1973 Pontiac Grand Am LS7 Swap [Archive] - Page 2

driveit

09-19-2014, 10:13 AM

I agree about the lip. They need it. I like the C14 if it were my choice between the two. I sent a request on the M9 and got a quote back for around 4000.00... My jaw kinda dropped. They are awesome looking wheels, but I just can't spend that kind of money on wheels. Right now there are too many other areas that need the attention. Now on the Concave wheels I looked at the C14, but my favorite was the C15. I just wasn't sure it would be deep enough and have enough lip and backspacing to fit and make it look right on the car. I guess they can do about anything though since they are all custom built per order.

Later-A-body

09-19-2014, 12:08 PM

That is actually a reasonable price for a high quality forged three piece wheel. I received quotes from other companies as high as $7500. 5-6K seems to be an average cost. Two piece wheels are a less expensive option but many lack the ability to pick the exact width you want.

driveit

09-19-2014, 02:03 PM

I know it is probably a great price, just not for this old boy. lol.. Mine are looking like under 200 each. The ones I am looking at right now are about 155 each. They are posted on my build thread.

I wanted to post a pic here for you to check out. If it is too large or you want me to remove it just let me know. Just though you might like to check it out. Did this for a guy with a 77 olds he is building as a PT car.

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Later-A-body

09-19-2014, 09:00 PM

No, I love the rendering. The '76-'77 442's are one of my favorite cars. I always wanted to buy one and do exactly what I'm doing to the Grand Am. I almost bought a '76 that had of all things a factory installed Old's 260 V8 and a 5-speed transmission. Great rendering. I should have you do one on my car. Those wheels look like the Forgeline /Grip Grudge wheel. That is the wheel I wanted the most. Concave design limits the lip though. They quoted me a set after sending them all my measurements. The front lip would be only 1", and the rear lip would only measure 2.5" and that's with an 11" wheel with a 6" backspacing. Still tempted though. I think it would look killer. As far as your wheels, you can only afford to buy what makes financial sense. Don't blow the budget.

driveit

09-22-2014, 08:07 AM

Thanks. I agree. I will work with what I have for now and we will see where things go.

Later-A-body

09-27-2014, 09:07 PM

Some items I have been working on lately are the powder coating of the upper radiator tube, overflow tank, and spark plug wire brackets. I was unable to find an upper radiator hose that fit, so this was the custom one fabbed up. As with many other underhood items, I prefer the look of wrinkle finish black. The camera flash makes it look a little shiny, but it has a matte finish. I also completed the radiator overflow tank and mounted it. It was also necessary to build a bracket for the intake tube and secure it to the inner fender so the tube to eliminate vibrations and the chance of it moving around. In addition to those items I had to come up with a way to keep the spark plug wires off the headers. I relocated the coils behind each cylinder head which required me to build custom MSD wires. The wires required some support in order to not lay over and hit the headers. I designed some small brackets that screwed into existing threaded holes in the heads that were not being used. As you can see in the picture, they keep the wires tucked up and away from the headers. I'm pretty satisfied with them, and think they look fairly stock. It's hard to see in the pictures but the wires are quite a distance from each header tube.

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Later-A-body

09-27-2014, 09:49 PM

As I had mentioned in previous postings, I have decided to purchase new wheels for the GA in order to facilitate running a larger front and rear tire. I am going with Modulare Wheels. The company is owned by a friend of mine that I have known for quite a while from my days at TRD. At first I thought I was going to go with a traditional flat face wheel, but after seeing many cars outfitted with concave designs, I have had second thoughts. I like the concave look, but understand that lip size does get reduced. As it stands due to the the large amount of backspacing I would have approximately 3.5" and 5" lips on a flat face wheel based on the final dimensions. In the concave wheel, the lips would be 2.0" and 3.5". One other point worth mentioning is the concave design will require me running a 19" front, as opposed to an 18" with flat face design. This is due to the current configuration Modulare has on concave designs. I know either one will look good, but I am unsure of the 19" front. I don't know if the reduced sidewall will look as good, and if the ride quality will suffer. I'm open to opinions on this. Rear tires are 305/35/19, fronts will be either 275/40/18, or 275/35/19. I posted images of both designs below for reference. Whichever one I choose will have the ball cut spokes and exposed hardware most likely in a gloss black center. Not sure if this is OK here in will get moved to the wheel section?

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driveit

09-29-2014, 01:27 PM

I did a couple quick photo chops with those wheels in black on your car and I think that I would go with the M14 for sure. It needs that extra lip I think.

Later-A-body

09-30-2014, 11:21 PM

I went back to Modulare today to try and finalize my choice. After looking closer at the concave profiles, I decided that I do want to go with a concave profile. They just look awesome. I have two wheels that I have narrowed down to. The first two pics are a 7 spoke with no exposed hardware. The third pic is an 8 spoke that can be built with or without exposed hardware. I always preferred exposed hardware, but both look great without, so I have to choose that as well. I am looking at possibly doing a high luster brushed tinted outer with a gloss black center. I am looking for some other members feedback. Whichever wheel that I choose will have a 2-2.5" front lip, and a 3.5" rear lip.

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driveit

10-01-2014, 06:45 AM

Not sure if this is the same wheel, but I tried to match it up to the bottom one as close as I could and added the black in. This was just a quick photo chop. If it is not the correct wheel let me know which one it is and I will try again for you if I have time.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/trial_10-1.jpg

andrewb70

10-01-2014, 08:20 AM

Sean,

Does that company offer either of those wheels in a traditional stepped lip design. Maybe it is just me, but I always felt that the flat lip design was a trend that is in decline. Maybe it is just my personal preference, but I prefer a stepped lip. Just my 2 cents.

Andrew

Later-A-body

10-01-2014, 09:15 AM

Thank you. Good work on the photo shop Driveit. It does appear to be the same basic 8 spoke design. No reflection on you at all but I don't like the look. Maybe it's me but they look real big like a 22". I've even given a dark charcoal grey a consideration. Andrew, I don't think they offer a step lip, but I will check on that. This decision is hard.

andrewb70

10-01-2014, 09:37 AM

...This decision is hard.

Definitely...wheels are like fashion...LOL

Andrew

driveit

10-01-2014, 10:23 AM

No problem. I was just playing around in a paint program to do it, so not professional at all. Just thought I would try it to see if it would give you a better idea. Good luck with the hunt.

driveit

10-17-2014, 12:25 PM

Did you ever make any decisions on the wheels for sure?

Later-A-body

10-17-2014, 07:43 PM

Yes. I picked the Modulare C1 concave in 19x9.5 and 19x11. It is a seven spoke three piece wheel with hidden hardware. I swapped out the 275/40/18 NT05's for 275/35/19's. I couldn't get away from the fact that I really love the look of the concave wheel compared to the traditional design. Right now I am deciding what color to do the centers in. The lips will be chrome, and I am looking at either gloss black, or a very dark graphite. Not sure yet, but would be open to anyone's opinion on color.
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driveit

10-20-2014, 11:09 AM

That is going to be awesome. I would have to look at the color next to the car to make my decision.

mikidymac

10-23-2014, 08:37 AM

AZ's68

10-23-2014, 09:15 AM

Later-A-body

10-23-2014, 12:52 PM

Hey man great build and very nice wheel choice! How does the price for your wheel compare to forgelines??

I appreciate your comments on the build. As far as the price is concerned, I was lucky enough to get a discount since I am friends with the owner. But as far as retail to retail compared to Forgeline, I think Modulare is priced more competively than Forgeline. I am very impressed with the selection and quality of the Modulare line. I am hoping to have the wheels and tires on the car by December.

Later-A-body

10-23-2014, 12:57 PM

If you get a chance could you check your links. Most of your drop box pics return an error message.

BTW love the build and since you are not that far away I will have a lot of questions for you once I get going on mine.

73-77 A- Body Love.....
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Thanks for bringing the Dropbox problem to my attention. The reason why they don't work is because I realized I had deleted some photos in Dropbox, not realizing the links would be deleted as well. "BRILLIANT"?? Sometimes I amaze myself that I am able to function on a daily basis. I will need to restore those photos this weekend.

mikidymac

11-20-2014, 08:27 AM

I am actually starting to gather parts for my build after 20 years so I am so glad to have your build as a reference for what actually works on these forgotten cars if that is ok with you? I do have a few questions and didn't see them in previous posts.

What oil pan did you go with and how was the fit?
How did the GM corvette accessory drive kit work out?
What did you use to replace the factory A/C? I see nobody makes a direct fit kit for these. I want the interior and controls to look OEM.

I already contacted Red Line for the gauges.

As of now the plan is the GM crate LS3/430 with 4L65E, Speed Tech suspension and either Willwood or C5 brakes.

Like I said we come down to your area about once a month so I would live to see your car sometime if you are not weirded out by a creepy internet guy :).

Thanks

Later-A-body

11-20-2014, 12:34 PM

The oil pan I used is the MAST Motorsports pan. Fit is perfect. It does not hang down too low, and there is no interference with the steering arms. The Corvette accessory drive has worked out very well, but you will need to get a different A/C bracket to mount higher. I am understanding that Holley now makes a bracket that looks identical to the stock GM brackets. I plan to buy one. A/C won't happen this year, and there are a few different companies to choose, but like you said, nobody has a bolt in kit. I haven't decided what I will do with the A/C controls yet. I plan to leave the factory controls alone, and maybe hide the aftermarket panel? I'm totally fine with you stopping by if it will help you with the project. It might be better after the new year since I am still in the middle of fabbing the trans tunnel and some other last unfinished details. Thanks.

Sean

mikidymac

11-20-2014, 03:25 PM

Thanks Sean,
I was hoping to use one of the GM pans but they sound hit or miss.

I did just hear back from Classic Auto Air.....

"This is Steve over here at Classic Auto Air. I have a Street Rod Cooler III system that will work great in this situation.
This unit will allow you to use your original control panel or an aftermarket one. You’re looking at 1399.00 for the kit adapting to your original panel
Or 1499.00 to go with an aftermarket. Were you wanting a bracket for the compressor as well? Please let me know what you’re thinking?"

Thanks again
Steve
877-342-5526 ext 8024

Brian

sixfivepost

11-20-2014, 08:06 PM

Pic of my slight concave wheels. Totally different style, but black, with exposed hardware.
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Later-A-body

11-24-2014, 12:40 PM

I actually picked a wheel finish. I was at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge in Las Vegas and saw an E63 Mercedes that had a beautiful finish on the wheels. I got all the information on the color. It called Textured Gunmetal, and it has a raised textured appearence. It is a very dark gunmetal grey with a slight sheen and metallic. The picture is the finish, not the wheel I am running. I am staying with the chrome outers though.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/651sl1rn5mmtozs/2014-11-08%2009.17.09.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lw64hb5dvy9yc5t/2014-11-08%2009.20.40.jpg?dl=0

mikidymac

12-15-2014, 09:05 AM

Sean, it looks like your drop box is down again.

BTW: look what I cam home to on Friday......
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My wife said not to expect any more birthday or Christmas presents for the next 20 years, I can live with that.

Later-A-body

12-15-2014, 04:30 PM

I'll check it thanks. Is that an LS3? Very nice. I was able to get my hyrdoboost problem solved. I have driven the car a few times around the block to do some shakedowns. Everything is working well. I will try to post a video soon. The LS is such an improvement over the original drivetrain. You'll love it and never look back.

mikidymac

12-16-2014, 09:20 AM

Yep, complete GM LS3/430 connect and cruise package. I went and drove the new camaro with the same engine and although I was looking into the LS3/480 I decided that for what I am going to use it for the 430HP was fine and couldn't justify the extra $1,000. Besides the LS is already going to cost a lot more to complete than my original plan to build a 383 with a 200r4. I think I am already going to have to scale back the plans due to cost and be realistic with myself that this is never going to be a track car but something to enjoy with my son and dad. I will probably end up with more of the pro touring show than go.

Later-A-body

12-16-2014, 11:18 PM

Are you planning to buy headers or run the exhaust manifolds? The headers I have will also fit your car. I'm running Headman Hustlers on the LS7. I have 1 7/8", but they also gave 1 3/4" which might be better for you.

mikidymac

12-17-2014, 12:01 PM

I am going to go with headers. Probably the 1-3/4" like you suggested.

Looking at the entire Holley/Headman package with oil pan, headers and mounts. I still can't believe with all these swaps there isn't a simple list of this works and this doesn't. Looks like the Holley pan is the only one that will not hang below the cross member. Not sure what mounts will work and don't get me started on the accessories. This works and that works but not with the water pump or you have to change this and that, Dang! Looks like the best accessory setup is the GM corvette package without A/C but you have to change your brand new water pump and balancer, WTF! Then get the Kwick Performance high mount AC bracket and sanden compressor. But then the new power steering pump wont have the same fittings and the old gear. This seems much more complicated than it needs to be.

mikidymac

12-17-2014, 12:39 PM

Sean, did you have any issues with the GM corvette accessory kit? I am torn, another guy on the G3GM site said the only kit he did not have issues with was the complete kit from Holley and the dirty dingo mounts. I like the idea of keeping with all GM stuff like the corvette kit but will have to add an aftermarket high mount bracket and compressor. All said they look to be within a couple hundred of each other. Just wanted your opinion.

Later-A-body

12-18-2014, 12:53 PM

When I bought my headers from Hedman, I bought the engine mounts from them as well. I went through BRP Hot Rods in Georgia, 770-442-9597. The motor sits as far back in the chassis as you could expect it to which I wanted for better weight distribution. I had no problems with the Corvette accessory drive. Yes the A/C will not work mounted down low, but I am going to buy the Holley A/C bracket that they came out with recently. It looks exactly like the GM brackets, and I will use the new A/C compressor that came with the Corvette kit. That Kwik Performance bracket is the ugliest thing I ever saw. I wouldn't put that on a rat rod. I'm not aware of any problem with the Corvette water pump. I removed the angled water neck and installed a straight one which worked better with my lower radiator outlet. The power steering is another issue only because you have to re-route your hoses and go to metric fittings, but that's expected anyway. I am running the MAST oil pan on the GA, and it does not fall below the crossmember, so that could be another option for you on the Chevelle.

mikidymac

12-19-2014, 08:59 AM

Again Sean, thank you for your advise.
It does look like the Headman headers are the way to go as they are the cheapest too at $699 Ouch!.
Did you have any clearance issues with the brakes or A/C plenum with those motor mounts? I liked the idea of being able to move the engine infinitely with the Dirty Dingo ones.
The corvette accessory drive looks like the way to go and cross referencing the part numbers it looks like my harmonic balancer and water pump that came with the LS3 crate will work. From my research it looks like GM changed the waterpump and balancer that comes with the LS3 a little while ago and now the warterpump and balancer are short and work with the corvette accessory kit but now the waterpump outlets on the driver side.
I have also found that the the A/C compressor that comes with the GM accessory kit is a variable displacement pump and will not work with most of the aftermarket A/C systems and possibly our factory system. Looks like everybody wants us to use the Sanden 508. I have found them for $195. Thanks for the info on the Kwik bracket, I want mine to look factory. I will probably go with the Holley cast aluminum high mount bracket then for the 508 compressor.
I have another email into Classic Auto Air to see what they think of replacing our factory A/C parts like the evaporator, condenser, and dryer with new ones from either them or OPGI and using the Sanden 508 compressor to keep it looking factory. I will let you know what they say.
For oil pan I want to stay with the cast aluminum like the factory so I am probably going to try the Holley 302-2 pan.

For the power steering I think I will try the one out of the Jeep Grand Cherokee like I saw some do as it is bolt in, 12.7:1 ratio with the same turning radius and metric fittings. Looks like all you need is a new rag joint from Lee's or some chevy pickup.

This is exciting to finally start on this thing after so many years but so many questions......

Thank you.

Later-A-body

12-19-2014, 04:25 PM

I don't have the A/C box in the car anymore so no issues there. Which part of the brakes were you asking about R/T the headers? I didn't realize the GM AC compressor would not work with aftermarket A/C. Guess I will be needeing that down the road. How close are you to buying brakes? I have a friend with another '73-'77 that has a complete KORE3 C5/C6 Z51 brake set up that I believe he is going to sell. Everything is brand new never mounted. His build specs changed, so he is going to a different set up. I can ask him if your interested?

mikidymac

12-22-2014, 08:06 AM

I was asking if the coils hit the brake booster as I am not going hydroboost.
I would be very interested in your friends brake kit. I was going to go with the Willwood 4 piston front and rear with the 12.88" rotors all the way around so it sounds like his kit would work.
Steve at Vintage Air asked me to give him a call today so I will let you know what I find out on the A/C.

I also had some time to look at the chevelle interior yesterday and everything looks good for being in storage for 15 years. It looks like all I need it the bottom cushion of the rear seat recovered.

For your redline gauges, do they still look factory or did they change the faces too? Mine have some surface rust on them and obviously the tach and speedo will not work with the LS.

Later-A-body

12-22-2014, 02:25 PM

The gauges look stock with exception of the digital odometer in place of the old style rolling numbers. Oh and the speedo reads 200 mph. Wishful thinking.

mikidymac

12-23-2014, 08:10 AM

Wow, those look great! Crazy how big that clock is, I am surprised it isn't a tach.
So what is their process? Do they repaint and renumber the faces? Replace the internals and sending units too?

mikidymac

12-23-2014, 03:03 PM

Ok, here is the dirty on our A/C systems.....

Vintage Air decided that since I wanted to keep my factory looking system instead of converting to a universal under dash unit Steve transferred me to to Chuck at their sister company Classic Auto Air. Chuck is who I should have been talking to all along. They have all the under hood pats for our cars in stock including the compressors, hoses, evaporators and dryers and the prices were reasonable at $200 for compressor, and about the same for the condenser and dryer. For roughly $800 you send them your entire plenum from the firewall and the will completely refurbish it and calibrate it to the new 134a so it is a true bolt in system using all of the factory components except for the new Sanden 508 compressor. For the same price as a universal fit unit you can keep your stock system.

Sean, they did not recommend using the variable displacement pump from the corvette accessory drive kit, sorry.

Later-A-body

12-24-2014, 03:34 PM

The only gauge that was reprinted in my cluster was the odometer. All the other gauges were in mint condition. The guts of each gauge were rebuilt using modern electronics. The clock is there because I have a hood tach which also was rebuilt by Redline. It has a very small LED shift light installed between 6000 and 7000 RPM. Im not reinstalling the factory AC components. Takes up too much room.

mikidymac

12-29-2014, 01:17 PM

What is your ground clearance with the long tube headers? I went back through your thread and could not see any pictures of the underside. I am going with coilovers all around and want it low so if they hang below the front crossmember they might not work for me.

Later-A-body

12-30-2014, 04:48 PM

Ground clearance is about 3.5" on the crossmember, and 3" for the headers. Not really happy with that but the front is about 1" lower than I used to run it before. I didn't have any scraping before and not sure about now. I would have raised the engine up more if I had more room in the tunnel, but I'm maxed out there.

mikidymac

12-31-2014, 08:25 AM

So it sounds like the headers hang down about 0.5" below the crossmember? I don't think I want to be scraping my new headers. As I am not concerned about every last horsepower what do you think about the Muscle Rod mid-length headers to get the exhaust above the frame? I was looking at those or the Hooker iron manifolds but they are only 2-1/4" and I think the smallest I would want to go on the 6.2L would be 2.5". Your thoughts?

Later-A-body

12-31-2014, 03:53 PM

I can manage the clearance on my car. Unless there are some extra large speed bumps, I don't think it will be an issue. I can also drive them diagnally. Your LS3 comes with efficent manifolds, maybe it's better to leave them on the car and use the header money for another part of the build. That at least would give you no woriies on clearance. I would also wait untill the motor and trans are installed in the car and you confirm the driveline angle. If your car does not allow for enough upward placement of the motor and trans, that will limit your ground clearance.

mikidymac

12-31-2014, 07:52 PM

Another guy that installed the same LS3 on a 73' chevelle said the stock manifolds will not fit on the G3GM site. It looks like my options are the hooker iron manifolds or the Muscle Rod mid lengths. I have had cars with headers that scrape and it drives me crazy so the long tubes are out.

Later-A-body

02-09-2015, 10:30 PM

http://youtu.be/FEipEy2kdLk

This is a very short video of my GA at the alignment shop back from a test drive.

Later-A-body

02-09-2015, 11:12 PM

I had not updated the thread in quite a while so I thought I needed to post some proof that the car does actually run and drive. Three years of working on the GA and I finally get to drive it, and even though there were days when I seriously thought about shooting my car....it runs. Boy does it run good. The LS7 is absolutely stunning to drive. Even though it has not been officially tuned yet, just 1/2 throttle in 2nd and 3rd gear creates massive amounts of tire spin. It drives so nice when you just drive it easy. No driveability issues. No smell due to the dual cats, and it is fairly quiet. The new full length coil over suspension works fantastic....thank you Doug at Global West. Overall I am very pleased. I have a few shows I have already signed up for starting in March, so I am on the fast track to finishing up the last details. I will post more info and video soon. Thanks.

Nicks67GTO

02-10-2015, 05:52 AM

Nice!

Since you're a former 400 stroker Pontiac man that just went LS, can you compare engines for me.

I'm leaning really hard toward building a good old 400 block/4.25" stroke/SD KRE 290 heads/OF cam setup but i'm not 100% on it yet.

Later-A-body

02-10-2015, 01:01 PM

While I will always be a Pontiac man, I feel the LS is far superior in every aspect. The power that these engines are capable of with a minimum of effort far outwieghs the traditional Pontiac. I am well aware of all the aftermarket support for the Pontiac, but you can easily get a smaller LS engine to out perform a larger Pontiac motor. I also dropped close to 200 pounds off the front end! The LS7 is sipping gas compared to the 455, the torque band is phenominal as was the 455, but the real difference is this motor will pull right to 7000 rpm. You don't have to build a fresh motor like I did, a used low mileage take out will make more financial sense.

andrewb70

02-10-2015, 02:38 PM

andrewb70

02-10-2015, 04:55 PM

Sean,

The drive-by video was great. She sounds great and I bet you can't wait to get a good tune and take a long drive!

Andrew

Later-A-body

02-10-2015, 09:09 PM

True. I have an appointment to have the car tuned on the 25th. What I really want is to be able to bury my foot in the throttle and watch the tach climb to 7k so I can feel just how much power to he LS7 makes. I have been very patient up to this point.

Justin@EntropyRad

02-11-2015, 07:36 AM

Unique build!

Reckn8

02-11-2015, 07:29 PM

LS power all the way.

Nicks67GTO

02-12-2015, 06:17 AM

Nick,

Just don't. Find someone in your area to give you a ride and you won't have any more doubts as to why you should go LS and never look back. Since you seem to be into actually driving your car, you'll see even greater benefits, like I did.

Andrew

I think when Bob {old66tiger} gets the GMPP 525 LS3 done in his 66 GTO i'm going to make a road trip since i'm only a few hrs out. That is probably going to be my deciding factor. I will unquestionably be doing an LS something in my 70 Chevelle eventually but its going to be a long while before that happens.

Nicks67GTO

02-12-2015, 06:19 AM

andrewb70

02-12-2015, 08:01 AM

I think when Bob {old66tiger} gets the GMPP 525 LS3 done in his 66 GTO i'm going to make a road trip since i'm only a few hrs out. That is probably going to be my deciding factor. I will unquestionably be doing an LS something in my 70 Chevelle eventually but its going to be a long while before that happens.

Nick,

Let me know when you plan to make your trip and I will meet up with you guys. I know Bob and I live only about 90 miles from him.

Andrew

Later-A-body

02-12-2015, 09:05 AM

I will try to calculate the mileage and post the results. With the .64 OD I would hope to see 20 MPG on the freeway. I know Andrew has done many long trips in his GTO so maybe he can give us some feedback. I will be driving to Reno this summer for Hot August Nights which is exactly 500 miles from my house. So if I can squeeze 21-22 MPG, I should be able to do it in one tank.

cornfedbill

02-12-2015, 09:49 AM

I always thought these early Grand Ams were cool. They were a real departure from their chrome bumper competitors.

Nice build!

Later-A-body

02-12-2015, 01:36 PM

Thanks for the compliment. I agree on the styling. Pontiac had the best designs compared to the other GM clones.

Later-A-body

02-12-2015, 03:31 PM

For the last week I have been installing closed cell foam inside the cabin and doors and getting the interior ready for the carpet install. I want to keep it as quiet as possible.

Nicks67GTO

02-12-2015, 10:40 PM

For the last week I have been installing closed cell foam inside the cabin and doors and getting the interior ready for them carpet install. I want to keep it as quiet as possible.

Is that closed cell foam over dynamat? Where did you get the foam? Does it stick to the floor or just lay there?

Nicks67GTO

02-12-2015, 10:41 PM

Nick,

Let me know when you plan to make your trip and I will meet up with you guys. I know Bob and I live only about 90 miles from him.

Andrew

Will do. Maybe I'll drive the GTO up and make a nice cruise out of it.

RumDomRum

02-18-2015, 12:43 PM

I registered just to post in your thread.

I am full of admiration and envy of your build.

My first car was a 73 GrandAm Sedan, 7.4L. It had the honeycomb wheels and rally cluster. I bought the car from my father when I turned 17. He was the 2nd owner. When I was 14, he blew it up by accidentally downshifting into 2nd at 120mph. We built the engine "together" (which means I watched mostly). It was the fastest car in town and I'm lucky I survived my own stupidity. I loved that car. A few years after high school, I joined the Navy and my friend who was "holding" my car for me until I got out of boot camp decided to cut it into pieces and sell the parts. That was 1996. Now its almost 20 years later and I still think about it routinely. I really miss that car. I've always said that I'd love to get one and put an LSA or LS3 in it with a T56 or 4L80E. Even though I have a "modern" LS powered car (Stroked/built/supercharged CTSV with a T56), I still think about that damn Pontiac.

You're living my dream.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing the progress.

driveit

09-25-2015, 05:08 PM

Did you ever get those new wheels?

Later-A-body

01-15-2016, 04:25 PM

It has been just about a year since I posted any information on the Grand Am build. The reasoning for this was due to the fact that the GA sustained some damage. I was driving the car home and without notice the car in front of me panic swerved out of the way of a dropped payload of various item that had just fell into the street. I was unable to stop fast enough to avoid them and ran them over. This caused some bad damage to the front crossmember, lower valance, bumper, front tires, and the underside of the car. I was pretty heartbroken. I had just been driving the car for about 2 months since getting the car back on the road and was getting ready to attend a car show that next weekend. The build, or should I say re-rebuild had taken me over 3 years this time, and I was looking forward to going to events and just driving the car. A rundown on the build up to that point included a full boxing of the frame (not the original frame), more on that later..., replacing the original Pontiac 455 with an ERL built 600 HP LS7, Global West long travel front coil over suspension, etc. which is all detailed on previous pages of this thread. So I contacted my insurance company and after 3 months of going through the process we agreed on a settlement for the damages. Now since I suffer from a disease known as "Car Guy Perfectionism", I had no intention on trying to fix the frame. So of course I decided I was going to replace the frame....again. Luckily I had the original frame that was under the car prior to making the initial frame build up. So I grabbed the original frame and mapped out the plan. When I had had the frame modified, I did not have the funds to convert the rear suspension to coil over. That was going to happen this time. So I preceded to deconstruct the car in my garage. I sent the frame to Cambra Speed Shop in Orange, Ca. to do the frame modifications. This included a full boxing of the entire frame, and a custom built rear coil over suspension.
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Later-A-body

01-15-2016, 04:50 PM

The frame was mounted and welded to the frame table to ensure the frame wouldn't twist. I purchased the Global West long travel coil over kit for the cutting and welding of the spring pockets. I also had all the holes in the crossmember welded up that were not needed to give the frame a cleaner look. In addition, I had the motor mount holes welded and threaded nuts welded to the inside to allow for easier mounting and dismounting if needed in the future. The rear of the frame was also completely boxed this time around which was not done previously.

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Later-A-body

01-15-2016, 05:10 PM

A few more views of the frame. All of the suspension mounting points have been reinforced with welded brackets. The entire frame weld points from the factory were re-welded as well. All the corners were fitted with welded plates as well. This is a heavy car, and my intention is to autocross and track day the car for fun. So I felt it was necessary to do all of this short of investing into a custom frame which was not in my budget. This car is a street car, so I'm keeping these upgrades realistic. The frame was then sent out for powdercoat. I decided to stick with the gunmetal grey that was on the previous frame.

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Later-A-body

01-15-2016, 07:30 PM

So at the same time I was in the process of reworking the frame, I started to plan out the rest of the improvements I would like to make. Some of the items that were left off the build prior to this were a rear coil over system, and new brakes front and rear. I had installed a TKO 5-speed in the GA in 2008 which transformed the car. I decided that I would sell the 5-speed in order to afford a new Tremec T-56 six speed box. The majority of the upgrades I make to this car can only be performed by selling the parts I have in order to make it realistic to spend the money on the new components. I was able to sell the TKO for a very good price. The other way to afford these items is to work extra shifts. I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to work extra shifts if needed. I work 12 hour shifts as a Registered Nurse, so when I need extra cash, I pick up extra shifts. Of course I have the greatest wife on the planet, and we agree when we need extra money for the bills, and when it's okay for me to have it for the car. So over the last 8 months I have been working a ton of extra shifts in order to make some changes. The insurance settlement did help with the upgrades as well, but not as much as I decided I wanted to improve the car. The transmission crossmember needed to be remade. This one is much beefier than the one it replaces, especially after realizing the old one did have some flex in it. So as with the other frame upgrades, this piece is very overbuilt.

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andrewb70

01-15-2016, 07:33 PM

You been busy Sean!!!

Andrew

Later-A-body

01-15-2016, 07:41 PM

Here are some shots of the LS7 and the T-56 being placed into the chassis for mock up. The engineering of all the work has been done with incredible workmanship by the guys at Cambra. The talent these guys have is really why I chose them to take on the tasks such as welding that I can't do on my own.

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somebody

01-16-2016, 03:32 AM

do you think more tranny tunnel mods will be required to fit the t56? or did you go plenty big when you put the tko in?

tommycomfort

01-16-2016, 04:37 AM

Very nice improvements!

Later-A-body

01-16-2016, 09:36 AM

The tunnel did need to be reworked. The TKO was tight, so I wanted to do it over. I will post some more pictures of that part of the build sometime this weekend.

Later-A-body

01-18-2016, 09:50 PM

Here are some pictures of the powder coated frame, suspension and new Wilwood Brakes.

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Later-A-body

01-18-2016, 10:25 PM

I will run down some of the specs on the new components. Starting with brakes. The brakes were upgraded both front and rear. I had Baer's older 2 piston calipers and 13" rotors. These worked very well with the hydroboost system installed, but I was getting tired of the inherent noise issues with the hydroboost, and the system always felt overboosted for my taste. So I decided to sell off the brakes and hydroboost, and start from scratch. I actually gave the front brakes to my father to install on his '65 GTO. So I contacted Ron Sutton and used his services to design me a front and rear brake system for the car. I explained to Ron that I wanted to move to a manual brake system. I shared all the information he requires regarding the weight of the car, the tire size, my intention to autocross/track day on occasion, my desired pedal feel, etc. I also wanted to go with Wilwood this time due to the much larger selection of calipers they have, and their price point was much more affordable. He came up with a plan and submitted all the part numbers in an Excel spreadsheet. I was very impressed with his attention to detail. I did not want to make the mistake of mismatching components and wind up with a poor performing system. I wound up ordering the Wilwood 6 piston Aerolite front calipers, Spec 37 14.25" slotted rotors for C 5/6 Corvette's to go with the new Speedtech ATS 2.0 Extreme spindles they released recently. Rear brakes are 4 piston Wilwood's with 12.88 Spec 37 slotted rotors. I will be using my stock pedal assembly which will have the 6.25 ratio Ron recommended, and I will run the recommended a 7/8" master cylinder.

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Later-A-body

01-18-2016, 10:46 PM

As I had mentioned, I upgraded the rear suspension to coil over. This was custom built by Greg at Cambra Speed. He designed it to have adjustable mounting points for height and shock angle. I decided to go with QA1 double adjustable's in the rear to compliment the existing double adjustable set up in the front. Front rate is 600 lbs., rear springs are 200lbs. A rear crossmember was built and welded in place. The shock angles are minimal. Front suspension was upgraded to Speedtech upper control arms which were required to work with the Speedtech ATS spindles.

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somebody

01-19-2016, 08:13 AM

curious how the manual brakes are going to work out. are your front control arms and spindles originally made for 2nd gen F body or mid 70's abody? i know they're suppose to be the same but....

just looked up there web site, nice selection of parts for our cars but sucks you have to by the(big $$$$$$$) kit just to get the spindles.

Later-A-body

01-19-2016, 01:15 PM

Well I wasn't planning on spending money on new upper control arms, especially since I already had the Global West uppers on the car. Speedtech said the uppers were needed to have correct geometry with their spindle. As far as the manual brakes, I did a ton of research on the idea and realized you need to be very careful not to mix and match parts. It's too easy to get it wrong and wind up with poor brake performance. That's why I went to Ron Sutton. He has his own formula's to work out every detail, and then shows you exactly what you need. Caliper piston volume, pedal ratio, master cylinder bore size....it all has to work together. The spindles came with these billet steering arms. They are for 2nd generation F-Bodies. The '73-'77 cars share the same suspension.

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andrewb70

01-19-2016, 02:57 PM

There are quite the upgrades!!!

Andrew

somebody

01-19-2016, 04:52 PM

andrewb70

01-19-2016, 04:55 PM

thanks for the info. found a set of speedtech uppers for a 2nd gen f body on ebay for a price too good to pass up. i feel better that they might actually work now. i'm drooling over those spindles!!!!

A little known fact about the 73-77 a-bodies is that the front suspension is the same as second gen f-bodies. These forgotten and mostly ignored cars actually drive very well, better in fact than the second gen f-bodies, because they have a nice 4 link in the rear as opposed to leaf springs.

Andrew

Later-A-body

01-19-2016, 07:39 PM

Andrew is correct. It's at least one thing about this generation A-body that makes it easy to find parts for. The ride is superior as well. Full frame car with a well designed suspension....much better than the '68-'72 A-Body. One other thing to note is the rear suspension and back half of the frame is the same design used on the '90-'96 GM B-bodies, aka Impala SS. That's why I have a '94 Impala SS plastic gas tank installed. It fits perfectly in the frame. Cheap and baffled from the factory.

Later-A-body

01-19-2016, 08:09 PM

Before I took the car apart, I had already decided to buy new wheels. I had been toying with the idea of going bigger. I had a lot of room left in the front and rear. The HRE's were 18x8.5 fronts on 255/45's and I had a ton of room. The rears were 18x10 on a 285/45 and I still had more room to go. I have a Canadian buddy that owns a '73 Grand Am like mine. We agreed on him buying my wheels after repairs were made for his project. I was a no brainer for him since the wheels cam off the same car. It allowed me to afford new wheels. I contacted my friend Bob at Modulare Wheels. He is local and they have some beautiful designs. They also have a great wheel visualizer feature. I decided on the C1. This is a concave design. I went with 19's. The fronts are 19x9.5, the rears are 19x11. I went with Nitto NT05's. 275/35/19 front, 305/35/19 rears. They are three piece wheels built to fit the car. I decided to go with a textured gunmetal centers, and chrome outers. I wound up not liking the lack of contrast with the silver paint. The HRE's were black centers, so as a result I am probably going to go with a black outer and keep the gunmetal center. I think this will look good against the silver. Should look like the Audi picture I included. Not the same wheel, but it's a good comparison. I am also powder coating all the stainless and aluminum trim on the car to get rid of the chrome. The trim will be the same color and texture of the centers to tie it all together.

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driveit

01-19-2016, 10:14 PM

Beautiful work...

Later-A-body

01-26-2016, 11:00 PM

I was able to get back on the car this last weekend and finished setting up the new Wilwood front brakes. Everything bolted up nicely. I used three shims per side which seems to be perfect. These are the C5/C6 Aerolite calipers with 14.25" Spec 37 rotors for use with the Speedtech Gen 2.0 ATS spindles.

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Later-A-body

01-26-2016, 11:20 PM

I decided to replace the factory fuel rail with a set of Aeromotive LS7 fuel rails. The red looks terrible against the blue. They don't offer black, so they were sent to the powdercoater along with all my other pieces to be coated.

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Later-A-body

03-17-2016, 08:18 PM

Time to update the thread. I finished all of the chassis prep and towed it up to the shop to get it ready for the body install. The body is being prepped for paint. I decided to go ahead and repaint the car. I am keeping it silver, but changing it from BMW Titanium Silver, to BMW Glacier Silver. There is a little more black in the new color, and it is a shade darker which is which is what I wanted. I also sprayed the entire underside of the car with a bedliner coating which came out fantastic.

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Later-A-body

03-17-2016, 08:21 PM

Here are a few more underbody views.

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Later-A-body

03-17-2016, 08:53 PM

More body prep pictures.

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Later-A-body

03-17-2016, 09:09 PM

While I had the opportunity to make some changes, I decided to go forward with a specific design element that I had been thinking about for a few years. I had dual exhaust tips exiting behind the rear tires. I wasn't satisfied with the placement of the tips in relation to the gap that was needed to clear the factory pinch weld on the bottom of the quarter panel. I wanted subtle scalloped openings placed into the quarter panels behind the rear tires that will allow the tips to be slightly tucked up into the rear quarter. We also eliminated the pinch weld. Here are a few pictures. I bought new single tips that will be welded together into a dual tip per side set up a little bigger than the old tips.
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Later-A-body

03-30-2016, 09:47 PM

I'm posting this a little out of the order of the build. Since I have switched over to a Magnum T-56, I decided to upgrade the clutch assembly on the LS7 from a McLeod single disc, to a McLeod twin disc unit. I worked with them locally since they are not far from where I live. We decided on the RST dual disc set up. The price point was better, and since the motor will make somewhere in the 600 HP range, they felt the RXT would be overkill. The single disc pedal effort was heavy, even though I have a hydraulic T/O bearing. The twin disc set up will be much more street friendly.

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Later-A-body

03-30-2016, 10:06 PM

Another area that I have improved is the dash. The dash had a small crack in it for a few years now, and I had a dash mat in place over it. It looked okay, but ultimately I wanted to replace the dash. Unfortunately the Grand Am dash is a huge one piece design, so the cost is higher. I was able to buy a another dash last year for $50.00 and send it out for rebuilding. I drove it up to Just Dashes in Van Nuys, Ca. They are only about 1 hour north of me. Overall I am very pleased with the work. The dash looks exactly like the original, the color and grain is a perfect match. I also took the opportunity to fabricate a plate to mount new dual Alpine 4" speakers in place of the original single cone speaker. I picked up the Alpines from Crutchfield. They were an open box special, $59.00. I already have new Alpines for the rear to match.

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Motown 454

03-31-2016, 06:54 PM

The dash looks great. Sweet Motor.

Later-A-body

04-01-2016, 09:33 AM

Yeah they did a nice job on the dash. I'm happy to finally be able to have music in the car soon. That hasn't been hooked up for at least 10 years.

Centerforce

04-01-2016, 10:59 AM

That dash came out awesome! Cracks on the dash drive us crazy for some reason, so its nice to see a mint one like this going in the car!

Later-A-body

04-01-2016, 01:46 PM

Yeah it drove me nuts when the entire rest of the car looks great, but I had to put one of the dash covers on to cover up the crack. Since I had the dash out I took the opportunity to install the speakers, and reorganize the wire loom under the dash as well. I am installing more dynamat on the firewall too. These steps are way to difficult to do with the dash in place.

subtlez28

04-11-2016, 10:06 PM

Peanut1959

04-15-2016, 05:21 PM

Loving this build, and happy to see the car rise from adversity. Subscribed!

Later-A-body

04-16-2016, 06:57 AM

Sean

I just re-read your entire thread. I'm excited to see that the car is continuing to evolve.

The aluminum spindles got me all excited! I have wanted that set up forever (sealed modern bearings and aluminum construction). Looking at their website and seeing they are only sold with a $5k suspension package is a kick in the sack! Like you I already have aftermarket goodies like GW UCAs and DSE sway bar...

One of the main reasons I re-read the whole thing is I was looking for floor mods to clear the T-56. Do you by chance have more pics of what you cut out and what you fabbed?

I'm also impressed with your new trans cross member! Think your shop could replicate it for me?

I know I've said it multiple times over the years, but I'm back planning my LS swap for my 73 Buick again.

-Shaun-

Hey Shaun,

I didn't have to invest in the entire Speedtech suspension in order to get the spindles. I did have to purchase the upper control arms, and steering arms though to have the correct geometry. I worked with Ron Sutton on the specifics, and he works directly with Speedtech. You might be able to get the same parts as I did if you work with Ron? The trans crossmember is built to fit the modified frame rails that are fully boxed. They mount on pedestals, unlike the factory crossmember, so unless your frame is modified like mine it would not fit correctly. We had to mock up the entire drivetrain in order to get the angles set right. I'm glad you are getting ideas for your Buick build. I would like to see that when you get going on the build.

Later-A-body

04-16-2016, 07:14 AM

Loving this build, and happy to see the car rise from adversity. Subscribed!

Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm trying to keep the build page alive. The car is stuck in paint shop hell right now. I cant really move forward until they get paint on the car.

Later-A-body

10-23-2016, 07:18 PM

So for the last few months the GA has been in the body shop. Things are moving slowly, but I'm very happy with the work being done. One of the major things I wanted to do is reduce the gaps on the car. The gaps were too big for my satisfaction. I have seen a lot of other '73-'77 cars with big gaps, so this is the time to do it. They started with the doors. They were slid back towards the rear quarters. A few things that had to happen was the drivers front fender ear that bolts into the firewall needed to be cut and re-welded. This was the only way to get the fender to slide further back toward the drivers door. Metal was added to various areas in order to get the gaps even throughout the car. It's one thing to gap the car, but if the gaps aren't identical throughout the vehicle it looks wrong. This is were most of the time was spent. The front nose is an aftermarket piece that has been on the car since 2001. The quality is very good, but the glass needed to be reworked for a better fit as well. One area that was a problem was the nose always rubbed the top of the bumper. That was reshaped and now has about 1/8" clearance. The nose/hood gap has been perfected as well. Another area that was addressed are the body lines. The GA has very distinctive body lines. The body guys and I agreed these should be enhanced and sharpened. So all the corners such as the trunk lid, hood, body contours, roofline have been sharpened. This really adds a custom element to the body, and will really be enhanced when the paint is done. It's hard to see in some of the pictures with just primer. See next page pictures.

Later-A-body

10-23-2016, 07:24 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160804_112233-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/20160804_112233.jpg.html)
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Later-A-body

10-23-2016, 07:29 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160804_112338_1-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/20160804_112338_1.jpg.html)
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Later-A-body

10-23-2016, 07:35 PM

So after I decided to have the GA repainted, I wanted to change the color from the bright silver to a darker silver or lighter grey. The car was painted BMW Titanium Silver in 2001. It is a little too light in the direct sunlight, and because the car is so big, I felt a little darker shade would give the car a little more depth and character. I looked at a ton of silvers, but the problem is most newer cars have a coarse metallic which I personally don't like the look of on older cars. I like BMW colors because they have a finer metallic. So I decided to go with 2016 BMW Donnington Gray. This color is only available on the M series. It is not as dark as the standard Space Gray. It is a little bit darker than the previous silver, and looks fantastic in the sun. It has a good amount of flop to it that will compliment the body lines. I'm open to opinions on the choice.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160521_102611-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/20160521_102611.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160521_102602-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/20160521_102602.jpg.html)
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Later-A-body

10-23-2016, 08:00 PM

When I decided to go with the Magnum T-56 transmission I noticed that the factory center console was difficult to use due to the very narrow opening where the shifter pops through. In addition to that I am changing the shifter to a more modern Hurst Hard Drive shift handle. This shifter has to be installed straight up and down with no angle, unlike my previous shifter. This will not allow it to work in the factory center console. I also wanted to have some cupholders and a 12 volt port like the newer cars for convenience. I looked around at some modern cars like the Gen 5 Camaro console, but decided on the 2009-2014 Challenger console. I was able to get this for a very low price from a local guy who had modified it to fit in his '68 Camaro, but decided not to use it. Well it fits perfectly and it has a very large shifter opening which solves that problem. I will be ading a brace underneath the console so it can be boltef down properly. The best part for me is it looks like it belongs in the car, not too custom.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160926_113324-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20160926_113324.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/20160926_113332-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20160926_113332.jpg.html)

1965gp

10-23-2016, 08:13 PM

Car is looking great. Love the new color

subtlez28

10-31-2016, 09:04 PM

Later-A-body

11-01-2016, 11:31 AM

Sean

Great to see updates again. Bummer that it had to come off the road again after being "done" but looks like it will come back better than ever!

I have read through this massive thread multiple times (including again today). I have a few detail questions I may have missed.

-What oil pan did you run?
-What engine mounts did you use?
-Any pics of how massive the floor surgery was to clear the T-56 (I saw one, just wondering if you had more)?

I'm looking at the Holley 302-2 pan and 12611hkr mounts, but keep getting the "we have not done a 73-77 a-body" answer from tech guys. I know your build pre-dates some of the parts, but would really like some first hand feedback.

Thanks!
-Shaun-

Hey Shaun,

I used the Mast Motorsports oil pan and windage tray. Lots of clearance. Does not sit below the crossmember. The motor mounts are from BRP Hot Rods http://www.brphotrods.com. The motor set back is pretty good so I imagine it helps with weight bias. I also have their 1 7/8" Heddman Headers that match. I have been very happy with the kit from them. No issues with fit. Trust me, I'm an expert on the "We haven't done anything on the '73-'77 A-Body" statement. I don't have any other pictures of the tunnel surgery to post . Sorry. It wasn't too bad, but you just have to commit to cutting it and just see whats needed. The shop did a real nice job though. It looks factory correct.

Later-A-body

01-05-2017, 10:22 PM

Well I am very excited to be able to update my Grand Am build with pictures of the car in paint. We have been dodging the weather out here in California. The car was taken to PPG Training Center in Rancho Cucamonga by Cambra Motorsports which is the shop that is doing the fabrication work, body and paint. The color is BMW Donnington Grey which is unique to only the X5/X6 M Series SUV's. These are pictures before the clear coat was applied.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_06271-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_06131-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_06231-1.jpg

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compos mentis

01-06-2017, 07:35 AM

Congrats on the progress...lookin' sharp. :twothumbs

mikidymac

01-06-2017, 09:16 AM

It's looking great as usual Sean. I still don't know how you have time for all of this. Since we spoke last I still haven't touched my 73' Chevelle SS although it is now at my house for the first time in 15 years and my parts inventory keeps increasing.

Not sure if you saw this but it looks like some of the 73's are getting a little more love than usual.

135780

Schwartz Performance is making full chassis for them now but they start at $10,000 which is way out of my budget.

Later-A-body

01-06-2017, 03:08 PM

Yes I have seen the 442. Very nice car. I hope that more people will start turning their attention to the later GM A-bodies. Agreed on the Schwartz chassis, great idea but out of my budget. I will post some better pictures this weekend of the finished paint. It is a darker color than before which I am still trying to get used to, but the pictures look way darker than in person. Now I have to get busy putting the car back together. I have a car show March 3/4th to go to, and I am planning to attend the inaugural LS Fest West in Las Vegas in May especially since I already rented a house there for the weekend.

somebody

01-06-2017, 05:31 PM

i wasn't crazy about that color when you posted the BMW pics, but it looks real nice on the Grand Am.

Later-A-body

01-06-2017, 06:16 PM

Thanks. It looks quite a bit darker in the pictures which I don't want. It's lighter in person, especially in the sun.

Fugitive77

02-08-2017, 05:37 PM

Looks Good Sean. Can't wait to see complete man! The LS fest in
LV May? I have a place to stay in Vegas. Is it worth the trip?

mikidymac

02-28-2017, 09:31 AM

Hello again Sean, So without getting too personal and considering I plan on doing the exact body and paint work as yours on my 73' what do you suggest I budget for paint and body?

Later-A-body

02-28-2017, 04:02 PM

Looks Good Sean. Can't wait to see complete man! The LS fest in
LV May? I have a place to stay in Vegas. Is it worth the trip?

It is so worth the trip. I have been wanting to go for years. I already registered for the LV event, but it looks like I probably won't make it. I rented a house in Summerlin, but cancelled the reservation. Things have gone sideways at the shop, and I am pulling the car out.

Later-A-body

02-28-2017, 04:21 PM

I have been working on the car for the last month or so and made some progress. I changed the exhaust system. I had dual 3" cats reducing to 2.5" all the way back. I decided to buy a 3" Dr. Gas X-Pipe kit and the exhaust is now 3" to the mufflers, then tapers to 2.5" over the axle. I didn't see the need for 3" over the axle, and don't want the noise. The system now uses V-Band clamps which I really like, and looks much cleaner. The entire sytem is being ceramic coated to match the headers with a dark charcoal color. These are pictures of the mock up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170120_170119-1.jpg[/UR
[URL=http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/IMG_04551.jpg.html]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_04551-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170120_170119.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170119_133753-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170119_133753.jpg.html)

Later-A-body

02-28-2017, 04:34 PM

I also had purchased some stainless dual tips last year to incorporate an idea I had for a few years. I had some custom body work done on the quarter panels behind the rear tires. There were small cut-outs cut into the rear quarters to allow the tips to sit up into the fender. The tips are positioned to sit halfway up into the cut-out, and the lower half under the cut out. I have the tip ends flush with the body in order to remain subtle and not stick out. Here are some pics.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170124_122203-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170124_122203.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170124_122155-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170124_122155.jpg.html)

Later-A-body

02-28-2017, 04:39 PM

Hello again Sean, So without getting too personal and considering I plan on doing the exact body and paint work as yours on my 73' what do you suggest I budget for paint and body?

PM sent.

Later-A-body

02-28-2017, 05:32 PM

When I started this latest build of the Grand Am, I decided to build it around the idea of this being a "Hurst Tribute" car. I always like the Hurst cars and wanted to create that theme for the GA. I worked with Billet Badges in San Diego. I had them design a new badge using the original Grand Am script, and the Hurst logo. The seats are from a 2002 Acura CL coupe and custom brackets were built. They are embroidered with the Hurst logo and the floor mats will also incorporate the logo. I also have a Hurst Hard Drive shift handle installed. Those will be the only areas with the logo. I didn't want to overdo it. The center console is from a 2013 Challenger.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170120_164638-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170120_164638.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170120_164628-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170120_164628.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170109_143318-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170109_143318.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170109_143328-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170109_143328.jpg.html)

RMMiller

02-28-2017, 08:39 PM

1965gp

03-01-2017, 06:27 AM

This car is really coming together!

Later-A-body

03-01-2017, 11:18 AM

There is one of these here locally that I have though about several times, it's a 400 4 speed car that a local GM yard has had for a long time (not a wreck, a titled project car). Last time I looked he wanted $2,800 for it which isn't horrible but it's been a long time since I have gone and drooled over it, could be way worse than I remember it. Seeing how nice yours turned out makes me think about taking a look again, but the "look" I would get when I bring it up will probably over power that desire!

A factory 4-speed car is rare and will be worth the investment. If the car is not rusted beyond reason, I would take another look. GA Parts are hard to find depending on what you need. You just have to know what interchanges, and it helps the restoration effort.

CampbellshotrodsAZ

03-01-2017, 12:44 PM

Wow, surprised I've never seen this till now! Badass car, looking forward to seeing it done!

oestek

03-01-2017, 01:16 PM

LOVE this car, and am glad to see these later A's getting done. Great work!

Later-A-body

03-01-2017, 02:58 PM

Thank you gentlemen. I am pushing hard to finish.

1965gp

03-02-2017, 05:06 AM

Your car makes me really miss my Can Am...

Ron Sutton

03-02-2017, 07:26 AM

Love this car. :)

Later-A-body

03-02-2017, 07:42 AM

Love this car. :)

Thank you Ron. You provided excellent technical advice to me on the suspension and brakes. Looking forward to getting it back on the road, and then on the track!!

RMMiller

03-02-2017, 05:53 PM

A factory 4-speed car is rare and will be worth the investment. If the car is not rusted beyond reason, I would take another look. GA Parts are hard to find depending on what you need. You just have to know what interchanges, and it helps the restoration effort.

It does have rust but not like you see in the rust belt, mostly rear wheel lip and lower front fenders. If I had more room it would have been mine long ago!

137785

http://www.dansgarage.net/Grand-Am.html

KKLEVEN

03-05-2017, 07:08 AM

Later-A-body

03-05-2017, 08:37 PM

Awesome build! What steering components did you go with? Were they the stock Pontiac center link/ Idler, Pitman arm? Im building a 75 Monte Carlo right now and trying to get bump steer and quicker steering. Thanks!

The front suspension is all stock Moog replacement parts. The '73-'77 A-Body use all the same parts as the '70-'81 F-Body.

Later-A-body

04-27-2017, 01:38 PM

Just a quick update. I finally was able to get the Grand Am back home after 18 months in the paint shop. I will have a lot of little things to finish, but at least I can work on it at home instead of driving to the shop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/20170420_114508-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170420_114508.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/20170420_114501-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170420_114501.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/20170420_114524-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170420_114524.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/20170420_114546-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170420_114546.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/20170420_130252-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170420_130252.jpg.html)

andrewb70

04-27-2017, 01:45 PM

Damn...looking awesome!!!

Andrew

Reckn8

04-27-2017, 06:42 PM

That car is bad ass!! I remember working at the Pontiac dealership when they were delivered new and thought what the hell is that!!! Times have changed..

Later-A-body

04-27-2017, 09:35 PM

Damn...looking awesome!!!

Andrew

Thanks Andrew.

Later-A-body

04-27-2017, 09:37 PM

That car is bad ass!! I remember working at the Pontiac dealership when they were delivered new and thought what the hell is that!!! Times have changed..

Thanks. It still happens now. I get a kick out of people not knowing what it is. It's cool having a unique car.

1965gp

04-30-2017, 07:46 PM

That car looks amazing. I love the Pontiac blue LS

Later-A-body

05-01-2017, 01:10 PM

That car looks amazing. I love the Pontiac blue LS

Thank you. I have had a few days off from work, and am in between classes until the middle of May, so I have been getting things done. Bolted up the exhaust system, reorganized all the forward wiring from under the dash, mounted the ECU and hooked up all the wires to the motor. If all goes as planned, I want to re-prime the motor and fire it next week.

Later-A-body

05-12-2017, 08:36 PM

I've been making some progress on the GA. After having the exhaust system ceramic coated, I was able to get it all installed. I went with a dark gray and it looks great. I kept the stainless tips polished. I am very happy with the way the tips sit up into the quarter panels which I had the body shop do during prep work. They sit flush to the fender.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170430_112419-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170430_112419.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170430_112539-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170430_112539.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170502_173700-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170502_173700.jpg.html)

Later-A-body

05-12-2017, 08:39 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170503_181551-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170503_181551.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170503_181613-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170503_181613.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170503_181624-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170503_181624.jpg.html)

1965gp

05-12-2017, 11:47 PM

That looks great. Not sure if you need them but I found some nice interior sail panels in black left over from my Can Am- I know they are hard to find.

73GA

05-15-2017, 10:23 AM

Incredible Sean, I can't stop looking at these latest pics. The car is stunning and that's a testament to your hard work and vision. Well done indeed. Can't wait to see a video of you driving it!

Later-A-body

05-17-2017, 08:23 PM

I've been working on the GA trying to get small items finished. I mounted the Wilwood master cylinder for the manual brake set up. The factory upper hole in the brake pedal lines up perfectly to give me the required 6.25 pedal ratio. I also mounted the Jamar billet master cylinder for the clutch and all the stainless hard line for both. Not major steps but progress. I will be installing the pedal assembly this week, and hope to bleed the brakes and clutch.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170511_175127-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170511_175127.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170511_175102-1.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/Later-A-body/media/Pontiac%20Build/20170511_175102.jpg.html)

Later-A-body

05-17-2017, 08:32 PM

Incredible Sean, I can't stop looking at these latest pics. The car is stunning and that's a testament to your hard work and vision. Well done indeed. Can't wait to see a video of you driving it!

Thanks Gavin. I am looking forward to shooting a start up video at first and will be shooting some driving video after it's been through a shakedown. Cant wait to row the 6-speed through the gears and hear the unique sound of the LS7 at 7000 RPM.

Motown 454

05-18-2017, 08:20 AM

The car looks great. Nice job.

Centerforce

06-16-2017, 09:21 AM

That paint came out beautiful! GA's have always been great cars. We wish more people would build them up like this.

Later-A-body

06-17-2017, 02:26 PM

That paint came out beautiful! GA's have always been great cars. We wish more people would build them up like this.

Thank you for that.

JayinMI

06-18-2017, 04:16 PM

Later-A-body

06-20-2017, 10:27 AM

I followed a 73 Lemans part way home yesterday, and kept thinking how cool the shape was. Then I came home and there was an update on this thread...I dig the GA because it's a cool shape and you don't see a million of them.

Jay

Thanks Jay. Yeah it's pretty unique and you don't see others on the road. That's what makes the car so fun to own. Most people blow off the GM A-Body's after 1972.

mikidymac

10-27-2017, 09:58 AM

So any progress on this?

And it looks like the stupid PhotoBucket debacle got you too. Shame.

andrewb70

10-27-2017, 10:23 AM

So any progress on this?

And it looks like the stupid PhotoBucket debacle got you too. Shame.

Search around for plugins for Firefox and Chrome to fix the photo bucket problem.

Andrew

Later-A-body

10-31-2017, 09:03 AM

I haven't had time to devote to the photo issue. I tried Imgur but it didn't work. All my photos are on Google Photos, but I cant get them on the site? I can't get the PT site to accept photo's directly from my laptop either. I've made tons of progress on the car, but lack of help has got me stopped. I just need some last minute electrical to do in order to start the car, but electrical is my not my strongest talent. I decided to install different front seats from a 2012 Honda CRZ that I scored out of the junkyard for $60 on 40% off day. They are killer seats. Really love the design, and their manual which I wanted. I had the 2011 Challenger center console upholstered, which looks fantastic in the car. Looks like it was built that way. Trying to get my Hurst shifter mocked up in the correct position on the T-56. This would be a great place for a picture....thanks Photobucket, YOU SUCK!! Anyway, I'm very close to finished on the GA and want to get the last minute stuff done already so I can get the GA back on the road. Once I get the photo thing fixed, I have a lot of posting to do.

andrewb70

10-31-2017, 10:46 AM

Larry is working on a good photo sharing solution.

Andrew

Hoffman2099

01-11-2018, 01:54 AM

Any interior shots with the console installed?

Later-A-body

01-14-2018, 04:40 PM

Any interior shots with the console installed?

I have lots of photos and updates to share, but I have had no luck posting anything since Photobucket stopped hosting. I am hoping to figure something out. I have tried various sites without success. The car is running and pretty much complete. Thanks for the inquiry.

Motoracer838

01-15-2018, 06:55 AM

I've been using Flickr for photo's since the photosuckit disaster, (wonder how that new business model is working for them???) It took me a minute to figure it out for sharing, there's a curved arrow on the bottom of the page. Click it and it gives you options on size then copy and paste.

Love your G-A, I had an '76 Elco (back in the '80's) that I put G-A sway bars and red Koni's on, for as simple as the mods were, the car worked great, replaced it with a G body Elco, bad move, even with the Koni's on it, it was never the car the '76 was.

Joe

Later-A-body

01-16-2018, 02:55 PM

147969
Seeing if this works using Flikr.

Later-A-body

01-16-2018, 03:00 PM

Holy sh#t, it worked. Finally.

Later-A-body

01-16-2018, 03:17 PM

147972147971147970
I haven't been posting for a while but have been busy on the GA. I have gotten the car running. It runs perfect. I will go into that more later. In the meantime, I have made some changes. Starting with the interior I found some really nice seats in the junkyard. I pulled them out of a 2011 Honda CR-Z. Since I went on 50% off day, they were around 60 bucks. Right now I'm in the process of fabricating the brackets to make them fit. I will have them reupholstered to look just like the seats I had planned to put in the car. What I like about these is that they are not power seats but have lots of adjustment.

Motown 454

01-16-2018, 07:18 PM

Nice seats and they look comfortable too.

Later-A-body

01-16-2018, 10:30 PM

Any interior shots with the console installed?
The pics in the previous post are all I have of the console in place. It only required a small amount of modifications to fit. I had it upholstered to match the interior. It looks great in the car and I get all the benefits I wanted, cupholders, cell phone slot and 12 volt port. I will take more interior shots when I finish the interior.

Later-A-body

01-16-2018, 10:38 PM

csouth

01-17-2018, 07:38 AM

Very nice! Those wheels look awesome and the seats fit the lines of that car perfectly....

nekkidhillbilly

01-17-2018, 05:40 PM

nice car

Later-A-body

01-27-2018, 07:50 PM

I've been trying to incorporate two gauges into the interior and came up with the idea of mounting them on the center console sort of like the 60's cars had. It was really important for me to have a fuel pressure gauge and an air fuel ratio gauge in this car. So I came up with the idea of mounting them on the center console and have to make a bracket that allows me to mount them. The Challenger console has a small little area in the front where I had enough room to make a bracket. The gauges are 52mm Prosport Halo series. Fully programmable with warning alarms.

Later-A-body

02-05-2018, 11:09 AM

When I attended SEMA IN 2016 I saw a number of vendors selling LED headlights. I liked the Vision X versions the most. I did a lot of research on LED's. I found a great website that test's a lot of these lights at headlightrevelution.com. I was not able to afford them, but just found them for a much lower price last week and decided to buy them. The Vision X brand has a very compact rear case which required no modification to the headlight bucket. The halo is optional so you can wire it or not which I like. They are DOT legal, and made in Washington state. Some of these LED lights don't really look correct on old cars but I really do like the way these look. I bought these purely for function at night not for the looks.
148839148840148841148842

Later-A-body

02-05-2018, 11:17 AM

I was hoping to get the car moving this weekend and out of the garage. The last thing required was to bleed the clutch. We went ahead and started, but I found a leak in the line even though everything is brand new. It's leaking at the port where the pressure safety switch is that only allows the car to start with the clutch engaged. I ordered replacement line fittings in steel instead of aluminum. I hope to get it fixed and moving this weekend.

Later-A-body

02-11-2018, 05:58 PM

After three years of work, I was finally able to get the Grand Am out of the garage. Clutch works well, brakes are good. Alignment is way off but that's expected. Seats are at the upholstery shop. Big day for me!!
149159149157149161149162

68Formula

02-11-2018, 06:52 PM

149161

Holy crap! That is the sickest Colonnade I've ever seen! Wow.

Later-A-body

02-11-2018, 07:09 PM

Holy crap! That is the sickest Colonnade I've ever seen! Wow.

Thank you for the comment. It is definitely not a '69 Camaro.

csouth

02-11-2018, 07:53 PM

That looks good! Must be a great feeling....

ddavisart

02-11-2018, 08:28 PM

Such a cool build :twothumbs

cornfedbill

02-12-2018, 08:42 AM

I really like this build. i remember when the Grand Ams came out. I have always liked their styling. This build will stand out in the crowd.

tommycomfort

02-12-2018, 11:46 AM

Later-A-body

02-12-2018, 01:48 PM

Love it! I saw a 76/77 442 at a local tire shop last week and all I could think was how cool your Big Body GM car was. I called my wife and told her if a for sale sign popped in the window we were buying it. Luckily that didn't happen!

Thanks Tom. The mid year A-Bodies have great styling. Some more than others. I am a big fan of the '76-'77 442's as well. I almost bought a '76 442 with a the Olds 260 V8 and a factory 5-speed. Super rare. Hope your Chevelle is coming along.

qnitro

02-12-2018, 08:36 PM

This has to be one of my favorite builds...

qnitro

02-12-2018, 08:47 PM

How do you like these? Want to get some nice ones, how's the quality?

When I attended SEMA IN 2016 I saw a number of vendors selling LED headlights. I liked the Vision X versions the most. I did a lot of research on LED's. I found a great website that test's a lot of these lights at headlightrevelution.com. I was not able to afford them, but just found them for a much lower price last week and decided to buy them. The Vision X brand has a very compact rear case which required no modification to the headlight bucket. The halo is optional so you can wire it or not which I like. They are DOT legal, and made in Washington state. Some of these LED lights don't really look correct on old cars but I really do like the way these look. I bought these purely for function at night not for the looks.
148839148840148841148842

Later-A-body

02-12-2018, 09:46 PM

I won't have a chance to light these up on the road right now since I'm still working on the small details on the build, but I'm real happy with the way they actually look installed on the car. I wasn't really sure if I was going to like them but these LED's look pretty sweet and required zero fabrication. I know they will work fantastic as far as the lighting aspect which was the primary reason to buy these.

ryeguy2006a

02-13-2018, 05:22 AM

Later-A-body

02-14-2018, 12:04 AM

Just read through the whole build and it was heartbreaking to read about your accident. I think that many people would have thrown in the towel and started a new project, but so glad to see that you kept it and built it even nicer than before! Congrats on the car moving under it's own power, definitely a huge accomplishment.

I appreciate that very much. I was very disappointed when I had to take it off the road, but I love this car too much and never thought about giving up. I want everyone to see this car and how different it is from most everything normally seen in our hobby.

Later-A-body

04-23-2018, 09:10 PM

So after three years I was able to make it to a car show. I was lucky enough to be asked to be in the Mcleod clutch booth since I have their dual disc set up and hydraulic t/o bearing.
151861151862151863151864

Later-A-body

04-23-2018, 09:12 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN4F3haJkMQ

Later-A-body

04-23-2018, 09:34 PM

I only had 10 miles on the car when I drove to the show. It ran very well. No weird noises or rattles. The dual disc clutch is great. The Magnum T-56 is super smooth. So much better than the TKO 600 I had in it. So I have made an appointment at Westech Automotive to get the car dyno tuned on April 30th. Westech told me that the Walbro 255 liter pump I have will not feed the LS7, so I ordered a new Walbro 485 liter and am installing it this week. I am hoping to see somewhere in the range of 500 rwhp. No matter what the number, the car is insanely fast. I have been babying it since it isn't officially tuned, but briefly jumped on it and it......so much power!! The nice part is it drives so easy. No drama. Very smooth and really quiet especially in 5th and 6th gear. I will report back next week with dyno figures and video as well. One bummer is that I am registered for LS Fest West, but with less than 100 miles on the car, I am not willing to drive it 500 miles across the desert and possibly run into issues in the middle of nowhere.

ryeguy2006a

04-24-2018, 03:35 AM

Congrats! I like the hood tach with the revised redline!

77tony

04-24-2018, 08:40 AM

I worked for Barberino Pontiac (now Barberino Nissan) as a "lot boy" back in the early 70's. First time I laid eyes on one of these Grand Am's thought...what a cool looking car. You really knocked it out of the park with this build :bananna2: T

cornfedbill

04-25-2018, 05:16 AM

Wow. Great build. I like how you enhanced the beauty of a very rare and cool car. It still looks true to its original form, but much improved.

Excellent work!

Later-A-body

04-26-2018, 07:23 PM

Well after speaking with Westech Performance a few weeks ago to schedule an appointment for a chassis dyno session, I was informed that the Walbro 255 liter pump I had in the tank would not be adequate to feed the LS7. I ordered a new Walbro 485 liter pump. The customer service at Walbro was excellent. There was some modification required to the cage which they informed me of, but minimal. After installing the pump I turned the key and I thought it had no power. It's so quiet you can't hear it. Started it up and drove it a few miles, runs great. So now I will be off to Westech on Monday morning for the dyno session. Fingers crossed no issues.151989

Later-A-body

05-01-2018, 02:22 PM

I had a dyno day at Westech Performance to tune the GA and get some numbers on power. Car ran fantastic. The final numbers were 482 RWHP@6300 and 484 RWTQ @4600. I am very happy with the numbers. The torque curve is huge and flat. The technician said to figure a factor of 20% give or take for flywheel power. That equates to around 600 hp/tq. As far as the way it runs, it spins the tires in 3rd gear!!Put it in 6th gear and just climbs the hills on the freeway. Car is very easy to drive. I could have went for a bigger cam profile and got the hero HP numbers, but that would ruin the idea behind fitting catalytic converters on the car, and building huge torque to match the feeling I had with the Pontiac 455. The car was fast with the 455, but the LS7 pulls so hard from down low to 6500 it's amazing. I would like to take it to the track and see what it runs. I took the car to the scales right after the dyno session and weighed it. It weighs 3950. So I would like to see the car hit the 11's, but traction will be the deciding factor. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RzyMP0RraY

Later-A-body

05-01-2018, 02:31 PM

My buddy took this picture when I was waiting to weigh the GA. He photo-shopped it to B&W, and I think it came out AWESOME!! I am going to turn this into a big poster size picture and hang it on my garage wall. Car weighs 3950.
152091

andrewb70

05-01-2018, 03:04 PM

Car looks amazing! I don't think you will get into the 11's but mid 12s should be pretty easy.

Andrew

1965gp

05-03-2018, 06:45 PM

That pic is awesome

Later-A-body

07-14-2021, 03:40 PM

I thought since I haven't posted here in a while I would add some pictures. I shut down the GA during Covid, but have had the chance to attend a few events this spring and summer. I was fortunate to receive a few trophies as well. Have more events planned including Goodguys Del Mar this fall to autocross. 190374190375190376

Later-A-body

07-14-2021, 03:48 PM

This was an interview I did at Cars and Coffee San Clemente in May 2021.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2986498491618307&id=100007745552047190378

68Formula

07-14-2021, 04:38 PM

That thing looks amazing.

PDC

07-15-2021, 03:02 AM

Absolutely, absolutely stunning. SO cool to do this type build with such a deserving and too often overlooked platform. I’m knocked out.

968ls1

07-15-2021, 11:53 AM

Always loved this build, unique and very well done.

Later-A-body

07-15-2021, 02:48 PM

I did make two changes to the motor during the pandemic. I decided to replace the factory LS7 intake with an MSD Airforce intake. I had it mildly ported and as with the factory one, painted it the proper Pontiac metallic blue. Also installed some nice Holley gloss black fuel rails. The other change was replacing the Hedman headers. They were hanging down too low and ground clearance was an issue. I brought the car to Chad's Custom Headers and he built a nice set of custom 1 7/8" headers with a ton of ground clearance, and the 3" cats are still in place.The combination feels more powerful than before, and I will plan to re-tune/dyno the car this fall.190417

70Uglybird

07-15-2021, 03:03 PM

Wow I was just wondering what happened to this car!

Your old shortblock got a new cam, sdperformance kre heads and terminator FI. Getting ready to put back in next month!

Later-A-body

09-27-2021, 09:41 PM

Grand Am at Quarantine Cruise. 192282192283192284192285192286

andrewb70

09-28-2021, 04:10 AM

Such a cool car. Definitely one of my favorite builds ever.

qnitro

09-28-2021, 06:51 AM

What a great car.. nice seeing the non Camaro cars..

Later-A-body

09-28-2021, 06:38 PM

Such a cool car. Definitely one of my favorite builds ever.

Thanks Andrew

andrewb70

10-23-2021, 12:27 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnDQa1l7eGw

Awesome!

Andrew

thumper877

10-23-2021, 03:24 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qndqa1l7egw

awesome!

Andrewx 2

68Formula

10-24-2021, 05:17 AM

Sounds as awesome as it looks! The color really brings out the sculptured body design by Pontiac. This car was so underrated for it's era. I'm glad there's such a fine example out there to show it's potential, and a dedicated caretaker to boot.

Tsaints1115

10-24-2021, 06:58 AM

Awesome car.

aeroocoupe

10-24-2021, 10:28 AM

Amazing build.

Later-A-body

10-25-2021, 12:18 PM

Hey guys thanks for the comments and to Andrew for posting it. You beat me to it. I'm just glad to have this thing actually out on the road and driving instead of sitting in the garage in pieces.

Later-A-body

11-01-2021, 09:51 PM

bkbkbk

11-01-2021, 10:12 PM

Beautiful car! Saw it on Autotopiala last week and was excited to see the build here on the forum.

ryeguy2006a

11-02-2021, 07:08 AM

Your car keeps popping up on my feed too! Love this car.

rchaskin

11-02-2021, 07:47 AM

Awesome looking car!!!

Later-A-body

02-01-2022, 04:42 PM

This past weekend I showed the GA at the Grand National Roadster Show at the Pomona Fairplex. I won my class. Great show with amazing builds.196567196568

csouth

02-01-2022, 06:26 PM

I don't think I have seen another A Body this generation that even comes close.....

Later-A-body

02-01-2022, 06:48 PM

Thank you. [emoji106][emoji106]

andrewb70

02-01-2022, 07:12 PM

Nicely done and we'll deserved!

Andrew

Hemi8

02-05-2022, 05:51 PM

Am I seeing that right, all that room under the hood and you went with manual brakes??

Later-A-body

02-05-2022, 06:29 PM

Am I seeing that right, all that room under the hood and you went with manual brakes??

Yes I prefer manual brakes for various reasons.

- - - Updated - - -

Nicely done and we'll deserved!

Andrew

Thank you Andrew.

Motown 454

02-05-2022, 08:20 PM

Congratulations! Glad to see you’ve got some recognition for such a nice car. Well done.

Motobrewmaster

02-11-2022, 10:33 AM

Very cool Poncho! Really like the way you put the car together. Nice work!

syborg tt

02-26-2022, 06:21 AM

I just spent the last hour reading this thread. Such an awesome build and I was heartbroken when you posted about the accident.

Now I’m watching the videos.

syborg tt

02-26-2022, 06:35 AM

Holy **** I remember watching the AutotopiaLA video when it came out.

The car sounds sick !!!

C Presley

02-26-2022, 10:21 AM

Dude, really like what you've done with the car! Nice touches, a mix of the old and new, a little retro as well! Tastefully done. Very nice!

syborg tt

02-28-2022, 10:44 AM

andrewb70

02-28-2022, 08:03 PM

Very cool write-up!

Andrew

ProTouring442

03-01-2022, 06:13 PM

Cool story!

Later-A-body

03-23-2022, 07:58 PM

Thanks. It does have a unique tone to it.

- - - Updated - - -

Dude, really like what you've done with the car! Nice touches, a mix of the old and new, a little retro as well! Tastefully done. Very nice!

Thanks for that. I tried to keep the improvements inline with style of the car, and not go too modern.

Later-A-body

03-23-2022, 08:17 PM

Not Sure if you saw this but Hot Rod just did a great write up on you and your car.

Hot Rod Car Profiles

The 1973 Hurst Pontiac Grand Am That Never Was

Pontiac might be dead but its fans still know how to build excitement.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/1973-pontiac-grand-am-hurst-restomod

197478

Thanks for posting it. I was very fortunate to be at the car when Johnny Huckins from Hot Rod showed up. We got to talking and it all wound up as an opportunity to get the car published. Johnny was fantastic to work with. The photo shoot was in the desert north of Palm Springs. I had to do at least forty 50mph passes for him to get the action shot. Of course it was the hottest day of the year so far in early February, about 93 degrees. I had to move the car in various positions to get the lighting he wanted. Johnny is a complete professional and I was lucky to work with him. He even invited me to his place afterward for a cold beer. The whole thing too about 5 hours. The print version is scheduled to come out in the June issue which hits the news stand in April. So now that the magazine feature is checked off the bucket list, I need something else to aspire to....SEMA Show!!198301198302

syborg tt

03-24-2022, 06:27 AM

Thanks for posting it. I was very fortunate to be at the car when Johnny Huckins from Hot Rod showed up. We got to talking and it all wound up as an opportunity to get the car published. Johnny was fantastic to work with. The photo shoot was in the desert north of Palm Springs. I had to do at least forty 50mph passes for him to get the action shot. Of course it was the hottest day of the year so far in early February, about 93 degrees. I had to move the car in various positions to get the lighting he wanted. Johnny is a complete professional and I was lucky to work with him. He even invited me to his place afterward for a cold beer. The whole thing too about 5 hours. The print version is scheduled to come out in the June issue which hits the news stand in April. So now that the magazine feature is checked off the bucket list, I need something else to aspire to....SEMA Show!!

Sema Show it is !!!!

I would love to see the car in person.