71-01 Firebird - Modified subframe

[71FirebirdLS1]

The subframe got all cut up this past week to fit the LS1. I attached a few pictures here, but more are on the website. To back part of the frame was cut to clear the oil pan and the sides of the frame to clear the headers. We wanted the engine to sit further back, but everything just fell into place better moving the engine forward (i.e. '01 heater core). The engine mounts will be made from tubing welded up from the subframe. There's about 4-5 inches from the engine to the firewall.

[OldSchoolFormula]

I'm looking to do the same by using the '01 core..but wow, looks like you had to cut a LOT of that subframe out. Not worried about it structurally? Any more pics of installing the '01 HVAC stuff?

[71FirebirdLS1]

We're not really worried about the structure, that subframe is pretty bulky... but it will still be welded back up with square tubing. I have several pictures installing the heater core on the website in the signature. Part of the cowl was cut out and redone to get it to fit and draw in enough air.

[F70t/a]

Looks good bro!!!

[Steve Chryssos]

You guys are really making great progress. And the craftsmanship looks first rate. Thanks for putting our paddle shifter on your project. We really appreciate the business. Looks like our new universal model fits just fine on 4th gen steering columns. :

Be sure to call me for some tuning tricks when you are ready.

[OldSchoolFormula]

Whoooooa, didn't even notice the '01 column! More details! Thatd be nice to use to get the cruise control working and get a nice tlt column out of the deal as well. I've got a complete donor car out in the agare still as well, complete with the entire harness. Ive been thinking about keeping the '73 dash but using the '01 cluster in it too. Can you take some more pictures of what had to do done to the cowl area to get the '01 suitcase/box to work?

[71FirebirdLS1]

thanks, steve. it might be a month or two when i ask help for some tuning tricks.

ian, the box is already final installed. i've taken a lot of pictures, so i'll look through them to find more detailed pics that aren't on the site, or maybe better resolution ones.

[OldSchoolFormula]

Awesome. I'm also kind of interested on how your going to attach the arm rest/pod part of the '01 door panels to the blank door panel since they aren't flat and the '01 style of connecting them was just to melt/smoosh the ends to the door panel. I set the '01 panels up into the car today and really kind of dig the look of the '01 panels with the stock dash. How did you connect the '01 column to the factory steering box?

It was kind of cool finding your site, I've been wanting to do basically the same thing for years now and it looks like your beating me. And your doing it a little more "extreme" with the suspension setup and the like. The RSR (By Tom? he hasnt posted in a while..) was very close, but it was a Camaro.

[71FirebirdLS1]

Awesome. I'm also kind of interested on how your going to attach the arm rest/pod part of the '01 door panels to the blank door panel since they aren't flat and the '01 style of connecting them was just to melt/smoosh the ends to the door panel. I set the '01 panels up into the car today and really kind of dig the look of the '01 panels with the stock dash. How did you connect the '01 column to the factory steering box?

It was kind of cool finding your site, I've been wanting to do basically the same thing for years now and it looks like your beating me. And your doing it a little more "extreme" with the suspension setup and the like. The RSR (By Tom? he hasnt posted in a while..) was very close, but it was a Camaro.

Here's the pictures that I have for the cowl and heater core install. For the armrest and pod below it... the armrest sits nice and flush, but the pod below has two areas that dont. both were made flush by using closed-cell foam. The pod will be covered in vinyl so that nobody will be able to tell. We're not sure how the column will attach yet. Haven't check it out. The steering box is the new box from flaming river that is suppose to be the best... the price certainly makes it seem like it was... haha. i think the stock pitman arm should fit OK.