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Cool! I'll do my best to wait patiently.:D
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The tunnel is becoming shorter and the light is brighter. All of the above issues have been resolved.
I slightly modified the seat frames to sit as low as possible. I am informed that the seats will ‘sink’ over time. I do have ample head room currently. Ordered new seat belts from Morris Classic and they look very nice. Installation was w/o issues. Need to clean some covers as they are not supplied. Cleaned up the wiring and installed the remaining interior sans door panel fixings as I need to adjust the windows. Clutch issue was resolved by installing the QT bellhousing. After debating several options, this one , while not the cheapest, seemed to have better long term benefits over the other options. It is a good bit shorter than the stock Lakewood and after a good bleeding, the clutch works great. What a difference over t he old mechanical setup. I run this clutch (DF612909) in a 74 t/a and it requires some effort. Forgeline sent some nice hub caps that hide the unsightly bearing cap. Hood is on and …..IT DRIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On the afternoon of 2-25-12, the car moved under it’s own power for the first time since 1992!!!!!! Only went down the driveway and back a few times. Depending an weather, perhaps this weekend will see some blacktop although it does call for rain. Need to finesse some trim pieces and wrap up loose ends. Finding out I need to order some minor items that the old stuff is not up to par. Nothing that will hold back progress. Been a good month so far. Bleeding hyd t/o setup. Funky, but it worked. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ingclutch2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ingclutch1.jpg Bell housing differences http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...kvsQTbell3.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...kvsQTbell1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...kvsQTbell4.jpg Installation thereof http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ingQTbell1.jpg Interior thusfar http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...iorplaced2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...iorplaced1.jpg Bird http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...installed6.jpg Rebirth and drive!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2069.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2068.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2067.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2066.jpg |
Wow first time it ran since 92, you have patience buddy! the car looks amazing.
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Very awesome! Congrats on getting it move under its own power.
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Very Nice work it looks awesome!
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Thanks for the positive encouragement. been a long road with ups and downs.
Started making an exact fit subwoofer enclosure as well as molding trunk carpet. Using a junker shell for these tasks and then install into the gold *car once finished. Weather was nice and it was time. Took the fellow out for its inaugural drive. On my B-day too so it was a good day. A great feeling to enjoy something build with your own hands. bought car as disassembled 9/05 and 6.5 yrs later its on the road. It felt good. While I did not go too far, car fells tight and confident. totally diffident personality than a stock or slightly modified 2nd gen. Will need to get used to this car. More seat time will sort out suspension and tune engine. Straight headers is always fun to enjoy. At the exhaust shop now for finessing a section and alignment. Will go back to paint shop shortly to take care of some issues. Hopefully it will *be in and get out. last 2 cuts are after I made some adjustments. Felt much better afterwards. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...irstdrive4.mp4 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...irstdrive4.jpg |
5/29/12
After 7.5 years, we drove to our first outing. Not 100% done, but very close. Waiting on a few misc items and need to tiddy up some minor odds and ends. Most important is the adjusting and fine tuning the EFI and suspension. Running OK, haven’t pushed it as everything thing is new and I have a few systems on the car that I am not too familiar with on how they operate. All systems are/ appear to be working w/o any major issues. Some shots from the show and interior Interior http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_2280.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_2278.jpg Custom gauges w/ a stock look http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_2227.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_2228.jpg First showing. First real public outing since ’92. After 7.5 years of effort and more coin than I could imaging …. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2270.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2268.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_2267.jpg |
Sweet !
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Very Nice..:thumbsup:
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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. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3279.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_1453.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_1452.jpg Loc 1 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3189.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3187.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3184.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3177.jpg Loc 2 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3220.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3217.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3212.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3195.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3201.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3261.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3197.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3221.jpg |
FINALLY DONE!!! w/ photoshoot 10-14-12
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3229.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3273.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3272.jpg Pre-requisite wheel shots http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3271.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3269.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3243.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3228.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3208.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3254.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3232.jpg Future stable mate shot form a while back. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_2523.jpg |
Congrats on a successful build completion, looks great. :thumbsup:
Really like the big Poncho motor, plus how you did the interior. Never get tired of seeing those dashes too. :cool: |
I'm jealous you get to drive yours. hows it do against the Porsche????
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Very nice!!!
Seems there is some suspicious looking rubber marks in that parking lot...:unibrow: |
very sweet bird! Congrats!!
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Firebirdsteve - happens :)
Dug - Built the car to have fun with the big boys. Perhaps I will meet some on the track in the future. I am curious myself. Both cars would need good drivers however from speaking with the GT3 owner, the Porsche is very easy to drive fast. Love to own a GT3 some day. Its a big weight off the shoulders being drivable and completed. now its time for fun and of course the next project which are a 72 T/A and a 56 olds. Not going to be as in depth as this car but will be fun builds. |
Congrats on a job well done the car looks great,,, now enjoy it big time bud ;-)
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Love it! Congrats on finishing the car. :thumbsup: I hope to be there with you some day.
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well keep driving it and you'll be the one driving next to the porsche then. :thumbsup:
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Some more final build shots.
Engine http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/IMG_3257.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/IMG_3255.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/IMG_3256.jpg Some underside shoots during the build. Looks about the same today with more parts added. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../3-28-0910.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...17-09shoot.jpg Dash gauges http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_2228.jpg Trunk http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...runk10-127.jpg Sub yet to be installed and wiring finished. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...runk10-125.jpg With 17” spare to clear brakes. 04-06 GTO/ Manaro http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...runk10-126.jpg |
Great looking Trans Am, really like the motor. :thumbsup:
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Projects are never done and this one is no exception...well, its still being built according to the overall plans created 10yrs ago. Wow..10 years!! About 7,000 miles on the build to date and loving it. For inquiring minds MPG city/ fun time is 12, Highway 18-19. Hopefully this will improve as a new EFI system will be installed over the winter in place of the old Holley Projection 4i. It’s been good but cant feed the motor which was anticipated. At the time , I didn’t care for the aftermarket systems and had this so on it went.
Currently the build is somewhere in the phase 3 & 4 of the overall plan. This year’s updates included: 16”/12” dual brushless fan system by Delta PAG Adjustable coilover system with ride height adjustability by PTFB C6 Z06 brakes w/ DBA slotted rotors Baffled fuel tank w/ in-tank pump. My original tank w/ 4th gen Fbody unit worked well, but starved for fuel around long turns w/ ¼ tank. This is one of those things that happens as aftermarket steps up. Embroidered floor mats Show / outing shots http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps372ce58f.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps52a3777d.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psd42f7d9d.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pse0752df3.jpg With up and coming Bid Bad Olds. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps63c264b9.jpg Back to the fun Fan set up. 2800 CFM vs 4100 CFM. Better shroud design and overall flow of air through radiator. Engine doesn’t get warm as it once did. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psf4cb8719.jpg Big boy brakes. Had the base vette brakes prior and they are a good improvement over stock. These are way better than stock. Makes driving stock brake cars feel as if something is wrong. Def require 18” rims. Had to clearance the front calipers a touch for the 3pc bolts. Direct bolt on otherwise. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps3c2eb473.jpg New front suspension setup. This allows one to PROPERLY set the coil over so the shock piston is approx half way compressed in the body at ride height. Ride height is then adjusted via jack screw accessible in engine bay. Shocks are double adjustable. Different are were required as the GW arms interfered with the upper shock mount. Difference is dramatic. Car rides much smoother and feels confidently panted to the road. Old coilover setup was OK but could never get it adjusted. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps23631262.jpg OE mount http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psce0b9de6.jpg After Plasma, sawzall & grinder http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps69465405.jpg Mocked up http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psba3ae2fc.jpg Getting there. Stuff gets dirty after use. As much as I clean this car, I was surprised how much and where dirt found its self during disassembly. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps29280844.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps2058cecb.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps181c3f9a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pseac1b976.jpg |
All installed and ready to roll
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps13f1a594.jpg Rears http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps85431a5a.jpg Winter project is an EFI system I am making myself. Will be tunable by anyone that can tune any late model GM product. System should work on any engine platform with a few platform specific parts. All parts will be avail over the counter if needing replacement. |
Nice job, love the up grades. So who makes that front setup? I like it! Also cant wait to see your EFI.
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Dave @ Pro Touring F body makes it. This is one of his prototypes...I was ginnea pig. Production unit is a little easier to install as it uses the UCA bolts for alignment. Cutting and grinding remains the same effort.
Anxious on the EFI system myself. Works like a charm on paper and theory! |
Really glad to hear you're out enjoying the car. Still one of my favorite builds.
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nice T/A, make me wish i still had my 75.
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Doing some more updates/ upgrades and got some print in the meantime! Woot!
http://www.timelessmuscle.com/featur...e-golden-bird/ |
Congrats! What changes have you made?
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Larger custom made radiator and true serpentine system. Replumbed some fluid transport lines and moving along on my own EFI system. changed some other minor things that escape my mind at the moment as well.
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Props to you for committing to this build no matter how long it took! It came out spectacular! How are you liking the Dual-Friction clutch so far?
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I have used the DF series clutches in several applications with no issues. The 12" was sorta new to the market when I inquired about it per what I recall when I spoke with one of your reps years ago. Haven't had any issues to speak of. The hydraulic setup makes it a lot easier to disengage vs the mechanical setup I run in another car.
Have pondered going to a dual disc when this one wears out just to see the difference. |
Sounds good. EFI will be nice to see on a Pontiac motor.
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Inspiring build to say the least! Starting on my '72 now. So nice to see that Poncho engine in there! Great job.
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New EFI / engine management system
Been about a year since I got my Pontiac 24x EFI , Coil near plug system running & on the road. Aside from some expect tuning bits initially, it has performed flawless. My old TBI setup doesn't hold a candle to this. I made extra sets for my other cars & for others. I use an 0411 GM ECU but others can also be utilized. Its wonderful being able to datalog all the parameters of the old Poncho engine & fine tune. Overall the car/ engine feels more livelier & more responsive even compared to well tuned carb & TBI setups.
Here's a short video of it running on the car. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTHRymPSlM One might say, why this over say a Holley system. 1) Holley ticked me off years ago in this area , not the worker's fault, corporate. 2) You can obtain any of the sensors at a locale parts store if needed. 3) Anyone that can tune GM (or ECU of choice) can hook up to this via ODB2 port 4) "Why not LS/LT swap?" - Pure personal preference. Its the best of both worlds. Old school looks & feel with modern tech & reliability. |
Sounds great and still looks great! Glad you got it working well for you.
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I've been wanting to try this for a long time on either one of my Pontiac or Olds engines. It's cool to see someone do it. |
Its a very rewarding adventure. More than pleased with the outcome. Now I need to market the setup. Might do Olds next.
Sent from my LG-G710 using Tapatalk |
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