89 Trans Am GTA LS1/t56 swap

[T_Raven]

Posted a thread in the swap section on ls1tech but I plan to do a lot more than just the swap so I figured I'd start a thread here. Plus this site needs more 3rd gen love lol. Here I go with the copy and paste

So I had a black 89 GTA in high school. It had Tan leather interior but I always wanted black leather. It was actually originally white but someone had painted it black. I ended up selling that one before I went to Wyoming tech in '01, but I've always kept an eye out for a black one with black leather interior. Who knew they were so hard to find lol. I've only seen a hand full and they were all on ebay. I ended up seeing a black on black 89 on ebay around Christmas of '07. I was in Iraq at the time and it was at Montana Muscle in Stevensville MT. It's only about 4 hrs from where I live, they have a whole yard full of 2nd gen TAs. So I bought it and had my dad pick it up for me. I was just going to leave it stock and drive it while I build my 67, but the engine started knocking and I happened to score a heck of a deal on a wrecked 00 TA. Looking back I shoulda just bought a cheap body since I want to replace everything that makes it a GTA. But now it's worth so much less than what I paid it wouldn't be worth selling it and buying a cheaper one, and even if I rebuild the short block I wouldn't get much more out of it. So LS1 swap it is!

Here's the GTA

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P6290152-1.jpg

The interior is pretty good other than some cracks in the seats

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P6290154-1.jpg

Here's the 00 I'm using for a donor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00713-1.jpg

Bought the whole thing for less than what the engine and trans are worth from a Marine that was about to deploy and just wanted it gone. Somebody had rear ended him. It only has 55,000 miles and was in great shape.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSC00714-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSC00716-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSC00717-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

2/26/11

Started pulling the L98 the other day.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00949-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00950-1.jpg

Got it out today

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00951-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00957-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00952-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

I was originally planning to put the engine, transmission and interior from the donor into my 69 so the donor is already stripped, but I've decided to hold off on the 69 and get the 89 ready for summer.

Here's when I dropped the engine out of the 00

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSC00862-1.jpg

I was hoping to get in on the GP for some Hawk's swap headers but I can't justify it at the moment and they are only offering 10% off the 1 3/4 headers so I'll wait and hopefully get some later on.

My plans are to eliminate the emissions equipment, clean up the engine bay, elimate anything I don't need and hide what I can. I have a set of C6 wheels I'll put on later. I want to get drop spindles, bigger brakes, Koni struts, subframe connectors, UMI caster/camper plates. I might use the 4th gen seats but they aren't perfect so maybe I'll just keep the stock ones until I can recover them later on.

[T_Raven]

I ordered the swap mounts from hawksthirdgenpart.com
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/82-92camarofirebirdls1swapmotormountspair.aspx

I'm going to make my own transmission crossmember. The ones being sold don't give enough room for exhaust and they are too expensive for what they are.

I ordered a bunch of braided sleeving from this guy on ebay to do my harness with
http://stores.ebay.com/FURRYLETTERS/EXPANDABLE-SLEEVING-BLACK-/_i.html?_fsub=408742016&_sid=481644496&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

I'm going to get a Tick master cylinder and remote bleeder now that I know a couple guys have used them on 3rd gens. I'll stick with the stock clutch for now but the rear main is leaking so I'll replace it before I put the engine in.

I finished pulling my engine harness

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00958-1.jpg

Removed a few more things under hood. I don't like the plastic over flow and washer bottles so I might see about replacing them with something that looks better, or fabbing up some aluminum tanks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00959-1.jpg

When I parked the car in 08 the AC had a full charge but when I pulled the engine there wasn't much in there. Not sure if this was done before or if I did it when pulling the engine. The oil makes me think one of the trans cooler lines did it, I did bend the crap out of them lol. It doesn't look like it made a hole in the tube but depending on what a new ones costs I might just replace it while I'm at it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00962-1.jpg

Here's my harness stripped of all conduit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00963-1.jpg

And here it is after removing what I know I don't need. There is probably more to remove but I need to look at some diagrams first.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00967-1.jpg

The pile of wires I removed so far

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00965-1.jpg

This is the gromet for where the harness passes into the passenger foot well. I've seen guys cut the wires on both sides but I decided to take it apart and remove all the wires before I started cutting anything. It's full of like a hard glue but it all broke apart pretty easy. I'm hoping I can mount my PCM where the orignal ECU was and reuse this gromet on the new harness.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00964-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

I ordered a Tick Performance clutch master cylinder and Monster stage 2 clutch package, comes with remote bleeder line, new slave cylinder etc.

So since my stuff from Tick Performance is on the way I decided to removed the old clutch and flywheel first thing this morning. I had to get it out of my 69. I was originally going to put it in there but I've decided to get the 89 done first since it's in good shape, and take my time doing the body work on the 69. I'll find another LS1 or something down the road when funds allow.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00968-1.jpg
Pulled the trans off the engine
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00969-1.jpg
Here are the clutch, PP and FW
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00971-1.jpg
I was expecting it to look better with only 55k miles on it. The car was drivable when I bought it but I only pulled it on and off a trailer so I don't know how good the clutch was. Anybody that knows clutches think it would be worth putting it in my 2001 TA?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00972-1.jpg
I went to the Chevy dealer to get a rear main seal and oil filter and swung by Napa to get some brake cleaner, so while I was out I went and pulled the tank and fuel line out of the donor. I'm working on the 89 in a big storage unit and I have the parts car and a couple others sitting where my dad works.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00973-1.jpg
Old rear main out and new one before I put it in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00977-1.jpg
Took all of this mess off
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00974-1.jpg
Transmission was filthy
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00975-1.jpg
If it wasn't for the snow drifts in front of my storage unit I probably would've taken the engine and trans and pressure washed them, but a couple cans of brake cleaner got it clean enough
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00976-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

Before I had the donor car I had a different LS1 I was going to put in this GTA so I bought a set of 4th gen pedals off ebay planning to use them. That was before reading that they don't work as well as 3rd gen pedals. So now that I have a hole donor car I have two sets. There's a guy close to here parting some 3rd gens and he's suppose to get back to me about a set of 3rd gen pedals but I figured I'd see what I could do to make the 4th gen pedals fit right. If I'm not satisfied with them I'll get some 3rd gen pedals.

I cut the gas pedal off and drilled the booster stud holes big enough

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00979-1.jpg

I put them in to see how they fit and the bolt holes line up just fine but the brake pedal was way low with the rod connected. I figured out there are two reasons why

Measuring from the front of the bracket to the pivot bolt the 4th gen set is about 1/8" longer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00982-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00980-1.jpg

That 1/8" doesn't sound like much but I did some measuring and because of the ratio of the pedal from the pivot to the booster rod pin and from that pin to the pedal it makes about 1/2" difference in pedal height. So I ground out the spot welds on the shims that are welded to the front of the bracket to remove that extra 1/8".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00985-1.jpg

The other thing I measured is how far out the pedal is in relation to the pivot and the booster pin. I put a level from the pivot bolt to the pad of the pedal and measured how far the booster pin was from that line. 4th gen:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00986-1.jpg

3rd gen:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00987-1.jpg

It's hard to tell in those pics but the booster pin is about 1/8" further from the level on the third gen brake pedal, which means the pedal pad is closer to the driver.

Measured with the straight edge on the line through the pivot and booster pin and measuring how far out the pad is you can see that 1/8" turns into about another 1/2" at the pad

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00984-1.jpg

3rd gen 1/2" closer to driver

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00983-1.jpg

So those two things contribute to the brake pedal being about 1" lower than the original pedal. I took care of the first problem. I think I'll see what I can do about making the booster rod adjustable so I can put the pedal height where I want it.

Other than brake pedal height I don't see why the 4th gen pedals won't work just fine. I might need to tweek the part the clutch master bolts through but I think that should be easy enough. The holes for the pedal switches are a little bigger though so I'll see if I can use the 4th gen switches.

[T_Raven]

I took the auto shifter and cables out

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00978-1.jpg

Then I went a head and stripped the LS1 harness. There is a guy by the name of Pocket on thirdgen.org who has some excellent threads on modifying harnesses, so big shout out to Pocket for all the info. He's on ls1tech also but he seems to post more on tgo

I took the PCM connectors off

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00989-1.jpg

Removed all the conduit and tape

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00990-1.jpg

Then I bundled up individual circuits. On the top are circuits I don't need. Middle is all getting reused, and the bottom bundle was all the injector and coil wires, too many splices there to separate it more than that with out cutting wires so I will mock it up like that and modify it if I need to.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00991-1.jpg

My plan is to have the harness as neat looking as possible, and mount the PCM inside. I want to make it so I can remove the engine with the harness attached as easily as possible so I want to put a connector in the harness so that I don't even have to remove the connectors from the PCM to remove the engine. I'm thinking I'll use a round canon plug style connector, maybe mount one side in the firewall so I can easily twist it off and yank the engine out.

[T_Raven]

I mentioned I have some C6 wheels. They are silver now but I want to paint them a charcoal color similar to what was available on the Corvette. This Firebird here has a set

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG_0924-1.jpg

I haven't seen a black TA with them but here's a black Camaro. I think they'll look good on my car

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/blackwithblackc62-1.jpg

I forgot who's car this is, I copied some pics off his cardomain album. When I eventually paint my car I want the body and paint to look more like this

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/n16738599_33769298_242-1.jpg

Racecraft makes a 2 inch drop spindle. I plan to get a pair of these. The lighter weight of the LS1 will raise the front. I think I'll install the drop spindles once the engine swap is done and see how the ride height is. If it's higher than I want I'll get some lowering springs at some point.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/3rd20gen20camaro20ultra20lites20220inch2-1.jpg

They are designed to work with C4/C5/LS1 or any other brakes that use an adaptor to mount the caliper. So with those spindles I'll probably either use the brakes off the parts car or use the calipers and C5 rotors, and hopefully some day down the road get some Baers or Wilwoods. Not sure what I'll do on the rear but the rear C6 wheels are 19s and look silly with the tiny stock brakes so I definitely want to get some bigger rotors back there.

[WS6]

I've always liked the late 3rd gen birds especially the GTAs. Glad to see someone building one, and yes, we need more thrid gen love on this website, lol.

[rrrcustom]

Cool build. I had an old '84 about 12 years ago that I wanted to build up. My sister actually had a running 84 but the body was trashed after she got rear ended. I got a bare shell for like $500, and swapped everything over. Got it running, but never got around to modifying it. I always wished I had done something with it.

[bonecrrusher]

Hey that wheel color is called Competition Grey - Q44 Paint code.

I have a set of 06-08 Z06 wheels in that color.

[T_Raven]

I'm in the process of moving all my stuff to another town. Time to get out of Grangeville for good, I hate that town lol. So yesterday I needed the GTA out of the way so I could load up my 67. Since I had to get it out anyway I decided to take it over to where my dad works and pressure wash the engine bay. Sprayed it with some degreaser

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00992-1.jpg

All clean

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00994-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00995-1.jpg

The battery tray is a little rusty

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00996-1.jpg

I guess I'll spray paint a few areas while it's apart. The area below the windshield doesn't look so good

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00997-1.jpg

This is one of the better pressure washer set ups I've used. They use to have a gas powered one but when it broke down my dad just ordered an electric motor and ran the water through an on demand water heater. It's quiter than the gas one, has more pressure, and you don't have to deal with a burner. I love these Rinnai water heaters. We've installed a lot of them. The water is hot right away and you never run out of hot water. They are compact and more efficient than one with a tank. When I get a house I'm putting one in for each bathroom.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00993-1.jpg

[CruizinKev]

cool project! man I love that red convertible bird you posted above! any more pics or link of it?

[T_Raven]

Here are a couple at post 719
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/wheels-tires/114588-best-looking-3rd-gen-15.html#post3452078

here is one of his threads when he did some body work to the car

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/ltx-lsx/548013-my-swap-done.html

I couldn't find the thread I saved this one out of but it's a good pic

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG_1477-1.jpg

[RicerwannaB]

Awesome Project, And Semper Fi. I EAS'd in May 2010. Was a 0331 with 1/4 Bco.

[CruizinKev]

Here are a couple at post 719
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/wheels-tires/114588-best-looking-3rd-gen-15.html#post3452078

here is one of his threads when he did some body work to the car

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/ltx-lsx/548013-my-swap-done.html

I couldn't find the thread I saved this one out of but it's a good pic

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG_1477-1.jpg

thx :twothumbs

[T_Raven]

Just a small update. I moved....again lol. I was able to borrow a guy's 2 car trailer so that made it a bit quicker

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00998-1.jpg

Got back to my new place and my Tick master cylinder and Monster clutch package were waiting for me

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC00999-1.jpg

This is the Tick MC for those who aren't familiar with it. The stock one is a 3/4" bore I believe. The tick one is a 7/8" tilton unit they make a custom bracket and adjustable linkage for. It comes with a new braided line and you can get a remote bleeder for $50.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC01000-1.jpg

FedEx claims they delivered my swap mounts but they are no where to be found. I guess if they were going to lose something at least it was the cheapest parts. I went ahead and ordered a new set so hopefully I can get the engine in within the next couple weeks. I need to notch the k member to clear the AC compressor and then lay out the wiring harness on the engine before I put it in.

[BADNBLK]

This is the Tick MC for those who aren't familiar with it. The stock one is a 3/4" bore I believe. The tick one is a 7/8" tilton unit they make a custom bracket and adjustable linkage for. It comes with a new braided line and you can get a remote bleeder for $50.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC01000-1.jpg



That master looks like it might be what I need. I used the factory 4th gen master and cut and spliced the pushrod to adapt to my 3rd gen pedals. I cannot get the pedal at a decent height without maxxing out my adjustment. Is that designed for a 3rd gen conversion?

This will be a nice car when done. Can't wait for more pics. Jealous of your LS power :cheers:

[T_Raven]

I haven't put it in yet but a couple guys on thirdgen.org have used them.

I've been busy organizing the garage and getting settled in after the move. I'm waiting on solid motor mounts too. I lost the rubber ones so I figured I'd try out the solid ones. I hit the engine bay with some spray paint and I'm working on the engine harness and hiding the rest of the harnesses in the engine bay. I'll post some more pics when I get the mounts I'm waiting on and a few more things done.

[Rybar]

Really cool build, I always liked the 3rd gen TA's. It's going to be sweet with the new parts and LS1

[1tuff68]

Cool build, looking forward to more progress!

[bonecrrusher]

Just saw this - I had a new z06 Speedline wheel painted - I finally got my Comp Grey wheels on the car.... heres the paint info:

GM Paint Code - WA9243 was also a body color for 87-92 Oldsmobiles and it was called Gunmetal Metallic.

Duplicolor has this as GM 396.

[T_Raven]

Been pretty busy with other stuff lately but did some work to the GTA finally.

Put my clutch and flywheel on

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01015-1.jpg

Replacing my skip shift solenoid with a plug. A Subaru oil plug is the same thread but a bit short, not enough length for the crush washer so I'm just going to silicone it

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01017-1.jpg

Got the clutch master in

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01044-1.jpg

Notched the k-member to clear the compressor

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01045-1.jpg

Decided to try solid motor mounts so I ordered a set of those

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01046-1.jpg

The t56 in my 01 TA was shifting hard so I decided to put the one that was originally going into the 89 into the 01 and was going to rebuild that one to go in the 89. Well when I got it out of the 01 the pilot bearing had made nice grooves in the input shaft. Luckily I had a core laying around that was going to go in my 67. The guy I got it from said it needed 2nd gear. Tore it down yesterday, the blocker rings and keys in the 3-4 syncro are done but the rest looks pretty good. I ordered a level 2 rebuild kit from tickshift.com.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01043-1.jpg

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Cool build! I have been a 3rd gen TA guy going way back. Still have an '87 that I'm starting on soon. I just gave my '85 TA (basically a shell) to one of my employees, and its getting an LS swap once he gets back from his deployment.

[T_Raven]

Got my hole boxed in yesterday and painted the K member

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01047-1.jpg

Set the engine in. Left all the mount bolts loose so I could get it in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01048-1.jpg

Plenty of clearance on the back and side of the compressor, gottal get the block I need to screw some hoses onto

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01049-1.jpg

The bottom of the compressor is pretty close to the K member, I should've got a little lower there but should be fine with the solid mounts

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01050-1.jpg

The rear coil on the passenger side won't clear the evap case so I'll see if I can make it fit, if not I'll relocate the coil somewhere.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC01051-1.jpg

[BADNBLK]

Coming along nicely!

[CruizinKev]

looks great so far! :twothumbs

[camaro1185]

Good to know about the compressor so close to the K member, and the coils not fitting well. I will be doing the same thing to my 88 Iroc this winter.

[T_Raven]

Ran into another little issue. The driver's O2 sensor doesn't clear so I'll have to plug the hole in the manifold and move the sensor to the pipe.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01053-1.jpg

Mostly been working on the harness lately. Finally got it all wired up. I used the relay block from the doner that has the fan relays. this way I can have 2 speed fans like the 00 had. I used the other 2 relays for the fuel pump and a/c compressor. There were enough fuses in the block to have all that I needed and a couple spare. I'm going to use the cruise module from the 00 so that connector is wired into the harness. Everything under the hood is done as far as the harness goes. I have a couple pig tails that will have to be wired inside the cab to go to the pedals, ac control, MIL and diagnostic port.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01055-1.jpg

Decided to put the PCM where the original one was so I cut this hole in the firewall and made the harness long enough to reach the PCM.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01056-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Hey Traven,

Great project. I always liked those cars. In 1989 I was 19 and lusted after these cars. With the LS swap it will be the car it should have been to start with. The TPI engines felt strong off the line, but were otherwise pretty gutless.

Look into the LS9 valve covers. They don't use the separate bracket for the coils, but instead, the coils bolt directly to the valve covers. This might give you the clearance that you need, on top of looking very slick. The LS9 covers are very nice looking. Just an idea.

Andrew

[T_Raven]

Thanks man I'll definitely check out the LS9 valve covers. I'm going to trim the hvac housing a bit and looking at it I think I could modify the coil bracket to move them closer together so the rear one would be farther forward. Might need a slightly longer plug wire or two. But if the LS9s would do the job and look better that would be even better.

[andrewb70]

It's hard to say for sure if the LS9 covers will clear, but it looks promising. The only other problem is that you will have to use the LS2/LS9 style coils.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

More details here:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iv-external-engine/1282955-ls9-valve-covers.html

Andrew

[T_Raven]

More details here:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iv-external-engine/1282955-ls9-valve-covers.html

Andrew

Good thread man, thanks. I have a LQ4 long block I want to put in my 69 Firebird so I need coils. So maybe at some point I could put all the LS9 stuff on the 89 and use the LS1 coils on the 6.0.

[T_Raven]

put the 4th gen tank in today. I didn't modify anything, didn't even take off the EVAP canister. From what I've read it should vent fine through the canister where I won't be using the EVAP, the vent valve just stays open. We'll see how it works out. I used the lines from the 4th that go to the filter and a 4th gen filter. The 3rd gen line screwed right into the T from the 4th gen. I'll need an adaptor to hook the fuel line to the fuel rail. The filter needs to be secured still, not sure where I put the bracket.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01065-1.jpg

Bolted my transmission up and started fabbing a crossmember

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01057-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01058-1.jpg

Used an old bearing in the press to curve a pieces

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01062-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01059-1.jpg

Here it is all welded up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01060-1.jpg

Right side up, the curved piece is for exhaust clearance

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01061-1.jpg

And here it is danglin with some paint on it. Cost me $15 and about 2 hrs of time. Alot better than $150 for the ones out there that everyone says don't give any exhaust clearance anyway.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01064-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

Trans crossmember bolted up. When I built it I put an extra piece of the 1/4 inch strap under the trans mount to leave the xmember a little low so I have some room for adjustment if I need it. Better too low and shim it than too high and needing to modify it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01066-1.jpg

The center link joint on the idler was hitting my compressor

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01067-1.jpg

I loosened the idler bolts and slid it down as far as it would go and trimmed the stud a little. It clears now but if I need to raise the trans at all it may tip the engine down enough to be hitting the joint again, we'll see.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01068-1.jpg

I made some block off plates for the AIR and EGR ports on the manifold. I made the mistake of assuming they were all the same. I used one of the AIR gaskets for a template and made three the same size. The EGR port is bigger. Rather than make a new one I oblonged the holes and it worked but it's a hair narrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01069-1.jpg

I plugged the O2 hole in the driver's manifold because there isn't room for the sensor. I used an 18 mm oil plug. I also used 20 mm oil plugs to replace the skip shift solenoid and the oil level sensor in the pan.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01070-1.jpg

Put the 4th gen drive shaft in

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01071-1.jpg

I'm putting the battery on the passenger side so I put the 4th gen battery cables in. Then I started cutting a hole for the shifter but I'll finish that tomorrow.

I made this legend for my fuse box. I'm gonna see if the sticker joint in the mall can make a sticker like the original labeled how I have my little drawing

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/GTAfuseboxsticker-1.png

It's getting pretty close. Things left to do:
radiator and heater hoses
AC lines
y pipe
intake pipe
mount PCM
a little wiring in the cab, pedals, ALDL, MIL etc.
Throttle and cruise cables (donor had TCS so the cables are too long)
Plug EGR hole in manifold. My coworker has a lathe so he wants to machine me a nice plug for it

That's about it then I have to figure out how to tune out the VATS so it'll start but I do have HPtuners

I got a call this morning about a job in Kuwait. It's short notice, I'd have to go to Mississippi for training on the 27th. I'm gonna go so I'm hoping to pretty much wrap the car up by then, but I have to put all my stuff in storage so it's going to be a busy week.

[T_Raven]

Installed my filler neck

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01073-1.jpg

Stuck the 4th gen neck in and marked the hole. My right angle drill made drilling a pilot hole pretty easy

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01076-1.jpg

Then drilled it to the right size from the bottom

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01077-1.jpg

And here it is installed. Used 1" hose

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01082-1.jpg

Cut a hole for the shifter. I started with a cut off wheel but the sparks kept starting the carpet insulation on fire lol. So I busted out the plasma cutter. Quicker and blew most of the sparkes down instead of all over the interior

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01083-1.jpg

PS lines, I used the 3rd gen return line and the 4th gen supply line. I didn't think the supply line was going to work but with a little bending I made it work

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01084-1.jpg

I ran out of shrink tube so I didn't get to finish the interior wiring yet but I temporarily wired up the ALDL and connected the battery. Nothing went up in smoke lol, and I have scan tool communication.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01086-1.jpg

I'm going to bypass the pass key system entirely. I cut the green wire going from the start enable relay to the pass key module. I will use the clutch switch to ground the relay rather than the module. The original shifter switch completes the circuit from the relay to the starter solenoid. Personally I think it was dumb to run such big wires from the ignition switch to a relay, to the shifter, then to the starter rather than using those switches to control a relay. I'll solder the two wires together at the shifter and my neutral safety function will be handled by the clutch switch grounding the start enable relay.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01085-1.jpg

I plan to make a better fuel line later on but for now I'm going to use a barbed fitting to connect the two so I can at least start it before heading off to Kuwait.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01087-1.jpg

I installed the 4th gen upper radiator hose but I couldn't make the lower fit with the 3rd gen radiator, though some guys say they have. I picked up a Gates 21505 which other guys have said works so I'll try that on monday.

Don't need much to start it now. I need to connect the hoses, add fluids and tune out the VATS. I'll build a y pipe but we have a bender at the shop so that won't be too tough. I wanted to buy some mandrel bends to fab one out of but don't have the time to wait for shipping

[T_Raven]

Quite a few guys on thirdgen.org are using a Gates 21505 for a lower radiator hose so I picked one up. It's for some early 90s F250. Got it back to the shop and it was too big so I got back on tgo and most guys were saying they just clamped the crap out of it. Well that just won't do for T Raven so I spent about 10 mins in the back of Oreilly and found this MasterPro 21736. It's the right diameter and the way it's shaped it clears the idler arm nicely.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01088-1.jpg

Here it is from the other side. I also used a barbed fitting and a small piece of heater hose to connect the steam vent line to the heater hose line on the radiator. I don't love how it looks but it got the job done for now any way.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01090-1.jpg

Finished up the rest of my PCM wiring. The check engine light and diagnostic port are now wired up and working properly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01091-1.jpg

Pedal switches in and most of the way wired up. I haven't yet wired the cruise control to the switches

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01092-1.jpg

The 99-02 F Bodies have a 2 wire coolant senseor for the PCM and the PCM controls the gauges. I needed a way to control the 89 temp gauge and after some reading figured out the 98 Firebirds use a three wire sensor, 2 for the PCM and 1 for the gauge. It was hard to track down and I had to wait a week to get one. According to the guy my service manager ordered it from the 98 Camaro had the 2 wire sensor, I don't know if that's true or not though. But if you're ever looking for one look it up as a 98 Firebird with a 5.7, part number is 12551708. The V6 had a 3 wire sensor but it is too big for the hole in the LS1 head.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01093-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

Cut the end off my EGR tube and welded it shut. It'll do until my coworker mills me a nice plug or I get an LS6 intake

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01094-1.jpg

Thought about making a y pipe out of 2 1/2 inch pipe but the flanges from the manafolds are only 2 1/4" and I was able to get a couple 2 1/4" bends here in town for $10 each so I decided to just go with that for now. I'd like to turbo this at some point anyway so if I ever do, or get headers this y pipe won't be permanent.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01096-1.jpg

Welded an O2 bung in the driver's side pipe

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01097-1.jpg

Here it is mostly done

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01098-1.jpg

And all done and fully welded

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01099-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

Turned off the vats and started it this morning. Just figured out how to turn off all the codes for the emissions equipment I removed so I did that. Now that I've got it figured out. It only took a minute to turn off the skip shift in my 01, so no more of that annoying nonsense.

[camaro1185]

What size exhaust tubing are you using, they look tiny??

[T_Raven]

What size exhaust tubing are you using, they look tiny??

It's 2 1/4", it's smaller than I'd like but the stock 4th gen y pipe is not only 2 1/4" but they smash the driver's side pipe almost flat. I don't know why because there is plenty of clearance. I'll post a pic of the pipe on my 4th gen. I thought about using 2 1/2" but the holes in the flanges aren't that big so it wouldn't do much good, and the 2 1/4" bends I was able to buy local and they were cheap. It'll either get headers or a front mount turbo some day, so either way this y pipe is temporary.

[T_Raven]

I've been pretty busy at work this week, but I did get a couple little things handled so I could actually drive it. Made a custom over flow bottle. It's temporary of course lol. I want to fab up a nice little aluminum tank, the original plastic one is a huge eye sore.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01100-1.jpg

Because of the throttle cable set up on the donor do to the TCS none of the cables would work. The cables from the pedal and the cruise servo both went to a throttle control motor and then a cable from there went to the throttle body, but I managed to make the one from the pedal work by making a new bracket for it. I'll probably buy a braided lokar one or something later on. The cruise cable however not only has the wrong end but is way long. I'll see if I can swap cables, if not I'll be looking for a non TCS cruise control unit. But here's the little bracket I made for the time being

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01101-1.jpg

Still gotta make some AC lines but I made the dang pig tail for the pressure switch too short. But hey, after all that wiring I did pretty good if that's the only thing I have to change.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01102-1.jpg

Gonna wrap things up inside and get it all put back together. I've got a 5 speed shifter plate I'll put in for now, but I'll probably switch to the 4th gen console later.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC01103-1.jpg

I drove it around the block yesterday. It runs fine, and the vibration with the solid mounts is pretty minimal. It does vibrate quite a bit when engaging the clutch from a stop but I'm thinking it's more because the clutch is chattering, which is a bit annoying with a brand new clutch and flywheel. Maybe it'll quit after a bit of a break in. If not I guess I'll be calling Monster to see what's wrong.

[T_Raven]

Finished up the wiring inside and mounted the PCM where the original ECU was. Made a little bracket that bolts to the bottom of the dash frame and hold it up in there. Decided to use the 4th gen console, I like drink holders lol.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01104-1.jpg

Took my compressor back off to get the lines figured out. Trimmed the housing where I needed more clearance for the idler arm.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01105-1.jpg

I went to Evco House of Hose and they had the right fittings to make the 4th gen hose assembly work. $10 per fitting and they didn't even charge me to crimp them on. I wanted a 45* on the bigger fitting but they only had a straight one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01106-1.jpg

I don't love the routing but at least it works and I have cold air. If I ever do build a turbo set up I'll probably have to re-route the line

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01107-1.jpg

Nice and cold

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01109-1.jpg

Just waiting on my pipes and silicone couplers for the intake and it'll be ready to start driving it for now. It sits a little high in the front but not as much as I expected. I'd love to get the lowering spindles I want but I want to change the brakes too so I'd have to get the spindles for newer style calipers, which means I'd have to do brakes at the same time, which means I'd have to put the C6 wheels on, which means I'd have to buy tires etc etc lol. I'll just drive it like this for now

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSC01110-1.jpg

[T_Raven]

So the GTA is pretty much ready to drive and I've been working on a few other things. I need to put a new AC compressor in the GTA, works fine but it leaks. I had it parked behind the shop waiting until I can justify buying a compressor. Last night I stayed late to work on my roommate's jeep. About 7:15pm a couple kids about 8 years old were out back throwing rocks in the air. I asked them nicely not to do that because there are a lot of cars around. They left and I went home shortly after that. Went back to the shop this afternoon to finish the jeep and found this

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/292833_10150736143785034_673815033_19968-1.jpg

There was a cinder block laying next to the car and a bunch of scratches and dents in the hood. Had a cop come take a statement. We have a camera pointing right at the car so Monday my manager will pull the footage for me. I can't imagine it was anyone but those kids. The shop is surrounded by apartments and people walk through our lot all day long. Hopefully the video makes it pretty clear who it was and I can find those kids and follow them home. The one had a very distinct bike, it was a bicycle that looks like a dirt bike so that should be easy to spot.

[camloops11]

I have a story that is kind of along the same lines. My older brother owned a 86 monte carlo ss. It was his baby and man he did that car up! Bilstein shocks, sway bars, control arms, black iroc rims, high perf 350, the list goes on and on.

He got it when he was 17, he is 30 now.

He decided he wanted a more aggressive cam, so he went to this local performance shop. The shop itself is very well known for their good work.
My brother told the guys to keep his car in for the night specifically because there were so many nice cars and people could come along and want to snatch one.
Unfortunately, the guys left his car outside. Low and behold, a drunk man comes buy, hops over the fence, breaks into my brothers car and uses his car to push the Mercedes that was in front of it. Of course the guy went joy-riding and of course the car got messed up. The frame got bent and dirt and cow turd got on it.

When my brother got the news, well you would want to keep a 20 ft away from him at the time. All the guys could do was apologize for the car.

The only good that came from this is that they caught the guy and he was done away with.

Oh, and my brother now has an 87 GTA

[gswartz]

Any update on this project? I love GTA's and can't wait to see this one finished.

[T_Raven]

Been in Afghanistan for 10 months. I'll be home in March. Got some money set aside for the 67 so I'll be working on that, but I'm trying to decide what to do next to the 89. I'm planning to turbo it but I might swap my LQ4 in first. I want to put the C6 wheels I have on it soon but tires are expensive so I don't know when I'll be doing that.

Over all plans are to paint it, tint the windows, lower it, paint the C6 wheels a charcoal color and put them on. clean up the engine bay and turbo it. I might fab my own k member for turbo clearance if I can't fit everything with the stock k member. Most turbo third gens I've seen didn't have ac. If I can't keep the factory air I'll swap in Vintage Air or something so I can smooth the firewall.

I've never seen these wheels on a black TA so I did a quick photoshop

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/102_1277picsay_zpsa53de99a-1.jpg

That's about what I want it to look like without the pin stripe and lower

[gordonr1973]

I think it would look great with those rims!

[gswartz]

First and foremost, thanks for serving our great country overseas! Man that GTA would look sweet with those weeks.

I had a 89 GTA with a 5 speed. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for those cars. I think yours is shaping up to be the best GTA ever build with that LS engine and speed.

[T_Raven]

First and foremost, thanks for serving our great country overseas! Man that GTA would look sweet with those weeks.

I had a 89 GTA with a 5 speed. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for those cars. I think yours is shaping up to be the best GTA ever build with that LS engine and speed.

There are a few really nice ones out there but I don't plan to ever sell mine so eventually it should be up there with the best of them lol.

This is one of the nicer builds on thirdgen.org

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/history-originality/534524-project-pita-86-ta.html

And I believe this one is his brother

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/ltx-lsx/625095-quickshifts-91-firebird-lsx.html

I really want to do a black 91-92 someday

[T_Raven]

double post

[Birdbrain]

Hey Traven, What happened to your 69? im doing almost the same thing, but with a ls6. and there is a way to make the t56 fit in the stock shifter hole.

[T_Raven]

Hey Traven, What happened to your 69? im doing almost the same thing, but with a ls6. and there is a way to make the t56 fit in the stock shifter hole.

I got a good deal on a 98 camaro a couple months ago. It'll be donating it's LS1 and 6 speed to the 69. I need to order a few body parts for the 67 so I'll get a door and hood for the 69 while I'm at it. I'll be home in a couple weeks. After I do some things to the house and 67, I'll do some more to the 69.

[ws6_mac]

C6 wheels do look good on everything :-)

[T_Raven]

Been driving the GTA lately. Haven't done much to it. I fixed a few little things and put a cd player in it finally.

I bought some used Koni shocks/struts and Eibach springs, I finally got around to putting them on today. After puting the LS1 in the front sat 1/2" higher than the rear. From the ground to the wheel wells the front was 28.5" and the rear was 28". I was expecting these springs to lower the car more but I was pleasantly surprised they leveled it out. It's now 27.5" all around, maybe a hair lower in the front. It's looked pretty stupid with the front sitting high but it looks a lot better now. I only drove it around the block but it feels a lot better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_20130531_142947_390_zpsaefd2401-1.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/stokesdope/media/89%20GTA/IMG_20130531_142947_390_zpsaefd2401.jpg.html)


Next order of business is to get some tires on my C6 wheels and put those on, then tint the windows. Just ordered tires. Once I get some other projects out of the way I'll paint it but that's probably gonna be a couple years. I have a total of 3 4th gen rears, one of which is in my 01 TA. This one came out of the 98 Camaro I bought to donate it's engine and trans to my 69 Firebird. It's got 4.10 gears which would be nice in either the 89 or 01 but the car wasn't running when I bought it so I have no idea if they are noisy. I put the rear wheels on to see how wide they'd be with this axle in the 89. I don't know if I'll put it in or just leave the 9 bolt in and use adaptors

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_20130531_142724_692_zps705bc811-1.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/stokesdope/media/89%20GTA/IMG_20130531_142724_692_zps705bc811.jpg.html)

[deadman]

definatly need more 3rd gen f-body love around here and everywere else. cant wait to see the final product! I think im goona buy c6 vette wheels for my Camaro after seeing the pictures.

[T_Raven]

definatly need more 3rd gen f-body love around here and everywere else. cant wait to see the final product! I think im goona buy c6 vette wheels for my Camaro after seeing the pictures.

I've gotta be honest, I'm so sick of vette wheels on 3rd and 4th gen f-bodies lol. But they're cheap and base model C6 and ZR1 wheels are both really good looking wheels that look good on a lot of cars. C6 Z06s look good on a lot of stuff too. I may some day upgrade the wheels on this car but I can't find anything I think would look good.

[deadman]

its a trend for sure.

[T_Raven]

I guess I never updated this.

A while back I put the C6 wheels on and tinted the windows. I painted the wheels with a can of wheel spray paint

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/IMG_20130704_121410_177_zpsf310410d-1.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/stokesdope/media/89%20GTA/IMG_20130704_121410_177_zpsf310410d.jpg.html)

The car is a nice driver as is. Decent power for a stock LS1 and gets 28 mpg with the 3.23 rear.

Future plans are C5 brakes, headers, cam, intake, reupholster the seats and repaint it. I'll probably build a 4.10 rear for it at some point.

[gswartz]

I love this car… great build

[boneheadzz]

Sweet GTA. Trying to get my kid into cars and he keeps talking about IROCS and GTAs. (I have a 1st and a 2nd gen) Now I can see why. Keep at it. Looks awesome.
Mike

[T_Raven]

I love this car… great build



Sweet GTA. Trying to get my kid into cars and he keeps talking about IROCS and GTAs. (I have a 1st and a 2nd gen) Now I can see why. Keep at it. Looks awesome.
Mike

Thanks guys

I love 3rd gens and both Camaros and Firebirds can look really good. They're still kinda in the cheap trailer trash phase for the most part lol. (A few years ago I had to fix some wiring on a meth head's TA because someone wired the starter with speaker wire :slap: and of course just taped bare end together, no solder.) That's actually one reason I really like them. They are still cheap and plentiful but not many people want to build one, so it's rare you see a really nice one.

My little brother wants a project car and I'm trying to get him to pick up a cheap 3rd gen. I think they're great cars for a first time build. They are still new enough to be rust free (in my area at least), a lot still have decent interiors, you can do plenty to them mechanically for fairly cheap. A TPI 350 makes decent power with decent mileage and you can easily swap in a LS.