MeanTA official build thread (project War Bird)

[MeanTA]

O.K. I decided it is about time i started a build thread for my 94 Trans Am.

It will be a little backwards at times. Because I have already started work on it over 1 1/2 years ago.
Some people may not agree with some routes I take with the car during the build. So please don't bash lol. It is what works for me at getting to my goal. But i am always open to inputs and opinions:

I picked this car June 12, 2011. It had been sitting in a barn for 2 years. With a half completed motor build. And the owner did'nt have time for it. And could not find anyone willing to take it on. So he was about to scrap the car.

Then i showed up talked to him and got it for almost a hand shake.

Here it is the day i got it home

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/a8u9usu5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/a4ugaqe6.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/4une5e2a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/etepaqud.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/u8ysubu2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/a2a4u7a7.jpg
The car had mice living in it and they had made nests under the seats, spare tire area, driver tail light, and the front bumper. It was covered in crap and smelled like pee. And there was 5 dead mice:(

[HAND HERPES]

Is the first picture blurry or is it that just the paint ? :S

[Ashley]

Is the first picture blurry or is it that just the paint ? :S

nothing is blurry looking to me?

[HAND HERPES]

Idk, might be my laptop or something. I wanna make a thread like this but mines everything but the motor =p

[MeanTA]

This is how it sits today. I will cover the mods done so far later.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/y7a9apy6.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/utubyvar.jpg

I started on the gutting of interior. getting ready to switch it to black interior. with new seats and Wolfe 6 point.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/7erynyve.jpg

[MeanTA]

The first pic is clear.

[NuckinFutz93]

VROOM VROOM! I'll be watching!


BTW, The pics are clear on my end.

[HAND HERPES]

Nice rims


(and are they cell pics?)

[MeanTA]

Nice rims


(and are they cell pics?)

Thanks. I am actually getting different ones.

These are cell pics. I took these with my 8mp camera on my galaxy ii.

[MeanTA]

the new seats and carpet. Waiting on new headliner, sun visors, roll bar, steering wheel, and new cluster. Most should be here Thursday.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/nuqusesu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/29/e6yjasas.jpg

[CamaroZGuy]

where did you get the carpet from? ill be in the market for a new one soon.

[MeanTA]

where did you get the carpet from? ill be in the market for a new one soon.

I got it off a member. It's pretty much new. Even smells like it. But it looks like it from Stock Interiors. which is where i got my headliner and visors.

[NuckinFutz93]

where did you get the carpet from? ill be in the market for a new one soon.

ACC is another good company for carpet.

[Madman337]

Nice and I love the name "War Bird" I am excited for you and look forward to seeing more.

[MeanTA]

Nice and I love the name "War Bird" I am excited for you and look forward to seeing more.

I can't take credit for the name. My friend started calling it "The War Bird". And the name kinda stuck.

[Neil350]

Details on those brakes!

[MeanTA]

Details on those brakes!

The fronts are Wilwood low profile 6R calipers with 13.06 drilled/slotted rotor

rears are Wilwood 4 piston HD with 12.19 drilled/spotted rotor.

Ill post better pics when i get to that point. But it is an amazing setup. It feels like your eyes are about to pop out of your head. when hitting the brakes going into a turn.

[Neil350]

Thanks man, I like the fact they clear ZR1s. On my 93 I have tried everything but these LS1 front brakes still just don't feel all that great.

[MeanTA]

Thanks man, I like the fact they clear ZR1s. On my 93 I have tried everything but these LS1 front brakes still just don't feel all that great.

Any wheel that will clear LS1 brakes will clear the low pro Wilwoods. I was running LS fronts. But the brake fade was killing me at the track. So i swaped to these. And wish i did sooner. I can stick my fingers between the spokes and calipers.

[NuckinFutz93]

Another vote for the Wilwoods, I have the same set up on my 93 and 94. You won't regret it!

[Blackbird96WS6]

Don't the wilwoods knock you out of being able to run in certain classes, though? I was reading some of the class rules for the shootout and they specify OEM style brake upgrades only :(

[MeanTA]

Don't the wilwoods knock you out of being able to run in certain classes, though? I was reading some of the class rules for the shootout and they specify OEM style brake upgrades only :(

Im not for sure. I don't really drag my car. when i do its heads up racing locally. I autox/road course my car.

[MeanTA]

Well the weather has been crap. So I have'nt been able to work on the wiring. But I was able to start dyeing my interior. I am using VHT satin black dye and paint. I started with the arm rest since i have 2. And would have a spare if i didnt like the results.

Before:
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0392-1_zps3ae78706.jpg
After:
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0396-1_zps0e9993e5.jpg
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0395-1_zps7cfec104.jpg
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0397_zpsb75059ae.jpg

And big thanks to Niel350! The new cluster came in today. And was packaged very well. Very excited about this mod:)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/unyhy9u2.jpg

[Blackbird96WS6]

Ooo, I like that, looks good! Planning to go to an all black interior?

[MeanTA]

Ooo, I like that, looks good! Planning to go to an all black interior?

Yep. Its all going to black. Have a feeling the satin black interior will flow real good.

[Blackbird96WS6]

I'll keep watching this to see pics when you're done with the whole interior, I've been thinking about doing that to mine. Where do you get the dye from?

[MeanTA]

I got it from Summit. its 9.95 a can and i suggest getting the prep spray/cleaner.

[Blackbird96WS6]

Cool, thanks!

[MeanTA]

Got console finished today minus replacing ebrake rubber cover. Just got to pull it off old console and replace. But all in all i have to say it turned out real nice.
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0403-2.jpg
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0402-1.jpg

[NuckinFutz93]

:approved2: Looking good brother!

[MeanTA]

Did'nt get as much done as planned today. But did get the door panels. and started on wiring.15114
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[popo8]

Wow... It all looks very nice.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[Badbird_96]

How is the dye supposed to hold up? I like it.

[MeanTA]

It should hold up real good. I was anal about the dye prep. On the soft parts they soaked it up and got good penetration.

As for the hard parts. I did a test spray on the inside of console. all i did was clean it with the prep spray. And i couldn't get it to scrape off even on its smooth surface. The prep spray actually softens the plastic a little to allow the dye to penetrate.

the panels look amazing cant tell in the pics. but looking at it, you would swear it came that way.

VHT guarentee's it not to fade chip or crack

[Madman337]

It should hold up real good. I was anal about the dye prep. On the soft parts they soaked it up and got good penetration.

As for the hard parts. I did a test spray on the inside of console. all i did was clean it with the prep spray. And i couldn't get it to scrape off even on its smooth surface. The prep spray actually softens the plastic a little to allow the dye to penetrate.

the panels look amazing cant tell in the pics. but looking at it, you would swear it came that way.

VHT guarentee's it not to fade chip or crack

Always been afraid to try this because back in the day the dye looked like crap and chipped off at the drop of a hat but I am thinking about redoing mine now this this stuff so thanks for posting up the pics and info.

[MeanTA]

Always been afraid to try this because back in the day the dye looked like crap and chipped off at the drop of a hat but I am thinking about redoing mine now this this stuff so thanks for posting up the pics and info.

Its all about the prep. I washed the parts with soapy water, scuffed with a red scotch pad. wiped down with damp cloth. Wiped down with alcohol(keep doing till saw no residue) use q-tips in tight spots. Then used prep spray. Then tach free cloth. Always using gloves.

I know a guy that did this 2 years ago. And it still looks perfect.

[MeanTA]

Got HVAC and firewall insulation out. The box fought me. Just kept breaking into pieces when trying to pull it.
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[MeanTA]

Got out the HVAC and air bag wiring/modules. Pretty productive day so far:)
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[MeanTA]

Got out the HVAC and air bag wiring/modules. Pretty productive day so far:)
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And the fedex guy showed up with my new firewall insulation. I am keeping insulation on firewall. since i am going FI and want to keep some of the heat out because i am mounting my pcm and dfi system under dash. and plus i deleted the AC.
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[NuckinFutz93]

You should weigh that stuff just for shit and giggles.

[MeanTA]

No major updates. Got new heat shield on firewall. But got dark before could take pics.

I did do some work to reduce the creaking sound from the console.

I picked up a roll of felt tape at a hobby store for 9.00
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And put it along the contact points of the top part.
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And lined the hinge area and contact points of the arm rest.
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The creaking sound was reduced a lot! And arm rest feels tighter and more solid.

[MeanTA]

OK Im totally sickened now. pulled the headliner. And found 3 crisp dead mice. and some old nest with crap everywhere.
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But on positive note..... My grant performance GT wheel and momentary switches came in today:)
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[Ryan Stout]

Yum!

[MeanTA]

Yum!

Yep. When i was scrubbing the roof. Something kicked out and went in my mouth. And i swallowed it!!

I started gagging and threw up for about 5 minutes. That was awful:(

[MeanTA]

It's starting to look like a car again!!
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Got to lower the seats. I had it at the highest setting. And it felt like i was in a truck.

[Blackbird96WS6]

Damn man, you're making great progress! Looks awesome so far.

[MeanTA]

Thanks. I still got lots of adjusting to do. And swap that steering wheel. lol

Ill get better pics with a real camera later. The phone washed out the black on the seats.

[NuckinFutz93]

Looking good Man!!!! Them seats look nice in there. That headliner is F'n gross. I bet it's smelling better in there too.

[MeanTA]

Looking good Man!!!! Them seats look nice in there. That headliner is F'n gross. I bet it's smelling better in there too.

Ya it smells like a new car now. I sterilized every inch of the interior. Today was trash day. And trash guy was nice enough to take the headliner and old dash for me.

[popo8]

Yep. When i was scrubbing the roof. Something kicked out and went in my mouth. And i swallowed it!!

I started gagging and threw up for about 5 minutes. That was awful:(

U just made me so sick. Lol


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[93z28de]

Yep. When i was scrubbing the roof. Something kicked out and went in my mouth. And i swallowed it!!

I started gagging and threw up for about 5 minutes. That was awful:(

im with popo on this one o gosh man smh were a face mask or something

[MeanTA]

im with popo on this one o gosh man smh were a face mask or something

Don't need one now. Already cleaned the interior and sterilized everything. lol

[MeanTA]

Was able to get the new wheel on today. Don't see what the big deal about the adapter rubing the column. And people using washers to space it out. I just took my dremel with grinder and grinded inside of column a little. Took me 5 minutes.
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0409.jpg
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0408.jpg
http://http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss161/mean79/IMG_0407.jpg

[popo8]

I like that...

I need an aftermarket wheel.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

I like that...

I need an aftermarket wheel.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Its worth looking into. I got 180.00 tied up in mine with the wheel,adapter, and switches.

It feels a little strange but in a good way. Being so use to the skinny tractor wheels that came on our cars.

[popo8]

Its worth looking into. I got 180.00 tied up in mine with the wheel,adapter, and switches.

It feels a little strange but in a good way. Being so use to the skinny tractor wheels that came on our cars.

I only need a horn button or switch...


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

I am stealing your setup for my switches. going to make them be line locks and horns.

[popo8]

Cool... Just horn on one side line lock on the other?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

Cool... Just horn on one side line lock on the other?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Right will be constant horn. And left will be on a dual throw switch to do horn and line lock.

[popo8]

Right will be constant horn. And left will be on a dual throw switch to do horn and line lock.

Nice...or why not just constant line lock on left.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[Ryan Stout]

Can you do just one side or the other?

[MeanTA]

Can you do just one side or the other?

My car is a M6. So I need line lock on my left side. But i also do some street driving. And when 1/3 of towns population is collage kids. Trust me you also need access to a horn easy.

[MeanTA]

Nice...or why not just constant line lock on left.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

I got a M6 and left handed. So I want to have easy access to horn on the street also.

[MeanTA]

Weather has put a damper on car work all week. But i did decide on a stereo. I just ordered a Sony WX-GT90BT
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And getting ready to email our sponsor Kee Audio and get a new speaker setup:)

[popo8]

Weather has put a damper on car work all week. But i did decide on a stereo. I just ordered a Sony WX-GT90BT
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And getting ready to email our sponsor Kee Audio and get a new speaker setup:)

Excellent!!!

Thanku for using the sponsor as well.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

Stereo came in today. I ordered a similar one to the one i got for the wife car. But she wanted Bluetooth in her car. So being the good husband i am. I gave her mine and took hers.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/02/3asyzytu.jpg
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Got wifes installed today. And got to say this ia a great stereo.

Waiting on my speakers, double d mod stereo conversion, new shifter boot, switch panel, and head liner. when parts are custom made it takes forever!!!

[rdx]

I like the wheel too, looking good!

[popo8]

What does double din mean?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[Alex94TAGT]

What does double din mean?
Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

DIN refers to the standard vertical height of the stereo head unit, as established by the German Institute for Standardization ("Deutsches Institut für Normung").

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Institut_für_Normung

Our factory stereo opening is an odd size -- 1.5 DIN. Normal car stereos use a single-DIN, which we can install with an adapter plate to take up the extra space. You can also modify the opening to fit in an oversized double-DIN stereo, which is twice the height of a standard car stereo.

[popo8]

DIN refers to the standard vertical height of the stereo head unit, as established by the German Institute for Standardization ("Deutsches Institut für Normung").

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Institut_für_Normung

Our factory stereo opening is an odd size -- 1.5 DIN. Normal car stereos use a single-DIN, which we can install with an adapter plate to take up the extra space. You can also modify the opening to fit in an oversized double-DIN stereo, which is twice the height of a standard car stereo.

Man, thanku so much for explainin that to me. On thebsuv forum i am on they always say "double din" and i had no idea.



Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

Ya GM screwed the pooch with the 1.5 din stereo. I was between the doubleD Mod or custom install kit like what Fastbird has.

I went this route without a touch screen. Because it seemed like it would flow better with the interior. And have more of a "stock" look. Since the stereo has similar texture to the dash on its accents.

Even though the car has racing seats and a roll bar ect. I did'nt want it to scream "Look at me. Ive been gutted and modded into a race car!"
:D

[MeanTA]

Had a issue with moisture in my tank this morning. But got it fixed.

My friend came buy in his C5 with his girlfriend. So he followed me out to Mexico.....

His girl rode with me. She thanks his car is fast and couldn't out run him.

As soon as she got in my car. She was giving me crap about it only having a dash and seats in it. And how it was load and how it rides ruff. I thank she knew i was frustrated with her. And she said "but it does smell like a new car in here". So i looked at her and said "Don't go shiting yourself and stick it up"

We got out to the test area and my friend that was in front took off. So i got on it and closed the cap in some curves and was riding his ass. He had to brake for a sharp turn. So i passed him and put the Wilwoods to work. Ended up coming out of the turn sideways and fish tailed down the road. going ditch to ditch(wasnt on purpose. new steering wheel threw me off a little and over corrected). But stayed in it and gave my friends girl the ride of her life. She was screaming at me. And called me a crazy SOB.

I told her not to read a book by its cover. That vette don't have a chance against my car.... And smiled:)

My friend was laughing at her when we got back. Asked if she had fun. And she gave him the stink eye.

Friend had his gopro on the dash. He is going to get me the video today or tomorrow.

[MeanTA]

Got switch plate started.
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It is still in mock up stages. And you will notice the switches are all to the left. That's because i plan to go with this meth setup. And will have its controls to the right.
http://www.coolingmist.com/pagedisplay.aspx?pid=cmgsstage2&feature_key=turbo_kits,cmgs,controllerkits,gasvehi cles,diesel

[popo8]

Looks great!!!
Where is ur radio tho?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[MeanTA]

Looks great!!!
Where is ur radio tho?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Im still waiting on the trim from doubleD mods. I still got 1-3 weeks before it ships. they have a 4-6 week turn around right now.

Waiting on parts is whats slowing me down. And it sucks! lol

[popo8]

Im still waiting on the trim from doubleD mods. I still got 1-3 weeks before it ships. they have a 4-6 week turn around right now.

Waiting on parts is whats slowing me down. And it sucks! lol

Ugh.,.. I hear that.

[MeanTA]

I got the weight of what i deleted from the car.


202.5 lbs cut from the car just on the interior.

I will be adding weight with the chromoly 6 point. But that is still a good number!

[Blackbird96WS6]

Wow! That's like a !Driver mod LOL. Awesome job man!

[Sahara54]

Nice progress.:rockon:

[MeanTA]

Nice progress.:rockon:

Thanks. Got a lot of work done today. But Im waiting to get it together more before posting pics.

[MeanTA]

Some new and exciting things are starting to roll in off delivery trucks.

So some upgrades and changes should be updated very soon:)

[MeanTA]

Little out of order. But got this done today so figured I should post.

Started with the faded cowl trim
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My wiper arms was pretty beat up. So I picked up a set of 98+ arms on ebay. And got some Bosch Marathon blades. And some VHT trim/bumper paint and went to town.
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Finished product. Looks way better now:D
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[popo8]

lools great!


btw...ive seen the "upgrade" before...but did not know what the benefit was?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[chile]

Car is looking good.

Where did you get those switches?

[MeanTA]

lools great!


btw...ive seen the "upgrade" before...but did not know what the benefit was?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

The 98+ arms are not bulky like our arms. So they clean up the cowl area when switched out. And they have better blade option/access.

I never had a problem with the stock arms. But i needed to replace mine. And found these for 22.00 shipped. So figured i would take a shot...

[MeanTA]

Slow going but making progress. Just waiting on radio trim and ebony door switch bazels to come in(this week hopefully)

But i just ordered 20 yards of Carbon Fiber. So things are about to get crazy! I suggest just you subscribe and watch the madness happen;)

[MeanTA]

Car is looking good.

Where did you get those switches?
chile Sorry man i just saw you asked a question about the switches.

There Pico switches with a red led light. I picked them up from summit racing. There about 2 dollars more then ebay ones. But they have a real smooth throw to them.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/pco-5571pt

[MeanTA]

So i have been going over my under hood wiring. And i want to tuck the driver side wiring and fuse/relay box.

My thought is to move the harness off the frame rail. And run it through fender support under driver fender. And mound the box inside the bumper area as far left as possible.

The way it looks. I will need to drop the splash shield if i ever need to access a fuse or relay. But that's not a big deal.

Has anyone attempted this before?

[MeanTA]

Whats in the box?!?!?!
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My speed inc. adapter rings. And Prosport evolution series wideband,boost,and fuel pressure gauges!

already had shift light couple days but threw it in:)

they all have outputs for data logging, and can be programmed with warnings if readings fall out off set ranges.
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[MeanTA]

Been a while since i have updated this. But as many may know I am testing LPP's headers so they cam go back into production. And will keep these on the car. And put the Kook's on the shelf for next car. Because don't really want to swap them out again. Plus these look to be just as good. LPP big thanks for letting me help and test the headers for you!
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Also got some ARP header bolts. So i don't have to fight the stage 8's any more, new O2 sensors, and KBS chassis paint.
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[Featherburner]

KBS chassis paint.

19388I used a shit ton of this stuff redoing my car trailer. Good stuff.

[MeanTA]

I used a shit ton of this stuff redoing my car trailer. Good stuff.

That's good to hear! When looking around it looked like it fit my needs the best. It was this or rust bullet

[MeanTA]

It's been a slow time for the car build. With summer being here. And the wife making us do family stuff all the time. Along with volunteering me fir crap i don't want to do with my father inlaw.

But got my overflow, PS reservoirs. And catch cans. Along with parts for the engine build in route. Along with Call911's old AFR heads:)
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[MeanTA]

Still moving slow. Summer is always a slip time for me on the car. Since it is the only time my wife isn't in school. So lots of family time.

But got a couple things in today. My New TB plate. And LS steering shaft. You can see how much better it is over the stock one.
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And it looks like my heads will be paid off in little over a week. So that's good news for the FI build:D