Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1982 trans am build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-08-2012 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default 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.
Old 07-11-2017 | 02:42 AM
  #2  
Firebirdgm2000's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Beachwood, NJ
Default

Nice.... looking to do the same on mine
Old 08-15-2017 | 01:39 PM
  #3  
5deuce's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Default

Subscribed! Great looking ride.
Old 08-15-2017 | 02:49 PM
  #4  
Project GatTagO's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,258
Likes: 1,564
From: The City of Fountains
Default

I'd say the OP is a little late with updates...LMAO...

Andrew
Old 08-15-2017 | 03:04 PM
  #5  
Spamfritter's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 459
Likes: 93
From: DFW / Texas
Default

I'm not a fan of the wheels. Aside from that, I love the hell out of this. I'm a huge fan of the 1982 Trans Am.
Old 08-15-2017 | 03:11 PM
  #6  
AnotherWs6's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 36
From: Westchester, NY
Default

Wheels are hideous, ruin the car. Hopefully he's not around to hear that after posting his work on here 5 years ago.
Old 08-15-2017 | 11:02 PM
  #7  
Spamfritter's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 459
Likes: 93
From: DFW / Texas
Default

Originally Posted by AnotherWs6
Wheels are hideous, ruin the car. Hopefully he's not around to hear that after posting his work on here 5 years ago.
I hit the "new posts" button and didn't catch that given the fact that there were recent posts in the thread. I didn't check to see they weren't the OP's.
Old 08-15-2017 | 11:08 PM
  #8  
Romulus22's Avatar
10 Second Club
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 258
Likes: 42
Default

It's a shame. Hate to see the start of a good project go unfinished or not get to see the finished product. And like mentioned, I like the car just not a fan of the wheel choice.
The following users liked this post:
Cheese Weasel (08-26-2019)
Old 09-25-2018 | 09:42 AM
  #9  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

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
Old 09-25-2018 | 10:04 AM
  #10  
hardtrailz's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 259
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Default

Looks like it will be badass!
Old 05-31-2019 | 04:40 PM
  #11  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

Done. Apart from the custom rear wing.
Attached Thumbnails 1982 trans am build-20190520_125124.jpg   1982 trans am build-20190430_101217.jpg   1982 trans am build-20190531_135728.jpg   1982 trans am build-20190430_101407.jpg   1982 trans am build-20190531_135824.jpg  

Old 06-12-2019 | 03:30 PM
  #12  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

No likers no haters lol
Old 06-13-2019 | 09:28 AM
  #13  
hardtrailz's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 259
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Default

I like the look except the wing looks odd. Maybe the weird camera angles showing it, but just does not seem to fit the lines of the car.
Old 06-13-2019 | 10:34 AM
  #14  
G Atsma's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 21,582
Likes: 3,301
From: Central Cal.
Default

To me, if a wing is needed for downforce, use one. If not, leave it off.
Old 08-25-2019 | 08:25 AM
  #15  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

I run this thing on the german autobahn hence the rake and the wing.
The following users liked this post:
Cheese Weasel (08-26-2019)
Old 08-26-2019 | 10:00 AM
  #16  
JosephIV's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 652
Likes: 12
From: Valley Lee, MD. Southern Maryland
Default

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.
Old 08-26-2019 | 11:19 AM
  #17  
CattleAc's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 351
From: Dakota Territory
Default

Originally Posted by Project GatTagO
I'd say the OP is a little late with updates...LMAO...

Andrew

But Kit and "The Hoff" would be proud...


(Just kiddin', looks like a bitchin' ride.)
Old 06-17-2020 | 12:10 PM
  #18  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

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 ?
Old 06-18-2020 | 08:18 AM
  #19  
ramairetransam's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 68
From: Amsterdam Ny, the good part
Default

i love the mecham spoiler, i had one on my 85 and it completed the aggressive look like no other spoiler can .
Old 06-18-2020 | 10:21 AM
  #20  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 34
Default

It's not a mecham spoiler 😊


Quick Reply: 1982 trans am build



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:13 PM.