1978 t/a G-machine.
 

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.

Specs/ intro
455 ( KRE heads, Hyd roller cam, EFI, ect ect) /T56 (C5R)
10 bolt w/ Eaton True Trac & 3.73 gears
18" Forgeline Rims wrapped in Toyo T1R tires
3" exhaust w/ X pipe trough Spintech mufflers

c5/6 brakes on all 4 corners w/ Hydroboost

Global West control arms
Aldan Eagle coil overs
custom Watt's link
VES/ Rancho sway bars w/ PT Fbody brace

fully welled subframe w/ through body SFC's.
Interior sprayed w/ Lizard Skin heat & sound deadener.

CDT speakers W/ JL amp <-- sounds great
Cerullo seats w/ interior made to match
modified gauges by Gaugemarks

+ much more



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
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Loc 1
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Loc 2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/IMG_3220.jpg
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Pre-requisite wheel shots
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Future stable mate shot form a while back.
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Looks amazing, like I said before! I think I have some shots on my computer back home - when I return from Canada I'll post them up.

I dont usually comment, but that car looks totally BA 8-)

I also like the clear rock guard/mud flaps

Car came out great! You must have put a lot of time and effort into the car and it shows. Love the color both exterior and interior, well thought out. Nice work!

Great choice on the clear! I didn't even notice them until PolarBear pointed them out.

The TA looks awesome. I think you did a phenomenal job with it. Is that microsuede on the doors & seats? Gas tank looks shiny! :lol:

thats one of my dreams taken yo a new level

Saw this car in Hackettstown about 2 weeks ago. Sweet Ride...

Wow!

Again Larry, pics don't do this car justice...its beautiful and sounds even better. I'll be watching for this car on the roads. If I eventually get my hands on a second gen I'll be asking questions for sure. Everyone says the T56 is a worthy swap, glad I did it with my 84. I'll have to go for a ride in that 78 someday.

Wow that looks great. Well thought out theme that simply works. Nice job.

Wow! Not one thing I dislike on this car. Came out great!

Looks awesome

that is awesome... love the interior!

Wow man it takes a lot of car to impress me and I'm blown away at how clean your car is and how it all flows so nicely. Great job!

Thanks all from the kind words. I appreciate them coming from enthusiast such as yourselves. I have met some of you at local event and hope to met more. Not big on shows, but usually up for fun runs with thin traffic if the schedule permits.

Got the lexan (tried acrylic on one set, but it cracks easier) flaps from another car I saw once. After driving this even down the street, I got tired of all the crud that the tires threw at the sides. They clip on and can be easily removed. Used soft side of velcro on the back so not to ruin the paint.

Some more final build shots.
Engine
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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

Man that thing is sweet!

Nice job! What kind of FI did you use? I don't see fuel rails so, I'm guessing throttle body injection? Kudos running the Pontiac engine!

Gorgeous car, wish I was back in the states to photograph it for you!

FI is an old . 900cfm Holley Projection 4 unit I had. It is simple and works. At the time when I was building the engine, aftermarket systems were not to where I wish they were. Today is a different story. Next step / plan is distributorless & multiport system using BS3 ECU.

Arock - The offer is still there when you return.

Jersey Mike - Yes, tan micro suede on the inserts and headliner (black). I like suede :)

I was wondering, and I can't really tell in the pics. The scoops were active, then they were riveted and blocked off, but could be made active, then they were just for looks. Obviously its not one of the later just for looks ones, looks like its an earlier one. Is it functional?

Assuming you are referencing the shaker.

70-72 are factory functional only
73-76 have a riveted plate. I run this style w/ plate removed.
77-81 is a solid molded unit.

W/ aftermarket kit, any shaker can be made functional.

Yea I was referring to the shaker. I knew it changed, couldn't recall the dates of the changes. So you've got it functional then. I know people remove the plates to make it functional.

Absolutely drop-dead beautiful build! I like how you integrated alot of the modifications in your effort to retain a stock look. Nicely done, I hope I get to see it in person some day.

One of the sweetest pontiacs I’ve ever seen. Perfectly done. Bravo. That color is incredible!

Thanks for the complements. The car has been updated/ revised since this posting.

http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67087

Also changing the enginemanagement system this year to multiport and distributorless EFI.