82 Trans Am 495 LSX

[Twin_Turbo]

Another one of my projects I figured I'd share. It's not a high end build like some of these cars here and I'm not going balls out on it like on my 82 corvette project (stranded for some time now LOL) but still, with the lack of 3rd gens here I'd figure I'd post a little as I think I have some neat stuff for it/planned.

This is how I got it

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after a little cleaning

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and cutting coils for giggles

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Still, it's a 350 TBI, T5 slug. Something needs to be done. Also, all the grime and rust on some parts, can't stand that. The body is 100% solid when it comes to rust, did find some hack jobs here and there

My 87 camaro went from this

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to this

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airborne

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old junk ripped out

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Fresh powdercoated stuff

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Some of this stuff won't be used, like the stock susp. parts. I'm going to swap those on another 88 camaro I have so it has clean parts on it too (it's a driver, not a show car)

Fresh plated bolts and nuts

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I'm going to be using these baer brakes I have left, was going to use the 14" rotors but won't since I bought wheels that won't clear them. Will stick w/ a 13" setup front and rear

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I bought a BMR k member and arms for it

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Now looking for a powdercoater that can duplicate the hammertone finish on my other parts (sway bars, axle and such, the prev. black coated susp. parts are going on my 88 camaro so the ones that com off it will be done w/ the hammertone)

I got my heads in, these are pretty trick if I say so myself. Australian Duggan heads I'll go w/ the spider manifold if it fits under the hood, if not I'll have to get some ida webers right away, they bolt to the heads directly

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[Twin_Turbo]

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These are the wheels I got, old Jongbloed wheels that IMO fit the car style. Didn't want to go w 19s on it, I'm keeping it completely black and gold.. Determining if they even fit, so I tried them on the 92 GTA.

It's smooth with the fender, a little ******* but it'll have to do

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I should be able to fit 13" rear brakes in there

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Plenty room on the inside

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13" fronts fit too.....pfew!! Just not with larger calipers

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I also scored a 9 bolt posi 3.48 axle for the TA, only it's equipped w/ SSM lift bars that I'll have to cut off. With them on there's no space for a sway bar and I'm not a drag racer, I want it to corner. The thing is in the way of a watts linkage so I was thinking about maybe building something custom like a wishbone or triangulated 4 link typ deal but w/ a torque arm and no 4 forward links, just 2 arms. Will have to model it up and see if it works. The triangulated arms or wishbone could be attached to the cut off part of the SSM bars

Here's the 9 bolt I got, pretty clean, alu calipers (will swap for larger discs and the necessary brackets) and will have to cut off the SSM lift bars. I may use what's left of the weldd on sections to convert to a triangulated or wishbone type axle locator instead of a panhard bar.

I'm going to redo the axle, install studs on the caps and a girdle cover like I did on my red camaro. The axle will be powdercoated. I'm also going to shim & tune the posi.

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Also got some bilstein HD shocks for it. They are not as stiff as the adjustable yellow konis on my red camaro. Not as stiff by a long shot. I hope they will be able to control some very stiff springs. I'm not going to use the lowering springs, I'm going with a ground control weight jacker setup and 5" springs
Th Bilsteins do have a very very thick shaft, at least double the thickness of the konis and the stockers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/24e2eb633a6f90-1.jpg

Will be ordering some adjsutable strut mounts for it and I'll probably go w/ a 4xx SBC and a T101 tranny. This car came originally w/ a T10 so it would be "correct" LOL

[Twin_Turbo]

Got my stuff back from the anodizer, it was kind of a test to see if it would turn out nice, I think it did.
Th tank is a canton coolant reservoir, the other thing is a fuel filler cap. Both are done in matte gold and I think it looks awesome. I'm going to have more stuff done this way, specifically aluminum parts in the engine bay. I also added a pic of how the filler wil sit, that was on my red camaro but not using it on that one. Figured it'd look more "hardcore" on the TA

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All it takes to mount is a custom ring w threads and 3 tabs to screw it in the original position. Also have to cut a section off the tank filler neck. Not an ussue.

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[amcya]

I dare ya to throw a Knight Rider kit at it!

[Twin_Turbo]

For gods sake no. I hate those. All those poor butchered cars

[srh3trinity]

Great build. I love the black and gold and the jongblood wheels are cool too.

[monteboy84]

Looks great, love it!

-matt

[NJSPEEDER]

Looks like a lot of very cool projects. Loving the 82 TA and glad to hear you are keeping it the original style and colors. So many people ruin the early 3rd gen Birds by swapping on the later ground effects.

-Tim

[Twin_Turbo]

Yes, purposely keeping it looking somewhat stock without GFX and also not too large a set of wheels. these 17s should be spot on with the gold, slapping on som 315s possibly in the rear (will need to do some clearancing for that) kind of a sleeper look. The engine will be kind of crazy w a front drive distributor if I can mak that fit, coupled with the duggan heads and holden pattern exhaust it will be tough to spot what it really is.

This is what the gas cap is going to look like. Still have to fab the adapter ring and get some black anodized fasteners

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/24e35b131185cc-1.jpg

Canton reservoir mountd

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[Twin_Turbo]

Fabbed a washer tank for it, just like on the camaro. no canton or similar quality welds but it'll do. It will be anodized gold too but Ill bring a whole batch in to do at once so I end up with the same color (and hopefully a better price because it cost 100$ to do 1 reservoir and 1 fuel filler cap)

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Decided to mock up the duggan heads. Something makes me think I'll have to spring for some IDA48s or IDA pattern EFI because this spider intake isn't going to clear man it's fricken tall.

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[Andreasu]

Nice car!

I love the Spider intake :D

[scarface50]

Did you have those bolts plated or are they new? If they are new, you mind letting me know where from?

[280z]

What motor is that? Good looking project you have.

[srh3trinity]

I can probably find some info myself, but I am curious about the background on the heads and intake. What is the back story on them? Very unique look.

[jfreakofkorn]

Thats odd but radical setup. I like =)
The heads and intake are the eye catcher....

[Twin_Turbo]

The bolts are old bolts, blasted & plated.

The engine is a normal SBC with duggan heads and intake. Australian stuff and very rare. Weber IDAs bolt directly to them. The exhaust is Holden pattern, i have adapters to SBC pattern ut will build my own headers and use the holden pattern instead.

[John Wright]

Will a fuel injection setup fit under the hood? I saw some pics somewhere of fuel injection sitting on a duggan manifold.
edit*
here it is....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC00873JPG-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

That's for a regular SBC setup,a Duggan Injector much like a Crower/Kinsler/MacKay, part of a Lucas injector setup?? Got a couple of Crowers and some other IR intakes too (all for reg. 23deg. heads)... IDA style ITBs as part of EFI would fit.

[irregal83]

i like your build.. keep us updated? im subscribed

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Cool stuff as always Twin Turbo! Good to see you back around here, my Vette is on the backburner ( LSx longtube headers being built for it over at Heddman) and I don't make it over to Vette Mod much anymore.

[Twin_Turbo]

I'm thinking a front drive would be cool too :)

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I want this to look as little as a SBC as possible

[Twin_Turbo]

Decided to spray bedliner today, had to build a "tent" so the stuff would not overspray on tools and other cars

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Everything taped off, engine bay too. Taped the sides so the pinch welds would get coated too, with the seam on the bottom acting as the cut off line

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Well, turned out I didn't have enough of the stuff left. Have to order some new now :(

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Some more progress, instaled some parts like the hood latch, front panel, fender supports, wiper motor, booster & MC, clutch cylinders and an aluminium prop valve to replace the ugly cast iron one.

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Still need to spray the rear frame and above the tank w/ bedliner. Finished the wheel wells

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Cut the ssm lift bars off the 9 bolt and welded on bolt in LCARBs, figured the bolt ons would be easier that the weld ons like i did on my camaro, no need to measure all it out to get them on correct (axle off car, more problematic) but next time I'll get some weld ons again. These don't fit 100% right, I want the bolt holes to line up perfectly. Like the weld ons the holes are oversize to give you some room to play around with but I hate it if they are not centered properly. These required hammering to get them on flush and the shock bracket is a little too long, it stands off the axle too far.

Also welded the sway bar brackets on so I don't have to use the U straps. The axle was missing the locator flat on one side so no other choice.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/24e5fa9cb686ad-1.jpg

Finished welding the axle and started bolting stuff back on. Good to see it coming together again. I'm going to drop the axle and some other stuff I have off at the powdercoater soon. Also still waiting on my BMR arms and K member

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Got the stuff back from the coater and my subframe & arms came in

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some misc. parts including the SFCs for my Camaro

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/24e752b7b47203-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

The crossmember needs a little wresting to get all the bolts started. I also don't have the upper spring mounts and it looks like without it you need spacers to make up for the difference. I want to use weight jackers and am contemplating building something from scratch

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I'm thinking about making my own subframe connectors, i did the same for my camaro. These are what I built powerdercoated and installed. the camaro doesn't have room for SCs under the floor pans, the TA does. (Has to do w exhaust routing)

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I also got a T56 for it (from an LT1), complete w/ bellhousing, flywheel, clutch plate, pressure plate, hydraulics, pedals (not needed) and some other bits and pieces

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/24e4fee2e258c3-1.jpg

[Ash]

I love the treatment on the underside..assembly line fresh.

[Twin_Turbo]

I spray all my cars with bedliner on the underside. I drive my cars, hate trailer queens. Needs to be weather resistant, weather is pretty crappy here most of the time. Waiting on parts...again. Same old story. Slow shipping, waint. Really holds up projects.

[steinepstein]

Awesome build, subscribed.

The car is perfect and a part of my childhood memories.

Having experience with using the spray bedliners, which brand do you like to use?

If you have any chipping, etc., do you sand out the area and respray a patch or no need?

Thanks,

Jon

[Twin_Turbo]

I used EZ liner from dominon sure seal, because that's the only brand I can order here as far as I know. I have only had a but of flaking where I didn't clean and sand the unsderside from where the 2 post lift was interfering. I still have to touch them up. You can get this stuff in spray bombs, have never used those but I assume that would be the easiest for touch up. It's very nasty stuff to spray to begin with. You really need a good mask to do this. For the rest, it's a matter of cleaning and lightly sanding the surface for it to stick properly.

[Johnny Blaze]

Digging it! Fellow 3rd gener!

[craigs73]

this is a pretty neat build.... on the CA's you built those things look stout

[Twin_Turbo]

The control arms and crossmember are from BMR, I only built the subframe connectors on the red camaro. I do think my design is better than what you can buy ;)

[Johnny Blaze]

What torque arm you going with?

[Johnny Blaze]

What is the power range those heads are designed for? Will they make streetable performance?

[Twin_Turbo]

I have a slide style spohn torque arm for the car. Was going to do a decoupled one, too much work and I'd have to hammer the body which I refuse to do. The TQ arm is in the pics, the main part in the pic w the powdercoated SFCs, the slide part with bushing next to the red koni box in the upper pics

The heads, I'll have to see if they're streetable. On a boat they made some 740HP on a 400SBC, I'll have to reduce the CR, they have very small chambers (have to measure cc them to determine how small)

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Cool project, I'm glad to see it moving along! Any progress on the 'Vette? I've been following that one for years, and would love to see it finished.

[Twin_Turbo]

The 77 or this one??

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/24861978e17189-1.jpg

[Johnny Blaze]

Any updates?

[Twin_Turbo]

Time to get cracking here...stalled for way too long. I finally got my bedliner in, should have taken 3 weeks...took 3 months..what a nightmare. Always the same ole....same ole crap.

I finally finished the underside, sprayed everything and welded up that horrendous hole above the tank.

All the rest of the bolts and misc. parts are at the platers. I have new bearings and stuff for the 9 bolt rear. In the next couple of weeks I'll be able to put this thing back together.

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[Twin_Turbo]

Well, got more bolts in from the platers and decided to (partially) assemble the rear suspension & axle. I still have to get a Fays2, a TA rear cover, brackets for 12" rear brakes and a bunch of other stuff. I also rebuilt the pbr calipers but I'm missing one parking brake cable bracket. It looks like the plater lost it as it was there before. Seriously pissed about that and hope I can find a replacement without having to buy a whole caliper.

More gold bolts and nuts (there's more than of this car, I always throw in all my spare bolts and nuts that come of various projects)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/24ed287eb2d4a6-1.jpg

the calipers
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rear susp, finally starting to look like something again
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[Badger]

Great build!! You're giving me some motivation with my 85 T/A that is just begging for an update. Let mek now if you decide to build the sub frame connectors, I'd be interested.

[Twin_Turbo]

I'm bulding my own, just lke I did on the camaro (in pics above)

[Johnny Blaze]

Bilstiens? I thought you were a Koni man? ;)

[Twin_Turbo]

I like the yellow konis better, I have a set of reds too (NIB) but these bilsteins have a much thicker shaft on the struts. I'm going to give them a try. Under slow compression and extension they sure are a lot softer than the yellows and reds even. I they suck I can always get some konis. I'm hoping they will work well. I have bilsteins under my C3 corvettes and C4 corvettes and they are fine. I had koni reds under my 82 corvette when it was still a drivable car and they were excellent. No yellows available for those cars.

[neki67]

I like the yellow konis better, I have a set of reds too (NIB) but these bilsteins have a much thicker shaft on the struts. I'm going to give them a try. Under slow compression and extension they sure are a lot softer than the yellows and reds even. I they suck I can always get some konis. I'm hoping they will work well. I have bilsteins under my C3 corvettes and C4 corvettes and they are fine. I had koni reds under my 82 corvette when it was still a drivable car and they were excellent. No yellows available for those cars.

Marc, you do realize the Bilsteins are digressively valved? Don't know 'bout the yellow Koni's but the Red's most certainly are not.

[Twin_Turbo]

The Koni fronts are twin turbes gas charged, both the reds (8040) and the yellows (8741, both are adjustable, the reds special/classic however only rebound and they need to be off the car and completely compressed to engage the adjuster mechanism), the special-d/classic rears (8040) are twin tube low press gas too, the sport yellows are monotube 30 series in the rear (4thgens are twin tube low press gas and adjustable for the rear too, 8241 series). The bilsteins are montubes. As far as I know all of them are digressive, the reds too.

[neki67]

As far as I know the classics are linear valved. Like I said: I don't know 'bout the Yellow Koni's. Only thing I can find concerning identification: http://www.koni.com/234+M562074dcec6.html.

I was mixing up things slightly, you did say the Bilsteins felt softer under slow compression and extension than the Koni's. Given their digressive valving they should give a more comfortable ride obviously all depending on the spring(rate)s used.

[Twin_Turbo]

Digressive means that the rate of dampening force increases slower with piston speed going up, not that the damping becomes less but I think you know that. The difference in feel is from testing when compressing by hand, the diff may very well be because of the monotube vs twin turbo hydraulic design. From 0 as piston speed goes up the digressive valving rapidly gains in the bilsteins and then the gain rate drops off. I have seen that there is a difference between US made ITT Konis and Dutch and German made. I ordered yellows for a 3rd gen in Germany but they were the same ITT Koni US ones so they probably don't make them here. However the koni reds for Corvettes were available as made in NL and US. Seems like the euro spec stuff is taylored towards the smoother roads here.

[Twin_Turbo]

Major problem here...the wheels don't fit with my C5 brakes :( bolts that hold the 3 pieces together hit the caliper and I'd need a serious spacer to clear. Not going to do that. I ahve 2 options, swap to 1LE hubs w/ C4 Corvette J55 (13") rotors and use a set of baer PBR calipers (I have a spare set and a set of grand sport corvette calipers) but I'd like to retain the eradispeed plus rotors and C5 calipers so that means new wheels.

I just bought a set of deep concave wheels for my camaro and shopped the same wheels under the TA and changed the color to gold. The Camaro has matte black wheels, these are shopped off a set of silver ones (internet pic)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/24ef6555b356f5-1.jpg

What do you say?? Mind you, I absolutely have to have gold wheels LOL

[neki67]

MHO; I would like to see it with a little more tire and just a bit of dish. As pictured it's looking a little too much "Donk" for my taste.

[WS6]

It doesn't look bad but I think you could go with a better design. Sorry your original plan didn't work out.

[Twin_Turbo]

Keep in mind, I photoshopped the wheels and they came from a bimmer pic. Those bimmer guys love their rubber band tires, I hate those. I may have the scale off, I have 19s for the camaro and will do a test fit on the TA when I get them next week or so. They are matte black, maybe that's a neat look too. I like the jongbloed wheels better too so I may just swap the brakes for the 13" baer track kit I have lying around. Same as on my Camaro. With those the jongbloed wheels DO fit. Like I posted on pg1:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/24e234b1e8798d-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/24e234b1f3a322-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

Decided to get another tank so I could weld in a sump, would be a shame to cut up the already powdercoated one. This one, being from a TPI car has an internal plastic baffle that caught fire when I welded the tank. Took some grief getting it out completely since one can't reach in there with a hand to pull it out.

Had to mod the sump to angle the back side so it would fit the tank

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f13032b94732-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f13032be9e7c-1.jpg

Tomorrow it's off to the powdercoater.

Hopefully I'll have my Fays2 watts linkage tomorrow too. Then I will send the bolts that come with it (zinc plated blue) to the platers (so they will be gold too) along with a bunch of other misc bolts and hardware that I had left. Some of it was hardware from new parts like J&M strut mounts. Should be the last batch. Also got my Vogtland dropsprings in.

Also got my LS T56 in, swapped it with a guy in the UK who needed an LT unit. Along with my mockup LS I'll be able to get a good bit of stuff done soon

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f13032c4173d-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f13032d39dd0-1.jpg

The hubs for the C5 brake conversion were bare, I hate bare metal so...I had it plated :) While I was at it, I installed longer ARP studs. I thought I had ordered dog/quick start ends... I got these. Oh well...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1334737de4a-1.jpg

now I'm not feeling the rough finish on the calipers. They have dents and scratches.... and "corvette". I'm leaning towards painting them

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f133472c3f53-1.jpg

[Martin71RS]

Nice job (as always)
:smoke:

[deadman]

what a cool build! im new to the site so my opinion dont count for anything but i dont like the photo shopped wheels...imo. lol how bout some new camaro wheels?

[Twin_Turbo]

the new camaro wheels are 20s, way too large

More progress got the tank back from the coater and a bunch of bolts and misc parts back from the platers.

I stuck some heavy duty foam rubber to the tank, much better than the paper like factory stuff

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b266298f5f-1.jpg

Welded the unused lines on the sender unit closed, the hose is for the pressure valve.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b2663583dd-1.jpg

front suspension all together. Had to shim 3 of the 4 a arm munt pockets because of play on the bushing. Also used washers on the bolts and nuts, I hate to scratch the coating with bare bolts and nuts

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b2664076bb-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b2664ac71e-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b26655ed9f-1.jpg

Fays2 watts linkage for the rear, still need that 9 bolt girdle cover and some caliper brackets to complete it. I did install the arp studs on the axles now too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b266612d62-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b266772fa0-1.jpg

and the tank in place The sump isn't even visible from behind the car

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1b2666ba0b2-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

Got the tires mounted on the rims for my camaro, this weekend I'm going to test fit them on the trans am and see if I like them on there or not

265 30s front and 295 30s rear (Vredestein Sessanta Ultrac)
Wheels are a little greasy from the tire mounting

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1dd420072f2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1dd420d2288-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/24f1dd421894fb-1.jpg

[neki67]

Can't wait to see the pics of them on the car!

[sokoloka]

The 77 or this one??

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/24861978e17189-1.jpg

Do you have any more pictures or a build thread of the above vette?
Hot damn!

[Twin_Turbo]

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?2605-Hi-All-new-here-w-TT-vette

[Twin_Turbo]

OK more progress. I was going to install the mockup LS1 and T56. Didn't quite get it done.

First I installed a remote bleeder setup on the T56. This is from speedwaymotors. Also plugged the reverse lockout hole and the cags solenoid hole. Don't need that stuff

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a0444a02-1.jpg

Then I found out that some of the bolt holes on the T56 bell are stripped and the others aren't perfect either. I may have to get a quicktime 8020 bell. Crap!

Well, let's install the motor first then... OK, trans dapt 1" offset mount plates. They come with bolts and nuts, the nuts are for on the back of the plates to provide more "support". What a load of hoohah.... they only fit in 1 of the locations. In the bolts bin with that stuff then. Also had to notch the dr. side a little or it wouldn't even fit the motor because of a casting bulge with a machined flat (most likely for maching track system)
So, the plates are mounted...time to stick it in. Batwing pan won't fit, next to impossible to install. Need new pan too then. Crap!
So let's just lower the engine in place... Pass side bolt goes in, nice...over to drivers side.. CRAP!!! again!!!!! This stuff doesn't fit. The motor mount adapter plates are probably made incorrect with the mounts sitting too high, spreading them apart. The engine also sits pretty close to the center link. I couldn't even get a thinner bolt in there properly. Crap crap crap...more problems, last thing I need is more probs. I'll have to do some grinding on the moroso solid mounts, I had to modify the 3 holes on them already to be able to bolt them to the trans dapt plates. Should have been worried with these plates since they came with a cheap rattle can paint job. I had them plated. Next time I'm using a different brand, that's for sure.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380b2a194c5-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a07cf2fe-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a8910886-1.jpg

I installed some 14" rear discs, I'm not 100% sure I like having larger rear rotors than fronts.... hmmm....


The black wheels from my iroc fit with a small spacer for added clearance

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a0937c80-1.jpg

front

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a89b4935-1.jpg

rear

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380b29662d8-1.jpg

The rear springs I got from Vogtland are probably wrong... they have pigtails on both ends, are pretty short and don't sit tight around the puck on the axle. Something is not right. Haven't gotten confirmation off the part # yet. I do know that my old set that I put on my buddies car because mine was up on the lift and his needed work anyway...they were different. They were pigtailed on one end.

the front now has me worried too, the others didn't have so many progressive coils up top and on these the upper 4 coils almost touch and the springs are now very stiff. I had to really squeeze them to get 'em in. Let's install wheels then and see where it settles. There's no engine or trans in the car but it sits ridiculously high. I don't see it coming down all that way. I stuck the LS long block in and it only dropped a little. CRAP!!! Looks like even more trouble. :(

Yuck!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380b2abb922-1.jpg

Something must be wrong about these springs. I can probably cut 2 coils off the top. I'll check w/ all the weight on the car and will determine what to do then.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a885fa76-1.jpg

This is the rear with some cut stock springs, the same that were on there in this pic

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/24bef38ce15ba0-1.jpg

compared...the rear will settje like it did with the black springs.. The vogtlands are shorter and because of the 2 pigtails can not use the isolator. Ugh...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a050946d-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a05b3aa1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a0727811-1.jpg

I think I will have some bolts left over when done LOL

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f380a066e0fe-1.jpg

Now a photoshop of the wheels with a low car..

This is how it should look, not the gasser look above

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f38144a1ce7a-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

photshop gold...sure looks better than my other attempt at gold

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f38dc1c38fb3-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

LS1 is in after grinding the moroso mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1925fba-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa19d5f82-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1a89888-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1b45a4a-1.jpg

This is with 1" set back, plenty of room but the driveshaft is a little right so instead of 41.5" I'm getting a 41" one.

Ignore the quickly hacked/welded crossmember. It's non functional. I'm going to get some alston inboard SFCs and fabricate a mount off them. The way it's now I don't have exhaust clearance and I want it to run besides the tranny.

Rad fits too...well..almost LOL. Need to cut that large bulge off the steering box so I can get a hose end on the oil cooler part and I need to cut and angle the lower rad hose connection

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1bec9cf-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1ca25fc-1.jpg

I wanted to install the mcleod 4th gen master and didn't feel like taking the damned pedals out again. The 4th gen stud is SMALLER than the 3rd gen (have gen4 pedals). I had a clevis that was the right ID but it's too wide, the stud on the 3rd gen pedals is too short... frustration!! I decided to take a short cut. I removed the rod end from the aftermarket master and fabricated my own clevis. There's plenty of sideways play because of the wave washer, no play af all in the direction of the pedal. Done, this will slip right on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f3ffa1d5729f-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

Not a whole lot of love for the 3rd gens here :)

I decided the C5 conversion is pretty damn hideous...well...the caliper at least. It's got too much of a production look to it, not "pro touring" at all...so, I got some C6 Grand Sport calipers without logos (Kore3) thatI'll stick on. Might as well upgrade to 14" front brakes. I'd like to keep the 2pc rotors so I'm going to see if coleman or wilwood makes a rotor that bolts to the baer hub (if anyone knows the baer hub patter, 12 boltson ??? diameter)

Never liked that the C5calipers are remanuf. cores with dents and scratches.

This is going to look soooo much better
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/24f48f3889d909-1.jpg

Also bought some mac SFCs so I can start fabbing my trans mount off them when they come in.Wasgonna go with alstons but since I'm going to cut them up the macs were a better deal since they were significantly cheaper.

[neki67]

Ik vind het wel prettig dat je hier weer wat van je werk laat zien en horen dus blijf vooral doorgaan!

[Martin71RS]

ook ik volg de bouw met veel plezier en interesse!!


I guess the 1st gen (and now also the 2nd gens) are getting the most attention....
I think a lot of people could learn from your build.

Martin

[Johnny Blaze]

What happened to the crazy headed engine?

[Twin_Turbo]

chambers too small, E85 not readily available here. They are now just sitting there LOL It's souped up LSx time now.

[Twin_Turbo]

I still have a couple of stewart shock pumps lying around (have 2 new ones still) so I figured I'd use those instead of a tilton electric pump for a rear end pump. The prob is, the shock pumps area little on the long side for a dropped rear so I came up with a cam system to drive it. Haven't worked out the details completely yet but this is probably how it should go. Vid shows it moving with a 2:1 ratio cam.

This is an old worn one, the internal seals are compromised...that's where the gurgling sound comes from. Just using it for mockup so I don't scratch up a new one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/24f53f18d73db2-1.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d1WPEGdYTA&feature=youtu.be

[neki67]

Cool, looks very trick!

[Martin71RS]

just so I understand correctly, the pump will be used to pump rear end oil through a cooler? nice bit of engineering!

[Twin_Turbo]

Yes.that is exactly how it works. The 2 gold colored things are check valves.

[87camaroZ28]

Nice build! How do you like the Fays 2 Watts linkage? I have been thinking about that system for my 87 Z28.

[Twin_Turbo]

I love it, have it on my 87 IrocZ also, That's why I got one for the TA too

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Great work, I like where this is going. I have always loved the 3rd gens too.

[Twin_Turbo]

Got some more stuff done, I got my watts linkage installed and yippee a 4" exhaust tube clears, guess that solves the size I will run there :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f94ffcbcc117-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f7ce98f1ce39-1.jpg

The sway bar wouldn't clear so I fabbed some spacers, good thing I welded the sway bar saddles to the axle, I can't get longer u clamps anywhere

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f94ffcb0e653-1.jpg

Welded some standoffs to the radiator and mounted it

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f94ffcc7d73c-1.jpg

rear calipers, they are slightly used returns because of flaking paint (will repaint them anyway)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f94ffcd2dd35-1.jpg

Rear brakes will end up something like this

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f9500dbdeb90-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24f9500db483c3-1.jpg

Fabbing up trans mount/tq arm mount off SFCs
I will use some tube connectors like from ballistic fab or something alike to make the center section removable

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24fa2ae3890c08-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24fa2ae39508c7-1.jpg

driveshaft loop (and the driveshaft I scored on here :) ) The zip ties are my bubba way of holding the driveshaft somewhat in place, I don't have a 1350 yoke yet, got one on order from summit. All I had was a 1310 from a TH350 so that has to do for mockup.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24fa568f3e0674-1.jpg

Next problem is getting a big exhaust fit under here, biggest obstacle in getting a Y system is the trans mount and the TQ arm mount, so nothing left to do but move the tranny mount. I fabbed up my own little bushing mount and relocation bracket (will add gusset), the bar on the left of the pic will go, it's there to keep the tranny up for mockup only. The exhaust will fit nicely along the tailstock of the trans there and meet up with the other side into a Y mergo to a 4" pipe.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/24fa6b55a3eef8-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

So, I now know what will be powering the car.. it'll be a 495 LSX w/ modified LS7 heads, RHS tall deck spacers, LS7 carb intake, front drive distributor. No dry sump, it will be a wet sump engine. IF I was goig to do a dry sump it would be a real system, external 4 or 5 stage pump...not the stock GM stuff.

Got the Metco arms in, they are saweeeeet!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/2500b066e75816-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/2500b066ecab55-1.jpg

[68firebird]

Awesome job!!! looks great.

[AutoX_a_Truck?]

Awesome build. I still have my first car, an '82 Z28. I am partial to the 3rd Gen Camaros, but your Trans Am is looking good. Looks like it will be a monster with plenty of LS power

[BADNBLK]

Been a while since I checked into your thread... Looks amazing! Your fleet is inspiring for sure!

Love the Metco lcas!

[Twin_Turbo]

Got the inner SFCs/trans mount and otherstuff combo done. All welded up, ready for the powdercoater to redo it. These parts like the SFCs all come with junk coating, simply coated over the mill scale and everything and no primer coat. My coater blasts, primers and top coats. Much much more durable than this junk. I installed the same type of SFCs under my gray iroc and the coating is flaking off and there's surface rust under it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0aba48c-1.jpg

My buddy bought some wheels for his silver 83 TA. Couldn't pass it fitting them. They may look good on there in gold but I fear they do not offer enough caliper clearance. Mixed feelings on them though

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0b229f2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0b72797-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

Decided those wheels are not what I want.. I got my eyes on some others, did a quick photoshop. These have a gold trim painted inside, they are also available with a gold face

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/25018001459e8a-1.jpg

[CruizinKev]

^^^ looks good!

[80sCarGuy]

Very cool build! Any updates?

[Chadman27]

Hey Twin Turbo, what type of bedliner did you use for the undercoating, it looks great! Spray/roll? Any special prepwork?

[Twin_Turbo]

Spray On EZ Liner. It's the only one I can get here (for a rediculous price LOL) I have used it on several cars. I got it through Dominion Sure Seal, they have a neat spray gun for it too. The Schutz guns here do niot accept the cans that come with the EZ liner package and the nozzles tend to clog up. Their gun worked perfectly.

Updates will be coming soon. Waiting on my LME engine, once finished I'll hav it container freighted so it will take a little while. Monday i will drop off a bunch of parts at the powdercoaters. Amongst them are the SFCs w/ integrated trans mout. i will weld them to the car when they get back here. I'll probably also start on the interior, lay down some dynamat and see if I can fab some slides for the Recaro Sportster CS seats.

[Twin_Turbo]

Woohoo :D

Major step ahead! Soon I can start building the rest of this engine. Still got tons of stuff I need though and headers to fabricate

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250f9f76b7b3d8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250f9f76bd83e8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250f9f76c33f0f-1.jpg

[Martin71RS]

nice motor! what kind of power do you expect to get out of those 8,1litres?? (the look on the faces overhere when people ask what motor it has hahaha)

[Twin_Turbo]

Hoping more than 750, should be doable.

[ToxicLS1]

What happened to the SBC you were going to initally put on the car? Maybe I skipped that part. Nice build!

[Twin_Turbo]

Change of plans, I can always use that stuff on one of my other cars when E85 becomes available here. No feasable way to get that running with that high a CR

[Twin_Turbo]

more parts for it :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250fb4f23bb749-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250fb4f24206ef-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/250fb4f247082b-1.jpg

[Twin_Turbo]

A little fuel pump w/ pre and post filter. -10 fuel lines. I may end up running the pressure regulator in the back and using a dead headed line to the carb. Don't feel like running 2 -10 lines to the front. I can run 1 through my pass side SFC

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/2510457e2e029c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/2510457e36752f-1.jpg

[Rybar]

Man is a super cool build, love what you have done has the final choice been made on the wheels yet?

[Twin_Turbo]

No, The wheels I'm thinking about are only available in 20" and I fear that's too much for the body style. I will test fit the 20" TTIIs my buddy has on his GTA. Preferrably I'd like 19s, or at least on the front.

I don't want to spend 6 grand on some boutique wheels that don't even have JWL certification or other testing. I plan on driving this thing at speed on the German Autobahn

[ryeguy2006a]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0aba48c-1.jpg

My buddy bought some wheels for his silver 83 TA. Couldn't pass it fitting them. They may look good on there in gold but I fear they do not offer enough caliper clearance. Mixed feelings on them though

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0b229f2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/250159c0b72797-1.jpg

What are those wheels? Are they for sale?

[Twin_Turbo]

They are cheap BBS knock offs. Would cost more to ship than the wheels are worth :D

[ryeguy2006a]

Oh, I didn't see that you were in NL. You are right, they would cost way more to ship than what they are worth. Great looking project!

[Twin_Turbo]

another nice piece came in, WCCH ported tall deck LS7 carb manifold. I decided to use this instead of the mast in hopes of keeping things under the stock hood....fingers crossed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25151c92c01e8f-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25151c92c43d2a-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25151c92c8b986-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25151c92ba5c03-1.jpg

well crap, as I had feared...it won't fit under the hood :( so there goes the nice power bulge hood, time for something aftermarket then

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25157116b503ef-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25157116b91b22-1.jpg

it would probably clear without an air cleaner

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/25157116b0e966-1.jpg