Meet...The BEAST. 1973 Trans Am turbo .... to feed my appetite for vettes/porsches [Archive]

aronhk_md

09-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Meet The BEAST...

Ok, I am going to try working a continuous thread here on the BEAST, even though I know I suck at things like this...lol. The BEAST is more interested in satisfying my need to go fast and corner hard right now than it is in looking pretty...so pretty will have to wait (except maybe for wheels which also add to the GO factor).

The car came to me with the engine already built and turbocharged by Mark L. over on PY and Pontiaczone. Thats where I saw the car for sale initially last fall, and after my usual thinking period I spoke with Mark and we came to an agreement in Jan. I sold my numbers matching 72 trans am (1 of 886 w/auto out of just under 1300 total) and Frank from Allpontiac trailered the car to me (well, to VA) from AZ after the Pontiac Heaven event in April.

Mark had set it up for drag racing, but it was street legal still. Roll cage designed for 8.50, Garrett 77mm turbo, BMR alum rods, ported iron heads, CSU carb, Hughes trans w/4600 stall, 3.73 rear, no real interior to speak of.

But I had a vision for it...and that included going around corners fast...not forgetting a straight line of course. WITH modern comforts like A/C. I've owned a lot of cars, including newer vettes, but old cars have personality. Often the old muscle cars cant hang with newer technology. But we know that isnt the whole story....hehehe.

Problem was that as delivered it wouldnt pass inspection in DE. So almost as soon as I got it it came off the road for too much noise, a bad rear brake cylinder, and a couple of other minor items.

In addition, Mark had plumbed the pipes from the headers to the turbo on the passenger firewall in such a way that they would only allow shallow turns to the right before the right skinny tire came in contact with the Y collector before the turbo...and the wastegate too. Not a great setup for a street car...or one that may see some roadracing duty I hope.

So since the car needed a few things I dove in with...

changing the rear from 3.73 to 3.08 for better street manners and to load the turbo harder
restalling the hughes 11" converter from 4600 to 3000 TIGHT....again to load the turbo hard
adding disc brakes to the rear...ALA 1981 T/A components and S10 calipers
18" Goerlich Xelerator 3" mufflers
reworking the turbo piping and wastegate to clear the 285/18" tires that will eventually reside on the FRONT of the car. Yep....the front. This was the hardest part of the job, and required multiple trial and error fittings, and rewelding with my limited welding skill, the help of a friend much better at it, and also a paid professional.
methanol injection system with boost switch at 40%
consolidated and cleaned up wiring
12 volt fan added to turbo oil cooler
It took over 2 months to get it all done and pass inspection here, but the car is now legal. Here is a list of other items purchased for the car, but will wait...I want to enjoy the car for whats left of the fall first.

-Oil accumulator to back up oiling system under hard right turns
-March Performance Style Track Serpentine System with polished A/C compressor, steering pump and alternator
-Vintage Air heat/air/defrost
-1987 WS6 steering gearbox 12.7:1
-new burnt orange cut pile carpet w/insulation
-RSX leather race seats
-new door sills
-Kenwood stereo & speakers
-new door hinge pins
-radiator dropped/tilted forward with intercooler
-glasstek early style tall TA hood scoop with piping reroute to put stock hood back on
-Complete fiberglass front end purchased. Will tilt forward. Not going on for a while...when the body gets reworked and repainted.

***-Vette Brake Products transverse LEAF spring FRONT suspension. Here is an article in 2001 Super Chevy about it http://www.superchevy.com/technical/chassis/suspension_steering/sucp_0102_1970_camaro_suspension/yokohama_tires.html
It was also featured in Hot Rod Mag. March 1989, and with 16" corvette wheels, 50 series tires, and very little adjusting time it hit .96g on the skidpad. They were confident that with better wheels/tires it could attain 1.00g or better. I'm aiming for 1.03g with 335/35/18s on the rear, 285/35/18's on the front, a 4 link triangulated rear or maybe the new 5 link morrison rear Doug1 is installing if I can afford it at the time. Hoping the tilt front end should weigh in around 25 lbs and help even out front to rear weight distribution while reducing overall weight around 150 lbs. The VBP suspension drops 40lbs of weight too.

The VBP kit comes with the composite transverse monoleaf that replaces your coil springs up front (same setup the C5/C6 vettes use), swaybar, tubular upper and lower A-arms and bilstein shocks.

Wheels are not purchased yet, but they need to be big enough to house the Kore3 Z06 brakes that will be added to the car later...so definitely 18's, though I might add a set of cheapie 17's or 18's to get the car off the 15" rubber until the rear is decided on 100% later........anybody have inexpensive 17's or 18's?

The car with some more pics and info can be seen here including a few short vids while Mark owned it...including the dyno vid where they posted the wrong #'s. I have the dyno sheets....886rwhp at 15 psi.

http://www.americantorque.com/page/1/62/

Oh........I'm not going to take Bill Miller's advice on his own aluminum rods...he suggests that for winter you untorque the rod cap bolts to prevent the possibility of breaking the shoulder of a rod. Lots of folks insist they dont do it and they've been fine. Instead I got an engine oil heater....installs down the dipstick tube. Should add enough protection. Its in an unheated detached garage.

Here I am with the car the day I passed inspection, and a pic without me, since you could really care less what I look like...lol. I'll try to add more pics and info as I go along. Thanks to all who have helped get me this far...its a long list already! LOL.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG142211-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1411-1.jpg

shortrack

09-21-2010, 08:33 PM

wild car!....should be a blast.....I like the Porsche appetite part, my kinda guy, need BMWs in there too......1000hp should def get the job done.....!

shortrack

09-21-2010, 08:35 PM

need more pics btw.....

aronhk_md

09-21-2010, 08:43 PM

Thanks...forgot to mention the BEAST likes chevys, mopars and fords too. Its hungry! I included the link to the car's webpage above....there are a few more pics there for now, links to vids including the dyno vid. Gonna try to add more pics as soon as possible.

BTW, I love cars of all kinds, so its all just in fun...but have always had a fondness for the pontiacs. My first car was a 68 firebird 400 HO, my second was a 66 GTO tripower, and it just went from there....

cdoggy81

09-22-2010, 07:28 PM

I didn't know you had a 72 TA.
I almost got Marks car before he moved out west :) I'm looking forward to seeing the transformation!

aronhk_md

09-22-2010, 07:36 PM

Yep, sold the 72 and years ago I had a 71 TA as well with the 4 spd muncie M22. Numerous other TA's and formulas over the years, but always drawn to the early 2nd gens.

Not sure if you know, but I'm the one that bought your friend Doug's March Serpentine Track system. Its not on the car yet but hopefully over the winter.

Is your bird making progress?

cdoggy81

09-22-2010, 09:16 PM

HA! real small world :)
No real progress on the car this year. Living/working/playing in 3 places was $$$ & I had no extra free time, sux... :( I did sell my chopper though & I will be moving to St Pete next week so with 2 less distractions out of the way I hope to be back on it soon.

aronhk_md

09-22-2010, 09:51 PM

well, I was quite impressed with your skills in the few posts of yours I had seen originally over on PY. I really want to do a custom interior on my car, and I like your approach, but there is so much else to do first. lol

XLexusTech

09-23-2010, 03:55 AM

curious how fast/quick did it go in drag racing trim ? 1/4 mile ET?

aronhk_md

09-23-2010, 07:54 AM

Mark only got to bring it to the track one time after doing the turbo, and he couldnt get it to build boost against the trans brake (most likely that very loose converter). It went 10.6, but we all feel there was at least another second in it to be found. Another guy in iceland with a similar setup in a GTO runs mid 9's at 15 psi, and theres also another guy running mid 9's with his with actually a little less HP in his 69 firebird.

aronhk_md

09-23-2010, 10:33 AM

Here are the edelbrock elite valve covers that will have polycarbonate tops and LED's to view the rockers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1441-1.jpg
turbo piping getting reworked to eliminate leaks and clear the right front tire better.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0908101816-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1455-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1449-1.jpg
VBP front transverse mono-leaf spring with tubular upper and lower A-arms. Doesnt it look odd without a coil spring?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1446-1.jpg
Pretty after paint touch up...shame it doesnt stay that way...lol. When the engine eventually comes out next one will get epoxied and a custom paint job.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1296-1.jpg[/SIZE]

Rumblin70SS

09-23-2010, 01:58 PM

Nice Job Aron................now I can follow along here too! :enguard:

aronhk_md

09-23-2010, 02:06 PM

Tony! Good to see you my friend. Looking forward to the Porter Chev car show Oct 16th. Yeah, I dont have a whole lot of cash to throw at the car, so its going to take time...lol. Right now I have more stuff sitting waiting to be installed than I do on the car itself...

Still, its getting there. Bit by bit. Definitely far from a show car, but I can have fun with it! Next thing I need though is a stereo for it. Definitely need that for the ride up there in Oct.

Rumblin70SS

09-23-2010, 02:49 PM

aronhk_md

09-23-2010, 02:58 PM

Tony I think a Pro-Touring car is all you. Something thats fast as hell, carves corners, individual styling, and all the creature comforts. But then again, we've always had similar tastes in cars. Yes, I even like the chevys believe it or not...just like busting the b*lls of their owners for owning one. :poke:

Rumblin70SS

09-23-2010, 04:21 PM

I have to agree Aron.............I am starting to like a car I can drive and have fun with all the time instead of just occasionally......finish one project and on to the next!

I have a budget this time though! :P

aronhk_md

09-23-2010, 04:37 PM

LV42DAY

09-27-2010, 04:05 AM

man that looks like fun. makes me wish i didnt get rid of my vortech supercharger. but recently sold that to buy other goodies for the camaro like tires and chrome since i got so tired of the engine drama ive been having with the car. she runs ok, didnt want to press my luck by adding a charger just so something else can break, lol.

aronhk_md

09-28-2010, 02:15 PM

LV42day.....understand exactly what you mean. Unless the car is built to handle the extra power and specifics of boost, something often goes wrong. And it all takes money, thats for sure. Luckily I bought mine with a pretty well built engine or so it seems so far.

Rumblin70SS

10-08-2010, 03:02 PM

You have a budget this time because you have a girlfriend/fiance.................lol. I'd keep an eye here in the classifieds if I were you though though at the cars for sale...you'd be surprised how many almost complete/the hard work is done projects people let go for pennies on the dollar....or even completed cars.

Sounds like a good idea.......find something almost done and just do a few things to finish it up!

Going to Cecil for a little while tomorrow and headed to the Pike Creek Cruise Night with Amanda around 4:00.....if you're around by any chance, give me a shout! We'll be in a big red Chevelle :)

opnwide

10-08-2010, 05:15 PM

Subscribed. This will be good...

tcronkright

10-08-2010, 05:33 PM

aronhk_md

10-15-2010, 08:32 PM

Tom,

One of the guys who has a similar setup to me runs mid 9's on 15 psi, and low 9's @ 22 psi. He's in Iceland, and heres a 9.25 video he took...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS4QhlMtcYw

Granted, he has it set up for drag racing. But your car properly tuned I believe could break into the 8's if it was an automatic. The manual trans makes it trickier. Still, if you want a real comparison look up Bret Evans 70 TA clone called Splitter. It will show up in searches for V8 magazine online with some videos, and it was featured in Popular Hotrodding Nov '08 I believe, but for that one do a search for Bret Evans 1970 firebird, as they never mention that its a TA clone in the article. Neat car with a Butler 541...unfortunately the economy hit him too and he ended up selling it last yr.

Stop by the pontiaczone.com forums sometime...its where some of the few pontiac turbo guys hang out in the turbo build and boost sections. Can be quiet there at times, but some neat stuff.

aronhk_md

12-16-2010, 08:25 PM

Very slow getting started on the modifications this winter due to the extreme cold even in the garage and other commitments. Doing a few things though. I blew a head gasket at the end of the summer, so silly me.....since the heads have to come off I decided to upgrade them to Edelbrock Performer aluminums. These have a 2.25" intake valve and 1/77" exhaust and flow 320 cfm on the intakes at .600.....should be around 60 cfm increase over the old heads. Will require modifying the headers with new flanges for O-ports. I'm also thinking about polishing the heads and the new Northwind intake. Have an idea for a sanding/polishing system that can get into most crevasses....I hope....lol.

A pic of the March Serpentine Track system for the front of the motor....including polished A/C compressor, alternator, power steering pump and reservoir. Thats the motor it was removed from.

Also here is my Warrior road racing gated oil pan and pick up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/EHeads12-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/EHeads10-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/EHeads9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/CIMG1493-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/IMG_8912-1.jpg

andrewb70

12-16-2010, 09:19 PM

Subscribed as well. This thread will be a blast - no doubt. The car looks tough. In looking at your 1/4 mile numbers it make me wonder what mine will do if it connects. Maybe low 9's?

Nice work, can't wait to see more pics.

In my experience, people generally over estimate the quarter mile performance of their cars based strictly on horsepower. It takes more than power to get a car down the track. Low 9s are not as easy as one might imagine.

Great build.

Andrew

aronhk_md

12-16-2010, 10:12 PM

Somewhat true Andrew.....but also mistaken somewhat. These turbo cars put out SO much horsepower that a quick launch and correct suspension for drag racing isnt even an issue. Take a look at docsTA over on pontiaczone.com forums. He just finished the motor at the end of the summer, and has never owned something this fast. The car is entirely stock suspension. But it has a 535ci pontiac engine with a 106mm turbo. First outing to the 1/4 mile he literally DRIVES it down the track at 9.5 seconds.........on 7 psi boost. Here's the video link....he looks like he's going to get groceries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIQwddY_pbI

Now imagine the car when he turns it up to 15 psi and DRIVES it down the track. That car will be in the 8's without any problem once he figures out how to drive it. Granted.......he could be even faster still if he had the suspension and driving skills.

Tom Cronkrights build (you just quoted him) has a VERY similar engine combo.......though his is twins and a manual trans. Still, I would guess both to be in the 1500hp range, making my 1100 or so hp look pretty wimpy......lol. I see no problem with Tom piloting that car to low 9's. Even high 8's if he has the courage to push it.

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 01:50 PM

Don't know why I cant leave well enough alone, but..........lol

Making changes to the car, the plan, etc. I'll try to get some pics when its not just a mess of parts laying around. This is whats changing though.

1) Bought a full, heavier, new one piece fiberglass front end from a guy. Have to go pick it up in N.C. next week. Its going to be easier than assembling my glass nose, hood, and fenders then supporting the structure since what I have is lightweight fiberglass pieces. So those parts are up for sale now. Bonus was the guy bought all new grilles, headlamp trim, turn signal trim and lenses, etc from Year One...all coming with it. Trying to get him to throw in the Hella headlamps he got for it too.

2) The engine is apart. Ported iron heads are being replaced by ported E-heads flowing significantly better. 320cfm at .600 with 2.25 intakes and 1.77 exh

3) To do this I had to make the concession to pull the motor apart due to already high compression for a boosted motor. Not that I think I was detonating. I think the methanol and intercooler prevented that. But at 9.2:1 static compression it blew my head gasket. Switching to the E-heads with 10cc LESS was going to put me at 10:1.....not good. So I located (luckily) a set of nice used Arias pistons with a 26cc dish. Sizing is perfect for my bore, so I lucked out. Each of these babies weighs 180 grams less than my forged Super Duty pistons, so the rotating assembly is coming out to be rebalanced. Combined with the BME aluminum rods this is REALLY going to be a lightweight assembly now. Should net me about 8.7:1 static.

4) In addition to everything else, the switch to E-heads necessitated new headers. Old 1 & 5/8 Tri-Y headers are coming out (for sale too) to be replaced by NEW Tri-Y's with O-port flanges and 1&3/4 primary tubes....so they should match the increased head flow well.

5) Got a new Northwind intake to replace the Victor. Essentially the same manifold but the carb will sit about .65 inches lower.

I'll try to get some pictures as it all starts coming back together. Overall, if my conservative estimates are correct these changes should be worth 80-100 hp AND the increase should be from about 2800 rpm to 5800 which is my limit. Oh, I'm polishing the intake and aluminum heads.....wish me luck as it may take me forever..............lol.

cdoggy81

01-22-2011, 03:40 PM

Why not go for 1-7/8" headers? Will the 1-3/4" be big enough with your engine + a turbo? I don't know how you survived on the 1-5/8" headers... :)

ccm399

01-22-2011, 03:56 PM

Don't forget about VELOCITY with the turbo! Conventional wisdom (i.e. n/a stuff) would probably call for larger tubes on a engine making that kind of power. But since we are talking turbo stuff here the rules are slightly different. Not saying a larger tube might not be in order but some calculations would need to be made before going up too much. You would be surprised how small of tubes the NHRA Pro stock engines I used to build were. It's all about balancing velocity and flow.

Chris

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 03:56 PM

Turbos really change the equation completely. Everything is under pressure, including the exhaust between the engine and turbo. So that changes flow dynamics. What would normally require large tubes normally aspirated is the reverse here.

You need a balance between having enough size to flow, and keeping VELOCITY of those gases up with a smaller tube. Kind of like if you take a garden hose with low pressure coming out the end......if you let that flow over a child's pinwheel it would spin it slowly. Now take your finger and plug the end (which is essentially reducing the diameter of the opening). Same amount of fluid has to pass but through smaller diameter orifice......it will now squirt out with force. If you aim this onto the same pinwheel it will spin like crazy.

So guys like DocsTA who are running 535 ci Indian Adventures blocks AND a turbo are using 2 inch primary headers with good results. I'm 72 cubic inches less displacement than they are. I wouldnt want to go more than that 1 and 3/4 primary header.

Thanks Chris.....you posted while I was replying and didnt see it til I posted....lol. So you answered the question without my windy response.........lmao

Rumblin70SS

01-22-2011, 03:57 PM

Good to see you are making progress! Keep the updates coming and let me know if you need anything!

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 04:00 PM

I need another set of hands dammit! lol. Get yourself down here. Actually I could use a co-pilot Wed into Thurs to go pick up this front end, but I know you are working......lol. How's Amanda.....is she moved down yet?

Rumblin70SS

01-22-2011, 04:18 PM

She is here as of last week! I'm working this week but I'm sure I can pull a day or two as long as we schedule it! We'll talk and see what we can come up with!

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 04:44 PM

ted

01-22-2011, 07:15 PM

nice car

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 07:21 PM

Thanks Ted!

70fireturd

01-22-2011, 08:28 PM

Nice build. Can you post some more pics of the header to turbo inlet? There is little to no room between the header and the subframe. I have pondering that problem. Since Pontiac's have such long exhaust runners you have to go out the back.

aronhk_md

01-22-2011, 09:53 PM

Sure....

As a quickie explanation my setup runs as follows:

1) Tri-Y headers exiting heads. These headers are a bit different than any other type, because they quickly merge into 2 pipes and then into one. The old ones you see in the pics merged into one 2.5" collector pipe. Unlike other headers I am now in that one pipe, whereas the others are still an unsightly mess of 4 tubes at this point. My new Tri-Ys with O-ports for the E-heads are a drop bigger in diameter, and going into a 3" pipe instead, but I will be necking it down immediately back to 2.5" to keep velocity up. Also I will be re-using the pieces described next which are also 2.5"

2) The drivers side header collector meets a 2.5" pipe that takes a 90 degree bend toward the passenger side of the car. It passes in front of the tranny, and then with a ball joint socket connection goes straight up into the Y pipe before the turbo. Turbo sits where the A/C unit would be on the firewall of most cars. You can see this pipe a little in the first pic. It is connected to the next piece .....going up to the Y above, while the other one is not yet done.

3) Passengers header ends short and does a 90 degree turn to follow the pipe that came across from the drivers side. Iit is not yet connected in pic 1 but you can see it is going to take a bend back slightly and up to meet the Y.

4) The turbo itself has a 5 inch pipe exiting toward the passenger fender. The inner fender well is gone. It does a 180 down and dives down the transmission tunnel. The tunnel had to be clearanced here with the firewall slightly to fit the pipe between the frame and firewall/tunnel. You can see this pipe in one of the pics....its black and is BEHIND the 2 hot pipes coing up to the turbo.

Much of the plumbing is not very pretty at this point but it is functional (especially the Y pipe....it HAS been beat on with a sledge just as it looks...lol). Plus these were construction pics....doesnt look as good with everything disconnected. I'll replace pieces here and there to make them better looking.

Keep in mind, most pontiac 2nd gen people choose to mount their turbos up front on the passenger side. They build log headers, often cutting up an old pair of headers to start with, going FORWARD with the drivers side diving down to pass in front of the crankshaft pulley before joining the other side at the turbo. While it still requires clearancing the inner fender well often and the core support its probably a little easier.

If you want specific examples of this join us in the forced induction section of Pontiaczone.com forums.....where our small group hangs out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0908101816a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/CIMG1453-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/CIMG1452-1.jpg
pipes entering beat up Y pipe before entering turbo
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0908101727a-1.jpgY pipe pictured from above with wastegate attached
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/CIMG1449-1.jpg

Rumblin70SS

01-23-2011, 07:31 AM

Seriously, dont worry about it. You have lots of stuff on your plate. I'd rather get your help sometime if I really NEED it. Not gonna make you miss work to pick up my dumb project...lol. Its a 7 hr drive each way, so I'll just talk to myself. Since I know everything it should be an interesting convo....lmao

I'm glad she's down, for your sake AND mine. She's much prettier to look at than you are on all-u-can-eat rib nights at Stanleys.....besides, she knows a really fast car when she sees one, not cars that prefer to be trailered everywhere......:poke:

LOL

No argument there.......you do act like you know everything! Especially using aluminum rods with an unknown history in a street motor. Least you got rid of the pistons and got a nice set! All in good fun......even with the tight time schedule, I still have time to help if you really need it. Just wish you were closer! :twothumbs

I agree she is much better to look at than me! When are you going to get someone so I can stop looking at YOU??!! She just helped push a friends 2010 CTSV out of the snow last week.....you better get one as good!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/055-1.jpg

I know nothing about a trailer......my car since it came home has been driven every place its been. I can go out and start mine right now, can you?? :enguard:

aronhk_md

01-23-2011, 08:26 AM

Rumblin70SS

01-24-2011, 04:51 PM

Silly......I know the history of my rods, and they have less than 2000 miles on them and very few passes at the track. lol. And I got "rid" of a set of REAL Super Duty forged pistons...lol...nothing to sneeze at.

No, I cant start mine up right now, but considering yours was not running for over 20 years I think I can get some leeway to be off the road a few months :smoke: And driving it 2 miles to a show doesnt quite count when you admitted that to take it the 25 minute drive to the nearest dragstrip you'd trailer it.....:nopity: LMAO

:enguard:

:lol:

:bananna2:

I'm waiting for a really good one to come along by the way. I know your standards, and you know mine.:cheers: Seriously.......we do have fun.

I still don't like the rods.....but I did what I wanted to do, so you can do the same! LOL

Remember, this is partially about economics........it costs less to trailer the car to the track then it does to drive on race fuel!

Its all about fun! When it stops being fun, its time to move on to something else!

:bananna2: < glad you posted this guy.....he looks like you.....lmao!

aronhk_md

02-02-2011, 05:46 PM

Finished pulling the motor today. Entire front end is off the car now too......so its all open and very easy to work on. With the tilt front end going on....hopefully it will always be that way from now on. Friday I need to pull the rotating assembly out and give the crank, piston, rod, etc to the guy who will be re-balancing it with the new pistons. New pistons are 180g lighter each. Would have pulled it all out this evening, but I need to go get an engine stand so I can turn the thing over.

I'll say one thing......my garage is a mess!

Some pictures of my new monster C&R radiator. Its a dual pass unit, 31x19x4....and has attached to the front of it a HUGE oil cooler which I'll use for a transmission cooler with a thermostat. I picked it up on ebay for $207. Some good deals on ex-nascar/racing C&R radiators on there if you keep your eyes open.

Also a pic of continued work on polishing the manifold....

And pics of one of the new (to me) pistons.

Got my new EFI manifold today too.....but its going to be put away until I can afford the conversion...lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1572-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1571-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1570-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1573-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1574-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1575-1.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/aronhk_md/TA%20projects/CIMG1576.jpg

aronhk_md

02-10-2011, 08:01 PM

Well, the rotating assembly is being balanced and hopefully can start going back together next week. In the meantime I continue polishing the heads and intake. I wonder if I should attempt the timing cover at the same time. I also started smoothing the block out, removing seams, casting flash, etc. Might as well make it look more attractive. The inside of the block was smoothed by Mark when he assembled it last time....looks nice.

I am going to pick up some etching primer to do the block first, and then I think its going to get House of Kolor Galaxy Grey paint. Not sure yet though. Theres a deep dark royal blue I like too. I have a small Iwata spray gun I've never used, and I think its going to get my first try at painting on the block.

On another note, a guy stopped by to look at the neighbors truck for sale and ended up buying the Centerline copy 15" wheels that were on the car. So it has no wheels. Sure.....I could get my friend Tony to muscle it around on his back, but I'd scare all the ladies pulling into a cruise night like that. So I think I've found a set of wheels. They are 18x9.5 with a 5.25" backspacing for now. The price is as cheap as I've seen for anything at all and they are real german made 2 piece wheels with a removeable center. I might even send them out later and get the centers done in satin black like the 2nd pic, and if I really like them I may just widen the backs when its time for bigger meat back there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/ronalwheel-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/ronal3-1.jpg

Doug1

02-11-2011, 08:46 AM

ed1le

02-11-2011, 09:01 AM

Sweet build...grew up riding in my Dad's 70 T/A so the 70-73's have always been a favorite of mine!

ccm399

02-11-2011, 02:41 PM

I gotta say those wheel are pretty nice... I'm gonna have to google those.

Chris

aronhk_md

02-11-2011, 03:49 PM

Thanks guys....I'm kinda liking them too. Especially for the price...lol. Doug, that IS a Northwind manifold I'm in the midst of polishing.....cant believe how much material needs to be removed to get past the casting flaws! lol

Thanks Ed.....they are a fav of mine too.....can ya tell???

Chris, Ronal is no longer in the US so technically these arent available any longer. The guy has some though, including larger quantities of ones that will fit C5, C6, and 3rd/4th gen F bodies. I'm lucking out getting a set of 4 in 18x9.5 witht he BS I need.

Does anyone know how to photoshop? I'm wondering what the wheels will look like on the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1410-1.jpg

ccm399

02-12-2011, 05:11 AM

It's not very good but....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/aronfirebirdcopy-1.jpg

i couldn't find a pic with the correct perspective and I am not very good at transforms so the rear looks a little off. Oh, and I did not take the time to edit the Ronal out of the wheel spokes but hopefully that gives you an idea of what it will look like. I kninda made an educated guess as to the proportions too, they are larger than the 15's in your pic though.

Chris

Chris

aronhk_md

02-12-2011, 05:53 AM

Chris, no thats perfect! Gives me an idea what it will look like! Thanks very much for taking the time to do it...I really appreciate it. :cool: I think it looks pretty good. Now I just need to get some of these projects done on the car so the motor will be ready to go in when its done. If the weather would just warm up a little...lol

LeighP

02-12-2011, 08:13 AM

Good looking wheels....I'm liking the charcoal grey centres myself.

aronhk_md

02-12-2011, 09:10 AM

Yeah I think I like that too Leigh. He sent me that pic as an example but didnt have any to sell me with those centers....he said thats actually satin black....looked like charcoal to me too...lol

ccm399

02-12-2011, 01:58 PM

Glad you liked it Aron. I would have tried the grey ones but the perspective was way off and as I mentioned I am not very skilled at a transform like that. I need to spend a little more time on PS! :) If you find a pic of the grey ones like the silvers post it up.

I think they look really good!!! Although I like the Grey ones too.

Speaking of cold... what's the temp up your way? We are having a "heat wave" around here meaning it was actually above freezing today!!!! Actually it has been WAY cold for weeks, mostly single digits at night and barely into the upper teens during the day.

Chris

aronhk_md

02-12-2011, 03:14 PM

I have no skill AND no photoshop to get skill with...lol. Unfortunately thats the only pic he had with the charcoal centers. I do think they'd look better on the TA. When I dont have so many other things I need maybe I'll get the centers powdercoated and the rears widened.....again if I end up really liking them.

Not quite that cold here Chris....its been low 30's in the day and teens at night. Still cold. And really the whole winter has been 5-10 degrees colder than normal so far.....starting back at the beginning of Dec. We are finally hitting 40's in the day today and the forecast says the next 10 days too.......HEAT WAVE!!!

T_Raven

02-13-2011, 11:05 AM

Man your car looks bad a$$ with that hidious 80's paint job lol. I think it'll look awesome with those wheels

aronhk_md

02-13-2011, 12:59 PM

LOL....that my friend is a 1970's paint job. 1973 to be exact. The guy who bought the car new painted it almost immediately. In fact, I saw another 73 trans am with another custom paint job very similar on the cover of one of the magazines from back then. The car has the guys name and his shop painted on the back panel in between the tail lights. You might be able to see it a little in this pic.

I can't tell you how many people have said they love it.....that I should leave it. But its quite worn now, and since the tilt front end wont match its going to have to be re-painted when I can afford it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/CIMG1408-1.jpg

T_Raven

02-14-2011, 10:03 AM

Yeah it looks pretty awesome. If someone did a paint job like that now I'd think they were crazy but to have an old one is pretty cool.

aronhk_md

02-14-2011, 10:56 AM

Thanks.....even though its not my thing really I am sad to see it go. It says Can D Am by the air extractors on the fenders......and I have the original Wisconsin license plate that says CANDAM.

cdoggy81

02-14-2011, 12:19 PM

BTW, what color do you want to go with in the end?
Hell, for $250-$350 take it to Maaco & get a "feel" for your new color before spending the big $$$... :)

aronhk_md

02-14-2011, 12:57 PM

That would be a thought if they didnt overspray stuff so badly when doing the real cheapies. Hell, their $1000 paint job can be good if you find a good Maaco AND spend some time stripping, removing trim, and prepping the body yourself. Just thinkin its a lot of work and I really only want to do the work once.

For colors......thinking House of Kolor Tangerine or maybe their Galaxy Grey.

Doug1

02-16-2011, 01:27 PM

Their Tangerine would be an eye catcher for sure.

aronhk_md

02-16-2011, 01:45 PM

It would wouldnt it Doug? The Galaxy Grey would be a more stealthy color without some of the worries associated with going black. I love black, but any flaw in prep and future upkeep can be hell. How is your car going? I'm signed up to receive updates on your thread but havent seen anything in a long while.

cdoggy81

02-16-2011, 03:04 PM

Gray or Orange look good for that year :)4459044589445914459244593

aronhk_md

02-16-2011, 03:26 PM

I agree! Galaxy Grey is this darker metallic grey....almost charcoal with grey. What is that 2nd silver/grey bird? Any more info on it? It looks really interesting.

cdoggy81

02-16-2011, 05:12 PM

??? It was just some rendering I found on the net.

Doug1

02-17-2011, 12:53 PM

I have 4 going on at once but only 2 are pro-touring material. You are probably asking about the Triple Threat car? The car and all the AME stuff has been sitting at Fletcher's Customs for the last 2 months waiting to get in line. Chad a lot of stuff come up in Nov-Jan so he is just getting on her full time. We should see some updates from him pretty quickly.

The other pro-touring build is going back for paint a THIRD time in the last 2 months. I stripped it to bare metal and as soon as the painter finishes a 79 SE paint job for me, then he will do this one again. I did order a sway bar, upper and lower tubular control arms, g-braces, a cowl brace and some other stuff from Pro-Touring F-Body. That stuff should be here soon.

fletcherscustoms

02-18-2011, 04:53 AM

We finally getting on Dougs car 100%. Its been a whirlwind around here for the last couple of months, between building the chevelle for the auction and finishing up a lot of random projects. We are finally making head way on the Triple Threat T/A. We have been wading through cutting out all the flooring, frame rails, etc in the rear to get ready to slide the the new ART piece under the car. Pictures are coming soon, well as soon as I can find that damn $1500 camera I just bought that has sprouted legs and ran off!

aronhk_md

02-18-2011, 10:32 AM

??? It was just some rendering I found on the net.

Gotcha....it looked like an interesting car.

I was watching Doug's car....I guess its triple threat? You have a build thread on it here and it WAS headed to Fletchers.....so that must be the car. Just knew I hadnt been notified of any posts to the thread in a long while...lol. I'll keep watching for updates.

aronhk_md

02-25-2011, 06:10 PM

So as I continue the sanding of my intake and heads on the road to polishing them, my dremel suddenly stops turning at the bit and the motor free revs. Thought maybe the flex shaft came out of the square nut...but that wasnt it. The end of the dremel unit itself wouldnt turn.

So I opened it up.....and there is this clear flexible plastic coupler that connects the motor shaft and the tip of the dremel tool. Only the one I'm staring at is chewed up and not connecting the two any longer. Considering I've had this dremel at least 15 years I cant complain about that. Although the thing has always annoyed me by being somewhat under powered and a vibration/noise in the mid range rpms. Been that way since new.

So I called Dremel in Racine Wisconsin and spoke with this very pleasant lady by the name of Terri. She asked what model it was, and when I told her it was a 395 she said, "well....there are 6 types of that model, but I'm going to guess its a Type 3, you have had it at least 10 yrs, and you are calling me to get a coupler." She had hit the nail on the head. I laughed and we had a very nice conversation. Total for the coupler, and the plastic end piece which she recommended I replace as well, was $4.75 shipped. I had been wondering if the price was going to be high enough that it wasnt worth fixing even though it was a simple piece.

So during this conversation I explained that I always wanted one of the more expensive Foredom jewelry type flex shaft tools, and I didnt understand why Dremel didnt make one. They are a HD motor which hangs, and a flex shaft. Usually they have a foor pedal or a knob control rheostat to control rpm......and they are much better than my little Dremel. Unfortunately they start around $125 and go up from there. Terri explained that Dremel did in fact have one years ago, but when they were purchased by Bosch they dropped their 2 largest models to concentrate on the roto-zip tools.

She went on to tell me that she had one of the Dremels they discontinued, and that she hadnt used it in years. Said that she was going to check with her husband, but didnt think they had a need for it any longer and that she would hold onto my # and perhaps pass it on to me. Very sweet of her, whether she does or not.

So in the meantime I was sitting here and started thinking.....that silicon tubing Mark used to have connected to the wastegate control looked like a very similar diameter to the coupler...

Five minutes later I was back to sanding on the head...lmao. Now I'm almost out of dremel sanding drums though............so off I go to ebay where one can purchase them in reasonable quantity bulk rather than pay some stupid price for six in a package with the Dremel name on it. Be back shortly.....lol

Right now the intake and heads feel like the never ending project, and it really looks like I'm making very little progress. LOL I decided I will NOT be polishing the timing cover as well. I'm going to sand that a little to smooth out the casting irregularities and then paint it with the engine.

BTW....while you can get decent deals on the dremel type sanding bands on ebay in 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 inch sizes in 100 quantities, the best deal going is on the 1/4" ones from nail/beauty supply places. They use 'em for pedicures. 100 run $4.00

As of today I have the car stripped to the firewall. Front suspension is off and I will get some pics tomorrow before I start prepping the frame and firewall for a touchup paint job. Going to have to cut the welds on the subframe to connectors to put in the solid body mounts. Still havent heard back about the rotating assembly. Really hoped it would be done by now. I still need to finish prepping the block for paint though, but hopefully tomorrow that will be ready too.

craigs73

02-25-2011, 06:37 PM

cool i also like these cars why dont you go with the tangerine as your body color and do some type of striping rather it be custom or stock striping in galaxy grey

aronhk_md

02-25-2011, 07:02 PM

Well, I'm not normally a fan of stripes. BUT, I do like the stripes I had on my 71 and 72 TAs as they came from the factory. So it has occurred to me to perhaps do a stealthy look with Galaxy Grey, then mix the Grey a little darker and almost ghost in a single stripe down the middle as a tribute to the 70-72 TA's.

Scarelane

02-25-2011, 08:35 PM

Cool ride. Really like those years of Trans Ams. Will look MUCH better when you lose the old school paint job. Looking forward to seeing some updates.

aronhk_md

03-18-2011, 07:19 PM

aronhk_md

06-30-2011, 06:50 PM

Just babbling here a little....had a line on a Garrett GT4788 at a good price to possibly replace my 77mm TV8101/TV7101 hybrid. If I was figuring things correctly there was a possibility with the new e-heads flowing 320 cfm at .600, 39cc dishes in the pistons and 87cc chambers that the old turbo might run out of steam toward the top of my self imposed 6000 rpm limit. Wish I had Bruce sitting here to see if we were correct when my machinist helped me try to figure it out. lol

Anyway the guy with the 4788 kinda flaked after offering it to me and I hadnt heard back from him......until last night. We arranged a COD deal, and he says he'll ship on Tues. Guess we'll see. Its always a gamble too that what you are getting is what you were offered condition-wise. The pics look quite new though and there are even plastic caps in place on it. Supposedly it had seen very little use. We'll see if I ever get it.

Still waiting for the block to get back from the machine shop though. Heads and Northwind intake are polished, and I'll try to get some pics up soon. There is a woman who recently entered my life, so thats taking up a bit of time...lol. With the polished heads and intake though, I feel I am going to need to polish the tanks on the radiator, the 3" tubing, and probably the snail housing on the turbo. Sigh.............polishing is an ugly, steep, slippery slope....LOL. The hot side of the turbo I'm going to get coated to retain heat.

I have the tilt front end being worked on.......hole cut for shaker, extractor holes cut out and inserted, wheel flares glassed on, front spoiler, flashing smoothed.....

Looks like the car is going to get painted after all in the next few weeks. Next week will begin body prep. I will be helping the guy who will do the paint. The car is going to be House of Kolors Galaxy Grey metallic shimrin. The block, valley pan, and timing cover will be painted and cleared to match. Already spent about 4 hrs smoothing that nasty cast timing cover a bit, and smoothed the casting flash from the front of the block.

I'll be getting the very first set of stainless steel 1.75" Tri-y headers from Ron Watt, so there'll be no need for ceramic coating them. They should turn nice shades of blue/purple from the heat of the turbo. I like that look.

Vette Brake Products transverse leaf front suspension is going on over this weekend I hope, and the new wheels have tires mounted and are ready to go next week as well.

This whole thing has taken longer than I had hoped, but it MIGHT be done before the end of the summer. I really hope so. One of the delays involved the cam. Turned out my nice Comp Cams cam was a defective casting. Only had 1000 miles on it, but 12 out of 16 lobes had little pits on the lobe peaks that Comp Cams admitted was a defective core. That means my 1000 mile lifters were potentially shot too. Not going to put them back in....not that stupid.

Comp Cams wouldnt replace it though because it had been manufactured in 2005 and purchsed 2007......it was outside their 1 yr warranty period. Pfffft! Had to research specing a new turbo cam, and that took some time. Still dont have the final details on it, but its sitting at the machine shop too.

I know, I know.....pictures.......will try to get them up here as soon as possible. :)

LeighP

07-01-2011, 07:38 AM

That sucks....warranty period or not, you'd think they'd try and help you out someway.

aronhk_md

07-01-2011, 07:45 AM

They did offer to let me purchase a new cam at approximately $138......a reduced price. But its not that much less especially when you consider I still have to buy lifters too, and in talking to some turbo people I decided to shoot for slightly different specs.

Ron.in.SoCal

07-01-2011, 10:16 AM

Welcome back Aron! You've been radio silent for a while. Congrats on getting your (both) your motor(s) running...:0

aronhk_md

07-01-2011, 12:35 PM

LMAO Ron.....its been long enough on both accounts! Seriously though I hope to have some good pics in the next few weeks.

aronhk_md

07-09-2011, 05:30 PM

ok........the Northwind manifold and crossover are done. Heads are almost done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/CIMG1916-1.jpg

Rumblin70SS

07-09-2011, 06:13 PM

Looks great Aron!!

Tony

Off Duty

07-09-2011, 07:08 PM

Well, the project was put on hold for a bit....one of my cats got sick a few weeks ago and died 2 days ago. Took a lot out of me. She slept with her head on my shoulder or on my chest all the time. I'm going to miss her.

So the weather was really nice today and I went out to the shed intending to do some work on the car. Instead I made myself a windscreen for my little Honda NX250. Great little bike that will do 90 mph and gets 70+ mpg on the highway. Only made for 3 years here back in 88-90 but until the mid 90's in Europe. Kind of a cult classic. 6 speed gearbox and water cooled in a dual sport these little single thumpers can go 60,000 miles without breaking a sweat. Picked this one up with 2200 miles last year....its the 4th one I've owned.

One issue with them is the buffeting you'll take at 70+ mph mainly due to the upright seating position especially on longer rides, so some people have made windscreens since there are no aftermarket ones that fit. I'm getting an oven to do some powder coating so will likely powder coat it later.

Hopefully back to the TA starting tomorrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/CIMG1683-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/CIMG1689-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/CIMG1690-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/CIMG1694-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/CIMG1697-1.jpg

First-I love the Firebird build!

Second- Why would you make a windscreen from metal?
At that angle, and will all those exposed sharp edges, you're asking for trouble if/when you go over the front.

I'd re-do it in plexi, with breakaway nylon fasteners.

I'm a long time rider, former motor officer, and instructor, and having taken that ride before, I can tell you without hesitation, that had it not been for the design mentioned above, I may not be here today.

Our HD FXRP's has a similar slant to the windscreen.
From the factory, they were hard bolted on.

IIRC, it was somewhere in Hawaii and a couple other states, where motor officers were catapulted over the front, striking the windshield as the went.
At least one fatality and several injuries from the windscreen breaking in half an lacerating the officers.

Finally, the lightbulb went off in some genius' head, and they put out a tech bulletin showing us how to scribe the lower edged of the windscreen to allow it to break away at the mounts.

After several broke due to the vibration, HD started retrofitting the windscreen mounts with nylon fasteners that would shear on impact.

The Kawasaki KZ1000's were already configured from the factory.

It's this modification that probably saved my hide.

You did a beautiful job on the design, now, please fix that for your own safety.

And more pics of the 'Bird please.
I'm really starting to take a liking to these!

aronhk_md

07-09-2011, 11:30 PM

Thanks Tony! Not at your level yet here, but taking small steps. Wait til you see the motor together. Galaxy Grey block, timing cover, and valley pan.....polished heads, intake, serpentine belt track system, turbo housing, radiator, intercooler and intake tubing. Should look pretty nice. Oh, and MAYBE stainless Tri-y headers too.....its in the works.

Workin on more pics Gordon.....lol....workin....

I know exactly what you mean about the windscreen being a potential hazard in metal, however even plexi could slice someone open or cut you in half. I'm in the medical field and have seen a visor practically decapitate someone.

That said, I designed even the metal version as a breakaway. The back edge of that center support you see just has a 3/8" lip that slips under the tank. Smack it with your hand from behind even with light force and it pops out, but its held in place to some degree by the wind pushing back on it. Also split some clear tubing and wrapped it around the edge. Still, I agree that plexi would be better yet, and it very much occurred to me that the metal version would make a good mold for a plexi or lexan version. lol

Off Duty

07-10-2011, 05:56 AM

...Workin on more pics Gordon.....lol....workin....
I know the feelin'.

I know exactly what you mean about the windscreen being a potential hazard in metal, however even plexi could slice someone open or cut you in half. I'm in the medical field and have seen a visor practically decapitate someone.

For sure man.
All of the windscreens that caused death or injury to officers in the situations I mentioned earlier, were made of plexi.
That stuff's hard!

That said, I designed even the metal version as a breakaway. The back edge of that center support you see just has a 3/8" lip that slips under the tank. Smack it with your hand from behind even with light force and it pops out, but its held in place to some degree by the wind pushing back on it. Also split some clear tubing and wrapped it around the edge. Still, I agree that plexi would be better yet, and it very much occurred to me that the metal version would make a good mold for a plexi or lexan version. lol

:cool:

LeighP

07-11-2011, 03:54 AM

Can't wait to see that engine all painted and asembled...manifold looks great!

ccm399

07-11-2011, 06:05 AM

Lookin' good Aron.

I have not had two seconds to reply but I have been keeping an eye on this. Hopefully some day soon I will have time to work on mine. Darn house remodel is getting in the way of car time...

Chris

aronhk_md

07-11-2011, 07:08 AM

Thanks Leigh, I cant wait too. Seems like everything is at a snail's pace right now, but will likely snowball. And Chris, I totally understand....lol. We'll have these cars back on the road before we need to use walkers....I swear! lol

ccm399

07-11-2011, 09:25 AM

I'm going to hold you to that!!!

aronhk_md

08-15-2011, 09:24 PM

Block is FINALLY back from the machinist. Whew! Cleaned it today in prep for the build later this week. Heads and intake polished after MANY laborious hours. Front of block smoothed of casting flash, as was the factory timing cover.

Fiberglass front end is being prepped. HOPING the car will receive paint very soon.......

Some pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111024-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111032a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/CIMG2025-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/CIMG1916-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111915a-1.jpg

aronhk_md

08-15-2011, 09:26 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111915b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111916-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/0815111916a-1.jpg

NOT A TA

08-16-2011, 05:29 AM

Very nice polishing Aron! Anything done to preserve the finish?

John Wright

08-16-2011, 07:01 AM

My fingers hurt just looking at the shiny, polished parts. BTDT

aronhk_md

08-16-2011, 08:16 AM

Thanks John....and John. It was a LOT of work, but funny thing is now that the hard stuff is done (sand casted heads and intake) I'm better set up with equipment for it than ever. I got one of those big stand mounted Baldor polishing machines, 27 polishing wheels, and 21 huge bars of cutting and polishing rouge from a woman who used to refinish furniture. She would polish the old hardware, doorknobs, etc. Also got from her a bucket of about 3 gallons of dip on metal lacquer. I havent tried it on anything yet though. Not sure what it will do with heat. I dont really want it flaking off all over, so I dont know what I'll do with that stuff yet. Probably better for old doorknobs....lol.

But I am using an old truckstop polishing trick for the time being. They take the rouge, mix it with some mineral spirits and get it all slurry then add in some turtle wax. Final polishing gets done with this, and the wax gets into the pores of the aluminum and seems to help keep it nice longer. But I'm guessing upkeep will involve a hand polish twice a year at least. I can do a single piece every time I decide to go to a car show or cruise night.

The base work to get it all sanded down was done with dremel and sanding drums mostly. Dummy me I didnt add in scotchbrite discs and the air die grinder until the very end. Would have helped. I had to take down every surface probably about 1/32 inch or greater to get past casting flash. It was hell in all those crevices.

I still have lots of polishing to do....turbo tubing, intercooler, radiator tanks....but luckily those arent sand castings....rather rolled aluminum which polishes easier. And now I have the equipment :D

grenade inspector

08-16-2011, 08:24 AM

nice bird and guillotine, seriously its nice work but you're asking for a closed casket funeral with that thing

aronhk_md

08-16-2011, 09:04 AM

Assuming that comment was about the windscreen I did earlier this summer for the cycle? LOL. Seriously, it sits almost vertically on the bike. If I hit it I'm pretty much going to hit the flat part of it.....in which case its designed to break free with less than 10 lbs pressure. I honestly dont think most people realize what a sheet of plexi or lexan can do. For the most part I've decided its like choosing.......do I shoot myself with a .22 or a .45?

Or maybe he's referring to the car which has a full roll cage? LOL

aronhk_md

08-16-2011, 06:48 PM

Tilt front end coming along. Not too far from completion now. The shaker hole and extractors had to be cut in, the fender flares and front spoiler, tabs for the grills, turn signals and marker lights..........not to mention TONS of casting flash removed and the front end itself smoothed.....it was very rough and uneven. Made by USbody.com and runs like $1700. Sorry about the mediocre cell phone pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011081500247-1.jpg

Front spoiler being bonded.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011081600263-1.jpg

Shaker being held in place by a friend crouching underneath...lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011081600258-1.jpg

Throttle

08-16-2011, 07:05 PM

Nice ride.

aronhk_md

08-16-2011, 07:09 PM

Thank you!

Doug1

08-17-2011, 11:16 AM

For the Triple Threat TA, I had my Northwind clear powder coated after polish but zoop sealed the heads. That is the best way I could find to keep them looking good without yellowing.

aronhk_md

08-17-2011, 02:38 PM

Hey Doug! I'm gonna see what good old hand polishing twice a season does, with the truckers trick to hopefully help. Those big rigs sparkle when they do them occasionally, so I'm hoping. I just dont like how powder coating dulls the shine, If I do powder coating I'd probably use a color.

LeighP

08-17-2011, 11:12 PM

Looks great....love the bling!!

Off Duty

08-18-2011, 02:39 AM

Nice progress my friend!
Keep the pics coming.

I'm too lazy to polish crap anymore.
Powder coat, paint or polish and preserve is my motto:)

aronhk_md

08-20-2011, 06:50 PM

Havent gotten a lot more done yet, but experimented with the new polishing equipment tonight for a few minutes. Wanted to see what happens with only mildly scratched aluminum if I just polish.....no prior sanding. The result isnt bad.....much better than unpolished. But of course you can still see some of the scratches. I'll have to decide how far I want to go with this stuff. While I plan to hit the cruise nights and car shows, I'll also be racing it a bit and driving on the street. That means nicks and dirt.

So maybe I should just give parts like this a quick polish and be done with it? What do you guys think? Mirror polish which can get scratched even by a cotton cloth thats not soft enough, or quick polish to give it a bright look and make it shiny?

First pic.....untouched radiator. Second pic.....about 2 minutes with the more aggressive polishing rouge.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/CIMG2074-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/CIMG2078-1.jpg

LeighP

08-20-2011, 06:55 PM

Sure does a good job....can you get into the seam areas to polish there as well?
I'm going to paint mine satin black....I like it "low key"....I think you're pretty much past "low key" on your car...lol.

aronhk_md

08-20-2011, 07:04 PM

LOL Leigh.....yeah, I think I left low key behind a while ago. Dont have the big bucks for a magazine quality car right now but who cares....its really for me. Besides, just like you I have done most of this car myself, and there is pride in that. Sure, someone can send off heads to be polished, or buy carbon fiber pieces, but its not the same level of involvement. My sweat is in this car.

The seams are a little tougher to get, but I think I can. Might have to hit them with a polishing wheel on the dremel if the cloth wheel on the big 10" wheel cant get in there. Its probably just a matter of using a non stitched big wheel though. I was using a stitched one which isnt as good at following contours but very good for applying pressure to bite.

LeighP

08-21-2011, 12:56 AM

Yeah, I've got both a non stiched and a stitched wheel on my buffer (cheap little bench grinder I converted)....I don't use the stitched wheel often, I like the finish I get with the loose cotton wheel. I mainly use it for polishing trim.

aronhk_md

08-21-2011, 01:14 AM

I recently found a deal on some equipment. One piece was a big Black and Decker grinder/polisher. Its a 7-9 inch unit and I paid $15 for it in very good condition. At 5000 rpm with the 10" wheel its what I used on that radiator. I also picked up from a lady that used to do furniture refinishing a commercial Baldor 110/220v full size buffing machine. Has its own stand. I believe they run around $750 new and I wont say what I paid for it....its embarrassing because I felt bad for taking it from her at what she was asking. After I paid her she also threw in 21 full 2.5lb bars of tripoli and red rouges(even at their cheapest these run almost $10 each), 27 polishing wheels of various types and 4 gallons of metal lacquer dip (doubt I'll ever use it so need to find a home for it).

This stuff amazes me. I took a new but unpolished remote oil filter plate and in about 60 seconds turned it into a show piece. I can also take those nasty red and blue anodized aluminum AN fittings and make them like a mirror.

My only fear is that I'm going to end up polishing things for my friends...lol.

aronhk_md

08-29-2011, 07:16 PM

A few more pics of the front end nearing its final stages.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011082200291-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011082300297-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG2011082300298-1.jpg

LeighP

08-30-2011, 02:00 AM

Nice...thats going to look reall good....I see they used the steel valance panel to take the mold off. I prefer that to the plastic valance.

Rumblin70SS

08-30-2011, 07:50 AM

Good to see you keep making progress! I haven't done hardly anything, but hope that to change once Amanda and I are married and in the new house :)

ryeguy2006a

08-30-2011, 12:21 PM

I know who I will turn to for questions when I decide to turbo my Trans Am!! Awesome build.

aronhk_md

11-03-2011, 02:21 PM

Had some delays, got busy with other things and the trans am sat for a few months. The engine was supposed to start going together when I last posted, but.....it didnt. However, it is back on the front burner for hopefully the next 2 weeks. Meantime, the fiberglass guy has been working steadily on the front end. There was a LOT to do to turn a regular firebird one piece fiberglass front end into a Trans Am front end, and of course the whole piece itself came from US Body as a disappointingly rough piece. Not to mention it comes with none of the attachment points for grills, headlights, turn signals, etc.

And now, except for some final details to be tweeked once its mounted...its DONE!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG2011-1.jpg

ccm399

11-03-2011, 04:22 PM

Nice!

I know ALL about delays.... :) That front end looks really good. Can you give me a 3/4 side shot please?

LeighP

11-03-2011, 04:33 PM

that looks really nice.....great job!!!

aronhk_md

11-03-2011, 08:27 PM

Thanks Tony & ryeguy....didnt see your responses from a couple of months ago. Appreciate the props! You too Leigh & Chris! Sorry, but I've been drooling over the detail you put into your car Leigh.....its great! :D

And while I'd like to take credit for whats been done.....its all my friend Billy with the glass/body work (different Billy than the one helping with the engine build...lol). He even took the pics! lol

Chris....the front end should be home in the next few days and I'll try to get more pics. I got a new camera online last week after the old broke last month, but it didnt work right and I just sent it back today. I'll have to use my crappy cell phone camera :(

Doug1

11-04-2011, 03:34 AM

Very nice! It is cool to see all the different approaches to the 2nd gen Bada$$ club. Appreciate your help in that Pontiac specific matter recently as well.

LeighP

11-04-2011, 04:33 AM

One of the things I love about Pro-touring...so many different approaches to the end result, always keeps the interest going.

NOT A TA

11-04-2011, 07:10 AM

That front end looks great!

opnwide

11-04-2011, 04:24 PM

Yeah, waiting for more photos.

aronhk_md

11-04-2011, 04:36 PM

Thanks guys! Its hard to admit but I've just been a cheerleader on this part. lol. I think it will be home Monday evening. I wish you were all here to then address the challenge of hinging it. Cant directly tilt it forward without the bottom rear of the fenders hitting the doors. Cant slide it forward much before tilting because the bottom of the fender behind the wheel will hit the wide tires. The nose has to come up before tilting forward or it will hit the ground. And the cowl area is curved on the sides kinda like the doors and fenders are from top to bottom. This would prevent the tilting at that point too.

From the few that I've seen done, many tend to cut the front end (the lower fender part behind the tire) at the body line and leave it attached to the car. Similar to my old 95 vette front end. I just REALLY dont want to do that....................

Will get more pics asap.

On another but related note I have done some basic calculations from info provided by the guys on the performanceyears forum. Seems I have removed 332 lbs from the front end and added 45 lbs to the rear with all my changes. So this is the original info my 73 trans am added up to:

4033.6 lbs total
Front = 2406.6 lbs and Rear 1627 lbs for a distribution of
Front 59.66% and Rear 40.34%

Again, these are some basic calculations, not concrete info yet on the new configuration...

3746.6 lbs total
Front = 2074.6 lbs and Rear 1672 lbs for a new distribution of
Front 55.37% and Rear 44.63%

We'll really know more once she goes on the scales at the end, and there are still unknowns like true weights of many brackets that need to be made, etc.

LeighP

11-04-2011, 07:46 PM

One way I've seen that should work for you.......
Mount your nose to a hinged bell crank arrangement, as you pull the nose forwards, the crank rotates and lifts the nose up. Other setups I've seen have a slotted link that allows you to pull the nose forwards, then the link rotates and it lifts the nose in height relative to the body as you rotate it.
I wish I had pics to show you what I meant. Trouble is, these were on 50's cars with almost vertical fender sides, I'm not sure with the radical turn in at the bottom of the fender if it'll work with a Firebird.
You may still end up having to split the rear part of the fender behind the wheel at the body line...ala C4 Vette.

aronhk_md

11-04-2011, 08:26 PM

Thats the issue Leigh...how many inches forward can I come before I hit the tire. I have already designed a couple of different hinges that can lift and then rotate forward, but getting the clearance with those fender/door shapes is the main issue

ccm399

11-05-2011, 04:48 AM

I can tell you from my drag car days the fact that the bottom curves under is going to be one of the worst deals (followed closely by the curve of the front door edge). My '80 had a one piece front end (slide off) and we had to kind of spin it slightly to get one side past the edge of the tire then spin it back the other way to get the other side past the other tire. But like I said mine slid on.

How flexible is the nose behind the front tires? Mine was very flexible so this really helped us be able to get past the tires. Maybe you could make some kind of mechanism that would spread the lower edge of the fender "automatically" this would eliminate the need to move the nose forward I think... Maybe...

Anyway, food for thought.

aronhk_md

11-05-2011, 05:51 AM

I've wondered about that flexibility Chris, and even wondered if I could put some sort of slider there, like thin teflon sheet.....similar to what boat trailers have on the bunks to make a boat slide on and off easily.

But realistically I might have to cut the sides of the cowl/firewall and straighten out that curve. Still wont help me with the shape of the back lower edge of the rear fender/door at the bottom though.

LeighP

11-05-2011, 09:37 PM

Yeah, I think your best bet is to split the rear of the fender on the body line and perminently mount the lower section. A good side of doing that is you can then have somewhere to fit a pair of hood locks - one on each side to locate and lock the flip hood. Run a pair of cables inside, or cable shops can make a single to twin release cable for you.

aronhk_md

11-05-2011, 10:05 PM

Yes Leigh, that might be what I have to do. Still...I'd like to figure out a way not to, and I havent given up hope yet. I have an idea, but have to wait until I have the thing here to see...

aronhk_md

01-24-2012, 10:26 AM

Still trying to figure out how to make the tilt hinges from Mr Twister work for me.

The shortblock is assembled, and heads are assembled with only the outer springs for cam break in. Allpontiac valley pan is out getting shaved to fit under the intake. oil return holes are drilled and tapped in the heads and oil pan. Removed O-rings in the block and filled with copper wire.....cometic gaskets should be here by Fri. Final compression ratio looks like 8.5:1. Getting the timing cover water outlets cut off and screw on fittings welded in place. Better since I'll be running a 30 psi cap and system on the cooling.

In the pic I have the March Track serpentine belt setup mocked up. Once I pull it back off and before I button up the engine......the block, timing cover, water pump, valley pan and a few other items will get painted House of Kolors Galaxy Grey base and clear coat.....its a dark charcoal like metallic grey.

The vette brake products transverse composite leafspring front suspension is in place, so she is back to being a roller.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/CIMG2463-1.jpg

ccm399

01-24-2012, 03:51 PM

Good work Aron :)

I wondered if everything was OK with you as you have been away for some time it seems.... but I see you have been working! Engine looks real nice.... Can't wait to see the block painted.

Chris

aronhk_md

01-24-2012, 03:57 PM

Thanks Chris, all well here....just been busy. But yeah, making progress. Still hoping to finish the car pretty soon. This is going to be my first attempt at painting anything with real paint. How's the eye been?

ccm399

01-24-2012, 04:36 PM

Doc says it is improving and is happy with the results so far. That said, I don't have much vision out of it just yet. It is still healing and it will be a long road yet. We are hopeful though. During the last visit during the refraction I could see pretty well in parts of my field of view but not all.

We just keep praying and staying positive.

Chris

aronhk_md

01-24-2012, 08:43 PM

Glad to hear it Chris. You have been in my thoughts and prayers too.

LeighP

01-24-2012, 09:36 PM

Engine is looking great!

Doug1

01-25-2012, 02:48 AM

Sweet looking motor. What power steering pump and resevor are you running there?

I'll call you later to get an update on the other deal with Ron. Still nada on any word.

aronhk_md

01-25-2012, 06:46 PM

Thanks guys! Doug....spoke with him today and I believe he is finishing them up now. He is training a guy to help him and insulating. No excuse.....but I believe he'll pull through for you quickly now.

aronhk_md

02-06-2012, 06:08 PM

Not huge progress, but the turbo cold side is polished now....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2561-1.jpg

aronhk_md

02-27-2012, 08:35 PM

Visiting the thread for the first time in a few weeks. The set of hinges I got from one of the guys on Performance Years forum are interesting. They took me 5+ hrs of playing around with to figure out how they operate. They actually each attach to the subframe stub at the front. Then there are two separate attachment points to attach to the front end (or literally the frame I will be creating for it) and once attached the whole assembly pivots forward using a compressed gas strut to assist. While pivoting it rotates on a cam that raises the nose about 5.5 inches as it pivots.

Then.......this whole assembly is attached to a heavy ball bearing slide....so the whole front end can then slide forward about 16 inches. I had to play with the placement of the attachment points and it had 4 of us scratching our heads. At first the whole thing would bind up as you attempted to pivot forward. Then it would tilt forward, but only lift the nose 2 inches. Finally got it to tilt forward and raise 5.5 inches. Yessssss!!!

I am making templates of the hinge parts as I take them apart for cleaning. That way if I ever decide I'd like to make another set...

Also had to modify and reverse the pieces inside the slides.....I wont get into why. Just wouldnt fit otherwise. There went another several hours. Not to mention glass beading, some extra welding, and of course painting and re-assembling.......sigh. By the time all is said and done I'll probably have a full week of work just in the hinges. But I cant complain....I believe they will do everything I need them to!

Painted the shortblock, oil pan, valley cover (allpontiac cast), water pump, and valve cover spacers yesterday in House of Kolor Galaxy Grey. Its a really nice charcoal grey metallic. So it went like this...

Beer.....etching primer.....beer.....white HOK sealer.....beer.....freak out cause its getting darker and colder outside (inside too) and the jet propane heater just died. Thinking I am out of fuel cause it feels kind of light, so while my friend Aaron mixes color (he paints for a living), I run as fast as I can to the Lowes 7 miles away in town. 20 min round trip, and when I get back he has put down the first coat of color, but its getting quite chilly even inside. Hook the new tank.....still wont fire. igniter is working, but it just puffs and goes out. Unscrewed the cover on top to look underneat and it fires right up...................so we left the cover off. LOL. Warmed back up in about 5 minutes with 85,000 BTU's helping out.

So...........another beer.....another coat of color. This stuff covered VERY well, so we only put two coats. Time to mix up the clear, and away we go.....damn that clear is shiny on those parts! Beer. Final coat of clear...........and time to sit back and admire the beauty of it, and check out all the dust in it. lol. Oh who cares right? We were going to name any bugs, but we didnt get even 1.

I untaped it all today, and have to admit it looks a LOT better in person than in photos. Its the color itself. Very monochromatic in pics, but very alive in person. Something I'm going to keep in mind because soon the car is getting painted too, so I may go with the Tangerine instead. In fact, as soon as the tilt front end is installed the car gets paint, which is still going to take time...a lot needs to be done to secure the front end to the car besides just the hinges.

But the engine will look very industrial with the grey and polished aluminum.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2616-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2614-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2626-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2624-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2629-1.jpg

aronhk_md

02-27-2012, 08:36 PM

Ugghhh.....10 hrs of smoothing out all the ugly casting bumps and irregularities on the top, and sides of the timing cover, and I dont even get a picture of it! LOL. Oh well, thats the part people will see when the front end is tilted. Oh, and check out how I smoothed all the casting crap on the front of the block! Its like glass there. That also took about 3 hrs. How many people do you think will notice it behind the March serpentine setup? LMAO...boy am I stupid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/CIMG2631-1.jpg

LeighP

02-28-2012, 05:52 AM

Looks great....I ground a lot of casting flash off on the block...along edges etc, and across the front face...probably no one will notice except me, lol. I feel your pain.... :)
Yours looks way smoother than mine across the front of the block...nice job!

ccm399

02-28-2012, 04:55 PM

Love the engine color Aron :) Nice work on the front of the block. I know what you mean about the timing cover, the fronts are cast pretty nice but the area by the around the water pump is a bit rough.

Can't wait to see the front end.

Chris

aronhk_md

03-08-2013, 06:09 PM

Finally making progress on the beast again. I went through many more prototypes for hinge design on the tilt front end. All worked...but each had its own issues specific to my application. The front end is finally on though and working, but still need to add the linear actuators and replace the wood with steel then glass it in.

Also the turbo is now mounted in its new home recessed in the firewall. Working on hot side piping now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CIMG3527_zps3fcb5483-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CIMG3535_zps027778b0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CIMG3531_zpsa9063cd7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CIMG3532_zps3d7aaaa7-1.jpg

ryeguy2006a

03-12-2013, 06:19 PM

Looks really great!! But I have to ask, why did you take all the time to polish the turbo housing if it was going to be hidden in the firewall?

NOT A TA

03-12-2013, 06:43 PM

It's coming out really nice! Engine looks awesome.

aronhk_md

03-13-2013, 01:47 AM

ryeguy, thanks!...well, the old turbo USED to be mounted right in front of the firewall in that spot. So initially I thought it was going back there. But I ran into several problems, one of which is that this turbo is a little larger than the old one, and also the hot piping is now coming from the front of the engine with forward facing exhaust, which then has to head toward the turbo rearward on the passenger side. With the big tires now on the front I just didnt have room to make it work well. I will be adding sheetmetal behind the turbo in the cabin to seal it, but wont be closing it off from the engine compartment. I will try to make it look a little more finished though. Still, with the tilt front end you will be able to see the polished housing somewhat.

John, Thanks too! Appreciate those words from the owner of one of my favorite cars :D I must say the engine looks like hell to me right now though. lol. All the polished aluminum on the heads and intake needs a good hand polish to return the shine to where it was when on the stand getting broken in. I also have on a pair of junk valve covers just until most of the work is done, and then I'll throw on the fabricated set. Hoping in a few weeks to have it on a set of scales to get an idea what the new weight distribution is going to be...............hoping to get close to that 50/50 mark, but we'll see!

Rumblin70SS

03-17-2013, 04:17 PM

Looks awesome Aron! Keep up the good work and hopefully we can get to dinner soon!

aronhk_md

03-17-2013, 05:54 PM

Thanks Tony, at least I'm making progress again. Yes to getting together soon. I'm in the process of moving back up north as we speak. I'll be back up there by the end of the month.

aronhk_md

10-12-2016, 07:13 AM

Ok, FINALLY getting back to working on The BEAST after a 3 year lull. Poor thing has been in storage all this time. Making some changes in the plan. First, going back to a metal front end with just a fiberglass nose. I just dont have the time to finish fitting the fiberglass front end for the car and making it tilt. Have other things I want to spend the time on. Second change in plans...I had the opportunity to buy a 555 ci pontiac twin turbo build from someone that had gathered some great stuff but decided to go a different direction. So yanking the new 462 single turbo build. lol It may end up in a 67 wagon I picked up. Here are the details on the new engine.

IAII block LSM CNC lightened

crankshaft SCAT non-twist, blueprinted nitrided by mile high 4.58 stroke

Bore is 4.390

carillo pistons

hellfire rings

BME aluminum sbc rods & pins and spiral locks

cometic head gaskets

cv-1 heads with convertible exhaust, raceplates and boost chambers flowing 411 intakes and 275 exh @ .700 lift

jesel shaft rockers

jesel .937 lifters

tunnel ram & fuel rails

Innovators West balancer

main studs

accufab throttle body

custom dry (mostly) oil pan with 5 stage external pump

BS3 sequential injection system with 160 lb moran injectors and coil on plug

twin 75-88mm turbos...havent decided yet.

Sims roller cam endplay plate/timing chain setup.

50mm roller cam .700 lift and 268/270@50 spec'ed by steve morris for this twin turbo build, LS1 firing order