All the regret - 81 Trans Am
As some folks have seen, my father and I decided to go a bit old school and play with a 1981 Turbo TA. Who knows how long we will have it for but with the current fleet in good running order, we seem to always need a project to tinker with. The car has good "bones" and with some work, could be a real nice car. It fires right up and sounds perfect IMO (nice chop with deep tone).
The basics:
What is needs: The car runs and drives but needs a few simple items to make it OK for the road
Fixes:
The Plan: Not really sure at the moment. Since the car isn't original, a restoration per the book doesn't make sense and it's money I wouldn't want to throw at it anyway. Right now, I see this being a car to get on the road to enjoy as a fun cruiser. It has the right sound so we just need to bring the looks up to par. The fuel pump may need to go since it's pretty race car right now (noisy, too much for engine). The prior owners had plans to eventually turbo the car, convert to FI and a 4L60. I'm thinking we toss some fun aftermarket seats, steering wheel, gauges and paint it to give it a fresh look. The rear gears are way too tall (2.73) so I think a step up in ratio will make it fun while turning somewhat reasonable RPMs on the highway. I'm debating on the color since I know the traditional is black/gold. I think this car would look cool in an impact color (B5 blue, admiral blue were some of my ideas). A bird will go on the hood of course. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pskiltfsql.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psfli3ek8f.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pscwu34okt.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psji1hv9uj.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps1fsiibm8.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pszr2zwz3i.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psjcyo9bwv.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps3l8wuxpj.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pswb53swev.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psxaxr2zux.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslhe7i9vv.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmwbpqcay.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...psatct3frf.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps4qybrknm.jpg |
awesome man ive always loved that model trans am. did you do the ls swap yourself or buy it like that? keep us posted on this project im interested to see where it goes.
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Sweet.
*Tires - If staying 15s run 245/60/15, Coopers, BFG or MTs. *Shocks, bushings - look at the RideTech street grip system. *4 wheel discs - make sure they actually work, and the e-brakes works properly. This is key to keeping those calipers working *Sagging doors - rebuild the hinges. Fun! Hinge tool *Get radio working - I have a single din NIB pioneer CD w/USB here, cheap $40 Black & gold is so over played it makes my head hurt! Silver looks **** on these cars. There was also a very cool blue in like 77 or 78. White is ok too Get the AC working (maybe wait for EFI on that). How does the metal under the t-top gaskets look? If that fan doesn't keep up in the heat look at 4th gen fans. Fit right in. Look at that fancy 81 only console. No map pocket - that is where the stock ECM was located. TAs have excellent resale. Can't wait to see progress |
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As for color, I think going off the normal path is where we want to be with this. The fan did look rather small so we will see how it does. The AC looks to be gutted so I will have to see how far they went with it. The car currently has no t-top seals ("Was ready for paint" LOL). We will put the seals on after it's painted but metal looks good. |
My friend's family owns Shout! Graphics up in Flemington. Let me know if you'd be interested in doing a wrap. They could always incorporate the bird into a hood graphic as well.
And what do you mean by the fuel pump is too much? Is it flooding the carb over? Whats the fuel pressure at the carb? |
Excellent. That roof metal is one reason i parted the 81Z i had. All the rot was hidden. I think they make the w/s for those tops. Not the aluminum m trim around them though. They look like gm/fisher tops.
Yes the hinges can do that, but normally bushings do the trick. Stock 225/70/15 are too tall and narrow. Thats why I like the 245/60s, wider and about 1/2"+ shorter, not a lot but enough. Not sure how soon paint will make the to do list, but going off the charts too much can hurt resale. Just because you mentioned resale earlier. What color was it new? Got a pic of the cowl tag? |
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http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslezg5aqs.jpg |
Yes, stupid old tires aren't cheap. I'd look at the coopers to be honest.
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no but you get high quality shocks & bushings, no need for tubular arms or such. On the value side you can check out customworks.
although if it has the big TA sway bars you really don't need to replace them at all. |
Customworks! If you want the car to handle see Keith, prices are really reasonable too.
SFCs are a must like 3rd and 4th gens. And put in solid body bushings |
why not just make it the elder, turbo'd LS off spring of your car? Black with tan gut on CCWs
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In regard to the Black and Gold design, that's the color setup where ALL the top redone Trans Am are looking like. Just watch Velocity (channel 150) and also Overhaulen' to check out how these cars POP when done. I know it's overkill, but if your thinking about resale, go with what SELLS. A wrap is another thought, as it can be made with all the Gold stripes built in just like the Bandit.:se:
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Keep the turbo hood!!
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oh yeah, great TA used parts guy on FB called "Second Gen Graveyard". I'll tag you
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What ever you do DO NOT BUY PARTS FROM PRO-TOURING F-BODY.COM Dave can't run a business and you will probably not get your parts
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Looks good!
Honestly, I'd T56 swap it. Just me though. |
Not looking to blow 15-20k guys. If I was going to do that, I would have built the Supra and maybe got a bigger return lol.
This will get done in steps with the intent of keeping it a solid, running/driving car. Tires, brakes and suspension will be addressed first. Anyone happen to know the measurements to know if the car has the "big" sway bars? |
1.25" up front, I think 3/4" out back, maybe 5/8
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don't see many of these around anymore. looks like fun! I'd paint it the blue that is in the trunk, that would look nice with a matching eagle on the hood.
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I love white with blue bird setup. I would put blue metallic in the paint also.
Keep the turbo hood, its rare and cool. Shakers are played out and worth less. Big ole burnout before you replace tires is required :lol: |
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