Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Trans Am Photos => Trans Am Photos => Topic started by: Fitz78TA on August 23, 2010, 03:50:27 PM
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I am new to the site so i thought i would throw up my build i am working on. This seems to be a pretty cool forum with some pretty cool cars, so i thought i would join in the fun! feedback more than welcome.
Well i have recently picked up my first 2nd Gen TA and have started the process of my pretty much ground up build. This was a California car with ZERO rust in it. The people that owned it in Cali had already done a lot of work to the car by putting all new bushing and body mounts in it. Cleaned and painted the underside, rebuilt the motor and tranny. I bought the car with the motor and tranny pulled out of it and originally had bought the car to put together and drive, but that didn't happen.... The car is up at 417 Motorsports in Springfield Mo right now and we are working on the build.
The plans are custom front subframe with all C5 suspension and Fab 9" for the back with probably a 3 link setup (haven't started on the back yet)
The motor is out of my old 98 TA, which is a forged 370 iron block LSx with twin 61mm turbos. I picked up a RMVB TH400 w/ billet 3500 stall for another project, but think I will use it for this car now. In the end I plan on having a T56 in it, but I wanted to try the auto first to see what I think of it.
Here is a pic of it before i bought it when the motor was still in the car
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/201001101544341.jpg)
here it is after the suspension and subframe was stripped out of it with some 18" mock up wheels
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/photo1.jpg)
some progress of the front subframe work
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/photo3.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/7a1caee5.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/1d956e30.jpg)
and here is the motor setup that is going into this car.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/0804gmhtp_02_z1998_pontiac_trans_am.jpg)
Here is my old car that I bought new in Dec of 1997 that i had been building for 12 years and still hurts thinking about it. Long story short, i had wheel stud failure, lost the back wheel doing 70mph, slid out of control into a light pole directly in the drivers door which broke 2 vertebrae in my back and my pelvis (about 95% fully recovered now). These pictures were featured in April 2008 GM hightech magazine.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/0804gmhtp_05_z1998_pontiac_trans_am.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/gmhtp2.jpg)
Man i miss that car
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I like the Bmw wheels, 7 or 8 series? for what its worth, im running 9.5 x 19 on the rear of my bird.
If its anything like the 4th gen it will be stunning !!
Sorry to hear about your accident, my wifes getting over a back operation, so i sympathise.
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how much did it cost putting the upgraded suspension in
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Too Cool!!! That is going to be one nice car!
Welcome to the Site! and keep us posted on the build.
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thats is gonna be bad a**
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Going to be one sweet Bird.
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Looks like a great project. I like the wheels on there.
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It looks like a really fun project :) I'm sure it turns out great :D What plans do you have for paint? And will you try to keep the shaker hood? and a hood bird? :D
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You car is gonna look bada$$. I am also planning on going the pro-touring route, only not quite as in depth as you. Can't wait to see how it looks when its finished.
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Thanks for the compliments guys!
I believe the wheels are are 7 series BMW wheels, but not really sure. They are just some wheels we had at the shop for mock up, just turns out they ended up looking good, lol. I plan on doing the year one billet 18's on it though. Most the finishing details I am unsure on as of now, such as color, but I have plenty of time to think about that.
We are unsure what it will cost to replicate this as of now, it will probably be in the ballpark of an Art Morrison setup EXCEPT it would be installed and done for what you could just buy most of the higher end front subframes. There probably won't be any production of them to purchase though.
As of now i am planning on running a VFN shaker hood, but the shaker will probably be mounted to the hood (enter pun here). I love the way they look on NA setups, but with all the piping of the turbo's I want that to be seen, not the shaker.
Always looking for cool mods to these cars so post up pics of your modded beasts if you want!
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Very nice
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This is gonna be sweet, cant wait to see it finished
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wow that car is going to be amazing. keep adding pics so we can see it. welcome to the site. i too think those BMW wheels look nice on it. if you could somehow create little birds to go over the BMW logo on them it would look nasty. congrats and im sorry to hear about your 4th gen.
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That is a sweet build for sure!!!!!
I'll have some twin turbo questions for you at a later date!!!
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This is gonna be sweet, cant wait to see it finished
nice video, i bet thats what happened
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I like your 2nd gen more anyways .SOrry to hear about your inccident . I forgot to tighten up the wheel nuts on my drivers front tire on my 80 turbo T/A and as I was going down the highway about 70mph it came off and went on its own . Well luckily I came to a comeplete stop with no more damage than a smaller brake rotor .Much better outcome than what you went threw ,maybe these 2nd gens handle better that the 4th gens' do with 3 tires?
Anyways looking forward to seeing this engine conversion done ,looks like its going to be nasty!
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The BMW rims look real sharp
I like it a lot
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Well, front subframe is done. I ordered the rear end housing yesterday and i need to get the DSE minitub kit coming so we can get started on the back end of the car.
here are the pics of the subframe
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/5920618a.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/825ac300.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/a000de9b.jpg)
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Very nice sub frame
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The steering is very interesting, can i ask why you have converted it to a Rack? rather than the box?
I also run Bmw rims, but mine are 19", theyre proably alot more common over here though.
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The steering is very interesting, can i ask why you have converted it to a Rack? rather than the box?
I also run Bmw rims, but mine are 19", theyre proably alot more common over here though.
First reason is simplicity of the rack since the subframe was custom made, it uses 2001 corvette a arms, spindles, and brakes. Other reasons is lighter, takes up less space, and has a tighter steering ratio. Plus the fact I came from 4th gen f body's, so that is what i know :)
The BMW wheels do look good, but they are just mock up wheels as these are just a buddies wheels that he has laying around. I will be running 18x12's on the back and that just isn't an option with the BMW wheels (unless i actually had them widened).
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Thanks mate, always interesting to see things done in a different way.
Are you Tubbing the rear?
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Thanks mate, always interesting to see things done in a different way.
Are you Tubbing the rear?
Yep. Ordered my DSE mini tub kit friday, should be here this week!
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WOW! I admire you guys that go the pro-touring route, especially with all of the unique fabs. It takes a special talent for that. I really like the stance of the mock up, makes me think about lowering mine.......
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This is gonna be great! I can't wait to see the progress!!
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Yep. Ordered my DSE mini tub kit friday, should be here this week!
Id like to see pics of that mate ! ;)
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That looks like a sweet ride. Cant wait to see more pics.
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great job on that front end. it looks flawless. Are you thinking about painting it or keeping it stainless.
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DSE minitub kit is here!!! hopefully we can get to cracking at install next week. Little pricey for what they are, but they sure do look like they came from the factory.
Fab 9 should be here tomorrow i hope.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/3ae4bd2a.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/c479848f.jpg)
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great job on that front end. it looks flawless. Are you thinking about painting it or keeping it stainless.
its actually just mild steel, probably will just get painted. I may spray it with POR 15 though as I plan on using it for the floorpan inside and out.
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take LOTS of pictures on that install, im eventually going to do the same thing.....
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I must admit im very interested in this project too.
Thanks for the pics of the tubs.
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Well we got one tub cut out and the DSE mocked up. I forgot to take my camera, but i will remember for the other side. I did snap some cell pics though.
This kit is pretty easy to do, granted we did use a plasma for the ruff cutting which helped. The DSE kit comes with templates and even a DVD with step by step instructions, so honestly there really isn't much to show in pictures anyway. (The tape in the first pic is how much you cut out)
here are a couple i snapped though
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/64ad9610.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/d8d2409a.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/3cdb3b85.jpg)
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How much extra clearance do they give you?
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How much extra clearance do they give you?
well we stabbed a 325/50 15" drag radial under it and it fit! It tucked just under the lip of the fender well (i personally like big tires tucked further than that).
They were designed to fit a 335/30 18" which has the same sidewall as the 325/50 15" we put under which is 13.1ish"
We are going to mock up a 335/30 18 hopefully tonight, so I will post a pic once i get one
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Thanks for the info, im just interested to see what differences are being achieved.
Thankyou.
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With that 335/30/18, it is going to look awesome from behind! I can't wait to see the progress.
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Mocked up the 335/30 18's finally. Man these things are wide!! DSE minitub worked out perfect too, looking like we need to trim a little more to get the tubs further in, but for the most part the rough cut on the minitub kit is about all that was needed.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/0f5cf7cf.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/48f32b7c.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/1fb22e39.jpg)
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fab 9" came in as well.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9-2.jpg)
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wow that looks sick. i think you should go with a dull black rim. it is going to look mean. what rim are you thinking about?
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If thats going to be the stance............ im in love!
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wow that looks sick. i think you should go with a dull black rim. it is going to look mean. what rim are you thinking about?
well... you nailed it, satin black wheels it is and more than likely the year one 18" billet snowflakes will be on it. I am looking at a couple other sets, but the snowflakes just look sooo good.
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If thats going to be the stance............ im in love!
That is definitely the stance, sitting right there i need to trim and roll the fender well lip a little bit and its perfect. It is amazing how a simple thing like throwing a tire under the car can put a smile on your face :)
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I am very intrigued by this thread. Can't wait to see an update. Awesome project.
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If thats going to be the stance............ im in love!
Aint that the truth mate, im impressed.
That is definitely the stance, sitting right there i need to trim and roll the fender well lip a little bit and its perfect. It is amazing how a simple thing like throwing a tire under the car can put a smile on your face :)
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The tires look good thanks for the pics, Oh and the Chevy II 's in the background look pretty good too ! ok guys I'm sorry I've sinned and I repent ;)
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^^^^LOL. I saw it too and called my buddy over to the comp to see the tires and chevy.lol. We can spread the love to other lil brother models.
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The tires look good thanks for the pics, Oh and the Chevy II 's in the background look pretty good too ! ok guys I'm sorry I've sinned and I repent ;)
Well at least they are GM, LOL!!!!
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The maroon Chevy II just got a LS1/4L60 swap done to it, nothing too major but extremely nice car.
The primer Black Chevy II on the other hand has a 408 iron block LS1 in it with twin turbo's making 950 rwhp through a 4L80 tranny. We are taking it to the LSX shootout next weekend in St. Louis, it was actually in HotRod magazine a while back. Originally a 4 door car, converted to 2 door, body isn't real straight, primer black with a lot of power PERFECT! lol, car has been put together for a few years now and he drives it everywhere. Motor has close to 40,000 on it too! The owner also has a 66 nova wagon with a duramax in it, the preview has been in HotRod and it will be a feature in an upcoming issue.
We really like our LS1's if you can't tell :)
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1 completed DSE mini tub kit.... CHECK
Finished them up last night, turned out great. Well worth the money, they give a little over 14"s from inside of the tub to the fender well lip. DSE did a great job on the templates, once painted the tubs will look factory.
Since we are doing some sort of custom suspension in the back we didn't notch the frame rails for relocating the leaf springs, but will have to notch them to get the car as low as i want it to sit. As of now we have about 14 hours of work in them, I didn't think that was too bad.
Here is a couple quick cell pics.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/c5dd75c5.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/4f6d135d.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/85d3b04e.jpg)
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Only 14 hours. It would have taken me a lot longer. You are doing an A+ job! Keep up the great work and thanks for the pictures.
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nice welds
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This build has me so excited! I would love to do something like this one of these days. I can't wait to see the end result.
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Looks great :) with the DSE mini tubs, you can still use the back seat as well?
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only 14 hours, BUT we did have a plasma cutter :) We did a Wolfe mini tub kit in my 98 formula drag car that I started and it took WAY longer and didn't turn out this nice.
The back seat will work, but you have to cut the back down a little bit. The video shows how to do it. I still have the back seat out of my 98 TA that is a couple inches narrower than the 78 that ought to fit right in, plus i will be able to build a frame where it will fold down allowing access to the trunk from the inside of the car, just as you can fold it down in the 4th gen fbody's.
Hope to start on the rear suspension this week.
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ive got alot of the same ideas! with the 4th gen seats, mini tubs, im going air ride eventually though...
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Been a while since I updated this thread, but here are a few progress pics. Got the motor and tranny mocked up, had to cut pretty much all of the tranny tunnel out since we moved the motor so far back. Also included a couple pics of the torque arm fab. torque arm will run horizontally under the driveshaft with a double adjuster on the straight pipe, then the 2 angled pipes will get eyelets so the pinion angle can easily be adjusted.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/27321a6d.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/012d3d94.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/34102c04.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/f89bc14b.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/76e2e9cd.jpg)
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sweet. That looks wicked.
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any new updates?
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any new updates?
Just what I posted a couple posts up earlier today
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That's looking great, nice work!!
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i'd run with the blue and the wheels in your profile picture, I think it looks super sweet and the stance makes it look beyond mean.
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Got some pics from the Wheel manufacturer!!!
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/PO1771.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/PO17712.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/PO17715.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/PO17714.jpg)
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Here is a render I had done about a month ago. It shows the color scheme I am trying to achieve.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/smalleastbound.jpg)
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thats so sick. That is very similar to the same color scheme I want but not modified.haha. this is so so dope.
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very nice....i'd go with polished or chrome wheels though. the black looks too much ricer to me. but otherwise i really dig it.
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very nice....i'd go with polished or chrome wheels though. the black looks too much ricer to me. but otherwise i really dig it.
It is funny you say that. I really want a charcoal color car with black rims,tinted windows, charcoal red decals and some red pin striping and someone said it would look very JDM to them. I guess it is kind of true but just listen to the car and it will not sound like any ricer. These cars get all five senses going.
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Wow nice work. I wish I had the tools to do that kind of stuff
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Too cool! I love it. Are you planning on a carbon fiber hood?
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wheels are done! shipping out today.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/683d1834.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/05187f5b.jpg)
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very nice....i'd go with polished or chrome wheels though. the black looks too much ricer to me. but otherwise i really dig it.
My last car was bright red with polished wheels. This car is going to be the exact opposite. And sorry, I HATE ricers and all they do to there cars. There is NOTHING ricer about black wheels, or this car.
I understand you are trying to help keep me from that realm, and thank you for that. I promise you if it looks ricer when I am done it WILL get changed, lol, but I will never do anything to make it that way.
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WOW. Those are way too cool. Great job.
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Very nice, bet they're going to look great on the car!
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wow those look. great. I am surprised you didn't go with more of a deep dish though for the rears. Really make them stand out.
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Those look sweet!!!
I like the paint scheme, it will look Bad A...
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wow those look. great. I am surprised you didn't go with more of a deep dish though for the rears. Really make them stand out.
Boy has there been some debate about this, lol. First I wanted to stay away from the MASSIVE lips a lot of people do with the wide rear wheels, just to be a little different. Plus I had no choice on the front wheel lip due to the C5 corvette suspension and I really don't like a small lip front and huge lip rear. I did actually expect the lip to be a little bigger, but doing a "concave" wheel made it impossible to specify the exact lip I would end up with. The wheels are actually only a +15 offset so the hub is almost centered in the wheel. What kind of screwed me was the fact I had them build them for C6 Z06 brakes which pushed them out a little further too. Also where the spokes mount to the barrels and where the center of of the wheel are is about 1" difference, so if it was a traditional flat face center there would be an additional 1" lip.
Now ADV 1 did build the wheels to my specs, but are willing to do partial trade on the barrels to get me more of a lip if I want, but they said once I see the wheel in person I more than likely will not want to switch them.
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I think they look good. You don't want to much of a lip, as it takes away from the rest of the wheel. Can't wait to see this thing come together.
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I think those look perfect. Anymore lip and it will seem like you are hiding the face of the wheel. Cant wait to see them mounted. ETA on that?
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wheels should be here Tuesday, I will mount 1 front tire and 1 rear tire to make sure everything fits good after that. I should have some mock up pics (with car in air) Tuesday night. Rear suspension and rear end still haven't been finished so it will be a bit before it will be on the ground.
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I can't wait to see them!
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the car is looking sweet. I love the look you are going for. I also love the wheels. Keep up the good work.
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Resto-mods are by far my favorite. Your concept just looks mean as hell. I will be watching this one......
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Here are a couple quick pics of the wheels. I hope to get some better pictures SOON. My camera crapped out on me last night.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/side2.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/rearangle.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/side.jpg)
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Thats cool. They look a lot darker then the first pics. That back tire it HUGE!
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Thats cool. They look a lot darker then the first pics. That back tire it HUGE!
that is due to the poor lighting in the shop at the moment and POS camera I was using.
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AWESOME! They look sweet. She sits perfect.
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its going to be great.
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Looking great so far! I can't believe those tires don't rub, those a really wide!!
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wow! your doing an amazing job! The color scheme looks great!
Tom
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Did you buy brakes yet I have a complete set of c6 zo6 brakes for sale?
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Did you buy brakes yet I have a complete set of c6 zo6 brakes for sale?
I have C5 front and 4th gen f body rears for now. I saw you had them on G for sale, but need to focus my funds in other directions at the moment. Thanks though.
You get me any fenders or hood yet? :)
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jesus that thing is going to be soo soo sweet. i cant wait to see the end product. How much power was that motor of yours putting out. What kind of work did you do to it besides the obvious twin turbos.
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jesus that thing is going to be soo soo sweet. i cant wait to see the end product. How much power was that motor of yours putting out. What kind of work did you do to it besides the obvious twin turbos.
It is a .30 over 6.0L (370ci) motor out of a 2003 HD chevy truck. I put forged Callie's rods, Wiseco pistons, stock turned crank and 238/242 605/610 cam on a 114. It has mildly ported LS3 heads also.
On 14psi running rich and low timing my red car made 755 rwhp, and ran 10.06 @ 141mph in the 1/4. I had turned it up to 18psi and I could almost promise it was making close to 850rwhp.
I am actually selling the turbo kit off my red car this weekend, so now I get to upgrade the turbos to some billet wheel precisions!!!
Here is a video I made from the 2009 LSX shootout a couple months before the car was totaled http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcOUG95ZzO8&playnext=1&list=PL2CEC464A55DA9E2B
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I'll probably be able to get fenders soon, I'll keep in touch. Hoods are still a bit of a waite.
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Carbon fiber hoods and fenders? :)
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check out www.kcsr.org
I didn't read your whole thread but I hope you went with ladder bars over the 3 link set up...
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This car is going to be soo sick i cant wait to see her finished. Do you think when all said and done the car will be heavier or lighter than youe 98 TA
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This project is real treat to watch as it goes together. Well done, sir.
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check out www.kcsr.org
I didn't read your whole thread but I hope you went with ladder bars over the 3 link set up...
ended up going torque arm. ladder bar won't handle like i want it to.
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This car is going to be soo sick i cant wait to see her finished. Do you think when all said and done the car will be heavier or lighter than youe 98 TA
I'm hoping for 3400 to 3500 at most, which is lighter than the 98 was. All depends on if I use any fiberglass parts on it. Doing the suspension, front sub and aluminum center section, I have already shaved quite a bit off the car.
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This project is real treat to watch as it goes together. Well done, sir.
Thank you! Unfortunately we have been in the process of moving, so no new progress on the car as of late. We hope to get it on a rotisserie this week though!
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Well we got some time to spend on the car this week. Started smoothing the firewall. Blake (owner of 417) is getting really good at the bead roller.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/33dbdb41.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/06eb13ce.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/de8c0306.jpg)
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Also here is a picture of the tranny tunnel so far, just have to merge it to the firewall and to the remainder of the factory tunnel.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/75e9f844.jpg)
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Shes coming together.
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Yes you're right that's very nice work on the bead roller.
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I'm hoping for 3400 to 3500 at most, which is lighter than the 98 was. All depends on if I use any fiberglass parts on it. Doing the suspension, front sub and aluminum center section, I have already shaved quite a bit off the car.
That seems heavy? With all the upgrading thats about the same weight as a stock Trans am... or what?
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I'm hoping for 3400 to 3500 at most, which is lighter than the 98 was. All depends on if I use any fiberglass parts on it. Doing the suspension, front sub and aluminum center section, I have already shaved quite a bit off the car.
I'm hoping for less than that, but this way I won't be disappointed. With the 10 point cage and turbo kit addition that is why I was just shooting for that weight. I have been talking with a company about a lot of carbon fiber body parts, if they build all the parts they are talking about and I can afford all of them I will lose a lot more weight.
That seems heavy? With all the upgrading thats about the same weight as a stock Trans am... or what?
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I'm hoping those carbon fiber parts will be available for everyone at some point :)
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The car is coming along nicely.
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Well not much has been done to the car in a while, but Blake got my rear housing control arm brackets cut out along with all the bushings and parts for the rear control arms. I got my axles and center section in for the 9" as well.
35 spline moser axles 3" long arp 1/2" wheels studs for axles. Moser aluminum through bolt center section with daytona pinion support, 1350 yoke, motive 3.73 gears, and a 35 spline Wavetrack posi unit to fit the axles. Here are some pics of the new stuff
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/57ea1e49.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9bf98eab.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/42a1ff21.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/4da25421.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/e420c12d.jpg)
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Got some more rear suspension done tonight, actually my fab guy is still working on it as I type this, but I had to leave. Here are a couple more quick pics. We were also able to cut the housing down so hope to have the brackets and axle ends welded on in the next couple days. Should be sitting on it's own soon!
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/ff86c6e7.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/09698ea9.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/ba5e0375.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/adc65510.jpg)
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ITS ON THE GROUND!!!! 417 Motorsports still has to do the shock mounts (bars are installed instead of shocks), front and rear, and the watts link. This at least lets us see how the car will set and to make sure the suspension design is correct, so far I don't see how it could get any better. Rear wheels will be about another 1/2" out, no rear rotors on the car yet.
here are some more crappy cell pics, but you get the idea, I couldn't be happier on the stance.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9671f9dd-1.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/bee214f5.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/2598163a.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/e9ad5c5a.jpg)
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Looks pretty good. I myself would have it about 1" higher. Base birds I feel look better sitting this low but for some reason I think the T/A's need to be a tad higher.
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Looks pretty good. I myself would have it about 1" higher. Base birds I feel look better sitting this low but for some reason I think the T/A's need to be a tad higher.
In the end I am sure it will be a tad higher than this, plus it will be adjustable by about an inch. I love how it looks like that myself, but rubbing could very well be an issue like that. The rocker panel is perfectly level at this point, so if I raise the front the back will have to come up as well, but I love how the back sits now.
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WOW that looks wild, I'm diggin it.
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Love the stance on your T\A :)
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That looks Awesome! Great stance! You are doing a great job.
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Thanks guys!
Can't wait for this thing to be at my house and out of the fab shop so I can actually start putting it together.
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WE WANT MORE.. WE WANT MORE... WE WANT MORE!!!! Photos that is :)
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Very nice job
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Well as most of you know, projects take way to dang long!!!! progress has been snail speed, but the roll cage is getting there. I have lit a fire under my fab guys a$$ to get the rest of the fab done to it.
Here are a couple pics of the roll cage. I will update with some better pics later. So far when looking from outside in at the side of the car, you can't see a bit of the cage, it tucks that nice. We also rolled the top of the main hoop to follow the slight rounded roof line of the car too, I will snap some pics hopefully tonight on that.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/b2f509fe.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/98099120.jpg)
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Here are some additional pictures of the cage.
This is a side view with all bars in place (except door bar), you can't even tell there is a cage!
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/d0ff9a24.jpg)
all bars are tacked in place now, except the cross bar along the roof line. door bars and harness bar won't be done till later for ease of access during the build.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/de259aca.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/a78c8db4.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/a43a3ab8.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/5e33d9f1.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/7adcd0f2.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/b00818e6.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/d0736825.jpg)
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your car is going to be such a beast!
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your going to hit your head on that bar every time you get in it. been there...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22701-1/May19_03.jpg)
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At least with the way the roll cage is built, you can still take on and off the t-tops ;)
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your going to hit your head on that bar every time you get in it. been there...
Yes, what you said is a concern. As of right now the seats (corbeau) sit way to high for my liking, we are going to cut the slider bracket down 1/2" and shave 1" out of the foam on the seat to get me sitting lower in the car to help prevent this from happening. That will put me sitting under the T-top completely. The plus is I am used to getting in and out of full caged cars.
BTW nice car you had (have?) there. Also I promise to look for that plastic piece tonight :)
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At least with the way the roll cage is built, you can still take on and off the t-tops ;)
YEP! Obviously it isn't ideal to have a full cage in a T-top car, but after my last accident I said I would never be in a high horsepower car again without a full cage.
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Looking great! I can't wait to see it complete!!
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At least with the way the roll cage is built, you can still take on and off the t-tops ;)
YEP! Obviously it isn't ideal to have a full cage in a T-top car, but after my last accident I said I would never be in a high horsepower car again without a full cage.
I've actually wondered in the past about building a high HP T-top T\A, so I really liked the way the roll cage was built ;) may copy that in the future :P
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nice car and love the old nova
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Been a while (again) since I updated this, but made a little more progress. I shaved the steering column of all brackets and mounting points, then made a slip fit tube for it to slide into and welded it to the firewall for a cleaner look. Steering shaft is done as well now, the 03 cobra rack has a VERY tight ratio which feels great. We also figured out what to do for the twin turbo kit. With all the room the subframe 417 built we are going to be able to run stock truck manifolds, cut the flanges off and weld a v band to them. this will keep the turbo's weight off the front end for better distribution, not as much eye appeal, but very functional. I bought a set of Precision turbo 6262 billet wheel turbo's with v band exhaust inlet and outlet for ease of use. With the DSE minitub kit you have to modify the factory back seat, so instead we used my factory 98 TA back with 78 lower buckets. 417 Cut out the entire rear package tray and made a new one with an access hole so we could utilize the fold down option the 98 seat gave us. I also bought my speedway splined sway bars, Anvil carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and filler piece as well. I don't have a good picture yet, but I bought my 7/8"s manual master cylinder for my brakes and put some billet reservoirs on it.
Here are some updated pics
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9f960c0f.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/da6408b0.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/8ab1ce81.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/08cff1e3.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/a8863aab.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/055c85eb.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/de12a9d8.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/e5e6baf6.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/IMG_4864.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/IMG_4863.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/IMG_4855.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/427e579c.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/b864fb33.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/92ae0319.jpg)
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Wow. Looks like you guys have been very busy. It is starting to look almost drivable. Great update.
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I never get that with my bud light
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Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww. That thing is going to be soooo sick. The motor look mean and those turbos look HUGE. How much boost are you hoping to put through that motor?
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For some reason looking at your turbos has made me very thirsty!
I can't wait to see you fill up the rear deck with speakers - that is wicked looking!
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I can't wait to see you fill up the rear deck with speakers - that is wicked looking!
and from the looks of that motor he will be filling it with white smoke as well!
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Nice work on the car so far...I really like it and the ideas your using on it!!
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Thanks for the continued support on the build, I am really getting anxious at this point! We have made good progress, but 417 Motorsports had an open house so we bolted the front end back on and cleaned it up a little bit. I have to say just cleaning the year and a half of dust and dirt off sure did get me going again though.
The turbo's are only 62mm each, so not really that big all in all. As far as boost goes, I only plan on running around 9 psi on the street as that should make close to 700rwhp, but for road race and drag race as long as I can make the car hook, it will be around 14 to 18 psi (max).
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got started on the clutch master install, it is a TICK adjustable. Used a copy of a DSE bracket and cut out the firewall around it. Still have to box it in on the firewall, but looks like it will work like a champ. I also threw up some pics of the brake master and steering shaft, wasn't happy about doing the two pivot steering shaft, but that was the only way to get it to work with the stock manifolds.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/099f78e5.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/6ef72954.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/86a1a81f.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/0335145f.jpg)
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All I can say is, Too Cool!
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Alright,
through the floor subframe connectors are done along with splined sway bars front and rear. The front bar is a 1 1/4" .188 wall bar. The rear is a solid 7/8" bar, but used an 1 3/4" tube to slide it into in case I ever want to put a big bar in the back for drag racing. The subframe connectors have tabs that slide into the subframe and then are held on with 6 bolts a side, so subframe can be removed still.
started fitting the turbo's last night as well, hope by the end of the week to maybe have the turbo headers (factory manifolds) holding the turbo's in place.
here are some updated pics
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/16f92341.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/1660235c.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9c7d0069.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/2fb39587.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/961d90da.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/0db3abe6.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/6796f4b3.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/277016b1.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/50e1cba7.jpg)
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Twin Turbo headers DONE! We got the passenger side done Saturday, but Blake at 417 built the driverside this morning and sent me some pics, so here they are. Waste gates should be in this week, so hope to have those added to the headers by the weekend. Now we can get the tranny cross member drawn up and to the water jet to get cutout. Also hope to have the exhaust done back to the x pipe too pretty quick. Turbo's did end up being too low so I will have to run a scavenge pump on the oil return of the turbo's.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/ee72160c.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/ad844a0f.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9d75da97.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/64f8b268.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/e1597831.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/02e6ece7.jpg)
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One word: impressive!! :o
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All things considered, the turbos being saddled so low and everything else underneath makes me not really care much about the topside. Seeing your car on the rack is definitely a good thing. It seems like the pace of the build is really picking up. Can't wait to see it shred pavement......maybe some vids of track/autocross time?
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All I can say is WOW! Just amazing. I can't wait to see what is next. I wish I had your fab skills!!
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Thanks for the continued support guys! I as well can't wait to get this thing going, my goal is to make power tour. Although a long shot it will happen at least it gives me a goal to strive for.
All I can say is WOW! Just amazing. I can't wait to see what is next. I wish I had your fab skills!!
I wish I could take credit for the fab work, but Blake at 417 Motorsports is the talent behind that. I am just the guy that cuts where he tells me to cut, and then I put it together after he builds it lol
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HOLY CRAP!!! long time awaited, but it's finally home from 417 Motorsports, chassis is done with the exception of some rollcage bars since it is easier to work on without them in the way. car will go out for body work now then I can start stabbing this thing together finally!
here are the last pics of the chassis work and at home in it's garage spot for the first time.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/9c96ec91.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/35e2165c.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/d0c8d3a9.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/41029bc6.jpg)
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SOOO SICK. Can you even turn those wheels???
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they turn lock to lock no problem, just not sure about once I am cornering hard into a turn. I'm not getting my hopes up on leaving it this low just in case. I figure worst case I will have to raise 1/2" or so. With the sway bars that are on the car it shouldn't move too much though.
and Thanks for the compliment!
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Man I have been waiting FOREVER to see updates of this thing. Damn this car is so sweet. I want a ride in this so bad. You have got to be proud.
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Man I have been waiting FOREVER to see updates of this thing. Damn this car is so sweet. I want a ride in this so bad. You have got to be proud.
well when i get done if you are ever in southwest MO feel free to give me a shout! ('when' its done :) )
I have been messing around with interior before the car goes out for body work, as the rear panels didn't fit with the cage/mini tub. The kick panels fit just by shaving the backs down to where they were flat. all the t top pieces and a pillar's fit in tight, but do fit. So all i have to do is build some rear B pillar panels. I also had to cut my own headliner board out of some ABS plastic since no one makes a headliner without seat belts (running 5 point harnesses) or sun-visors (THANKS PETE!).
here are a couple pics of the progress of the interior.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/06E8F85B-D644-4B57-BC6F-4A8F201E109A-16298-00001E7A120832E9.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/1182F9AB-AD37-4141-A090-9FA4FB875D78-16298-00001E7D9AE9554D.jpg)
here are the pics of the abs I cut to start my new fiberglass rear panel and also my mold. Hope to make the new fiberglass panel next week
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/8A8827BA-CA34-4FF0-A9FF-3C74C3F44678-16298-00001E7A0614D3D2.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/C99CEA87-F25D-4909-963C-B57E3415A89F-16298-00001E79EC92F502.jpg)
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/22219D0D-277A-4054-B463-422CE97F8E2D-16298-00001E79F97431A8.jpg)
and here is a pic of my racepak sitting in the dash, going to tackle making a new gauge overlay soon too.
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/B024C365-92F0-4F63-AA24-B8AA58BD017D-16298-00001E7A0BE90A76.jpg)
and a mock up of my Anvil carbon fiber deck lid and filler panel
(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad297/Fitz98/92A7CA2E-D484-4EC1-A537-995D8C80FF0F-16298-00001E79FCA3B267.jpg)
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Love the rear package tray Did you make ?or where did you get it?
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Dumb question but the roll bar isn't going to interfere with accessing the handles to release the t roofs?
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Dumb question but the roll bar isn't going to interfere with accessing the handles to release the t roofs?
Nope, work just fine. They sit next to the t top so the handle slides down just fine
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Love the rear package tray Did you make ?or where did you get it?
417 motorsports built it actually. I have my template made that will go over it, but still have to cut it out as well.
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Ya I figured a smart cookie like you would have thought that threw