1978 Custom G-Machine Trans Am. IT'S FINALLY DONE!!

[Takid455]

More T&T sessions , finding issues and working out bugs.

EFI

Doing better and closer to a comfortable tune. short is all things are working, changed out injectors and pod. Will be some time before a tune is concrete. Added an AFR gauge and it was def worth the investment.

discussion
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthre...ley+projection

Currently working on cooling issue. Adjusted clearance of impeller and divider plate, changing high flow Mr gasket t stat w/ reg 180 stat as I have had issue with them in the past. Opening up intake cooling passage to match the port in the head. Fan wiring is adequate. tested wiring along with direct from stand alone battery and there was no difference. Will have update tomorrow.

Other than that, car runs OK and handles good. Planning on a 200 mile trip Friday. Forging through the next few days to work out the remaining bugs and issues.

[Takid455]

Over due update:
Made the trip w/o issues. 400+ miles and seemed to get around 15 mpg on initial tune. Even in traffic on 95 deg humid day, the temp was solid at 180.

EFI was upgraded to newer injectors which work well. Love the instant start if a FI motor. No need to even touch the pedal. Finding out the trans does not have a 0.50 6th but a 0.63. Good for nice 25% gear splits but bad for fuel econ. It will actually be a better fit for the planned 3.55 Ford 9" rear.

Ran new ground strap from battery to block for added measure. hoping this would fix the tack sticking issue and blown coils. Coil seems to be OK, but the tack still sticks. Its an Autometer unit so it will be going back to them when the weather breaks for fixing.

Some minor things to address, but just drive and dial in suspension for now and actually enjoy the car.

At NY event








met this guy while up there cruising around. T/A's future stable mate (one day)

[srh3trinity]

That color pops. It almost looks like the lady with one shoe is lining you two up for a drag race.

[Takid455]

10/15/12
After 7 years of on & off building this car, I am call it done for now. All systems are working and have not had any notable issues in the last 1800 miles or so. Drove the car to OH totaling 1400 miles for that trip. No issues and it ran great. Observed Hwy mileage was 17-19 MPG. Used the car for some local trills since that trip and I have to say I need to get used to this machine. Much different than your average 2nd gen T/A. Def demands respect. Perhaps I can find a road course where I can test some limits and tune the suspension. Overall, I enjoy the car and like the final product. T56 is awesome. Those in debate should just pucker up and do it. 2800 rpm in 6th = 100mph. Car is stable at 140 too :0 . Handling is compared to a modified modern sports car. Where the average 2nd gen nears limits in turns this thing feels effortless. EFI is the cat’s a$$. Let it sit for a month, turn the key and it fires right up.
Think the only thing I would change would not paint the underside. It is nice, but rarely to people look at it being the low stance of the car and it’s a PITA to keep clean. Would also consider using an aftermarket A/C system rather than utilize the bulky stock system to clean up the engine bay.
As planned, this year and part of next are beauty queen years attending shows. However, the emphasis on shows is dwindling and focus on having fun is picking up. I have observed these typs of builds for most local shows are over the top for the average show gower who judges cars by either chalk mark correctness or big giant blower from engine/ bling. While those that know are ‘wowed’, most don’t understand the engineering and planning to modify a car and integrate those systems so it ‘appears’ stock.
Making a list of things for next season which will include higher rate front springs (700-750#), various hose / tube clamps to secure engine bay plumbing neater, brake duct cooling intakes, & dial-in suspension. Also send tack back to autometer so it doesn’t stick at 3k rpm and decide to work normally at random. Did a search and it seems to be common.
Did a photo shoot this weekend, will attempt some more in the next couple weeks when the fall foliage peaks. Called some local photo people but they expressed little interest thus I I said screw it took some myself. Basic point & shoot Cannon.
Chillin’ on nice back road (one my testing roads). Too bad dude in front was asleep at the wheel.




Loc 1




Loc 2











Pre-requisite wheel shots

[Takid455]

Future stable mate shot form a while back.

[Chadman27]

That is one wicked gold, car looks great!

[Takid455]

Thanks!! Really had atough time finding a nice, not gaudy gold. Think this was a good choice.

Some more final build shots.
Engine






Some underside shoots during the build. Looks about the same today with more parts added.




Dash gauges


Trunk


Sub yet to be installed and wiring finished.



With 17” spare to clear brakes. 04-06 GTO/ Manaro

[LeighP]

I checked back through the posts, but I didn't really see detail on how you built that Watts link arrangement. Any detailed pics available?
Thanks.

[wellis77]

One of my favorite second gens. Great job!

[Takid455]

Didnt do much explaining the design of the Watts as it is it more experimental to create a low roll center. There are other ways that would work as well. Being that the 10 bolt is the weak link in this driveline, I wasnt too concerned about stressing the snout of the case.

Pretty simple once the math was done, made/ welded pivot to bottom front of diff. Made a bell crank and attached 2 links. RH side link attached to rear / end of SFC where the LH link attaches to 3/8" bracket descending from the frame rail to keep the links parallel.

Upon reviewing the links at current ride height, I will lower the links' one hole further downward so they remain parallel to the horizon.

[VCT-TA]

Great TA! Thanks for sharing and all of the good photos!

Can you share any additional information about the following:
* The watts link, how to and photos?
* Treating the cylinder heads with Alumiprep33 and Alodine 1001; any change in color and how is that working for you?
* What are the tire and wheel specs?

Thanks again.
Dan

[formula]

Really ecstatic for you man, years of hard work paid off marvelously. Awesome stuff.

[Trans]

what did you end up doing with the black trans am?

[Takid455]

Can you share any additional information about the following:
* The watts link, how to and photos?
Just what's posted. Being experimental, I am reluctant to release info until it is proven. Really not much different than a typ Watt's rotated to the underside. Should be some shots in the thread.

* Treating the cylinder heads with Alumiprep33 and Alodine 1001; any change in color and how is that working for you?
Working very well so far. No noticeable/ mentionable color change.

* What are the tire and wheel specs?
Toyo Tr1, Forgeline WC3
F
tires 255/40/18 on 18x9 5" or 5.5" BS

R
285/35/18 on 18x9.5, 5.625" BS

Wes - you beat me to the road first. Been a long build. What a thrill it is to finally be on the road. Hope all is well with you and your ride. Maybe one we will cruise.

Trans - sold it a few years ago. Have 2 more black T/A's to sell. PM for details

[LeighP]

Thanks for the info, I've seen a similar horizontal Watts link on the back end of hardcore off-road Jeeps...mounted above the centre....was just interested in your adaptation.
I'd like to do something as a project later to positively locate the axle so the springs are not having to double in that job.

[Trans]

Future stable mate shot form a while back.

I would rather drive the trans am everyday over that stupid import hahha

[sr73bu]

Absolutely Beautiful! Hopefully i'll run into you cruising around NJ or at an event soon!

-Sean

[yellow1098Greg]

Love the build and the car .my 77 is nice but one day I want it like this..... Just wondering if you had some specs on the motor, I went through the thread a few times and didn't see any hp numbers or if it was a stock rebuild or stroked or what? Looks great and very inspirational

[Martin71RS]

it's a beauty!!

[Motown 454]

Awesome job! the car looks great.