spaced the wheels so that the outer lip is right next to the fender edge. The Kumho XS tire in size 275-40-17 barely clears the rear fender lip, however, I do have S-10 brakes on the rear axle so my wheels will be 1/4" further out than a standard drum brake trans-am. I also have the inner lip of the rear fender "shaved" halfway down for extra tire clearance.





https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/frontsilverinternet-1.jpg?t=1299279761
The front tires appear to fit slightly better, but I think they may rubber the INNER fender under full compression.

Again, my car has been lowered 2-3" all around. I'm sure YearOne did all their measurements on a stock firebird.

[LeighP]

Wow, car (and wife) look great....I've got my Honeycombs on the way from YO for my 71 project, love the of them on your car!

[4mul8ion]

Great project!! Love the 76 black and gold special edition T/As and especially yours with the YO honeycombs. Awesome car.

[opnwide]

Leigh,
Thanks
Sally Fields ain't got nothing on Cristy!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1020468internet-1.jpg?t=1299300514

And by the way, the engine is back in the Trans Am. I forgot to take photos of the ceramic coated ex, but I went with satin black. Carlos Tirado Coatings (Sequin, TX) said the black was a little thicker and should insulate slightly better. Although not as cool as silver, it should do the job. I found out through the R&R process that I must tighten the turbo mounting nuts LAST and must have both front tires off for access. It only took me 6 hours to figure that one out!
The engine oil leak is fixed, it seems. I went with BOPs rear main seal. The BW T-10 still leaks a tad at the counter shaft (don't they all?) but that tranny will eventually be replaced so I'm not worried about it.
Currently, I've got a busted dist. cap, and I can't get the car out of the garage! Unbelievable. I have a new one on the way-might be here tomorrow.
I'll try to get some photos in the sun soon for all you auto-porn types out there:0

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yeek!

go christy!... i mean.. the trans am!

[tazzz25906112]

The rims look great Greg congrats.... Look on the positive side those back tires should last about 15mins with that power bud and you'll be sending off the rims next week ;-) LOL...

That said with Chrissy looking that sweet you might not get out to those tires for a while bud.... Now be careful she's setting you up for long term ownership of tires...... It's a conspiracy between all our females,,,,, first they let you get something,, then they distract you and if you can imagine they even stoop as low as to look great and act sweet,,,,,,,, just a deadly combo against us helpless males ROFLMAO....

All kidding aside, drop me the info on who you were thinking of using to split the rims if you don't mind as I'm seriously considering buying a set of those wheels (I think year one did a Hell of a job on them).... what exact size are those Kumho's front and back BTW???

[opnwide]

Albert,
Those are Kumho XS 275-40 17s. They look like they're going to rub a bit on the inner fenderwell at full compression. My wheel guy is Weldcraft wheels. They widened my factory 15X7 honeycombs 2" to a 15X9. Very cool and stealthy. They do a great job on aluminum and steel wheels.

Honeycombs now for sale. Check the classifieds later.

[tazzz25906112]

Cool Greg they are deceptive on the front width in the photos bud.... I think I'll end up ordering a set of for one of my builds in the next few months all things equal...
Thanks for the Weldcraft info.

[opnwide]

I'm having fun tuning the carb. 1st gear is useless, but it would be that way without the turbos. 2nd gear- tires start spinning as soon as the boost comes on (which is pretty quick with these little turbos). I've seen 7psi around 3500rpm, at which point I let off. I don't want to put this thing into the ditch just yet.
3rd gear is where is starts getting interesting. At 50mph (3000rpm) I can go to WOT without tire spin. Boost comes up quick. 5, then 10psi (at 4000rpms). If I let off as the boost gauge swings around, I'm fine. If I let it hit 10psi, the tires break loose and it sounds like a 747 is landing on top of me! It scared the [ ] out of me so I let off. I was doing 90mph! I didn't think I had it floored but for a second or two. I need to be careful with this car or I'm going to jail!

My 335s showed up Thurs, and my wheels should be here next week.

My AFR is around 11.5 at 10psi, which I'm told is too lean. I don't have any fatter jets so I ordered some and they should be here next week. I'm also installing my MSD 6A this weekend to make sure I've got enough spark.

Initial timing is set at 12 degrees, plus 14 mech for a total of 26 degrees. The car likes more initial. I was going to "add a bushing" to the distributor, but I think I'm going to refile the advance plate in my distributor and add MSDs Boost Timing Master to pull 1 degree per lb boost and set total to 35, initial to 15. This should give me more responsiveness when not in boost.

[Six_Shooter]

11.5 AFR too lean? I'd be saying that either right on or too rich. I run between 12.0 and 11.5ish:1 in boost in my Datsun, and even that can be too rich at times.

[WS6]

I like to see 12.5 to 13.5 on an NA motor depending on what the engine likes, knock, etc. Boosted I like 11.5 to 12.5 again keeping an eye on simply what the engine likes. Check your plugs after a good boosted run and see what they look like. Glad you're having fun with the car and it's running well for you.

[GM_muscle]

you have any pics of the homemade mini tub?

[opnwide]

I have two links posted in my signature. In my first link, I have pictures of the rust removal and chassis restoration (basically everything before paint). There are photos of the minitub as well as the front offset spring pockets that I made (cause DSE wouldn't sell them to me separately). Also are photos of the narrowed and sump'd tank, DSE subframe connectors, etc. IF you have any ?s feel free to ask.
thanks

[ModedCB2]

Greg, any contact info for Weldcraft? are they TX based? Also for Carlos... I am up in Dallas & getting ready to dive head first into my '78 King Cobra project 7 will need both of their services late this year...

Awesome build. Since I am T/A "foggy" wasn't there a year with that same nose & the small/flat rear window?

Rob

[opnwide]

Rob, the '74 had a similar front end, but not quite as clean IMHO. You can find Weldcraft on the internet at www.weldcraft.com I've been getting lots of requests for their information.

so here we go...
Introducing the World's First 17"X11.5" Honeycomb Wheel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1020569-1.jpg?t=1303776332

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1020571-1.jpg?t=1303776749

Tires are sticky Kumho XS 335-35-17s

[carbuff]

Greg,

Do you have all the wheel specs on those rear wheels? Also, do you by chance know what your rear axle width is? I've seen 2 numbers as factory widths for these cars: 61.25" and 62.5". My axle is built to 61.25", and I'm trying to finalize my wheel specs so that I can get them ordered. So any info appreciated!

[opnwide]

Bryan,
I'm under my car right now, working on the brakes. How do I measure the axle width for you? Is it from axle housing end to end, or the axles themselves?

[carbuff]

I measured mine by putting a straightedge on the outside of each drum and measuring the distance between the two straightedges. I came up with 61.25" on that measurement.

Thanx!

[tazzz25906112]

Looking great bud congratulations man....

[LeighP]

Yeah, now that looks "right" !

[WS6]

The rims look great. Weldcraft did the widening of the rims? How much did they add to the width?

[HILROD]

I'm having fun tuning the carb. 1st gear is useless, but it would be that way without the turbos. 2nd gear- tires start spinning as soon as the boost comes on (which is pretty quick with these little turbos). I've seen 7psi around 3500rpm, at which point I let off. I don't want to put this thing into the ditch just yet.
3rd gear is where is starts getting interesting. At 50mph (3000rpm) I can go to WOT without tire spin. Boost comes up quick. 5, then 10psi (at 4000rpms). If I let off as the boost gauge swings around, I'm fine. If I let it hit 10psi, the tires break loose and it sounds like a 747 is landing on top of me! It scared the [ ] out of me so I let off. I was doing 90mph! I didn't think I had it floored but for a second or two. I need to be careful with this car or I'm going to jail!

My 335s showed up Thurs, and my wheels should be here next week.

My AFR is around 11.5 at 10psi, which I'm told is too lean. I don't have any fatter jets so I ordered some and they should be here next week. I'm also installing my MSD 6A this weekend to make sure I've got enough spark.

Initial timing is set at 12 degrees, plus 14 mech for a total of 26 degrees. The car likes more initial. I was going to "add a bushing" to the distributor, but I think I'm going to refile the advance plate in my distributor and add MSDs Boost Timing Master to pull 1 degree per lb boost and set total to 35, initial to 15. This should give me more responsiveness when not in boost.

My blow thru Camaro Has AFR's in the high tens under boost. I'm told that it perfect and what to shoot for. I did all the tuning by the seat of the pants and reading plugs. When it go on a dyno the guy running it was amazed.

[opnwide]

Bryan,
I don't have drums on my car so those measurements won't work. I converted to the 2000 S10 rear discs. They're about 1/4" wider than stock so I don't know if any measurements I get would work for you. I also installed Corvette wheel studs to make sure I had plenty of thread engagement.
Good to see you're in Austin. I tried to get to the Cedar Park hangout Sat night, but it just wasn't in the cards. Maybe next Sat. I need to put a few more miles on my T/A before I drive it to Dallas for the Pontiac Southern Nationals. That's right. I'm driving!

Trey,
the wheels have been widened 2.5" to 11.5". They won't fit a stock firebird. My car has been minitubbed and the leafs moved in about 1" (right next to frame rail). You could probably widen these wheels to 10.5" and fit a 315 tire on your car. It would require hammering in the seat belt bulge, but I believe others have done it.

[srh3trinity]

I really like the look of that much tire on the back of a second gen Firebird.

[63Duece]

well maybe if it wasnt soooo damn shiny i could compliment the paint job!!!!!!!!!!! gyeeeesh! i cant see anything!! its like a mirror!!!!!!!!

JP, looks bitch'n good!

[Dons67]

Greg - Wheels are mint and the car looks great - - any full shots from the side -- it looks like you had the wheels painted gold too - - that has to be hot

Don

[opnwide]

Finally had some time and some decent weather. I get a little rubbing going over transitions on the highway so I think I'll raise it back up and inch or so. It looks BAD, but its just a bit too low.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/screensaver17s-1.jpg?t=1304635432

[LeighP]

They really are a great wheel for our cars. Got mine the other day and mounted the 255/50ZR17 Nitto's on them.....nice.

[opnwide]

OK, Leigh
lets see some photos! Where are you posting?

[kmcanally]

If it doesn't rub its not low enough

[Takid455]

If it doesn't rub its not low enough

Word!

busted pinch weld never hurt anybody :)

[TomT]

Finally had some time and some decent weather. I get a little rubbing going over transitions on the highway so I think I'll raise it back up and inch or so. It looks BAD, but its just a bit too low.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/screensaver17s-1.jpg?t=1304635432

Greg - your TA looks fantastic! You've take the OE look and made it better!

[NOT A TA]

Looks awesome Greg! Enjoy driving it now!!

[Taman]

Nice ride. I hope to have mine out in a couple of weeks. It's been so lousy in the Chicago area. I know the feeling. I have 1.75" ground clearence between the headders and the ground.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMG_8014-1.jpg

[gogo455ho]

love the 76 t/a I tracked your car from pontiac zone the way to make the turbos were work is use the new MSD program
able ignition with the lab top you can fine tune it better just lock the distributor and plug in the msd its way more
tunable the 18 deg initial timing is the way to go the msd will back assoon as you start it make things easy
and will pull the timing back as soon it sees boost so lets say total timing can be 38 deg it pull it down to a safe26
deg or even less depending on the fuel you use 93 octane so on the MSD uses rpm and engine vacuum or pressure
to control the ignition its the best system out simple you should be able to control the tire spin your having Iam using it
on my turbo pontiac 455 My humble opinion the 18 deg. may be too much initial timing drop 2 deq at time
I have experiance with f body when set up in roadrace mode like yours traction is hard to get due to the solid
rear axle set up you may need to have 2 suspension set ups one just for 1/4 mile

[opnwide]

Finally got the new 2nd design Hurst t-top seals. The NOS ones were being bidded up to about $800-900 on EBAY and still no sale. I picked these up for about $350, including the end seals. They look so much better than the 1st design seals jury-rigged on the 2nd design tops.

I put my old 1st design seals on ebay if anyone is interested.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/0011-1.jpg

[79' blue]

Very nice job on the trans am. Also from the pontiaczone site. Had to find out how you made that scoop work!

[BigMal69]

Great looking Trans Am! My dream is to do one of these with an LS7.

[10Aniv]

WOW!!!! I am sending you a bill for a new laptop, I drooled all over mine and shorted out the keyboard.

[solarguy09]

Very very Nice.....

[rfalker1]

Love, Love, Love... Love Love Love!!! I think you understand my feelings now, and I am not a Pontiac guy

[Baynut]

Soooo, have you driven the car much? I'm sure you have great kill stories. Great build it got me motivated again!!!a1 Thanks.

[sokoloka]

Just had to bump this - making me reconsider a 69 Camaro as my next PT car of choice...

[opnwide]

Thanks for all the great replies. I still don't have any great kill stories. I'm still waiting.... There are quite a few GT500s and ZO6 vettes running around my part of town but I always see them going the other way.

Just got the trans am back on the road after a 6 mo hiatus. I had a little issue when I killed the passenger side turbo due to lack of oiling. Note to all: do NOT add restrictors to a non-ball bearing turbo! Anyway, I put a new garrett gtX3076 R on it (ball bearing with billet wheel) but it doesn't quite match the other, but I'm in the process of fixing that as well. I just wanted to get it on the road again! Its 99 degrees outside, and I still drive it without AC and the tops off!

The new gtx turbo makes a little more noise than the old cheapo turbo. I can actually hear the whine over the exhaust at idle, which might give away my little secret at the stoplight. I haven't tapped into the boost yet to test the efficiency of the new turbo, as I want to make sure this car doesn't strand me somewhere between the office and my house, but after two days of driving it seems pretty reliable. Of course, it doesn't take boost to spin those 335s from a roll...

[72blackbird]

Greg,
You and your car ROCK!!! You need to change the name of your car to Gospel, because it has the power of God under the hood, and is PONTIAC-POWERED! Sweet project and totally an inspiration to all of us 2nd gen Firebird/ T/A owners!

Geno

[opnwide]

I've had a lot of PMs lately on my trans am project. Car is still running strong. The composite gear on the distributor is doing great with the roller cam. I haven't adjusted the valves yet, but I checked them last Fall and they were within spec.
I'm still driving the car through some back roads lakeside on my way to the office twice a week. Engine has 4000 miles on it now. I thought I would have serpentine belt system with AC by now, but I really don't mind the heat for the ride back home.
Car is just a beast!
I am currently rebuilding my viper's engine to about 700hp, hoping to make it as fast as the trans am, but that's another blog...

[opnwide]

I can't believe it has been 4 yrs since this post and I am finally getting the build video on my youtube channel.
I hope you guys check it out.
thanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeG0sz0Gvdw

[andrewb70]

What size rear tires are you running?

Andrew