Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Photos => Trans Am Photos => Topic started by: jonathonar89 on October 30, 2013, 08:36:16 PM

Title: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on October 30, 2013, 08:36:16 PM
http://youtu.be/8WXIKkRPhf8
http://youtu.be/b0BVxF_hnv0
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: Daniel78ta on November 25, 2013, 03:53:00 PM
I like the sound..!! nice and lumpy!!
Good looking car….
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on November 25, 2013, 06:48:59 PM
Thanks, it's cool being loud and I don't mind it but I plan on getting a quiet exhaust eventually.  Right now it's headers and open x pipe (no mufflers) right before the axle. 
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 12, 2013, 02:03:20 AM
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/image_zps6c2cde3a.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/image_zps6c2cde3a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: hada76 on December 13, 2013, 10:22:24 AM
sweet stang...hard to believe the hp todays cars have right from factory
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 13, 2013, 07:49:51 PM
sweet stang...hard to believe the hp todays cars have right from factory

I agree the Boss 302 is a great car from the factory.  I've driven that car a few times...very fast on a roll! 

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/image_zps1e76a78a.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/image_zps1e76a78a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on October 19, 2014, 10:10:10 PM
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_20111018_114907.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_20111018_114907.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_20111018_114948.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_20111018_114948.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_20111018_115018.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_20111018_115018.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/image-2_zps581bde14.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/image-2_zps581bde14.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on October 19, 2014, 10:17:54 PM
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/0A08151D-6DDF-4A95-A605-7F842B0625DC_zpspljwxmpo.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/0A08151D-6DDF-4A95-A605-7F842B0625DC_zpspljwxmpo.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/43B4D55D-59C5-4813-8650-38779F145E0C_zpsghvpodo5.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/43B4D55D-59C5-4813-8650-38779F145E0C_zpsghvpodo5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: Dark T/A on October 24, 2014, 06:25:27 PM
Whats the plan for the next one?
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on October 24, 2014, 08:03:58 PM
That one is up in the air right now but it's a '78.  It was an auto car but the previous owner made it a 4 speed.  It was in a body shop jail in wauconda for about 5 years and was just released a few months ago.
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: Dark T/A on October 29, 2014, 06:41:56 PM
Very cool. Does your Silver car have original paint?
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: dodgeram106 on March 24, 2015, 01:24:15 AM
sound like the timing is way off or it's idling way to low
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on March 29, 2015, 01:14:41 AM
sound like the timing is way off or it's idling way to low

Yea, definitely a popcorn machine with open headers and choppy cam at that time.  I tore my car down and converting to fuel injection now...hopefully everything should smooth out now.  Thanks for responding because I need to update this thread. 
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on March 29, 2015, 01:30:23 AM
Been a while but this car is getting fuel injection and I'm doing some extra work while it's apart.  Here is what I have so far...
FAST XFI ECU
FAST LT1/carb conversion harness
FAST fuel pump and fan harness
FAST dual sync distributor
FAST E6 cd igntion box and E92 coil
FAST 4500 dominator throttle body (2000cfm+)
FAST fuel pressure regulator
FAST 1bar map sensor, water temp sensor, and air temp sensor
Edelbrock EFI Super Victor with 4500 dominator carb pad
Spectra classic injection gas tank with built in electric walbro fuel pump
Jeg's air-oil separator kit
BOP Engineering valley pan and PCV breather cap (relocates PCV to valve cover)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/2F2D0D07-FE79-4610-BBDF-525B38D7A1F1_zpsf731khm2.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/2F2D0D07-FE79-4610-BBDF-525B38D7A1F1_zpsf731khm2.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/B3241764-EE5F-4813-95B6-5754B3A917C3_zpshqugvisa.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/B3241764-EE5F-4813-95B6-5754B3A917C3_zpshqugvisa.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/3600BABF-79E2-428E-B422-440ABCE2223B_zpsjt3onwxj.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/3600BABF-79E2-428E-B422-440ABCE2223B_zpsjt3onwxj.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/7FA81752-88E2-419B-B528-B9FC05B7C03A_zpsx77pofsh.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/7FA81752-88E2-419B-B528-B9FC05B7C03A_zpsx77pofsh.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/B866368B-7D25-48F6-B5D0-BE0FC2F99266_zpsbrre9rmv.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/B866368B-7D25-48F6-B5D0-BE0FC2F99266_zpsbrre9rmv.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/7FB07EAA-3C54-4716-843B-E64F9B1E085B_zpsgsowjmly.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/7FB07EAA-3C54-4716-843B-E64F9B1E085B_zpsgsowjmly.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/19F6BD43-E44A-447F-B4F5-F73A14F7B9EA_zpsvsfenhsu.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/19F6BD43-E44A-447F-B4F5-F73A14F7B9EA_zpsvsfenhsu.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on March 29, 2015, 01:34:38 AM
Took the back end of the car apart.  I'm preparing it apply a KBS chassis coater kit (gloss black).   
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/2A9A75F5-9F61-4942-884A-7C8245CC681A_zpsitzabenh.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/2A9A75F5-9F61-4942-884A-7C8245CC681A_zpsitzabenh.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on May 11, 2015, 12:40:00 AM
Small project I did this weekend was polish a couple original thermostat housings.  Since the previous picture, I have removed the suspension, rear end and emergency brake assembly to start cleaning up the underbody. 

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/874846F1-7C20-4FA2-A31B-E1422ACCC3A4_zpsvsy7bvuv.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/874846F1-7C20-4FA2-A31B-E1422ACCC3A4_zpsvsy7bvuv.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/45DAEB42-B3A9-4CFE-8691-797DA6B2DABF_zpsxgwvzd1f.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/45DAEB42-B3A9-4CFE-8691-797DA6B2DABF_zpsxgwvzd1f.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/4808E42B-0AD1-4007-BAA1-D1D6F414E850_zpss9pj7vys.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/4808E42B-0AD1-4007-BAA1-D1D6F414E850_zpss9pj7vys.jpg.html)
Title: '79 400 4spd updated
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 18, 2015, 11:31:48 AM
Been a while since I posted on this forum but here is an updated on my project.

I've been working on installing some '87 Trans Am GTA seats in my car.  '87 and '79 both offered carmine red interior so this ended up being a good color match for my car.  The '87 seat offers mechanical recline, adjustable headrest, adjustable lower cushion, rear cargo net and electronic lumbar.  I'm not done installing but here is a rough idea of what will be in the car....
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151105_12_46_17_Pro1_zps4qhnauba.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151105_12_46_17_Pro1_zps4qhnauba.jpg.html)

'79 vs '87 seat in car...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151103_10_50_30_Pro_zpsccnnnizo.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151103_10_50_30_Pro_zpsccnnnizo.jpg.html)



Another thing I'm working on is installing the computer and ignition system inside of the car.  I've got it hidden under the console and everything fits.  Using a FAST E6 ignition with their E92 coil.  The coil is mounted to the throttle pedal bracket and the ignition is passed through the firewall using an MSD firewall feed.  It's not completely finished but getting there.

Console on...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151106_001_zpsj5yjess1.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151106_001_zpsj5yjess1.jpg.html)

Console off...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151106_15_21_11_Pro_zpsb6ym3ei7.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151106_15_21_11_Pro_zpsb6ym3ei7.jpg.html)

FAST E92 coil mounted to throttle bracket...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_10_10_02_Pro_zpseyw7wiau.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_10_10_02_Pro_zpseyw7wiau.jpg.html)

Ignition coil inside of car and ignition wire routing shown...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_12_53_52_Pro_zps59vtrgfs.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_12_53_52_Pro_zps59vtrgfs.jpg.html)

Firewall side of the ignition (everything else is inside the car)...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_12_53_02_Pro_zpsmfgdmpxk.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_12_53_02_Pro_zpsmfgdmpxk.jpg.html)

Top view...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_12_53_18_Pro_zpsbxrxnzfw.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_12_53_18_Pro_zpsbxrxnzfw.jpg.html)



Another thing working on is the exhaust.  I got a set of cheap headers from an unfinished project so that worked in my favor.  I did some port work on the passenger side and also installed an o2 sensor bung.  I also used a long burr inside of the header to finish it. 
Minor porting on header flange...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151112_13_34_53_Pro_zps9ivejrlc.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151112_13_34_53_Pro_zps9ivejrlc.jpg.html)

o2 sensor in header beween 9 and 12 o'clock position...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151112_13_56_50_Pro_zpsto6id844.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151112_13_56_50_Pro_zpsto6id844.jpg.html)

o2 bung after long burr used inside of header...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_16_37_13_Pro_zpsmyosxirk.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_16_37_13_Pro_zpsmyosxirk.jpg.html)





As for the intake manifold, there were a few issues with the throttle body.  First, the throttle linkage couldn't clear the pad so I had to grind the outside of the intake back a bit.  After that was done, it was found that the throttle blades weren't clearing the pad when opening.  The fix for this was using dykem, scribe and a burr to get an initial port layout.  After that I ported it by eye and hand.
Area outside of manifold ground to clear throttle linkage...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_11_05_12_Pro_zpsmhy7zutx.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_11_05_12_Pro_zpsmhy7zutx.jpg.html)

More work...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_11_06_05_Pro_zpse763ny7p.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_11_06_05_Pro_zpse763ny7p.jpg.html)

Finished port transitions...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_12_57_41_Pro_zps3d9dnd6p.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151029_12_57_41_Pro_zps3d9dnd6p.jpg.html)




For the final finish of the intake, I ended up painted it GM Corporate Blue after all the madness.  Edelbrock lettering removed, outside smoothed out, fuel rails powder coated black, throttle body section ported, and head face milled down.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_14_02_35_Pro_zpsay6pvnta.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_14_02_35_Pro_zpsay6pvnta.jpg.html)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_45_35_Pro_zpsxluf2pgs.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_45_35_Pro_zpsxluf2pgs.jpg.html)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_41_30_Pro_zpsoaqdecfr.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_41_30_Pro_zpsoaqdecfr.jpg.html)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_28_30_Pro_zpslk5ezhko.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20151110_13_28_30_Pro_zpslk5ezhko.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: NOT A TA on December 18, 2015, 10:42:20 PM
That intake looks really nice! You have any pics of the G brace on the drivers side?
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 19, 2015, 01:48:52 AM
That intake looks really nice! You have any pics of the G brace on the drivers side?

Nothing on me right now.  I know you're on TAC and Pro-Touring as well so I might have a few different pictures on one of those sites.  It should be a little bit of time before I have that driver side reinstalled.  Working on rebuilding the rear end and installing everything under the car.
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 19, 2015, 01:53:35 AM
Picked a VFN 4" cowl hood earlier this year.  I haven't had a chance to bolt it up but I hope it installs nice and easy.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20150904_16_37_50_Pro_zpsbbpwcu5z.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20150904_16_37_50_Pro_zpsbbpwcu5z.jpg.html)\

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20150904_16_37_29_Pro_zpszuvs1kdi.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20150904_16_37_29_Pro_zpszuvs1kdi.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on December 19, 2015, 01:09:01 PM
Suspension will be Hotchkis on my car.  I got lucky by receiving the rear sway bar for free from a friends unfinished car that was sold, bought the front sway bar off someone elses unfinished project, 20% off rear leaf springs and got the Hotchkis "tuned" Fox shocks for a good price as well.  I'm working on rebuilding the rear end before I go about installing everything.  At this point the only thing I've done is remove all the stickers.  I'm figuring it should look very clean and factory appearing under the car this way.   I've seen a lot of positive and negative reviews on this brand so we'll see what experience I have.  I will get more pics on this installed soon and a review on it.  Happy Holidays and I hope to provide build motivation for others with this thread as it progresses.

Nice and new...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20150917_13_28_56_Pro1_zpsxumszh90.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20150917_13_28_56_Pro1_zpsxumszh90.jpg.html)

Tie rod sleeves...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20150917_13_31_37_Pro1_zpsw7mci7hm.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20150917_13_31_37_Pro1_zpsw7mci7hm.jpg.html)

Leaf springs...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20150917_13_37_59_Pro1_zpsspereobm.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20150917_13_37_59_Pro1_zpsspereobm.jpg.html)

Shock before sticker removed...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_15_38_27_Pro_zpschpitnie.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_15_38_27_Pro_zpschpitnie.jpg.html)

Shock after...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_15_43_34_Pro_zpsapxyecjz.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_15_43_34_Pro_zpsapxyecjz.jpg.html)

Sway bar before...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_15_45_47_Pro_zpsrepfl6ao.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_15_45_47_Pro_zpsrepfl6ao.jpg.html)

Sway bar after...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151113_15_50_10_Pro_zpsfk5tvxto.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151113_15_50_10_Pro_zpsfk5tvxto.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: F-body International on June 28, 2016, 06:56:00 PM
I (jonathonar89) switched my account name to F-Body International in order to match up with other forums I frequent.  I will be continuing this thread under this username now. 

After doing some testing and comparing the Hotchkis sway bars with Dave @ Pro-Touring F-Body, I ended up selling the Hotchkis parts and bought an adjustable PTFB high clearance sway bar.  The Hotchkis sway bars were nice but after testing, it proved to be about as strong as a factory WS6 sway bar but created less inboard tire/wheel clearance.  The Pro-Touring F-Body sway bar is stronger and also has some very nice end links.   Here are some pictures showing the comparison between a Hotchkis sway bar and PTFB's adjustable high clearance sway bar.  You can see how the PTFB bar is pitched in more to allow for more tire/wheel clearance and also has a highly adjustable end link with bearings.
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20160603_19_41_21_Pro_zpsx9d9mrfc.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20160603_19_41_21_Pro_zpsx9d9mrfc.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20160603_19_41_01_Pro_zpsqiszavwg.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20160603_19_41_01_Pro_zpsqiszavwg.jpg.html)



Since I ended up switching to the Pro-Touring F-Body sway bar, I've been consulting with Dave(79T/A man)@Pro-Touring F-Body and John Paige (NOT A TA) to further develop my front suspension.  We ended up deciding that I pull my whole subframe out and do a whole build at the Pro-Touring F-Body shop since I live nearby.  Over the next few weeks I'll be posting some pictures and doing a write-up as it progresses.  This is going to be as good as it gets for building a 2nd gen subframe!

The following modifications will be done to the subframe...
-Pro-Touring F-Body coil-over install kit
-Pro-Touring F-Body upper control arms
-Pro-Touring F-Body lower control arms (built for coil-over only)
-Pro-Touring F-Body adjustable sway bar
-Pro-Touring F-Body sway bar brace
-ViKing double-adjustable coil-over shocks
-John Paige (NOT A TA) upper control arm adjustable supports
-John Paige (NOT A TA) lower control arm frame reinforcement kit
-John Paige (NOT A TA) body mount frame reinforcement kit
-John Paige (NOT A TA) sway bar mount upgrade

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20160627_19_42_12_Pro1_zpsg6hg0kdt.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20160627_19_42_12_Pro1_zpsg6hg0kdt.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: F-body International on July 14, 2016, 11:49:11 PM
A small update today that I'm pretty excited about is finding a nice set of GTA rear seats that match the front seats. What's cool about these seats is that they can fold down, match the front seat design and overall interior color.  From what I have found, '87 was the only year you could get GTA seats in carmine red and this happens to be the same color that was used in '79.  Please disregard the severely faded carpet and beat up interior panels ;)  These aren't bolt-in so I will have to fab up some mounts for the lower cushion mount, hinge and latch setup. 

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20160714_17_49_47_Pro1_zpsdcwdubvu.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20160714_17_49_47_Pro1_zpsdcwdubvu.jpg.html)

Here's the front again...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/WP_20151105_12_46_17_Pro1_zps4qhnauba.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/WP_20151105_12_46_17_Pro1_zps4qhnauba.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on May 21, 2017, 02:05:54 AM
Recent updates.


Suspension....I've bought a new frame locally to work on for my car after waiting and waiting for Dave at PTFB to supply my coilover suspension, lower control arms, g-braces, sway bar brace, etc.  I paid him in full a year ago, have not received my parts and the business has moved to Tennessee.  I've tried numerous times to get him to finish what I paid him for but every week there's a new story or excuse.  It's just a shame because I know him as a friend and I've helped work in the shop a lot this past year but I just don't think he will finish my stuff at this point.  I am now trying out Global West for suspension.


Engine...I recently acquired two 454 TBI's and a '81 301 Turbo HEI distributor.  I am using the '81 301 turbo distributor because it's a 7-wire computer controlled HEI (no weights/spring/vacuum can).  Currently, the distributor is being gone through by a specialist in that area.  Once the distributor gets back, I plan on sending the 454 TBI to Sean at SPR Performance so he can bore out the throttle body and modify it so I can run an external fuel pressure regulator
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0032_zps6bpcroeg.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0032_zps6bpcroeg.jpg.html)


Exterior/Body...Just traded my shaker hood for a 301 Turbo hood from an '81.  I'm going to try and graft in a 3rd gen '82-'84 cowl induction setup because the hood bulge is the same between 2nd-3rd gen.  It's stupid that this is now my 4th hood for the car but I feel very excited about this one. 
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0305_zpstxq7d44y.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0305_zpstxq7d44y.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on June 23, 2017, 03:25:08 AM
Got some time in after work today to install my Lab-14 upper control arm reinforcement plates.

Started by wire wheeling the control arm area...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0463_zpsdchgtdem.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0463_zpsdchgtdem.jpg.html)

Got some weld-through primer from my local Oreilly auto parts...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0466_zpsatopdrri.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0466_zpsatopdrri.jpg.html)

Sprayed the area that's getting welded...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0468_zpsoxhvgor0.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0468_zpsoxhvgor0.jpg.html)

Sprayed back side of plates then used the Lab-14 supplied locating bolts for set up...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0467_zps8si7q8qn.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0467_zps8si7q8qn.jpg.html)

Lab-14 plates welded into place...
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0469_zpsbmbr9pee.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0469_zpsbmbr9pee.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0471_zpsjj5njgw3.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0471_zpsjj5njgw3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on June 25, 2017, 11:41:29 PM
Did a little fitting with the new Global West control arms and finally got around to installing my Lab-14 lower control arm reinforcement plates.  I must say, the control arm tool from Lab-14 was a big help in getting this done smoothly!  Also if anyone else gets these plates, just FYI, you may need grind down the edges slightly so that they fit the frame better.  Either way the fit is great and they really do appear to strengthen this area.

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0484_zpspielby3z.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0484_zpspielby3z.jpg.html)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0488_zpsbpmhxrcn.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0488_zpsbpmhxrcn.jpg.html)

(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/jonathonar89/IMG_0489_zpstbuegtny.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/jonathonar89/media/IMG_0489_zpstbuegtny.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: jonathonar89 on July 04, 2017, 01:35:07 PM
Since Photobucket has blocked all my pictures.  I will stop posting on this thread until further notice.  I'm not planning on paying them money but we'll see what happens. 

Thank you for those who have followed, influenced and helped me with my project up until this point.
Title: Re: Nothing much but here's me '79 400 4spd
Post by: Grand73Am on July 04, 2017, 04:08:33 PM
Since Photobucket has become unreliable, I've been using Flickr.com . It's free.