Another Newb with a Trans Am

[79TA01]

Hey guys I've been lurking for a while now. And finally decided to Post up. This project has been hanging for about 6 months now due to my brother passing away in a car accident back in September, and me just not having the time or the will to work on it. But I may finally be getting back to it soon so here's some quick info on my project.

1979 Pontiac Trans Am
Exterior: Black
Interior: Black

Engine
-Pontiac 461c.i. Stoker (Awaiting a new forged crank...Finally!)
--8.7:1 Comp ratio built for boost.
--Was originally going to be Front mounted custom built Twin Turbo system but recently had the bright idea to experiment with rear mounted turbo system due to space limitations, need for A/C and for a cleaner look up front. Plus I no longer have the stock Gas tank and already have a cut up trunk w/Fuel Cell, so I have massive room out back. Currently working on the mounting and a self contained oil system for the turbos. Turbos are twin 60-1s but may change due to the new rear mount setup.

Transmission
-4L80E w/ PCS Controller & TM Shrifter
-Stock 4th gen Auto Shifter
(Have yet to attempt to install any of it :/)

Chassis & Suspension
-Hotchkis TVS System
-Polyurethane Bushings all around (Soon to be swapped for GW Del-A-Lum all around)
-Global West Upper Control Arms/Shafts with Stock Lower Arms
-Strange Engineering Ford 9"
-Stock WS6 Steering Box etc.
-Have some Cal-tracs also but unsure on whether I will install them or not.
-Will be installing Subframe connectors/Solid bushings and 10 point roll cage before I put it on the road.

Brakes & Wheels
-Currently using '81 4WD WS6 Booster & MC setup (Will be Switching to a Hydroboost system soon)
-Front: C5 Brake Conversion
-Rear: LS1 F-Body Rear Disc Conversion (Still working on setting up the parking brake to work with E-Brake handle from 4th Gen F-Body)
-Wheels are currently stock 17x9 WS6 wheels which I had as spares for my '01. Tires are 275/40/17 all around.

Interior
-Corbeau CR1 Seats
-Rear seats stock or removed (haven't decided yet)
-Full Autometer Phantom Gauges w/Autometer gauge alert system linked to buzzers and warning lights.
-4th Gen T/A Center console w/E-Brake handle
-Also working on building my own custom door panels with 4th Gen T/A door handles and controls to work with my new power door locks and windows.

Will try to get some pics up but my sister somehow managed to break my newly purchased $450 Digital camera last time I let her borrow it. Hopefully I can send it back under warranty and get it fixed since I have no idea what the hell she did to it. I should have some older pics on one of my old comps either way.

[O'Neall]

First off, my condolences on the loss of your brother. That's a tough one.

Secondly, WOW, that's quite a car you have there. As you ca probably tell I'm a sucker for a 2nd Gen T/A! Had a few 79s myself, though none like yours!!!

Anyway, welcome... post up some pics when you get a chance!!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site, Marshall. I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother; my deepest condolences.

That sounds like a very cool T/A project you've got.

[1FstChevy]

Sorry to hear about your family member, I'm sure he would be proud of such a hardcore TA tho! Gotta love those 2nd Gen F-bodies!

[Bandit]

Marshall, sorry to hear about your brother too. I can't imagine losing someone that close.
Your TA sounds like a monster--can't wait to see the pics! Pretty funny about your sister breaking the camera but hopefully you don't have to pay for it!

[79TA01]

Thanks for the condolences guys.

Been pretty tough working on it since this T/A was actually a gift from my bro. He bought it in Highschool and drove it till he graduated, then he gave it to me. I drove it all through highschool and then, literally, the day after graduation I parked it and began to tear the entire thing down to "restore" it. But I guess it has gone a totally new direction since then. And I actually decided to go the turbo route after we began working on turbocharging his '97 Mustang GT. Unfortunately we never got to finish his car either, so I'm also working on getting that done this year.

Will definitely try and get some pics up soon but I guess i'll have to wait and buy a new camera since my warranty won't cover my sister dropping it

[ProdigyCustoms]

Thanks for the condolences guys.

Been pretty tough working on it since this T/A was actually a gift from my bro. He bought it in Highschool and drove it till he graduated, then he gave it to me. I drove it all through highschool and then, literally, the day after graduation I parked it and began to tear the entire thing down to "restore" it. But I guess it has gone a totally new direction since then. And I actually decided to go the turbo route after we began working on turbocharging his '97 Mustang GT. Unfortunately we never got to finish his car either, so I'm also working on getting that done this year.

Will definitely try and get some pics up soon but I guess i'll have to wait and buy a new camera since my warranty won't cover my sister dropping it

Wow, sounds like you need to make this real nice and keep it forever. I am sure it is hard, but probably what brother would have wanted. Good luck man