455" LSX 1971 Trans Am clone project
09-18-2012, 03:59 PM
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455" LSX 1971 Trans Am clone project We purchased this clean Pacific Northwest Lucerne Blue 1971 Trans Am clone, as a nearly completed project. We wanted to take the already nice body and chassis restoration to the next level. We started by pulling out the old school Pontiac drivetrain, and disassembled most of the car. We then rebuilt, blasted, painted, and coated nearly every part on the car. We further detailed the undercarriage to brand-new condition.
For the new powertrain, we chose to run a Texas-Speed 455" LSX short block, topped by PRC LS7 heads, and our Speed Inc LS7 street cam. GMPP LS7 intake, Holley throttle body, and LS7 injectors are used, along with new black nylon braided lines running back to the Spectre EFI tank modified with the addition of an Aeromotive 340 in-tank pump. We used 1 7/8" Dynatech headers, along with a Pypes 3" stainless system and stainless Flowmaster mufflers. An FLT built GM T56, modified with a Ford T56 tailshaft and housing, which allowed us to utilize the original 4 speed floor hole. Less cutting is always better. We mocked up the original shaker, but we will be modifying a Protouringfbody.com shaker base, so we can be sure to get the scoop in the precise location to appear original when the hood is shut. We rebuilt the original 8.5" 10 bolt and added a Motive 3.90 gear. For braking we chose to go with a Kore3 C5 conversion setup. We used Dirty Dingo mounts, and modified an original trans crossmember to aid in getting the shaker location correct. Standard, but "refreshed" 98-02 F-body drive accessories worked perfect.
The interior will be factory original appearing, will all gauges functioning. It will be complete once it returns from the body shop. We chose Year One 17" honeycombs with Nitto 05's for wheels, and rest assured, we will get the suspension lowered once we have all the weight back in the car. We chose to go with an Anvil carbon fiber nose over the old refurbished nose, not only for cosmetic longevity, but also 30# of weight savings. The nose will be painted Lucerne blue.
Still on the to-do list is the full dyno and street tuning, some paint work and full body assembly, installation of the coated fenderwells, shaker base modification, decals, final interior assembly, and addressing the suspension ride height. I am sure more...
For the new powertrain, we chose to run a Texas-Speed 455" LSX short block, topped by PRC LS7 heads, and our Speed Inc LS7 street cam. GMPP LS7 intake, Holley throttle body, and LS7 injectors are used, along with new black nylon braided lines running back to the Spectre EFI tank modified with the addition of an Aeromotive 340 in-tank pump. We used 1 7/8" Dynatech headers, along with a Pypes 3" stainless system and stainless Flowmaster mufflers. An FLT built GM T56, modified with a Ford T56 tailshaft and housing, which allowed us to utilize the original 4 speed floor hole. Less cutting is always better. We mocked up the original shaker, but we will be modifying a Protouringfbody.com shaker base, so we can be sure to get the scoop in the precise location to appear original when the hood is shut. We rebuilt the original 8.5" 10 bolt and added a Motive 3.90 gear. For braking we chose to go with a Kore3 C5 conversion setup. We used Dirty Dingo mounts, and modified an original trans crossmember to aid in getting the shaker location correct. Standard, but "refreshed" 98-02 F-body drive accessories worked perfect.
The interior will be factory original appearing, will all gauges functioning. It will be complete once it returns from the body shop. We chose Year One 17" honeycombs with Nitto 05's for wheels, and rest assured, we will get the suspension lowered once we have all the weight back in the car. We chose to go with an Anvil carbon fiber nose over the old refurbished nose, not only for cosmetic longevity, but also 30# of weight savings. The nose will be painted Lucerne blue.
Still on the to-do list is the full dyno and street tuning, some paint work and full body assembly, installation of the coated fenderwells, shaker base modification, decals, final interior assembly, and addressing the suspension ride height. I am sure more...
09-18-2012, 11:14 PM
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No production engine has ever been painted body color. I have nothing against it, but I don't care for it. It is a modern version of the original car. Modern 455, modern Manual trans, updated version of original wheels, and original interior. To me....popping the hood and having the original color engine under the original appearing shaker seems logical. The only other thing I would have considered would be Leaving it natural aluminum if it was an aluminum block, but being an LSX, it comes fom GM in Chevy orange.
09-18-2012, 11:24 PM
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As I said, I want it to appear as a modern version of the original car. If you don't like it, it's cool, you are entitled to your opinion. I wouldn't build a seventies Datsun, but I can respect your choice.
09-19-2012, 06:27 AM
#13
I'm not a super fan of the Pontiac engine blue either but I think it looks pretty good. I like how it doesn't appear as your typical LS engine. The valve covers are a really nice touch and the shaker hood. It's going to be a great looking car. I'm looking forward to seeing it come together. Nice work!
