1978 Trans Am mild custom

[takid455]

Some more final build shots.
Engine






Some underside shoots during the build. Looks about the same today with more parts added.




Dash gauges


Trunk


Sub yet to be installed and wiring finished.



With 17” spare to clear brakes. 04-06 GTO/ Manaro

[89 RS]

Great looking Trans Am, really like the motor.

[takid455]

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








With up and coming Bid Bad Olds.


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.




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.



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.



OE mount


After Plasma, sawzall & grinder


Mocked up


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.

[takid455]

All installed and ready to roll


Rears



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.

[Rick D]

Nice job, love the up grades. So who makes that front setup? I like it! Also cant wait to see your EFI.

[takid455]

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!

[WSSix]

Really glad to hear you're out enjoying the car. Still one of my favorite builds.

[instro84]

nice T/A, make me wish i still had my 75.

[takid455]

Doing some more updates/ upgrades and got some print in the meantime! Woot!


http://www.timelessmuscle.com/featur...e-golden-bird/

[WSSix]

Congrats! What changes have you made?