1982 trans am build
03-08-2012, 03:29 PM
#1
1982 trans am build I already posted this in the pontiac forum but it looks like it's better suited here.... I'll update as I go along. With shipping times stuff can go pretty slow on this side of the ocean
I´m building an 82 Trans Am. I was initially going to install a large displacement SBC with Duggan heads but after finding out the heads are only 38cc chambers (they were so cool I had to have them) so the heads are now display pieces. I have since decided to stick an LS engine in it, at least an LS2 preferrably larger.
I traded my LT1 T56 for an LS one so that is taken care of. Currently using an LS1 long block for mockup so I can build the exhaust, the cooling system and other parts while I'm working out the details on the engine. I will most likely be using a front distributor setup and a carb spider intake, maybe with FI maybe carb.
The car itself has full tubular suspension, k member, bilstein shocks, all poly bushings, sumped tank, watts linkage, all new balljoints & steering system, 13" C5 front brakes, 14" rear.
Interior will be stock with most likely Recaro Sportster CS seats (I have a set of them in black alcantara)
Hoping to pick up some pointers here on the LS stuff. I already did a 2004GTO LS1/T56 swap in an 82 Corvette.
Some pics of the car:
I want it with gold wheels..maybe this
LS1 is in after grinding the moroso mounts.
This is with 1" set back, plenty of room but the driveshaft is a little right so instead of 41.5" I'm getting a 41" one.
Ignore the quickly hacked/welded crossmember. It's non functional. I'm going to get some alston inboard SFCs and fabricate a mount off them. The way it's now I don't have exhaust clearance and I want it to run besides the tranny.
Rad fits too...well..almost LOL. Need to cut that large bulge off the steering box so I can get a hose end on the oil cooler part and I need to cut and angle the lower rad hose connection
I wanted to install the mcleod 4th gen master and didn't feel like taking the damned pedals out again. The 4th gen stud is SMALLER than the 3rd gen. Doing searches here in the past I could have sworn it was the other way around. Also, the high pedal issue..is it caused by the location? I doubt it, the location is very similar in relation to the shaft. I had a clevis that was the right ID but it's too wide, the stud on the 3rd gen pedals is too short... frustration!! I decided to take a short cut. I removed the rod end from the aftermarket master and fabricated my own clevis. There's plenty of sideways play because of the wave washer, no play af all in the direction of the pedal. Done, this will slip right on.
I decided the C5 conversion is pretty damn hideous...well...the caliper at least. It's got too much of a production look to it, not "pro touring" at all...so, I got some C6 Grand Sport calipers without logos (Kore3) thatI'll stick on. Might as well upgrade to 14" front brakes. I'd like to keep the 2pc rotors so I'm going to see if coleman or wilwood makes a rotor that bolts to the baer hub (if anyone knows the baer hub patter, 12 boltson ??? diameter)
Never liked that the C5calipers are remanuf. cores with dents and scratches.
This is going to look soooo much better
Also bought some mac SFCs so I can start fabbing my trans mount off them when they come in.Wasgonna go with alstons but since I'm going to cut them up the macs were a better deal since they were significantly cheaper.
I´m building an 82 Trans Am. I was initially going to install a large displacement SBC with Duggan heads but after finding out the heads are only 38cc chambers (they were so cool I had to have them) so the heads are now display pieces. I have since decided to stick an LS engine in it, at least an LS2 preferrably larger.
I traded my LT1 T56 for an LS one so that is taken care of. Currently using an LS1 long block for mockup so I can build the exhaust, the cooling system and other parts while I'm working out the details on the engine. I will most likely be using a front distributor setup and a carb spider intake, maybe with FI maybe carb.
The car itself has full tubular suspension, k member, bilstein shocks, all poly bushings, sumped tank, watts linkage, all new balljoints & steering system, 13" C5 front brakes, 14" rear.
Interior will be stock with most likely Recaro Sportster CS seats (I have a set of them in black alcantara)
Hoping to pick up some pointers here on the LS stuff. I already did a 2004GTO LS1/T56 swap in an 82 Corvette.
Some pics of the car:
I want it with gold wheels..maybe this
LS1 is in after grinding the moroso mounts.
This is with 1" set back, plenty of room but the driveshaft is a little right so instead of 41.5" I'm getting a 41" one.
Ignore the quickly hacked/welded crossmember. It's non functional. I'm going to get some alston inboard SFCs and fabricate a mount off them. The way it's now I don't have exhaust clearance and I want it to run besides the tranny.
Rad fits too...well..almost LOL. Need to cut that large bulge off the steering box so I can get a hose end on the oil cooler part and I need to cut and angle the lower rad hose connection
I wanted to install the mcleod 4th gen master and didn't feel like taking the damned pedals out again. The 4th gen stud is SMALLER than the 3rd gen. Doing searches here in the past I could have sworn it was the other way around. Also, the high pedal issue..is it caused by the location? I doubt it, the location is very similar in relation to the shaft. I had a clevis that was the right ID but it's too wide, the stud on the 3rd gen pedals is too short... frustration!! I decided to take a short cut. I removed the rod end from the aftermarket master and fabricated my own clevis. There's plenty of sideways play because of the wave washer, no play af all in the direction of the pedal. Done, this will slip right on.
I decided the C5 conversion is pretty damn hideous...well...the caliper at least. It's got too much of a production look to it, not "pro touring" at all...so, I got some C6 Grand Sport calipers without logos (Kore3) thatI'll stick on. Might as well upgrade to 14" front brakes. I'd like to keep the 2pc rotors so I'm going to see if coleman or wilwood makes a rotor that bolts to the baer hub (if anyone knows the baer hub patter, 12 boltson ??? diameter)
Never liked that the C5calipers are remanuf. cores with dents and scratches.
This is going to look soooo much better
Also bought some mac SFCs so I can start fabbing my trans mount off them when they come in.Wasgonna go with alstons but since I'm going to cut them up the macs were a better deal since they were significantly cheaper.
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Cheese Weasel (08-26-2019)
09-25-2018, 08:42 AM
#9
This car is almost finished (always have more than 1 build going at a time)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dCRqDejgRJnoJbbu1
That's the entire gallery for it. Wheels are still to be determined. Getting something other than euro wheels is a problem here. Thinking I might go with some bbs or such. I need 19s to cover the zl1 brakes.
All it needs is the interior buttoned up and some small tweaks here and there.
Vid
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dCRqDejgRJnoJbbu1
That's the entire gallery for it. Wheels are still to be determined. Getting something other than euro wheels is a problem here. Thinking I might go with some bbs or such. I need 19s to cover the zl1 brakes.
All it needs is the interior buttoned up and some small tweaks here and there.
Vid
06-13-2019, 09:34 AM
#14
TECH Senior Member
To me, if a wing is needed for downforce, use one. If not, leave it off.
The following users liked this post:
Cheese Weasel (08-26-2019)
08-26-2019, 09:00 AM
#16
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Very nice build. Thank you for sharing. I belive the spoiler would look more "natural" once painted black to match the car and people wouldn't find it out of place or such. The stance and wheels look great. It's nice to see an early Third Generation 'Bird getting this much attention.
06-17-2020, 11:10 AM
#18
A couple of problems. It's too slow 😁 and I shpuld have painted the engine and transmission. So.. what to do. Stick in the lsx495? Or the ERL500? Nah. I'll keep those for a more valuable build. This was a car destined for cash 4 clunkers bit was 1 year too old so I gave the guy 1k for it 😊
So I'm building a new ls3 for it. Just have to select what cam I want in it. I'm leaning towards a max effort. I din't care aboit stumbles. If only my parts would come in with this corona delay bs.
Oh... and still gotta paint the spoiler y'all like so much ?
So I'm building a new ls3 for it. Just have to select what cam I want in it. I'm leaning towards a max effort. I din't care aboit stumbles. If only my parts would come in with this corona delay bs.
Oh... and still gotta paint the spoiler y'all like so much ?
