The replacement... My 1995 Pontiac Trans Am

[ar0ck]

When in doubt, return to your roots! Just purchased this fine example of 4th Generation engineering a 1995 Pontiac Trans Am. Purchased from WildBillyT

Speed parts/modifications:
- Moroso Cold Air Kit
- MSD Coil and wires
- 160* thermostat
- Pacesetter long tube headers and ORY
- Hooker Aerochamber exhaust
- UMI subframe connectors
- UMI driveshaft loop
- LS1 aluminum driveshaft
- BMR rear LCAs
- Russell braided brake hoses
- Energy suspension motor mounts, torque arm bushing and trans mount
- Hurst Billet plus shifter
- SLP Line lock
- SLP 17x9 ZR1 rims with 275/40/17
- AC Delete
- PCMForless tune

The game plan is to daily drive it for a few months and hopefully begin to swap over the remaining good parts from my Camaro i.e. complete drivetrain and front suspension. From there I will fix the front and rear bumpers that have typical paint issues and throw on a Ram Air I hood!

The two attached photos on the Left is original, the Right is my idea of what the finished product will look like.

[maroman88]

didnt u purchase that red camaro and were guna 1LE it?

anyway... this looks like a solid platform.. and back into a TA

[ar0ck]

didnt u purchase that red camaro and were guna 1LE it?

anyway... this looks like a solid platform.. and back into a TA

The guy wouldn't budge on the price and had other people interested, I couldn't get it moved in time so they sold it. Its super difficult to organize getting a tow truck for two cars in two different parts of the state to go to Pennsylvania all the way from Afghanistan.

This time I was able to get Teds89Iroc and one of my friends to go over to Bill's and give it a proper look over and at least it can just be driven back to my home town where my mom will be able to drive it around and use it.

[sweetbmxrider]

Looks like a hurst TA, should look good when finished. Congrats though, good to see you finally got another car. In4fancypicsandtastefulappearancemods

[The_Bishop]

Nice looking car! I'd tone the bright gold down a bit if it were me; maybe something titanium colored?

[B4C]

Probably the best sounding cat back on an lt1, I loved the way that car sounded.

[townsend]

i love that car...if i could get a t/a it would be that one

[ar0ck]

Looks like a hurst TA, should look good when finished. Congrats though, good to see you finally got another car. In4fancypicsandtastefulappearancemods

I'm really excited to get back in the game, its been to long, unfortunately it'll have to stay in New Jersey for a few more years as gas prices in Cali are approaching $5.00 on base and it will never pass their smog tests!

I'll be back on the east coast for a few months in late February/March and you can bet your ass I'll have a camera with me.

Nice looking car! I'd tone the bright gold down a bit if it were me; maybe something titanium colored?

I'm probably going to end up painting a pair of ZR1's with off the shelf paint, but it will most likely end up being a toned down bronze/magnesium color. Something subtle, but unique.

i love that car...if i could get a t/a it would be that one

Thanks man, my first car was a 3rd Gen Trans Am, and I originally wanted an LT1 Trans Am before I stumbled on my Camaro.

[chrisfrom nj]

nice clean car congrats

[ar0ck]

Trufiber 93-97 Firebird WS6 Ram Air I Hood & tires on the way!

[Dudbird113]

Looks good just gotta paint the raised part of ur ram air gold n it should look like a hurdt ta like bmx said

[ar0ck]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/IMG_6207.jpg

[Squirrel]

i had the hooker on my car, stock manifolds and cat, sounded good, just not loud enough, probably shouldnt be a problem with the headers

[qwikz28]

Hit me up if you need a hand with anything Alex. I need to see this thing in person soon.

[ar0ck]

i had the hooker on my car, stock manifolds and cat, sounded good, just not loud enough, probably shouldnt be a problem with the headers

I don't plan on keeping the Hooker, I really liked my Magnaflow exhaust, I sold the exhaust tips in favor for some Corsa Clones.

Hit me up if you need a hand with anything Alex. I need to see this thing in person soon.

Jake, I'll probably be putting some work into it this week when the weather clears up. I want to at least get it running before Sunday. It just needs some last minute wiring, fluids, driveshaft & exhaust. Jim knows whats left.

I had a couple of ideas of things I want to do to this mistmatched interior

Starting with replacing the warped steering wheel:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/015P300SN_1_orig.jpg

Wide rear view mirror:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/31zqFKqqRuL__SL500_AA300_.jpg

Carbon Fiber Dipper parts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/bird4ox5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/bird6da6.jpg

I want to recover the center of the door panels in Alcantra or some type of cloth.

[B4C]

I don't plan on keeping the Hooker, I really liked my Magnaflow exhaust, I sold the exhaust tips in favor for some Corsa Clones.

I remember when Dave had the Hooker Aerochamber put on. One of the best sounding lt1 cat backs IMO. Sounded killer with the headers and ORY.

[qwikz28]

I have a steering wheel puller if needed. This thing is going to be spectacular. Love the gold wheels idea.

[donnj]

looking great Alex, x2 on the Hooker Aerochamber, thats whats on my TPI vert now and it sounds AMAZING

[ar0ck]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/tara1.jpg

Ran into a few hiccups with the wiring harness, but the driveshaft & torque arm are in. It was getting to cold to finish the exhaust. I'm going to hook up the Hooker exhaust for now just to get it on the road.

[townsend]

dude, its so cold out today. i dont know how you got that much done

[deadtrend1]

dude, its so cold out today. i dont know how you got that much done

:werd:

I went out to move vehicles around and coundl't stand the wind.

you're gettin there

[Italian Stallion]

Those carbon fiber dipper parts look awesome. Any idea how to go about doing it?

[sweetbmxrider]

From first hand experience, the wide view mirror gives you an excellent view of the sail panels :lol:

[itsatreefiddy]

wow really like that interior usually adding carbon fiber rarely works out but id like to see it done with the alcantara.

[NastyEllEssWon]

haha nice to see daves (billys) car go to a good home. that was a cool car i remember it well :D

[ar0ck]

I'm currently on the fence about what to do with it color wise. I was planning on going the Plasti-Dip route, but the color is just to damn unique and rare that I want to preserve it. The bumpers and hood will need to be painted regardless, I'm just worried about the paint matching all around. I've always been fascinated by european tuner cars & came across this car and though it looks good, now if only I can bring that kind of shine back to the car!

http://www.canibeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Blurple-Rolling-Shots-1-of-2-1110x740.jpg

Unfortunately it isn't running yet because Jim is sick & i've been bouncing around the country due to work. I probably won't be back in the neighborhood until the summer. Hopefully then I can get started on it again.

[ThoR294]

Did you ever install that steering wheel? I am debating on replacing mine

[ar0ck]

Unfortunately I change my plans for this car more than I change my socks. So I've finally decided to create my own vehicle rendering so I can narrow down an idea and a theme using Adobe Illustrator. This is day only day two into my project. I still have to finish the wheels and then start filling in the colors.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/doctormikescott/ScreenShot2013-08-15at41044PM.png (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/doctormikescott/media/ScreenShot2013-08-15at41044PM.png.html)

The thickness of the shadows/body contour lines for those familiar with Illustrator will change as the project comes along. I only use them for reference and fine tuning.

[sweetbmxrider]

So you're keeping the car?

[ar0ck]

So you're keeping the car?

The jist of it is this, I still have a year or so left here in California, and its just sitting in my driveway in NJ collecting dust, its tough. Somedays I see it as a waste of space or sometimes just a project for a rainy day in the future.

[sweetbmxrider]

I hear ya. Well, can't wait to see the renderings.

[ar0ck]

Figured this would get more of a response. Just toying with random colors, trying to make it shine a little more, I'll get there when I get there.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/doctormikescott/TransAm.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/doctormikescott/media/TransAm.jpg.html)

[Tru2Chevy]

Looks good man!

- Justin

[qwikz28]

I love the idea for gold wheels. One of my favorite wheel colors, actually.

[89 Trans Am WS6]

Looks good bro, Im liking that front lip in the rendering too!

[ar0ck]

sknIktmoFrs

http://youtu.be/sknIktmoFrs

Boom

[maroman88]

like!

[Blackbirdws6]

Sounds great. Is it roadworthy?

[sweetbmxrider]

Sweeeet, going to make it to island?

What were you filming with?

[ar0ck]

Sounds great. Is it roadworthy?

The goal today was just to make sure it fired up, which was a great success. It even started on the first try. The harness needs to be moved around and the brake system is bone dry so it's going back on jack stands until later in the year.


Sweeeet, going to make it to island?

What were you filming with?

I won't be able to make it to Island this weekend due to a change in plans, but I hope to have it on the road by March/April of next year. I have my Canon 5DMkIII with me this weeks and of course this video was hot with a cell phone. I was in the drivers seat monitoring the vitals.

[sweetbmxrider]

:lol: Ah well, I'm sure great videos will be made along with jaw dropping photos in the future.

[The Fixer]

like!

Indeed!! Great to hear your baby run Alex....for all the stuff that drivetrain has endured, it's awesome to have it live on in a new body.

[ar0ck]

Update for 3/15:

The car runs, it idles great, no check engine lights yet, but a few others are currently displayed and will be tackled tomorrow. I was having an issue with the electric water pump wiring harness, but a quick search on Tech solved our wiring problem, and from there I loaded the transmission up with fluid, and topped off the radiator, and did my best to re-route some wires away from the headers. Under the hood is still a mess, but my main focus is putting the car on the ground and moving under its own power.

I'll be working on it more tomorrow, doing the brakes & the sway bar. I misplaced the steering knuckle though and that is really the only thing left required to drive it.

Theres a few odds & ends i'll be tackling throughout the week, like replacing the rear lowering springs, attaching the y-pipe and hopefully putting the Magnaflow exhaust back in, and finishing it up by putting the interior back together.

The car is becoming affectionally known as the "Dirty bird" and hopefully i'll be able to send her in for paint by the summer, and then work from the inside out. Finally theres light at the end of the tunnel!

[Blackbirdws6]

Saw the video on YouTube. Sounds great. Keep at it.

[ar0ck]

Waiting for an extra hand today, started to clean up some engine bay parts. Its by no means show car ready, but you have to start somewhere:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/latches.jpg
Spray bombed the hood latches in a satin black. Eventually the entire engine bay will be painted Satin Black.

All thats left is to bleed the brakes, attach the steering knuckle, bolt in the front sway bar, and an oil change.

[WildBillyT]

Looking good, Alex! How close are you to road worthy?

[ar0ck]

While I was bleeding the brakes I found a leak from one of the Camaros brake lines to the caliper, so in the process of swapping lines I broke the fitting from the bodies brake line, luckily I didn't toss the stock K-Member so I was able to salvage new brackets & lines and rebuilt both sides.

I'll get back to it tomorrow due to family obligations, but I'm still looking to have it moving around by Friday. The steering knuckle is soaking in PB blaster & I was able to salvage a bent sway bar bracket, which I'll replace down the road. The car is jacked up pretty high right now so I'm going to tackle swapping exhausts as well. It's looking good from ere though! I'm very excited. Once she's mobile I've been talking to a friend about repainting it over the summer and I'll start the process of working from the inside out & drop the engine again next summer to do more work.

I just need to get it to a point where my parents can move it around in our driveway when I'm not home. Beautification and repair work will be an ongoing process.

[WildBillyT]

If you decide to Plastidip the exterior please post up on how it goes. I'm back and forth on doing the Nova.

[ar0ck]

After several months of debate, I've decided to keep the Blue Green Metallic color and the car will be going for paint this summer in June/July. I will be using Plasti-Dip to color the wheels, I'll be using their True Metallic Copper Metalizer from DipYourCar.com.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/Tara.jpg
Still toying around in Adobe Illustrator, but this is the closest I could get the color.

http://www.dipyourcar.com/skin/common_files/IMAGES/Color%20Examples/copper%20metalizer.jpg
I know the wheel color isn't everyones cup of tea, but I'm positive it will really make this unique color of the car stand out.

In addition to keeping the original color, I'll be going with the gloss black sail panel, and a similar gloss black for the exhaust area in the rear. The tail-lights will also be coated in a light black with a smoothed center section painted to match, so it will appear as one black bar. On the interior, my bolt in show-roll-bar, will be getting a fresh coat of paint as well.

[Blackbirdws6]

I think it will look pretty cool. Definitely different but not in a bad way.

[PolarBear]

Yeah the green/gold will look really good

[ar0ck]

Just waiting for the cover of darkness to slip it into the street!

[ar0ck]

It runs & drives! I need to re-bleed the brakes & find a permanent solution for my electric water pump. For the life of me I cannot remember how I had it set up before. Other then that I tied up some loose ends in the engine bay, re-routing wires & keeping things clear. Harbor Freight to the rescue!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/cleanup.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/safetyloop.jpg

The safety loop has to go though, it caught on my driveway last night and nearly gave me a heart attack thinking something broke on its initial test drive. The piece hangs lower then the transmission and thats a huge no go for me.

[WildBillyT]

It runs & drives! I need to re-bleed the brakes & find a permanent solution for my electric water pump. For the life of me I cannot remember how I had it set up before. Other then that I tied up some loose ends in the engine bay, re-routing wires & keeping things clear. Harbor Freight to the rescue!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/cleanup.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/safetyloop.jpg

The safety loop has to go though, it caught on my driveway last night and nearly gave me a heart attack thinking something broke on its initial test drive. The piece hangs lower then the transmission and thats a huge no go for me.

Is that the UMI one still?

[sweetbmxrider]

What are you trying to do with the electric waterpump? I can help you wire it up any fancy way you want. Can even make pretty mspaint pictures if need be :)

[xlar86x]

what software are you using to edit those photos like that?

[Blackbirdws6]

Happy to hear it drives around Alex.

What are you trying to do with the electric waterpump? I can help you wire it up any fancy way you want. Can even make pretty mspaint pictures if need be :)

Can you give him the buzzer or warning light option too?

[sweetbmxrider]

Can you give him the buzzer or warning light option too?

What do you mean? You can have an led that is powered and grounded by the feeds going to the waterpump? You could potentially wire something up with relays to light if the power or ground were not present too. You can't really do a buzzer for an overheat condition unless you did something with a coolant temp sensor. Your best bet there would be an led that lights off of high speed fan operation so it brings your attention to coolant temp. I think all of the above are excessive but I'm not much into the led light show at the moment :)

[Blackbirdws6]

What do you mean? You can have an led that is powered and grounded by the feeds going to the waterpump? You could potentially wire something up with relays to light if the power or ground were not present too. You can't really do a buzzer for an overheat condition unless you did something with a coolant temp sensor. Your best bet there would be an led that lights off of high speed fan operation so it brings your attention to coolant temp. I think all of the above are excessive but I'm not much into the led light show at the moment :)

I meant if the pump fails, a light comes on or some device makes noise.

[sweetbmxrider]

I meant if the pump fails, a light comes on or some device makes noise.

If you can find a sensor to watch the motor rotate or coolant moving, sure. Otherwise, I have no idea how you would accomplish that nor do I care to figure it out! I simply meant wiring the pump to run with key on and/or switched power/ground through an aftermarket or the stock air pump relay.

[Blackbirdws6]

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv233/litch2004png/meziereEWPwiringdiagram-1.jpg (http://s687.photobucket.com/user/litch2004png/media/meziereEWPwiringdiagram-1.jpg.html)

[deadtrend1]

I meant if the pump fails, a light comes on or some device makes noise.

This is why im against electric pumps unless its a track only car..

[sweetbmxrider]

Kid is a little diode happy but LIKE I SAID, you can have an led that's powered and grounded by the pump's feeds. If its out, you know the pump isn't getting power or ground. You could split it up into 2 leds as well but that's kinda silly to me. Your diagram doesn't let you know if the pump fails, only if it isn't receiving power or ground. This is why I said if you can find a sensor that can watch or listen to the actual electric motor OR watch the coolant flow, you can know if the pump isn't operating. Otherwise, your coolant temp will slowly rise. Its really not hard to catch. This is also why I said leds on fan speed. If you see the led come on when high fans are on, you know the engine is running hot and watch yo ass.

Unless I suck at reading, that diagram isn't even correct.

[Blackbirdws6]

I didn't make the diagram and posted it for discussion purposes.

[LTb1ow]

Never under stood the point of LEDs or what not. Watch your damn dash cluster and be done. You will know fast if your water pump kicks the bucket.

Furthermore, I would bet a shot rotor or brushes would let current pass through stator enough to possibly always power a LED warning regardless if pump failed or not. LED just makes it so you know you have power, which to me, seems redundant.

You overheat, or you don't. Why add complexity.

[sweetbmxrider]

I didn't say you did. I laid out the options for simple monitoring of the circuit. You can't monitor the actual electric motor's operation without some sort of sensor to watch it spin or monitor coolant flow. You could maybe do something like a crank position sensor and attach a reluctor wheel somewhere to monitor the rpm. The actual fins may work but I don't know how strong the magnetic field would be through coolant, I think its aluminum anyways, and you'd have to worry about sealing the sensor.

[sweetbmxrider]

Never under stood the point of LEDs or what not. Watch your damn dash cluster and be done. You will know fast if your water pump kicks the bucket.

Furthermore, I would bet a shot rotor or brushes would let current pass through stator enough to possibly always power a LED warning regardless if pump failed or not. LED just makes it so you know you have power, which to me, seems redundant.

You overheat, or you don't. Why add complexity.

I thought you might be able to ohm the circuit through the motor but didn't think it would be completely fool proof like you are saying.

[Featherburner]

I didn't say you did. I laid out the options for simple monitoring of the circuit. You can't monitor the actual electric motor's operation without some sort of sensor to watch it spin or monitor coolant flow. You could maybe do something like a crank position sensor and attach a reluctor wheel somewhere to monitor the rpm. The actual fins may work but I don't know how strong the magnetic field would be through coolant, I think its aluminum anyways, and you'd have to worry about sealing the sensor.Just throw a flow switch in the oil cooler bypass hose.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/jdhawk93/Magneticflowswitch_zpsf0b76449.jpg

[V]

You will know fast if your water pump kicks the bucket.

Or if its an ls1, the pcm goes in to limp home mode, therefore cutting almost all power. Then you let it cool down, plug the wire back in where it somehow fell out of, and good to go again. Been there done that. lol

[ar0ck]

What are you trying to do with the electric waterpump? I can help you wire it up any fancy way you want. Can even make pretty mspaint pictures if need be :)

No need for anything fancy. I dug through some old photos, and found that it was originally installed just tucked under the Ignition fuse (Previous shops hack job), I was just trying to find a fuse to make the hot wire a permanent fixture. I bought this dual fuse gadget from my local pep boys that allows you to run a fuse with a wire coming out, but it wasn't getting power to the pump and then the ignition so I have to trouble shoot that.

what software are you using to edit those photos like that?

These are all iPhone pictures hosted straight to photo bucket, quick and dirty. If your talking about the renders, I use Adobe Illustrator.

In other news I'm about to throw in the towel as this car is fighting my every inch of the way, finding missing bolts from important places, and questionable connections left and right. I have to go back to the West coast tomorrow so in the meantime, I'm probably going to sell my track bike and have it sent to Josh to tidy it up. What an F'n nightmare.

So far I've found:
- The driveshaft is rubbing the UMI Driveshaft Safety loop (Zero Ground Clearance)
- Missing a bolt where the torque arm meets the rear-end
- Missing all the bolts for the brackets that hold the front sway bar
- Brakes need to be re-bled
- Oil Pan sensor doesn't click in
- ABS Inop Light
- I need a sawzall to remove the Hooker exhaust
- Install my Magnaflow exhaust
- New brake pads & rotors

[sweetbmxrider]

No need for anything fancy. I dug through some old photos, and found that it was originally installed just tucked under the Ignition fuse (Previous shops hack job), I was just trying to find an alternate inline fuse to use so I can properly make the hot wire a permanent fixture mated to a fuse. I bought this gadget from my local store but it wasn't getting power to the pump so I have to trouble shoot that next time.

You can utilize the air pump relay and an unused fuse in the fuse box. I think I used the abs fuse but I don't know if you plan on keeping that. If its going to js performance, I'm sure they will do it the way they want. If you want me to guide you using the existing stuff, just let me know.

[V]

if you give me a list of bolts and brackets you need, ill put them aside for you. I have to strip a 93 z28 and 98 z28 in the next month.

[ar0ck]

if you give me a list of bolts and brackets you need, ill put them aside for you. I have to strip a 93 z28 and 98 z28 in the next month.

Hey Paul, I appreciate the help. I wish I had a complete list of everything missing but off the top of my head its still that bracket & bolts for the front sway bar, and the bolts connecting the torque arm to the rear-housing. Also I think I'm going to hit you up for the Spindles and brakes from that 98 Z28 if your not using them yourself.

I'm actually in the process of selling my 2008 Yamaha R6 out here in California and that will put me ahead and able to purchase and tie up the suspension up front. When I first bought that bike, it stole money from the Camaro, now things have sort of come full circle.

[ar0ck]

Full Ebony interior out of a 2002 Formula:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/IMG_3319.jpg
Corsa Clone Tips:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/FistFullOfDinero/IMG_5652.jpeg

Some replacement ignition parts, wheels/tires and interior goodies are on order.

I have all the suspension pieces now and it should be getting bolted together this week. I ran through the fluids the other day and found water in the brake reservoir. Its either from sitting over the winter or theirs a leak in the master. I have a spare master if thats the issue after draining, and re-filling.

All I really need is a new battery and I might be able to get it moving in the next few weeks.

[Blackbirdws6]

Keep at it! Interior and tips will look nice.

[Jersey Mike]

Raided Paul's place I take it? Those tips are going to look sweet!!

[ThoR294]

damn you. thats why you're trashing your dash! lol

[ar0ck]

We've upgraded the status from Jack stand queen, to move-able under its own power. I was able to do an oil change and re-bleed the brakes successfully. Surprisingly the oil looked really clean considering the time its been sitting. Other then that I accidentally broke my drivers seat or else I could have taken it for a test drive, but moving up and down the drive way will do for now.

I just have to connect the front sway bar, and if I can get a hand; drop the rear again to re-install my rear springs and pan hard bar. Once thats taken care of I'm hoping to get it to my local exhaust shop to have the rest of the system installed.

[Blackbirdws6]

Congrats! How did you break your seat? Btw, you should be able to sneak in rear springs without dropping the rear completely.

[greenformula92]

I've gotten springs in one side at a time by just unbolting the shock. Usually that gives you enough room

[ar0ck]

This rear bumper is trash, to many spider cracks, so I did my own CETA Mod, and heres a glimpse of the Corsa clone tips!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/doctormikescott/FullSizeRender.jpg

The car is running, aside from an awful clutch chatter thats developed. I'm just tracking down smaller issues in the meantime while I wait for a solution to my rusted fender wells. I want to install a 6-point roll bar as well as properly seal the floor to prevent any more rust while the interior is out!

[Blackbirdws6]

Looks good! I always liked the corsa style tips.

[ThoR294]

Looks awesome dude. Any progess on the interior? :D

I have my corsa clones sitting in my room. I need to get some big adapters to fit on my GMMG Lol

[B4C]

Any updates on this thing?

[ar0ck]

Honestly, I haven't had the slightest desire to work on it. I'm out of work and everything has ground to a halt, especially getting the rear inner fenders repaired. I need to get that done before I finish sealing up the floors with POR-15.

I did pick up a Chassis mounted torque arm for it a few months ago from Paul. And yesterday I fit the panel in for the HVAC Delete Box, and threw a de-humindifier in so I can start working on it this weekend.

[Jersey Mike]

the rear inner fenders ... I need to get that done.
Post a pic of this please. Let's see what you're working with.

[ar0ck]

So I jumped in the car today, wiring is my main project this week. The goal is to properly remove all wiring for the Radio & Air bag system. I started on the passenger side of the car, and singled out the entire radio harness, and began to remove the original GM tape off the main body harness, so that I can make sure I remove each wire individually. I also started under the center console and have discovered several years of botched re-wires and unknowns, that I ended up singling them out and capping them off clean. This I'm sure will come to haunt me once the interior goes back in. Once I get these wires cleaned up and re-wrapped I'm going to POR-15 the floors. Heres what I'm working with:


I've also determined that in the time I've been away the T-Tops leaked causing that nasty puddle under the drivers side seat.

[ar0ck]

And what it looks like without the HVAC, so much cleaner and easier to work with.

[Jersey Mike]

Mini tubs!?

[ar0ck]

Mini tubs!?

I would definitely entertain the idea when finances free up, but I'm not tackling that myself, that's big time out of my league.

In other news I've had a sudden burst of motivation:

[Blackbirdws6]

Keep it movin!

[Jersey Mike]

I'm liking the Snaps I'm getting. Keep going!

What's on the short-term agenda?

[ar0ck]

I'm liking the Snaps I'm getting. Keep going!

What's on the short-term agenda?

I took a break today, but I was able to charge the battery and turn the key to make sure the gauges work, everything looked good.

1) Check all grounds under the dash
2) re-install the intake assembly
3) Make sure the car starts again
4) Prep for Por-15 (Working from the dash to the waterfall, and the trunk)
5) Re-install the drivers seat
6) Register & Drive!

I'll get to the interior once I know it's running and driving straight and safe, but I'm confident I'll have it road worthy this spring.

I've got a massive pile of additional parts to instal, but I really want to make sure it drives first before I dive into any more modifications. Torque Arms, brakes, ABS Delete, new end links, sway bars & possibly a rear end.

[ar0ck]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/doctormikescott/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpeg


Two coats of POR-15 base coat down.

[Blackbirdws6]

Nice progress. So clean.

[ar0ck]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/doctormikescott/IMG_5353.jpg

Car is running, battery is holding a charge, gauges are still giving me issues, and theres a clunking noise when I go into reverse or make low speed turns. Sometime this week I'll put the new torque arm in and check the rear suspension.

[sweetbmxrider]

What's the gauge issue?

[ar0ck]

What's the gauge issue?

I popped the cluster out the other day to check if my LED bulbs were seated, also noticed that due to the heat my silver overlays peeled off, so I had to pop the needles off again and I guess I didn't pay attention to their orientation so the speedo and tach are completely off (0rpms & 110mph) I can't for the life of me think of why the LEDs aren't working and I don't have any spare bulb seats as I canabalized them for the LED's to even see if bulbs work.

[sweetbmxrider]

Just bend the leads from an incandescent bulb to either side of the board and see if it lights. Or a test light can check for powers and grounds of course. You can use a scan tool to view data stream so you can fairly accurately replace the speedo and tach. I suggest filling the car to the brim at a gas station then replacing that needle so full is actually full and not 1/4 past full. Worked great on my car. Obviously you can double check the other gauges with the data stream going.

[ar0ck]

Thanks for the tip on the gauges, I haven't reset them yet, but yesterday I basically re-did the entire rear suspension, no more binding noises coming in reverse, I didn't install the torque arm yet as I don't have a pinion gauge and that's a little out of my comfort zone. It's almost road worthy save for a noisy clutch, just waiting for my income to resume before I register/insure it.

[creeper]

Car looks good!

[Jersey Mike]

Any updates? Is she reliable yet?

[ar0ck]

New Shocks, End Links, Sway Bar & Poly Bushings, thats about it, partial interior is in, I just need to slap the intake back on and hopefully register it next week.

[ar0ck]

Just incase were not friends on social media:

Topped off the gas, replaced the headlight switch and my LED's worked, at least I saw them shine through with the turn signals. There's still a banging noise under hard acceleration, I'm thinking its a broken trans mount. Other then that, it still has globs of power, and still brakes nicely.

[sweetbmxrider]

:clap:

[maroman88]

AWESOME!

[ar0ck]

Registered & insured :d

[Jersey Mike]

Registered & insured :d

Prove it :wink:

[Jersey Mike]

https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-body-work/1854476-my-plastidip-green-ws7.html

[ar0ck]

https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-body-work/1854476-my-plastidip-green-ws7.html

Well I'll be dammed.

-Current status: needs tires & an alignment badly

[FlyingDutchman]

https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-body-work/1854476-my-plastidip-green-ws7.html

That actually looks really good (from the pics at least)

[Jersey Mike]

That actually looks really good (from the pics at least)

Personally, I'd advise against painting over the antenna gasket & key holes, but I like the color much more than I thought.

I really hope Alex doesn't give up on this project. Tires & an alignment are an afternoon's worth of labor.

[ar0ck]

While Tires & Alignments are an easy project, I haven't been able to divert funds to the car, and I'm at a cross road where the next steps are the most costly steps. Sure it runs & drives, but it runs & drives like ****. I still have major rust repairs to take care of, a transmission issue that will likely cost big dollars, and I got screwed on exhaust work, that ultimately is going to bite me in the ass that will require new headers and piping.

Its awesome having your own car that you "built" but the headaches that associated with it, I'm just over it. The spirit died with the Camaro.

[qwikz28]

The spirit died with the Camaro.

This hurts my soul.

[Jersey Mike]

I have the answer to all your problems:


https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/64628947.jpg

[ar0ck]

Turbo on the Silverado!

[ar0ck]

http://i.imgur.com/zlqlJi1.jpg?1

[sweetbmxrider]

Niceeeeeeeeeeee. I think I have a poly trans mount if you are still chasing that?

[Blackbirdws6]

Bout damn time!

[ar0ck]

Niceeeeeeeeeeee. I think I have a poly trans mount if you are still chasing that?

I actually got a replacement, but I'm like 90% sure my throw-out bearing is bad causing a nasty rattle in Neutral.

Bout damn time!

Thanks Brian, a promotion at work will surprisingly motivate someone. Still some substantial mechanical work that needs to be addressed, but its still drive-able.

I need to get the throw-out bearing looked at, it needs rear-gears desperately, new brakes to install with an ABS delete, and a new stainless steel exhaust is sitting in the rafters of my garage.

[Jersey Mike]

COTM!!

[ar0ck]

https://i.imgur.com/uW1wU7b.jpg?1
We're off on an adventure!

[Blackbirdws6]

Little early for racewars! Where to?

[qwikz28]

JSP?

[Jersey Mike]

JSP?

Snapchat confirmed

[sweetbmxrider]

It def will be an adventure with no tie downs :lol:

[ar0ck]

It def will be an adventure with no tie downs :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/7MRQHqe.jpg?1


Josh, if you see this, I jammed the keys under the garage door. Probably should have given you a better heads up. Last minute trailer hook-ups :nick:

[qwikz28]

Snapchat confirmed

You should really seek help.

[LS1ow]

You should really seek help.

Thank you.

[FlyingDutchman]

You should really seek help.

+1 !

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

It def will be an adventure with no tie downs :lol:

It was held on by hopes and dreams.

[ar0ck]

UMI C5 Conversion:
https://i.imgur.com/OC1OWu9.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/MECt9Eu.jpg?1

[wretched73]

Awesome! Can't wait to hear more about that brake upgrade

[Blackbirdws6]

Very nice! I may have some plans of my own :shifty:

[The_Bishop]

Nice brakes!

[IROCZman15]

nice! braided lines and such too?

[qwikz28]

Are those Strano springs?

[ar0ck]

nice! braided lines and such too?
Yessir, and I’m running an SJM ABS Delete with proportioning valve.


Are those Strano springs?
QA1 Coilovers

[Blackbirdws6]

How do they feel?

[ar0ck]

How do they feel?

Car is still with Josh, and will be for a while. I'm really excited though. A few more tricks are up my sleeve, and while the car will look ugly as sin with its ghetto plasti-dip, it'll be mechanically 100%

[Blacdout96]

Can you tell me more about this ABS delete? Does it have something to prevent an abs light after removing said system?

[deadtrend1]

No it replaces the abs block with a manual proportioning valve. To get rid of the light on the dash after deleting, you remove the bulb

[ar0ck]

https://i.imgur.com/TsAIjAH.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/4zZ9DgP.jpg?1

[IROCZBeast]

Looking good! Can't wait to see it road ready for some cruises and track days this year

[Featherburner]

http://https://i.imgur.com/p0VWYtY.jpg
http://https://i.imgur.com/Tan0Dhp.jpg

Magnaflow really stepping up their game.After quoting you I see image tags but I can't see any pictures. Can anyone else see them?

[Blackbirdws6]

Can't see anything

[Jersey Mike]

I just figured he was back on the pipe

[ar0ck]

Imgur Mobile fail.

https://i.imgur.com/p0VWYtY.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/Tan0Dhp.jpg?1

New Magnaflow exhaust on the left vs Corsa clones that were installed by Stevie Wonder.

[Blackbirdws6]

Ahh yes that is much better. How much is left?

I just figured he was back on the pipe

Guess you weren't far off....

[LS1ow]

exhaust hangers en route !

[ar0ck]

exhaust hangers en route !

Thanks again! I wanted those baller quad tips and they only worked for 98+ cars, so just a quick swap now. Talk about good timing! North jersey might have a come back!

Ahh yes that is much better. How much is left?

Guess you weren't far off....

Ran into a clearance issue with the headers I had to replace my old Pacesetters, just ordered a Stainless works system through Josh. From here, I’ll have a running car and I’ll see how much further we’ll go down the rabbit hole. I’ll be good to go by Spring with this ugly duckling.

[deadtrend1]

I have stainless works on my ls1. When my pacesetters crumble to dust on my lt1, then ill get them for it too.

Even their cat backs fit great.

[ar0ck]

Some updates from Josh @ JSPerformance! I'm not going to lie I totally forgot about this car for a while, and can't believe whats coming!

https://i.imgur.com/H9KFqcR.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/iXSuh69.jpg?2
https://i.imgur.com/4ftPUSL.jpg?1

[Blackbirdws6]

Coming along nicely. Ask him to toss a little wire loom on that low oil level sensor pigtail please.

[ar0ck]

The car is back, and it is amazing. Its been to long since I've driven a sorted F-body. Huge thanks to Josh @ JS Performance. I spent the afternoon cleaning it up, and then drove it into the sunset, and didn't even want to stop for photos!

[IROCZman15]

awesome. when you get a chance fill us in on the details of what was done. enjoy iy !

[deadtrend1]

..... and didn't even want to stop for photos!

Thats saying a lot coming from you ....

[Jersey Mike]

Take a minute to get us up to speed. Those few social media pics aren't enough to hold me over.

[qwikz28]

^^^ Curious as well. Glad to hear another f-body is getting the care it needs.

[JSPERFORMANCE]

Glad to see you back behind the wheel Alex!! Also glad to see the engine we built you 10+ years ago is still running like a champ!! You are going to have yourself one helluva fun piece once again!

[ar0ck]

Josh basically chased and replaced a lot of my shade tree mechanic work. Fixing minor vacuum leaks or parts that never carried over from the swap, did a basic tune up; plugs, wires, filters & all that. But the fun stuff includes:
New Line-Locks
ABS-Delete
Unbalanced Engineering Rag-Joint Delete
UMI Torque Arm
Stainless Works Long Tube Headers & Y-Pipe
New Magnaflow Exhaust
Summit Rear-Battery with Flaming River Cut-Off
And most importantly a C5 Front Brake conversion

The car is just running incredibly well, I have a new carpet on order, with new seats following close behind. I had to hold off on the mini-tubs for now, but its a project we'll be tackling later in the season.

[Jersey Mike]

Good stuff. Now get some photography going!

[JSPERFORMANCE]

See you soon for those wheel houses... I got a fresh tip for the plasma cutter with your name on it!

[bigz28man]

Nice to see its back

[ar0ck]

Purchased a Speed Inc ACC carpet, I’m utilizing a few pieces of factory sound deadner the rest I’ll fill in with some dynamat up front.

https://i.imgur.com/3MU2K9E.jpg?1

[ar0ck]

https://i.imgur.com/XN3jNGW.jpg?1

All laid out, letting it get warm before I start pushing it in and cutting for seats, seat-belt & bar.

[B4C]

I remember when Dave had that car....its come a long ways lol

[ar0ck]

If you don't follow Josh @ JS Performance on Facebook, he became an NRG dealer and got me a killer deal on new fix backed seats for the car:
https://i.imgur.com/hY7kUzJ.jpg?1

The factory flat hood is back on while the Ram Air hood is currently being vinyl wrapped, I'm excited to see it all come together. Other then that I've just been putting miles on the car and enjoying it once again!

[LS1ow]

Whos doing the wrap ?

[Blackbirdws6]

Good looking seat. My hips wouldn't have a chance fitting in it.

[qwikz28]

Good looking seat. My hips wouldn't have a chance fitting in it.

Same, although it won't stop me from trying.

I'm looking forward to seeing how they mount up. These cars are hard to mount aftermarket seats in.

[ar0ck]

Whos doing the wrap ?

My friends brother in law is doing the work, went with 3M Carbon Fiber with a 2" Matte Black strip around the "nostrils"

Good looking seat. My hips wouldn't have a chance fitting in it.

Same, although it won't stop me from trying.

I'm looking forward to seeing how they mount up. These cars are hard to mount aftermarket seats in.

I've lost quiet a bit of weight over the past year so I'm hoping i'll slide right in. They are the "large" model, and I'm already running Ebay floor adapters that worked incredibly well with my last seats, and then universal sliders. I'm excited. I pick them up in 2 weeks.

[qwikz28]

How are those seats? You get them in yet?

[ar0ck]

http://i.imgur.com/rkcBbKw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xFx7VmX.jpg

Excuse the squished cousin, they are all removable with Velcro and I want to add some additional padding in the center ones for some more lumbar support but god damn are these things light weight.

[LTb1ow]

Is there a picture?

[V]

Looks like you hurt its feelings and its biting its lip....





https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/43928159264_6d85efd300_b.jpg


I hope you see it, and then can never un-see it everytime you look at your seats, lol

[sweetbmxrider]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[1986IROCZ28]

How’s she coming along ?

[LS1ow]

saw you were playing with some plastidip over the weekend...

[ar0ck]

I’ll be honest I haven’t had much desire to work on the car lately, tired of the Shade Tree Mechanic lifestyle. But I did take off and correctly re-apply DipYourCar “Brass Monkey” wheel kit and I’m pretty happy with the results. Eventually I’ll get a proper set of aftermarket wheels on there, but I first wanted to see how the color would go with the original Blue/Green.

[Blackbirdws6]

I’ll be honest I haven’t had much desire to work on the car lately, tired of the Shade Tree Mechanic lifestyle. But I did take off and correctly re-apply DipYourCar “Brass Monkey” wheel kit and I’m pretty happy with the results. Eventually I’ll get a proper set of aftermarket wheels on there, but I first wanted to see how the color would go with the original Blue/Green.

That color is pretty $$. Looks identical to the BM color on my old HC.

[sweetbmxrider]

Does look good, I like it