Project Greyscale 1971 Trans Am

[bsharpe]

Its about time i start a build thread for my new project. I am on this forum alot more than any other so I figured its about time to Share and contribute. Here is my quick rendering i created.


I originally just wanted to make some upgrades to the Chevelle i built 4 years ago but i decided to start from scratch. I just couldnt tear the chevelle apart.

I picked up the firebird shell and parts as you see here.

the car had some rust and damage but was pretty solid. It has rust in the normal areas and had damage on most panels but i dont like show cars i just want a driver.

I liked the ly6 6l90 i put in the chevelle but prices have gone up since. I found a 2010 l92 locally on craigslist and got a used 6l90 from a zl1 camaro similar but a better drivetrain compared to the chevelle.

The suspension was the hardest decision. f bodys have way to many options compared to the a-body. I purchased one of scott mocks early subframes from someone who decided to go a different route. i decided to go with ridetechs 4 link in the rear to save a little money.

I am currently trying to mock everythin up. I will add some more pictures later.

[tazzz2_ca]

You're going to like that ride/combo a whole lot..... Congrats on a great start I'll try checking in on your thread as time allows....

[WSSix]

Nice rendering. Welcome to the site, and good luck!

[bsharpe]

Originally Posted by tazzz2_ca

You're going to like that ride/combo a whole lot..... Congrats on a great start I'll try checking in on your thread as time allows....

Thanks Albert, Cochise and your other cars have been great motivation and references. Hopefully i can get some of your carbon fiber parts down the road.

[bsharpe]

I currently have everything mocked up and I'm running into some problems.


The subframe contacts the floor and doesnt fit as well as I hoped. I am using aluminum full height bushings at the firewall mounts but the subframe is really tight to the floors which are original. I know that Scott used half height body mounts on Cochise so I think something might be wrong. the subframe angles down a lot if I used full height body bushings in the rear so I used the half height bushings at the back only which leveled the subframe rails and helped with ground clearance.




The l92 intake does not clear the hood. I cut and rewelded the engine mounts as low as I could already. This could be caused by the subframe body mount issue. it is very close but the map sensor hits. I might relocate it or switch intakes.


I got AME headers with the subframe but they contact the floor. I raised the trans alot higher than most setups so this made things worse. I will most likely have to switch to a different set of headers.

[Rick D]

As the great Weld would say "that's Hot Rodding"

But seriously just because the parts "bolt"on doesn't mean they are "bolt on" parts, you have to find the right combination for your car to make it all work correctly. Remember this cars are VERY different from one another to begin with so some adjustment may be necessary.

By the way love the car and project!!

[BossaNova]

Ahhh. Welcome to the world of hot rodding.
Love your ideas. Don't give up!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

you really thought that the LQ manifold was going to fit under the hood?...


well then.. prepare your anus..

cause all of that will be surely charged to the game of HOTRODDING..

beat the floor up til it fits!..

[Sonar Chief]

That rendering is spot one! I know the feeling ... just this Friday I was ready to bolt on the upper bars and wtf, where is the other 5/8-11 jam nut? Luckily, there is a Fastenal here in town, so mad dash before they close because they aren't open when everyone else has time!!!!

Keep at it ... it will be worth it!

Michael

[bsharpe]

Originally Posted by Rick D

As the great Weld would say "that's Hot Rodding"

But seriously just because the parts "bolt"on doesn't mean they are "bolt on" parts, you have to find the right combination for your car to make it all work correctly. Remember this cars are VERY different from one another to begin with so some adjustment may be necessary.

By the way love the car and project!!

I understand the hot rodding mindset and never expect things to "blot on". Especially considering I tend to do things a little differently with my builds. I dont think a 6l80/90 has been put in a 2nd gen yet so i new there were going to be plenty of challenges.

Originally Posted by Mr.VENGEANCE

you really thought that the LQ manifold was going to fit under the hood?...


well then.. prepare your anus..

cause all of that will be surely charged to the game of HOTRODDING..

beat the floor up til it fits!..

I know i can make the truck intake fit. I love running the truck stuff on my builds. the intake performs the same as an ls3 intake but more torque and everything is dirt cheap.

I have the same setup in my chevelle.



It is close now. I just need to figure out where to put the subframe before i make any more changes.

Originally Posted by Sonar Chief

That rendering is spot one! I know the feeling ... just this Friday I was ready to bolt on the upper bars and wtf, where is the other 5/8-11 jam nut? Luckily, there is a Fastenal here in town, so mad dash before they close because they aren't open when everyone else has time!!!!

Keep at it ... it will be worth it!

Michael

The car has a lot of potential. I am going to do a couple of custom body mods but the cars looked great stock.

I build my cars during nights and weekends, its tuff to find time to make calls and buy things during regular business hours.