going to a very potent street car whe its don e. very nice 
89 Formula rises like the Phoenix
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From: Derby Line, VT
89 Formula rises like the Phoenix Here's a link to some pics, following full body restoration of my 89 Formula:
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/a...ir_s_89_formula
Let the LS2 402 install begin!!
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/a...ir_s_89_formula
Let the LS2 402 install begin!!
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From: Derby Line, VT
T56 with a McLeod Street Twin Clutch.
I'm honestly not sure what I'll end up with for power. I'm moving to California, and so we've built the LS2 for 9.5:1 compression to pass smog (and for future boost, hehe). I'll be using an LS6 intake manifold, won't be able to keep the long tubes on out there unless I can find a "friend," and some other smog-**** BS.
Honestly, if I can end up with 450rw I'd be pretty happy. Under the curve power should be awesome with 402 cubes, anyway, and this is first and foremost a daily driver street car, so peak hp and all-out effort aren't a huge concern. An added bonus is that I'll be able to run 87 octane for now..... and still be able to have a lot of fun.
Then a few years down the road I'll throw on a blower or an STS turbo.
I'm honestly not sure what I'll end up with for power. I'm moving to California, and so we've built the LS2 for 9.5:1 compression to pass smog (and for future boost, hehe). I'll be using an LS6 intake manifold, won't be able to keep the long tubes on out there unless I can find a "friend," and some other smog-**** BS.
Honestly, if I can end up with 450rw I'd be pretty happy. Under the curve power should be awesome with 402 cubes, anyway, and this is first and foremost a daily driver street car, so peak hp and all-out effort aren't a huge concern. An added bonus is that I'll be able to run 87 octane for now..... and still be able to have a lot of fun.
Then a few years down the road I'll throw on a blower or an STS turbo.
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From: Derby Line, VT
Thanks guys. We went all out on the 402. Forged crank, pro-billet rods, custom pistons, ported/milled LQ9 heads, custom Crane stroker cam, etc.
I can't wait to get it back...... but I'm gonna have to learn how to drive all over again!!
I can't wait to get it back...... but I'm gonna have to learn how to drive all over again!!
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From: Derby Line, VT
Originally Posted by PurEvl
my 408 with 8:5:1 with afr 225's an a 218 cam made 432hp 450 tq...i think you will be ok 
wow, thats nice. i just got an 88 GTA that i'm eventually going to be restoring... i just might be looking to you for advice when i start the project. since the interior of the car is at least VG condition, i'd like to keep the stock appearance, but fix the minor flaws. i would like to race this car, but i think it would be a waste of money to beef up the L98, so the LSx route is appealing... especially since i'd like the car to be a street car and i'd think that a modern fuel injected motor would be easier to make pass emissions than a carbed SBC.
how hard was the conversion? did most stuff fit right in? or did you need to get a lot of conversion parts and/or cut stuff up to make it fit?
how hard was the conversion? did most stuff fit right in? or did you need to get a lot of conversion parts and/or cut stuff up to make it fit?
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From: Derby Line, VT
Originally Posted by slayer_taunu
how hard was the conversion? did most stuff fit right in? or did you need to get a lot of conversion parts and/or cut stuff up to make it fit?
As to the conversion, it really isn't THAT hard. Yes you'll need to get a bunch of conversion parts, but they are easy enough to find these days. A little bit of cutting depending on what you want to do. I avoided a lot of cutting by just going with a tubular k-member. I think the only cutting my car actually has is a new hole in the firewall to pass the engine harness through.
I'll warn you though, it is NOT cheap. Beyond the LS1 itself, you'll need a good transmission, conversion parts, custom wiring harness work, and brake upgrade. That is just for what I call a "BASIC" conversion. That doesn't even get into strengthening the engine or trans, replacing the rear end, upgrading the suspension, etc, or power adders.
The best advice I can give you is to take AT LEAST a full year before you do the swap. Decide what you want to do from day one, then build your car that way. Save your pennies along the way....... it all adds up real fast.
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Yeah, she's gonna be a sleeper, even with the agressive looks. Pity anyone who thinks I've still got the ol' TPI small block under the hood, hehehe.
But the best part is yet to come.......... next year we add the turbo.
But the best part is yet to come.......... next year we add the turbo.
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From: I can drive my F-body in Winter!
Just Awesome 
I'm just glad there are people out there like you, who are restoring the 3rd Gens.
Hopefully they will be the autoworld's economic platform secret
I'm just glad there are people out there like you, who are restoring the 3rd Gens.Hopefully they will be the autoworld's economic platform secret
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From: Derby Line, VT
I think they already are. So many people dismiss the 3rd gens, but you can buy one that's in decent shape, restore it, and drop in an LS1 and some mods for about the same price as buying a good, USED 4th Gen TranAm WS6.
Hell, by the time I get this car done, I'll have invested like a third of the cost of the new LS7 Z06, and still be able to blow its doors off!
Hell, by the time I get this car done, I'll have invested like a third of the cost of the new LS7 Z06, and still be able to blow its doors off!
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From: Derby Line, VT
Originally Posted by Rhode Island Red
I take it you'll use that speed to bring vermont's largest cash crop to market 
what have you dome for handling, the pics don't do it justice?
what have you dome for handling, the pics don't do it justice?
As far as handling, there are new springs/shocks, and the front end has been lightened up considerably with the aluminum block, tubular k-member, and tubular Spohn A-arms. Out back we've got the full suspension upgrade package, with relocated lower control arms, panhard, and torque arm, and the 3rd gen WS6 sway bars were pretty stout anyway, so those have stayed. Finish that off with 17x9.5 wheels up front and 17x11's in the rear, with an LS1-style brake upgrade all the way around.