1970 Firebird Twin Turbo Build

[tcronkright]

Doug....I dont know about the 4L85. Maybe one of the experts can chime in. I DO know that the 4L80 can be built into this horsepower range, whereas that TKO.......

LeighP.....I think thats the same guy I spoke with about the VBP front suspension, and he's here on the PT forum too. His name is Jeremy, and I spoke with him. For the money it seems to be an excellent setup. Other option being a complete aftermarket front subframe, and I think they start around $4000.

For suspension, we installed the Detroit Speed tubular control arms, QA1 dual adjustable coil-over shocks and CPP drop spindles. For brakes we are using the Wilwood hubs with 14" vented and slotted rotors with six-piston calipers. We are also using Detroit Speed's performance steering gear box. Should be pretty tight up front with plenty of braking power.

[aronhk_md]

lol.....I understand about the manual trans desire...was never really a huge fan of automatics myself. Especially considering my eventual need to do some road racing. BUT.....I also know my own propensity for breaking things...lol. If they say it will break at 1000 hp, with me it'll break at 900.

Still, considering turbos in general arent as hard on hardware as a normally aspirated or nitrous motor in the same HP range, you should probably be ok.

I love the body refinements too. If you did make a kit I'd be in line for one....at least the front and sides. I'm not a huge fan of that type tunnel treatment on the rear as I feel it was overdone a few years ago.

Your car is beautiful.

[Sheriff]

What a sick build!!!!! Cant wait to see the final product.

[68firebird]

love it, this is gonna be a sick firebird!!!

[tcronkright]

We finalized our sponsor list this week that helped take this build to the level of quality and performance that we are finishing (see below).

I spent some time at Forgiato in Sun Valley, CA today and they gave me a factor tour. Unbelieveable - every wheel is machined on site from billet blanks. They hand sand, balance, paint, assemble and finish each wheel. I was blown away by the attention to detail and the amount of craftsmanship that goes into building each wheel. They will be making my set next week and I cannot wait to get them.

For anyone attending the SEMA show this Nov. 2-5, stop by the Forgiato booth #47009 and see the car in person.

All the body mods are finished and All Speed will install the engine next week and start on the plumbing for the turbos. The rest of the build will be moving very quickly from here.

Stay tuned...

[avewhtboy]

Awesome car sounds like a thrash to get ready for SEMA

[tcronkright]

I just left All Speed and grabbed some updated pictures. They are in the final stages on the body modifications. The rear diffuser is finished and the stainless gas tank has been fit to the rear in between the outer edges of the diffuser. They are finishing the close-out panels on the side skirting and diffuser so that it is one integrated piece.

The Billet Specialties drive system has been installed to the engine as well as the solid engine plates. We are finalizing the decision on what parts of the engine to coat and what to leave natural. We are planning to coat just the center of the intake and the valve covers and leave the rest natural. The turbo plumbing will be all black. I ordered a Ram dual clutch and flywheel set up and Keisler sponsored an upgraded hydraulic set up for the Tremec we are putting in. Thanks guys!

We are making a plaque for each valve cover that will be recessed into the cover that says “Firebird” and another plaque that will mount just above the hood latch that says “V8”. I wanted an aggressive font, let me know what you think of this. (see attachments)

It’s full speed ahead for the next seven weeks in preparation for SEMA.

[Jeffrotech]

Now, I try to leave out my opinion or anything at all remotely critical, but I do have a suggestion on the logo. How about an older Pontiac insignia? I'm partial to the '60s Firebird emblem on the front fender - put that on the valve cover. I don't think the pdf you have there does this increadible engine deserves much better.

Also, I dig the older 421/checked flag emblems from the '60s. Duplicate that but make it 475! Bam.

[LeighP]

Awesome.....Thats one of the finest pieces of eye candy I've ever seen....I love that billet Spec drive system, just hate the price, lol.

[srh3trinity]

I think that you are building one of the coolest Firebirds ever. You are going to great distances to keep things clean, but very much modified. I would stay with the clean theme with the emblems too.

[blackdog714]

Just gorgeous... 2nd Gen's have never been my favorite but if they had looked like this all that would have changed...

When the TKO blows up, what about the 6L85 instead of the 4L80?

[aronhk_md]

If I understand correctly, the 6L85 requires the computer from the original car, which also requires the original engine and all original sensors. Fine if you are transplanting a complete drivetrain like some are doing. Not fine if you are mating it to a totally different powerplant. In this case the IAII blocked traditional style Pontiac V8.

Thats why the 4L80 is so attractive....we can add a computer to control it that is pretty much only dependant on a throttle position sensor and vacuum.

[tcronkright]

Now, I try to leave out my opinion or anything at all remotely critical, but I do have a suggestion on the logo. How about an older Pontiac insignia? I'm partial to the '60s Firebird emblem on the front fender - put that on the valve cover. I don't think the pdf you have there does this increadible engine deserves much better.

Also, I dig the older 421/checked flag emblems from the '60s. Duplicate that but make it 475! Bam.

I appreciate the feedback. Maybe I scrap the emblems all together? I had the valve covers custom made so that they would match the milling and hardware of the intake. Based on the feedback I've received on the emblem idea, I am leaning towards leaving them off and keeping the entire engine clean. Agree?

[fudgee-o]

Man this car makes me want to start all over on my 2nd gen trans am build. This car is awsome. The engine is just retarded. Can't wait to see the interior. But I have a question, is there plans to take that intake and vavle covers to market? I am planning twin rear mounted turbos on my build, would pay anything for that intake and vavle covers. Lol

[tcronkright]

I've received several requests for the body kit as well as the valve covers and intake. We saved all the templates for the body kit and are considering something in that regard.

We have the CAD files on the valve covers and individual intake components so we could duplicate. They may need to be modified to fit your heads, we are using the high-flow Kauffman heads on this engine.

Sounds like a cool project you are starting. Send me some pics.

[tcronkright]

Just gorgeous... 2nd Gen's have never been my favorite but if they had looked like this all that would have changed...

When the TKO blows up, what about the 6L85 instead of the 4L80?

I was on the phone with the Keisler techs this week regarding the outer limits of the TKO 600. They told me to purchase the RAM dual clutch and flywheel set up - which I did. If the TKO does not hold up, I will likely be in the market for the 4L80 as it seems like the easiest swap.

[LeighP]

Feedback o nthe engine "look"....I'm really digging the black/milled alloy look of the engine...I'd go with your thoughts on keeping it clean and simple.

[Jeffrotech]

I appreciate the feedback. Maybe I scrap the emblems all together? I had the valve covers custom made so that they would match the milling and hardware of the intake. Based on the feedback I've received on the emblem idea, I am leaning towards leaving them off and keeping the entire engine clean. Agree?

Yeah... I agree! It just looks so good as is. I had mentioned previously that a clear ano or clear/matte powder coat (if that's even possible). If you must go black, then just a hard ano would be cool! With that, you will still be able to see the grain in the AL. If you power coat it, all of that cool machining will be hidden.

I'd be interested to see what kind of price point this intake would land at...

[aronhk_md]

I appreciate the feedback. Maybe I scrap the emblems all together? I had the valve covers custom made so that they would match the milling and hardware of the intake. Based on the feedback I've received on the emblem idea, I am leaning towards leaving them off and keeping the entire engine clean. Agree?

I agree.....keep those items clean. Still, you might want to name the car somewhere under the hood. Are you fashioning a closeout panel for in front of the radiator core support? You could have the entire thing powder coated black, but then an engraved name.....script perhaps as it would match the flowing lines all over the place.....and powder coat the engraved name in dark red or a color of your choice. An item like a closeout panel is easily changeable if you ever change your mind.

As mentioned I too would be interested in a body kit...preferably in metal as I don't like the idea of fiberglass attached to metal.

If the intake could be done in a cast fashion I'd be interested, because I'd love to inject my car. I'd still stick with a single turbo though, as they are really more efficient. My budget is stretched though, and cast is my level of affordability. Hopefully that changes in a few years, but for now...

Its Tom right? Tom...the car is literally a work of art. Like a sword made by an expert blacksmith years ago, this one will be something to pass down through the generations.

Aron

[MuscleRodz]

I would not touch the valve covers or intake either. sick as they are!