Newbie, firebird trans am

[72transam]

Hello, I've heard so many great things about this forum I had to join.
I have a 71 firebird (trans am clone - but not really) hybrid thing. I just say that because I started out wanting a "perfect" clone, then decided I would be a bit more experimental. Anyhow, would love advice on an economical (and easy) way to lower the front about 2 inches. Thanks! By the way, my handle 72transam was a typo.


Year:1972
Make:PONTIAC
Model:TRANS AM

Chassis:
Front Suspension:Stock springs
Rear Suspension:Stockish springs
Rear Axle:3:08
Brakes:REAR DISK 1980 Trans AM
Wheels & Tires: 18" X 9 "FRNT & REAR, 255/40 REAR, 245/40 FRNT
Misc:Competition Engineering Slide-A-Link Traction Bars

Paint & Body
Color:WHITE, CLEAR/BASE
Graphics:PHOENIX GRAPHICS

Interior
Seats:Racing style
Upholstery:bit and pieces from here and there
Carpet:STOCK
Dash:TA style
Shifter:Hurst His and Hers
Stereo System:Junk, can't hear it anyhow with the flowmaster 40s

Engine & Transmission
Type:455, 309HP, dynoed at wheels about 400FTLBS
Camshaft:Can't remember.51?
Cylinder Heads:70 GTO
Induction:PERFORMER RPM, PORT MATCHED
Exhaust 1 5/8 headers, Flowmaster 40s
Transmission: 2004R (Coming this week)
Cooling:2 ELECTRIC FANS, electric water pump

[Jeremy]

We need some pics!!!

[72transam]

Sorry, forgot. These are all the ones I have right now.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I would suggest Hotchkis Springs. I would use Camaro Small Chevy since your car is no A/C and you want 2" not 1 1/2". We are a hotchkis dealer. We can set you up.

[72transam]

Thanks Frank, may take you up on that. I looked at your site. Wow. Nice work.

What do you think about coil overs? Does anyone other than QA1 make them? From browsing their site I see that GME kits say upt to 3 inches (and their about $100 less).

[ProdigyCustoms]

The GME1450-3 will give almost a 3" drop.

[72transam]

Frank, sent you an email. Thanks.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site.

[NOT A TA]

I used a complete Hotchkis setup in my car(originally a 70 Esprit with 50,000 miles) and it lowered it almost 3 3/4 inches all around once everything settled in. Also used Global west Del alum bushings in the upper and lower control arms, offset upper control arm shafts, Energy suspension body mounts, bolt in subframe connectors, and Bilsteins. I use the car on road courses, dragstrips, and high speed track events as well as street use. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions that might help you decide what to do with your car.

[Karch]

Just a couple of notes, if I may. Actually, comments is a better word.

My buddy recently got a 2004R from a very, very well respected builder and he had some problems.

After much frustration, he took it out and is going to a 5 speed, which was his dream anyways.

But, what he found out is that the thrust bearing on his engine took a severe beating...in about 1K miles. The guy who assembled his engine does CART engines for a living, so it was probably fine on initial build.

The crank was damaged beyond repair (cast Pontiac 455 crank) due to the severe gouges. The only thing we can come up with was excessive line pressure, perhaps, due to the very hard shifting transmission.

Other comment is that you would probably see an improvement if you put in larger headers than 1-5/8".

I apologize for offering un-solicited 'advise', but you have a very nice car and wanted to point these out to you.

[73ta]

Welcome brother Pontiac guy. Where did you get your air cleaner assembly? Is that one of Larry's?

[Zee]

73, the air cleaner is not one of Larry's. He's got a great story behind it though.

72, good to see you made it over here. I'm Formula8 over on TAC and PY.