You will need more timing for sure and get the AFR right. I'd find a Mustang dyno and tune it properly. And with this kind of set up you really should have a pro help out. I've seen some first timers really mess things up.

 

Yes, all the parts from the truck.

 

I agree, I talk to Steve at Frost, Im hoping he will give me pointers. Can you recommend any books that may help me with tunning(HP)

 

Well I ordered the HP Tuner Pro from Frost! Anyway took the car out to see if I could make a full pass using my G-Tech. The first pass was to the 1000ft, and the car ran a 11.08 110mph@4566rpm! Thats with timing on 7.5*, and fuel on the wide band 9.5 during WOT. Showing no KR, thats with meth kit working. Anyway that small pass showed the weakness, of the car, and my stupidty the rearend started humming. Checked the rear dope, it was dry! They dont sell a clutch&Plate kit for that rear, so getting a Locker unit installed, and the sub frame connectors. Also had a friend port the TB, and the car felt stronger, thaat was on the car before the test pass.

 

Update!! Well, got the snow kit on, got HP Pro kit installed, and Steve at Frost has been giving me updates to tune the car in. He's a busy guy, but he found time for me, and my God, I was thinking the car ran good, but every update he sent me the car almost picked up a second in the 1/4mile . I send him a scan,and he tells me hes making updates. Well I cant try the last update because my new posi is making a noise, or the gears are dieing, I didnt change them. By my G/Tech the car went from 112mph to 116mph to 118mph to 123mph! Thats with leaving at idle, so I cant imagine what the next updated will do, but got to get the rear fixed! The wideband is working great(LC1). He told me Im short shifting, because im shifting at around 5000-5500. I built this car cause my dad would be proud, and I couldnt afford a ZR1, think Im going to be happy with my 1981Turbo Trans AM.

 

Well took the car back to the exhaust shop because they screwd up the exhaust, I left the car there. When I came back it was on the ground didnt get under there to look, so I saw the 2 tips were where I wanted, I assumed they had they Y correct, until I did the brakes I saw the mess. Anyway took it back, and watch them, it flows better! Put Manaflow mufflers on the car, its so quiet! Took it from there to the paint shop, and the car is getting done back to what ti would look like original, except Im using the white off of my 07 GMC Sierra!

 

The cars coming along good, hurt the rear waiting on ring&pinion, turbo blanket, and LS9 HGs.

 

Curious as to what Magnaflows and how it or they were installed. I want quiet too.

 

Another Trans Am transplant fan watching this thread with interest. Hoping to get a LQ4/9/LSx installed this summer.

 

Thanks, Im glad I did it. The little things are what slow you down! This is as close as I could get to a Vette. Thinking I should change to a 5.3 cause they dont need much to live at high boost, where I read the 6.0 needs rods, and pistons.

 

Why is this? Pistons should be basically the same, minus the bore size. Rods depend on yeAR

 

Yea but all Ive read shows rods in the 6.0 wavey. Ive started getting the 5.3 ready waiting on APR rod bolts, and head studs. Also installing LS9 HGs to hold the boost in. Theres a article in HOTROD where they hooked 2 76s to a 4.8, but they thought it was a 5.3. all they changed was cam, and heads took it apart, and gap the top rings, and put a Comp281 cam. Made 1203 Hp at 26psi over a 1000 hp at 11psi, and showed no sign of blowing, so thats the way im going, 6.0 will be out by the weekend.

 

Are you going to keep the 6.0 for a backup?

 

yea. until I can get good rods, and pistons.

 

Don't pull that good running 6.0 for a 5.3!! That 6.0 will live fine at 600+rwhp and run you high 9's with traction. The guys bending stock rods under that hp level are probably trying to run too much timing. Timing kills rods and head gaskets much faster than a little less timing and higher boost. 5.3's can make great power, but will have the same rods unless it's an 05 or newer, even then, the factory "stronger" rods are pretty heavy. Just run it how it is! Ls9 head gaskets and head studs are all I would do to the 6.0 until you want to run ALOT faster than you are now.

 

Thanks alot, I already pulled it. I run a 87 GN and the small cube engine can handle more boost. Also the turbo will be bigger on the 5.3. Just wanting to try it to see if it lives. Theres a guy running a 5.3 with 9psi going 10.60s. Im hoping for 10.0s on 14psi. Ported my heads, and manifolds, studs are in waiting on rod bolts!

 

Rod bolts arrived today, and Im ready to set it in!

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your progress.

What did you use for your fuel system in the car?

 

Truck rails, added a Areomotiove boost referenced regulator. Summit inline pump, 60lbers, and a snow meth kit. Car was way rich had to pull a lot of fuel! Got the egine, and trans connected, added the oil cooler from the truck, I found it helps alot when running a turbo.Use the 4way water air bypass for the heads.Everything off the other engine on there.

 

Looks good, getting ready to tackle this same project in my brother's '80 TTA. Keep the pics coming.