"From the Ashes" project Phoenix

[Ugod02010]

24730I figured I would start a build thread. It started this spring. I was on Craigslist surfing around thinking of changing my 96 Camaro from a v6 5spd to a lt1. After much research and debating I figured it would be easier to look for a LTX car and sell off the v6. So I found my 95formula about an hr away. It was listed as a 95transam. Newer motor and rebuilt trans. 3.73 gears. Figured I would go check out this "transam" pull up to a pretty damn clean formula, Hardtop car while I wanted a t/a I couldn't pass on the formula.after a few weeks I was thinking I like the 35th stripes so that was first. Plus tere was two other red t/a's in the area so I wanted to separate mine

[Ugod02010]

It was a pretty shitty summer. Lots of rain days and just bought our first house so I didn't have much extra money to throw at the car, so most of the yr I spent enjoying whipping around the mostly stock lt1. Fast forward to July early August. I had a email tune done from Solomon over at lt1pcmtuning.com had the speedo fixed for the 3.73 gears and bigger wagon wheels. Also did a little of a power tune for me. Then came the day of the demonbird. Leaving my boss house I notice my gas pedal is a bit stiff. But instea of investigating I hammer the pedal quick an let up. However the throttle didn't. It stayed WOT I flew up into the neighbors yard up over a small hill and jump a huge tree stump!!

[Ugod02010]

24732Shot of the bent aarm has the tire into the fender.
24733Here's the seats now cocked all over te place!!
well needless to say she's done. Thankfully tho I missed all the trans/ engine components so I have a perfectly healthy lt1 donor.
Upon telling my crash story I found a member (smokemall) Chris who had a 96 t/a with a bad motor. So as we speak te transam is leaving its former home and coming up here for its new chance at life!!

[Ugod02010]

24734 Here's the roller. It don't have these rims no more. Also needs a small amount of body work but I have all winter to go crazy. I'm just hoping money starts to get a bit better than it has been all year. Tomorrow I am pulling the engine from the formula and going to install into the transam I'm hoping we'd or Thursday. Been working in a huge roof that needs to get done b4 the snow starts! Anyone else around western pa knows what I mean!
ill be posting progress as things move along with the new project.

[Ugod02010]

24735Im hunting a high rise hatch also so anyone has one for trade or sell cheap let me know! Preferably close to Pittsburgh. Since shipping these coat more than its coating me to ship te whole damn car
24736Think I'm going to go old school and do flat black in the engine bay. Whites to har to keep crap off of!

[Ugod02010]

Quick burnout video.

[Ugod02010]

http://youtu.be/gliDV4mt-oc

[Ugod02010]

SMok3 Em A11

[Ugod02010]

Been crazy busy so haven't had much time to update. I got basically everything unhooked and ready for the pull hopefully tomorrow.
Having issues with the company who was supposed to pickup the car. It was to be picked up and delivered Monday. It's now wed. Eve and they still haven't even picked te damn thing up yet! So if anyone reading this is thinking about moving a car DO NOT USE 1st shot auto. There from Florida,
But anyways here's some pics of the progress.

[Ugod02010]

24802

[Ugod02010]

24803 I have everything out,disconnected. I need to cut the exhaust off since they have everything welded solid. Well I guess it's good it's all still factory except the blowmaster muffler

[SMok3 Em A11]

It sucks that they are taking so long to com get this thing. Its hard to let her go as it is and I was all prepared to say goodbye Monday and now I've had to see it 2 more days:(

[Ugod02010]

U ain't kidding. I'm sick of looking at my poor bird to. I need a new toy in the driveway!

[popo8]

u having it prof shippes?

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[SMok3 Em A11]

u having it prof shippes?

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

From what he's told me about the run around they are giving him these guys aren't even in the minor league let alone professional.

[Ugod02010]

They are supposed to be one of the biggest transporters. I have been getting screwed around since Monday. They called me 25x a day when I was looking for companies to move the car. Now I gotta call tem 10x a dayto get a answer. I talked to a supervisor today. Told him that I was promised the car would been picked up Monday morning and up here by Monday night. He apologized sixty times. Said he has lowered the "brokers fee" so they could get a driver to get it ASAP. He said they are offering like .65 a mile now. It's about 300miles and I'm paying 325 or 350$. I have a pretty elaborate contract from them. It says they have 7 days from the original pickup date to do something. That date was last sat. So technically on the paperwork were 5days behind and it hasn't even been picked up yet! The name of the company is 1st shot auto transport LLC! Do not use them

[popo8]

They are supposed to be one of the biggest transporters. I have been getting screwed around since Monday. They called me 25x a day when I was looking for companies to move the car. Now I gotta call tem 10x a dayto get a answer. I talked to a supervisor today. Told him that I was promised the car would been picked up Monday morning and up here by Monday night. He apologized sixty times. Said he has lowered the "brokers fee" so they could get a driver to get it ASAP. He said they are offering like .65 a mile now. It's about 300miles and I'm paying 325 or 350$. I have a pretty elaborate contract from them. It says they have 7 days from the original pickup date to do something. That date was last sat. So technically on the paperwork were 5days behind and it hasn't even been picked up yet! The name of the company is 1st shot auto transport LLC! Do not use them

They have 7 days.... then what if they dont deliver?


BTW, sorry for the drama they are causing you both....

[Ugod02010]

I guess than I will have to go thru all the bull to get my money back.
The contract I signed says they don't give refunds unless they are unable to keep up there end of the contract. I should have read it closely b4 signing it. But I had a guy on the phone walking me they everything (basically just pushing me into signing). The companies I have talked it getting a backup setup said that the route is not a heavily travelled one, but they can have it possibly here by weekend.
Really sucks I wish I hadn't been tricked into signing this paper. I'm talking to one company who gets the card info but doesn't charge until the car is on the trailor. But I am looking at 450$ instead of only 325$.

[JCzNova]

I can't remember who I used on uship but the Nova was here to me on time and then they asked for payment, then unloaded.

Sorry you are getting jacked around. If the car is still there Friday night I might have to tow it away :D

[popo8]

Uship is who they use on that show....

ummmmm.... shipping wars or something like that

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

I'd love to have that Jen from tere show up! I think I would shit if it was jarred. Lol. Hey jc u can tow it an bring it on up here!!!

[popo8]

Jenn annoys me. I like the Robbie chick with the Chris Hanna dude....they are my fav.

ok...back on topic.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[JCzNova]

I'd love to have that Jen from tere show up! I think I would shit if it was jarred. Lol. Hey jc u can tow it an bring it on up here!!!

Oh if I tow it, it will be 30 miles to Virginia Beach!

[SMok3 Em A11]

Oh if I tow it, it will be 30 miles to Virginia Beach!

I take it you liked the car when you stopped by? Lol

[Ugod02010]

Ok I was just tearing my lt down to clean and paint some things and I thought to myself. I'm going to a 96body. Originally it was a 95 so I have obd 1.5 will I be able to just plug in the PCM and it will work ok with the 96 wiring. And also will my Aldl cable still work for getting codes, reflashing the PCM? Or do I have to change anything for it to hookup since the car is wired for obd2

[Ugod02010]

24880
Going up!

[Ugod02010]

24881
24882

[Ugod02010]

24883I read that a nessisary step is once u have ur engine outta the way and the car is 5ft off the ground it's required to climb in the engine bay and stoke a pose but apparently my girl didn't understand I was supposed to be looking!!

[JCzNova]

I take it you liked the car when you stopped by? Lol

Yeah I saw that before your address, and said "Yep that's the place."

[Ugod02010]

I'm debating on painting the intake manifold black, or red. Or some stuff black and some red. Need some ideas! Can I see some shots of everyone's painted/polished engine bays!

[SMok3 Em A11]

Yeah I saw that before your address, and said "Yep that's the place."
Next time you gotta cone by when I'm home so you can check out the z.

I'm debating on painting the intake manifold black, or red. Or some stuff black and some red. Need some ideas! Can I see some shots of everyone's painted/polished engine bays!
I say paint the intake black and the ribs and fuel rails red.

[Ugod02010]

That's what I'm leaning toward. Or polish the rails and ribs. Do the intake black and all small stuff like the lines that connect the rails red!

[97Z4CZ28]

I agree polish the fuel rails and ribs! If you don't do the intake in black, color red of the car is an option to. If you go black intake with red rails and ribs as suggested I wouldn't go with red wire loom. Too much can be to much if you know what I mean, a little goes a long way. Just my opinion. Can't wait to see the finished product. Powdercoating if you ask me is best way to go with an intake as well...paint after time flakes off and looks horrible, powdercoating is durable. Just a thought.

[Ugod02010]

24904I asked the boss he said were doing it black&polished!!

[Ugod02010]

24905He's a damn good helper! Future LTx owner!!

[97Z4CZ28]

That's the way to do it...start'em out young! Before ya know it he will be coming to you asking for the keys!

[Ugod02010]

I'm gonna have him an his brother build there own!! I know how I drove when I turned 16! Plus if u fix it urself ur gonna take better care. I'm not sure about our older one he likes cars but not much into working on them. My young one tho is almost 3and u take a harbor freight catalog and point to anything he can tell ya what it is!!

[Ugod02010]

24933Glad Kainan talked me into black it looks awesome!! I have some more polishing to do on the fins. I might do the ws6platr also I think it would look cool polished. Or I may do it black an the letters red. I'm just gonna go black since I have the wire looms red. Don't wanna have to much red.
24934

[Ugod02010]

Can I eliminate the little hookup on the passenger side it has 2 hoses and a plug? One goes to te throttle body and the other goes over into te fuel lines?

[SSlowBoat]

Can I eliminate the little hookup on the passenger side it has 2 hoses and a plug? One goes to te throttle body and the other goes over into te fuel lines?

Thats evap solenoid. If you dont mind deleting evap, tuning it out, and can pass inspection go for it

[popo8]

keep the solenoid till u co firm that u can tune it out. MOE could tune iut all the evap codes on mine except for the one for the noid...so i plugged it back in to thebharness and fixed the prob that way

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

Ok I was just trying to clean things up a bit while I have the motor out. Well finally some news the new shipping company is on the way to pickup the transam! The driver said he ahould be there by 6tonite so I should have te car here tomorrow early afternoon! Unless he drives all night. It's only about 350miles so hopefully things go smoother than they did with the first guys. if u need something moved DO NOT USE 1st shot express auto. They r crooks! I should have done more research b4 paying them. Now I'm fighting to get my money back. Will update with some pics when I get the car up here

[popo8]

Damn...do a feedback review on that shipping company so others see what happened.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

I'm going to. I need to get my money back first. Kinda get the feeling if I bash them I may it get my money back,well I kinda think they're gonna try and not give it back. I'm contacting the BBB if they try Any funny stuff

[SMok3 Em A11]

The guy didnt make of till about 8:30 but its on the way. Sounds like it may not be there till Thursday but at least its moving. Keep this thread going so I can see the progress. My daughter will want updates too. She bawled her eyes out when she saw it getting loaded. Can't say she was the only one that had an attatchment either.lol

[Ugod02010]

I will! I'm almost done cleaning and painting engine pieces. So I may have things ready as soon as it gets here. I'm not gonna have much time this yr to drive since snows gonna be flying soon. This winter I have some big plans!one of the first outside things is gonna be the C.E.T.A paint on the rear, and a high spoiler

[popo8]

I'm going to. I need to get my money back first. Kinda get the feeling if I bash them I may it get my money back,well I kinda think they're gonna try and not give it back. I'm contacting the BBB if they try Any funny stuff

how did u pay them?

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

My bank debit card. My mom works at the bank she's gonna try and dispute it today and see what happens

[popo8]

My bank debit card. My mom works at the bank she's gonna try and dispute it today and see what happens

dont u still habe dispute powers with a debit card. IE: most say visa or mc on them...

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

The bank credited me my money yesterday. They cut up our bank card tho. We get a new one in few wks. They are aupposed to investigate 1st shot and see what there story is. After I sent the email about the one that they said "noted" about my cancelation I haven't heard a word. So they were never intending to give me my money back. I'm gonna write up on a couple of te transport review sites about what they did. Also any other places where it may stop someone else from dealing with the headache!

But on a better note I called the driver yesterday the car will be here todY! I have the engine torn down painted and ready to be reassembled and stuffed into the new bird! I took the timing cover off to replace the seals since they were leaking and I had oil everywhere. I saw a write up how to reinstall them so they don't leak. Now I can find it any advice? B4 I start another damn thread

[Ugod02010]

Yet another delay 😭. The driver had a stop in Baltimore to pick up a truck then was headed up this way. He wasn't able to find or the vehicle wasn't there. So he's heading up tomorrow. Morning hopefully! All these damn delays. It has given me time to go thru the engine, clean things up and swap out a lot of gaskets. The motor looks 100x better than it did.

[Ugod02010]

25085
Theres not really as much to these as I thought. It just a small block with a few extra sensors.
25086 Got everything painted up starting to reassemble things.
I'm gonna polish the timing cover and the water outlet for the thermostat

[SMok3 Em A11]

Looks really good bro. Can't wait to see it sitting in the T/A.

Funny that the driver had a car mia on this end too is why he showed up 2 and a half hra late picking it up.

[popo8]

Yet another delay 😭. The driver had a stop in Baltimore to pick up a truck then was headed up this way. He wasn't able to find or the vehicle wasn't there. So he's heading up tomorrow. Morning hopefully! All these damn delays. It has given me time to go thru the engine, clean things up and swap out a lot of gaskets. The motor looks 100x better than it did.

finding the bright side in things is a great attribute man.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any, so I've grown used to having to look for the bright side.

That's one thing about shipping stuff for people u never know what ur gonna get into till ur there and actually see it with ur own eyes. Lol. I would not wanna do that job. He said tho he will Definitley be here today. He is heading back home for the weekend, I don't blame him there. Try to make as much as u can since it's bout the end of the week

[Ugod02010]

FINALLY ARRIVED!! It was already dark last night by the time I got it up to my house. I had to have him drop off down the street since he had a huge trailor and had about 6" of ground clearance. I pulled her right up with my Durango.( course with no engine and stuff I could have probably strapped it to my back and pulled it up) I will get some more pics shortly!!

[Ugod02010]

25137
Gonna take the buffer I bought when I painted the grandam to it see how well it cleans up
i can't wait to get this thing on the road. But after looking at the 97Z4c build threa I really contemplating going all out with this thing. Original plan was pull motor put it in and drive but I really kinda wanna make it to like a show but still driver

[Ugod02010]

I'm not gonna go quite as balls to the wall as he did but I am gonna take this build past just swapping a new engine in. I'll keep everyone updated. I love the white on these! Every other t/a round here is red especially the lt style cars I seen one blue ls car and a silver one. But this is gonna be the only white one!!25139

[FastVert]

I'm not gonna go quite as balls to the wall as he did but I am gonna take this build past just swapping a new engine in. I'll keep everyone updated. I love the white on these! Every other t/a round here is red especially the lt style cars I seen one blue ls car and a silver one. But this is gonna be the only white one!!25139

Looks like a solid base and yes the White cars are sharp ;)

[popo8]

Congrats man!!!

Glad it finally made it.

This is ur chance, make it exactly what u want.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[SMok3 Em A11]

Glad it finally arrived after everything we went thru. Hope it was atleast what you expected. Im glad its in a knew home with a chance at life. Definitely don't lose touch I wanna see your progress every step of the way.

[Ugod02010]

Thanks guys! I really liked the formula I was gonna do a ls style front end swap since I'm not crazy about the point firebird nose. But for now I just gotta lose the front plate holder(only thing pa did that was smart!) not sure who put those engine together or if it's still factory but damn does it run good. Can't wait toget rolling on this thing! I'll keep u posted. Chris and make sure I make u jealous lol

[fullforce]

awesome!

[Ugod02010]

25217Well well if it ain't a felony hole! I don't think I owned a car that had this option b4. Haha.
no wonder my floor completely crumbled. 25218

[97Z4CZ28]

Wow! IS this the one you just got???

[SMok3 Em A11]

Wow! IS this the one you just got???

Oh no the one I sold him is in way better condition LOL.

[Ugod02010]

Hell no!!! Actually the ill get a pix of the floorboard in the new one in a little bit. It's still dark outside, it will be a damn good comparison of a southern car vs a car from western pa!!

I think if I ended up with that the title would be to ashes! Cuz I would have just set fire to it. Lol

[Ugod02010]

That's the floorboard of my formula. The one I'm parting out/stealing everything that is still good off of for the new trans am. Ya crazy b/c I was under the car a couple times and never noticed the extent of the rust until I removed the carpet. The sound deadner on the backside of the carpet was pretty much holding the floorboard together. But other than this that formula was in really really good shape. Paint is probably a 8/10 for being a 95 and I'm pretty sure it was original. On the back quarters there was a small but of rust right on the wheel arch but other than that no signs at all of this bad of rust damage

[fullforce]

You should have seen the 94 formula I bought a few years ago, NEVER buy a car in the dark!! Lol
I only paid $1200 because the trans was shot but once the sun came up the next morning and I was under the car I just started crying. I pretty much paid $1200 for a nice running engine and a 2.73 Rearend........
I've never had scar with rust so I wasn't even thinking to look for it, I guess someone up north owned it because the lca mounts were pretty much gone all the way up to the front floor boards. The carpet was the floor boards in the rear seats....

[Ugod02010]

Ouch. The kid I got the car from said oh yeah there's a bit of rust underneath but we patched it up and used some kill rust primer and painted. I took his word for it. Course like I said I was under there quite a few times and i could tell it was rusted but had no idea and it was to this extent. And it's impossible to find floorpan for these and if I go with classic industries or one of those u looking at $1000-1500 for just parts. Not to mention the work involved. So I guess it wasn't a complete loss crashing it since after another yr or two it would have rusted to nothing!!

[popo8]

25217Well well if it ain't a felony hole! I don't think I owned a car that had this option b4. Haha.
no wonder my floor completely crumbled. 25218

damn man... thats bad!!

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

This is a perfect example of what salt /snowy conditions do to our cars. Make sure u clean up good every yr when u put them away!!!25229Much better!!
25230There is a bit of rust starting. What is a good product that I can use to stop this from getting any worse b4 I put the carpet in?

[popo8]

por15.

wire brush the loose scale away...and brush on por.

or if u want aerosol...EASTWOOD sells rust encapsulator... then top it with paint or chasis black.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[fullforce]

wow, you got me wanting to gut my car now so I can make sure mine don't have any cancer

[Ugod02010]

Here's when I first pulled25235
25233Glad I took the extra time with cleaning and painting.
B

[Ugod02010]

25236 Almost ready for reinsertion. Lol

[Ugod02010]

Cancer kills! Lol.
That por 15 where do I get that at? Would lowes or Home Depot have it or is it special stuff from the auto paint store?

well got a lot accomplished on the engine today. All gaskets are new, intake manifold,all the timing cover gaskets,seals that top one is a real bitch it took me like 20minto get the seal so one was going on like it should. I stretched it with a socket up till I could get this piece of copper pipe to slide in then got it over the waterpump drive. 25256

[Ugod02010]

25257There was soooo much freaking oil/grease all over everything it was leaking pretty bad. I think that waterpump seal and somewhere down bottom also. Hopefully that's all taken care of25258

Especially after spending 2days cleaning.

[SMok3 Em A11]

Looks good!! Do you think you will get it bolted in before the bad weather hits? What are you plans for the engine bay you still gonna paint it?

[musict]

Looks great!!

[Ugod02010]

It was so damn cold yesterday I pretty much just worked on te engine. Today's supposed to be pretty cold too, but I really wanna get the engine in and get all the drivetrain kinda stuff outta the way so if the bad weather rolls in quick I can play in the garage getting interior stuff in/together.
Honestly Chris I haven't even got to open the hood yet and see how the paint in there even looks. I was thinking if I do need to paint that I may get some extra of that por. And use it under the paint under the hood also. I had a big ass list today I'm gonna get my formula outta the way today and hopefully have the engine on the Kframe and ready to put in if not in today

[Ugod02010]

I got the wire harness rewrapped, and the last couple things that I'm gonna put on while the engine is out. I'm gonna wait for alt. and pwr steering, till the motor is in the car. I swapped wheels around now since it's gonna be a hitch pulling things off the formula. I'm at a minimum with space (5cars here that are mine) lol. My plan for today is getting formula moved and the white car down and Kframe out and engine on it. May get the motor in but I'm kinda doubting it. But if not today tomorrow should have a first start vid!!

[Ugod02010]

25326I Really like the wagon wheels on this one! Think I am gonna paint a little bit of black right on the spokes kinda gives them a 10spoke look.
25327

[Ugod02010]

Don't mind my old muffler wheel chock

[fullforce]

Wow you must be on vacation lol. Lots of progress

[Ugod02010]

Yep. All winter long! Haha. We usually work up till after thanksgiving but my boss needed to have his hip replaced and it got worse really quick this summer. So the docs told him to quit working now b4 he screws himself up worse, so I have a long vacation this yr. I'm gonna need it tho my and my fiancé bought our first house on Aug. 14 just had to wait a little bit for the deed but that came a couple days Ago so we are now official homeowners! It needs a lot of work but we got it for tax sale for just north of $1000. I'm trying to get the bird fired up and able to move under its own power so I can get it in the garage, so I maybe on vaca bu I'm working harder now than all summer!! But next yr going back I'm starting off with a raise and I will be the foreman, so all and all things been going really well for me.

[fullforce]

What do you do? The only people I know that get off all winter are landscapers, or they atleast do much less in the winter. Anyways sounds like a blast!

[Ugod02010]

Roofs mostly. But we do all kinds of outside construction. It's cool for the first couple weeks then I get bored and antsy. Plus unemployment don't pay shit. Lol.

[97Z4CZ28]

Congrats on the house! Rome wasn't built in a day. In as far as work I always say I gotta go to work to get my rest lol.

[Ugod02010]

25329Got the Kframe out of the white car. The paint is pretty far gone under the hood so I think I'm gonna black everything out under the hood. White just gets too dirty. So I am not gonna have the engine in today. But hopefully tomorrow should be in. I'm gonna get it onto the krame and ready to rock for tomorrow morning.
25330This thing has gotta be one of the most solid rust free cars I ever bought. (First of my 20+ vehicles that haven't came from pa)
im tempted to go as far as I've seen some and paint the underside and all but I really don't plan on making this a show car. Although it will make it to a few shows. But I don't think any serious ones where people will be climbing under the damn thing. Lol

[Ugod02010]

25331Poor formula. I actually kinda like the salad shooters. I really hate to scrap the thing but I have nowhere to keep it. Other than the floor being so rusted it's gonna fall apart everything else is really good shape. I'm gonna put it on Craigslist see if anyone wants the whole thing. Or anyone on here wants it just message me

[SMok3 Em A11]

If you scrap it you should keep the salad shooters to sit the t/a on in winter.

[Ugod02010]

Well made pretty good headway also today. Anyone have any pointers on sliding things back together. I tore the Kframe down to basically nothing I think my plan is gonna be put a couple dolleys under it one on eah side lower the engine on it. Then roll it under the car and lower the car onto it. Instead of having the shocks, and all that stuff flopping around trying to wheel the engine on the cradle using the car tires dot seem to work. Hell it was a pain getting it out on the wheels and that was with no engine on it. Any pics or anything would be cool!

[Ugod02010]

I was thinking that about the extra rims. Hopefully it will be garage kept but I don't know yet. I am gonna build me a massive garage at our new place but that's not gonna be till next yr at the earliest. So I can throw the salad shooters on and cover it up for winter. Thanks for the congrats too!

[Ugod02010]

25369I took a whole bunch of pics when we were putting engine in. But my neighbor took his digital camera over his house. 😒 but anyways it's in and almost completely hooked back up. I have the alternator and ps pump to install and a few little things. Should have a first fire video this time tomorrow!!! Thing been rolling along really smooth. I pulled everything off the Kframe, and put the motor on slid it under with harbor freight dolley and lowered her right down! I think it was way easier than trying to go around the shocks and tires and all that stuff.

[Ugod02010]

25374First round of chemo to kill the cancer!! It was only just starting so I caught it plenty early enough.
I used some duplicator rubberized undercoat. It has rust inhibitors and works good I used it along time ago underside of one of my trucks. I had a whole can left over so I used a wire brush then wire wheel on the drill to knock what little loose stuff would come off and sanded the rest down. 25376

[fullforce]

Excellent progress man!

[Ugod02010]

Thank u! I've been busting ass trying to get her together. Probably not gonna be where I want to be but close I have all winter. My buddy was supposed to bring me the camera back over but I don't know what happened to him.

[SMok3 Em A11]

Looking good!!! Makes me happy knowing you are going to extra lengths to preserve my ole girl.

[Ugod02010]

She's in good hands!! Wait till I get it closer to complete! Thanks for the deal!!!!

[Ugod02010]

25404Starting to look like a car again!!
The carpet is still dirty as hell. But at least it's in, I'm putting all the big interior pieces on now since I literally have no room once it's in the garage (you will see when I get it inside!) I still need a few more interior hangers and stuff from the formula. Hoping today I can get last few pieces on so I can move into the garage and quit freezing my balls off all day long!!!

[SMok3 Em A11]

Awesome!!!

[Ugod02010]

2541325412

[Ugod02010]

25415 almost have everything hooked up should have a first fire tomorrow!!!!

25416little man playing with the camera lol

[Ugod02010]

2541825419i got the upper control arms, calipers, and spindles painted just to clean things up a little under the wheels

[Ugod02010]

what can I use to clean up the rust thats starting on the rotors? Pretty much all 4 are getting that surface rust.

[popo8]

what can I use to clean up the rust thats starting on the rotors? Pretty much all 4 are getting that surface rust.

drive it.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Ugod02010]

Okay. I asked for that one! Lol. Hopefully this week coming up I may get to take her for a couple trips. I'm curious also tho cuz winter is coming. U should know what I'm talking bout popo being in pa and all.

[popo8]

Okay. I asked for that one! Lol. Hopefully this week coming up I may get to take her for a couple trips. I'm curious also tho cuz winter is coming. U should know what I'm talking bout popo being in pa and all.

mine sits in a garage.... I dont drive it if there is anything on the ground (snow/sleet/ice) normally I wouldnt mind the rain either, but the location of my air filter is 4" from the ground now. As for rust issues.


I HAVE NONE...its not about what u drive the car in...its about keeping it cleaned off...and protected. My 96 has over 170k on the body in PA...its been kept clean...When I bought it I painted the entire underneath black..and thats how it stays...black and clean.


Just keep it clean...thats ALL.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[SMok3 Em A11]

Looking great!!! Maybe one day I will drive up and take her for one more spin! So glad to see you are making good progress....

[Ugod02010]

I would be a bit farther but my helper keeps getting sidetracked. Lol. I was gonna get the engine together and fired but I've been bouncing around. Doing some inside stuff. Underneath stuff, clean this, sand that. I'm still taking stuff off the formula also so I have a lot of stuff going on. But it's coming along nicely.

I get what u mean about keeping things clean but It just seems like as soon as my car sits for more than even a day the rotors start getting that damn rust starting on them. I hate that.

[97Z4CZ28]

mine sits in a garage.... I dont drive it if there is anything on the ground (snow/sleet/ice) normally I wouldnt mind the rain either, but the location of my air filter is 4" from the ground now. As for rust issues.


I HAVE NONE...its not about what u drive the car in...its about keeping it cleaned off...and protected. My 96 has over 170k on the body in PA...its been kept clean...When I bought it I painted the entire underneath black..and thats how it stays...black and clean.


Just keep it clean...thats ALL.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com
Popo8 you hit the proverbial nail on the head!

[97Z4CZ28]

With steel rotors your never gonna get away from rust appearing...unless as Popo8 stated drive it, and even then they sit long enough they will get surface rust regardless.

[Ugod02010]

The way the original owner of the formula was(one who bought those rotors) I'm pretty sure that they're probably steel and don't have zinc or whatever they use on the higher end ones. I usually do keep my stuff good and clean. I was really just curious to see if anyone had any "black magic" so to speak to keeping things looking good for a long time.
It's pretty early today and supposed to be in the 50s so instead of bouncing all over the place today I'm going to focus on the engine and get it buttoned up and get it fired up today! I'll post up the video this evening!! Do long as everything goes well.
Thanks for the advice guys!

[Ugod02010]

I went the other way and decided to get the interior together. It's freezing here and not supposed to be much warmer than about 40, so I pulled her into the garage and I'm gonna get te formula bak in the drive so I can get my tubular control arms and panhard off. Also I need to get the rear end out and exhaust midpipe from the formula. I am gonna completely strip it down. Wires, switches, anything that I maybe able to use in te future, then gonna scrap the frame and put the funds I get from that tow set of longtubes! I also have more scrap since I can't really see getting more than $200 or so for the body of it. I'll post up some pics shortly my computer is a Pyle o junk so I have to take pics on the iPhone and load em

[fullforce]

Just throwing this out there but do all the taillights and brake lights work on the rusted formula? "or did they lol"
I need some new light bulb sockets as my passenger side tail light was leaking water in and corroded every socket on that light and now I can't get anything but the parking lights on that side to work.

[Ugod02010]

They do work. I was actually just looking at all those today, since I don't have the covers on all the wires/bulbs are out in te open I was thinking I hope they don't start rusting or anything till I can get to them. I don't know what a price would be for them shoot me a number bud!

[Ugod02010]

25493Interior is almost back together. The dash was a real pita to get back on by myself. Basically now all that's left inside is the center console, B&M hammer and seats.
25494I was installing the driver side window motor and wanted to make sure it was working right so I hooked up the battery and had the key forward an accidently turned it too far an the engine tried to start. So everything must be hooked up correctly!

[Ugod02010]

25536Almost have the interior all buttoned up!!
25537Hammers in! Just front seats and the panels under the dash to go inside.

[popo8]

Lookin good.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[fullforce]

They do work. I was actually just looking at all those today, since I don't have the covers on all the wires/bulbs are out in te open I was thinking I hope they don't start rusting or anything till I can get to them. I don't know what a price would be for them shoot me a number bud!

I have no idea? the main thing would be compensating you for your time to ship them and the shipping cost to see if it would even be worth it, I might can get some for free from a junkyard we use at work all the time if I can ever get away and go walking around the yard there.

[Ugod02010]

Thank u! For a minute there I was thinkin I was the only one reading lol

[Ugod02010]

Shouldn't be more than bout 10-15$ It only takes me a sec to snip em off and I think shipping I could get em in the smallest flat rate box. let me see how much there smallest box cost and I'll let u know. I actually have to run up and ship some stuff today anyways so I'll find out the cheapest way. I don't think it will fit into the little envolope

[fullforce]

cool man thanks my zip code is 38340 if that matters, its 28 degrees here in TN this morning I cant imagine what it feels like living there.

[Ugod02010]

It was 21 this morning and 15-20mph winds so it was freezing balls. And we have about 3" of snow on the ground. Crazy cuz last week it was almost 60

[Ugod02010]

Now I'm bout finished with the interior, I've got most everything off the formula that's coming off I can finally finish buttoning the engine, and mechanical side of things. I think I've come across the first difference between the 95 wiring/ PCM from the 96chassis wiring. 25675The 95 PCM needs another power wire in pin D of the harness by the PCM. The 95 has a pwr that isn't there on the 96 plug. Tomorrow I'm gonna run a power wire to that pin and see if the car starts.(something's missing now) I'm not getting spark or fuel. Unless I run the jumper to the fuel pump wire on the firewall.

[Ugod02010]

The other side of the connector that I need to add a pwr wire to for the pcm

[SSlowBoat]

I have a kindasorta together 96 engine harness if u needs it

[Ugod02010]

I'm thinking it maybe easier to add a wire or two to the harness that I have. But incase it turns into a nightmare,how much?

[fullforce]

Did you check the fuel pump relay?

[Ugod02010]

It seems like im missing something for the PCM or something. Even if I turn the key on and try to connect with tunerpro or pcmcomm neither connect or read any sensors

[JCzNova]

It seems like im missing something for the PCM or something. Even if I turn the key on and try to connect with tunerpro or pcmcomm neither connect or read any sensors

New post added to other thread.

[fullforce]

Cigarette lighter fuse ok? I know obd2 cars won't read the PCM of that fuse is blown. But they still run so that's probably not it.

[JCzNova]

Cigarette lighter fuse ok? I know obd2 cars won't read the PCM of that fuse is blown. But they still run so that's probably not it.

He got it to fire earlier. A power wire difference between 95 and 96.

[Ugod02010]

It only took JCZ and I 12 hrs to figure out 2 wires that were different between the years. Lol.
I am now getting power to the PCM, I hooked up the laptop. All sensors seem to be working now.
I have spark, pretty sure fuel is workin also but after cranking on the car all day yesterday trying this that and the other thing battery was dead. So I left it on te charger overnight. Hopefully should have a first start video shortly. (I left it just open manifolds right at the y pipe so all the neighborhood knows I got it started!! I'll post up the wiring differences shortly so if anyone has a similar swap ahead!

[Ugod02010]

25709This is one of the differences between the 95 and 96 harness'. The 96 is missing a power here. I believe it was socket D. I just ran a constant power to the battery distribution block right in front of it.

[Ugod02010]

25710Here's the second difference. I had no power all times going to pin G. It has a pink wire. I ran a jumper to the orange wire on the 4pin connector since the 95 doesn't use that wire. Other than these 2 wires I haven't had to change really anything. So it's not to terrible to swap from the 95 to the 96. Actually this motor is a 94

[Ugod02010]

25711I got the PCM connecting. Everything seems to be in order here. I'm just posting up what we got accomplished yesterday. I'm gonna go try and get a first start video in just a few min. I know I'm ready to hear her rip to life!

[fullforce]

Awesome man I'm glad you sorted it out. I guess I'm kinda lost in what as going on, did you swap wiring harnesses or just PCM from the rusted car?

[Ugod02010]

First start!!! I unplugged the MAF and she fired right up, guess something may not be connected somewhere in that area. I'll leave the tech stuff on the other page.



http://youtu.be/OGK5wtYamlY

[fullforce]

Sweet! First burnout is next right?

[Ugod02010]

Lol. Fu€k!n A

[Ugod02010]

Awesome man I'm glad you sorted it out. I guess I'm kinda lost in what as going on, did you swap wiring harnesses or just PCM from the rusted car?

I brought the engine wire harness. Left everything other than that alone on the 96. So I have the 95 engine wire harness and the 96 harness for the bcm and all that stuff basically just plugged in on the shock tower and the passenger floor kick panel there's 3 connections there also

[SMok3 Em A11]

Awesome swing life in that thing again its been a long time. Can't wait to see her rolling now.

[Ugod02010]

There's still a few bugs to work out. I'm glad everything has been rolling along pretty smooth. Other than a few issues it coming along quite well. I have the formula almost completely stripped out. I'm gonna keep some of the wiring. Also te fuel tank,since it's brand new. Couple of things on the frot suspension yet, and master cyl. And brake booster. As far as the white car goes I only really need the exhaust, and the power steering line that got broken, drain and refill all the fluids, double check everything and take her for a test run!!!

[Ugod02010]

Got basically all the rear suspension stuff done. Exhaust midpipe got that back over the axle. Still gotta hook it up to the y pipe and hang muffler but closer. 25729Old rotors, from the t/a.

25730Glad I didn't have to spend a dime here!!!
these are the old setup from the formula. Founders performance lca's and panhard.
My painted calipers. Te others were ground down to clearance some other wheels. I also noticed I only have 245/40 r18 out back. Defintly need to throw some 275or 295s back there. So I can grenade the 10bolt! Lol

[Ugod02010]

also was checking some other things as far as wiring/grounds and just running over things, double checking. All I had to do was plug the trans perform button in and its working! So there is no extra wiring for that in the 96 Trans Am. Not sure about the camaros I think they need wiring done since they didn't come with the button as an option from the factory. All sensors and stuff seem to be working in tunerproRT. I am just having an issue with starting. not sure if it just needs primed and stuff but if I spray some ether in the throttle body she will fire up. and sometimes it will start without it. But then sometimes it doesn't wanna start without the ether, So I'm not sure if there is a wiring issue that the injectors arent firing right away or what. Any ideas?
Other than that she is almost ready for a couple test rides! I need to connect the exhuast and that's about it!!

[Ugod02010]

2574125742I was looking and doing a lot of thinking the last couple days when i've been in the garage tinkering. The paint on the Phoenix is pretty bad. And I really don't like the look of the formula/firebird hatch. So b4 I tart going crazy on engine upgrades and that I'm gonna turn my attention to paint and body upgrades.(course this is after its all back together and running) I'm gonna be looking for a hatch first. I would love if someone has one they want a smaller spoiler from, To do a trade. There isn't any boneyards around here that have any fourthgens so its gonna be tough finding a hatch for a decent price and having it shipped here!So anyone comes across a Whale tail let me know. I have two different low rise spoilers a red and white one. Next is gonna be a hood. I'm thinking a firehawk or ws6 style. The lt version, I've seen the ls style ws6 hood on a transam and it looks pretty good but I think the older style fits the car better. Once I have those its gonna be time to whiten her back up again!!! So I still have a long ways to go! I have a ton more pics to upload also but I have to wait for the neighbor to bring me the memory card adapter.

[fullforce]

I will just put my opinion in here for the hell of it, the ws6 hood looks awesome, the ls1 style looks horrible because it doesn't flow with the rest of the front end. There is a aftermarket ram air that is I think 4" and it's kinda flat on top witch to me looks like it fits the car very well but it defiantly gives a "look at me I'm a big hood" kinda appearance at the same time, witch doesn't look bad with the right wheels and stance.
As for the hatch I like the firebird hatch better the trans am hatch looks a little funny. But like I said that's my opinion witch doesn't mean jack lol

[Ugod02010]

I know what u mean about the ls style hood. I mean it looks okay but it doesn't fit. On the formula the lower hatch looks good but with the lower bumper and side skirts it's just not enough or something. Lol. I don't think I know whT hood u mean any idea the company or what it's called? I'm also probably gonna try and find some different rims. I'm thinking something chrome. The older pic I have for the avatar is from when Chris had it, I believe they were welds or similar and they look really good but I'm thinking something more like the chrome c6 5 spokes

[Ugod02010]

25753Something like this! Probably not these actual wheels since I don't have 2g$ for rims but something similar in style. I also like the ones on the c5 the 10spokes I like te long spoke big brake looks on the transam. But also those big drag racer style look badass also. That's a little ways down the road tho.

[fullforce]

I would go with a polished wheel, the chrome just doesn't seem to hold up on some wheels and is sometimes almost cheesy looking. Any 5 spoke would look good, I prefer a wheel with a lip but those C6 wheels do look SWEEEEEET!!!

[fullforce]

this is the hood that I was talking about http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/products/Hood%2C-Firebird-93%252d97-4%22-Raised-Ram-Air-Hood%2C-bolt-on.html

[fullforce]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/tygarceau/tyscar6.jpg


Looks stupid with stock wheels, Ill see if I can find better pics

[fullforce]

[IMG]http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9553-1995-Pontiac-Trans-Am.jpg[\IMG]

[fullforce]

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9553-1995-Pontiac-Trans-Am.jpg

I cant edit for some reason

[fullforce]

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/94TA383/Car%20pics/IMG_4738.jpg

[SMok3 Em A11]

The wheels I had on the ta were weld prostars polished aluminum. I personally think that Hood is a little too gawdy much like that super wing fir the Camaro. But I'm a firm believer in if you like it go for it.

[fullforce]

it really is to much, it would need to be on a car with LOTS of power and a great stance and set of wheels to make it fit, Kinda like the green one haha

[Ugod02010]

That's what I was gonna say. U need to be able to blast off a 10 sec quarter for a hood like that!!! There's a black one around here like the first one with the ls style hood. It looks good but it's a black car. I think for white I'm gonna try and find a ws6 or fire hawk style.

[SMok3 Em A11]

I like the LT1 ws6 hood I really didn't at first but it really grew on me to the point it is my favorite LTx car hood.

[fullforce]

same here, the ls1 style only looks OK on the formula because the nose cone is more round like the ls1 scoops. But the WS6 Lt1 hood is just perfect! not to much not to little. My dream would be to have a white ws6 trans am with the polish aluminum factoy 17's and ram air hood..... oh so sexy!

[Ugod02010]

same here, the ls1 style only looks OK on the formula because the nose cone is more round like the ls1 scoops. But the WS6 Lt1 hood is just perfect! not to much not to little. My dream would be to have a white ws6 trans am with the polish aluminum factoy 17's and ram air hood..... oh so sexy!

I think Im gonna be building your dream car!! Lol. Mine too but I don't know what it is i love chrome! aluminum is okay. I think its the old muscle car lover inside me that I just think they need chrome!!

[fullforce]

Don't get me wrong chrome doesn't look bad back in the old days when wheels were steel the chrome was a lot smoother looking on the wheels, now days chrome aluminum wheels don't seem to have the quality finish like they used to.

[Ugod02010]

25786These were the wheels I had on my 86 255on back and I think 215 up front they were 15s.
25787I think I only paid like $70 a rim or so. I don't know how something like these May look on this bird

[fullforce]

They would look good on a jeep or old pickup lol

[SMok3 Em A11]

I'm partial to polished over chrome paersonally.

On a side note please please please never ever ever political those old school wagon wheels on a 4th Gen. LOL not even as a spare.

[Ugod02010]

Haha. I don't plan on it. I liked how they fit on the thirdgen. They have more of a muscle car/small truck kinda look.
But for the bird I'm gonna look for some kind of big spokes. If I could find the c5 10spokes for cheap I would do those.
I like getting rims specifically for a car instead of trying to take ones off one car and get them to fit another.

[Ugod02010]

JCZNova
Can u check out the PCM thread. I went over things this morning and I might have found the issue

[Ugod02010]

fullforce
What do ya think buddy could he have a big ass hood like that one?!

http://youtu.be/bDVnFmHDbR8

[fullforce]

Yea I've heard that one a dozen times..... Sweet sexy music!!! Lol

[Ugod02010]

Okay I've been having issues with getting the wires right on the 95 engine harness and PCM hooked up with the 96 wires from the cabin. I have a bunch of pics and everything to actually do this swap if anyone runs into it again in the future. It's not hard but gets quite frustrating trying to figure it out!

[Ugod02010]

Got it!!!!
http://youtu.be/Jo-KEmjVfyo
I know I don't have oil pressure. I broke the pressure feed for the dash when I dropped the motor or somewhere along the line. Lol

[popo8]

That dead gauge would drive me nuts!!!

Congrats though!

[SMok3 Em A11]

Awesome!!!! You definitely revived her long before i would have been able to.

[Ugod02010]

That gauge had me freaking out when it first started. Then I was looking over everything and saw the pressure sensor snapped in half. I'm making my list of final checks and whatnot, down to less than a page or so of little stuff to do yet. I'm taking it easy today I figure I got the worst part done now.


Big thanks jcz, shbox, and Brendan from lt1swap on the wiring help guys. And Chris for the deal on the car itself!!!

[JCzNova]

Glad to see it running. Make a good button-up list and let's see some pics!

[fullforce]

NICE!!! id like to build one from the ground up

[97Z4CZ28]

Congrats on getting her together and up and running!

[Ugod02010]

Thanks guys! Hopefully in a couple days should have an outside video!! Still lots of work to do but it really wanna get a good baseline for upgrades I have planned. Cam, headers, possibly some head and intake work. Not to mention paint and body stuff I think I'm going to do first since the formula used to fly already

[Ugod02010]

When I hooked the radiator and stuff up I ran the hose that comes from the bak of the head I ran that straight to the left side of te radiator. Put two caps over the spots in the throttle body for the coolan lines. And just ran the one out of the waterpump on the right side to the oil cooler. Then out that right into the right side of the radiator. Is this gonna be okay? That's basically how it runs bypassing the throttle body anyways right?
(This is looking from the front)

[Ugod02010]

Works slowed pretty bad on the t/a. It's been so damn cold the last few days I haven't even wanted to go into the garage! The exhaust is giving me a bit of a hard time as well. Everything was welded solid so I cut it right I front of the cat. Now with everything back into the car I couldn't get the pipe to fit back in so I ended up having to make the midpipe into 2pieces so I can get it over the axle in the rear. So I've been fabbing up the exhaust. I think I may have to eliminate the cat. The way they have everything welded and there is Nowhere other than the manifold and te muffler that I can disconnect the exhaust. I really wanna get a set of longtubes and a new catback but I just don't have the funds for that at the moment so this is just temporary for now till I get some cash for some Shiney parts!!
Also I still need to bleed the brakes, hookup the power steering line that was broken on both cars while pulling engines. Bleed the power steering. Refill the rad. And I hit the trans pan drain plug when I took the formula for its jump so it's bent slightly and is leaking a little. So I'm going to take it off and see if I can fix the leak or if a new pan is nessisary. I have a whole ton of pics I just need to get the adapter so I can put them onto the computer to load them. But all and all things are coming along very nicely. I got the wiring figured out. It fires right up first crank 95% of the time. The other 5 it takes the second turn of the key. So she's running good sounds really good almost ready for a little shakedown run. (Goal is to do it by wed or thurs)!

[Ugod02010]

25906
25907I put the clear front corners in and took the front plate frame off, looks way better up front!

[97Z4CZ28]

Looking good! Like the clear corners as well, got a set to install on my Z as well. Garage is Cold??? Lol tis the season. First thing I did when I moved into my house back in January is I had a wall mounted gas heater with t-stat installed, spendy but worth every penny. Watching for more updates!

[popo8]

looks good.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ugod02010]

The sad part about the garage is it's in our basement! But when it's been 18 for a high over the last few days I haven't even bothered. I got a little kerosene heater from an older lady I helped out. I love it. But it's just to cold to even really help!
Anyways, i was bleeding brakes and getting a couple of the small things out of the way. Had them all pumped up and pedal nice and firm. POP the line right on the left rear tire pops. Sonbitch. Not a big deal really but of course I didn't have a line short enough to use. So I had to leave it off overnight so I'm gonna have to redo the back. I have a little one man bleeder I got from autozone I love it. Makes it so much easier than having someone pump the brakes. I can do it get the fluid flowing and just let it gravity bleed.
Also having an issue with the exhaust. Since they have the exhaust completely welded around the cat both front and backside, I had to cut the midpipe down. I'm thinking of just buying some longtubes and Y pipe. And getting a good catback. I'm looking at one from eBay anyone used this or heard it before?
This headers and y
http://m.ebay.com/itm/161140743265

And this catback I like the way the vette sounds with a similar setup (ls motor) but the lt sounds way better anyways!!so I think basically a glass pack and headers oughta sound really mean. I just don't want it to be to loud. I think my flowmaster that's on it now is just about the limit
http://m.ebay.com/itm/150963003442

[fullforce]

Those look identical to my pacesetters, and that is the cat back I wanted to buy if I had $200 laying around

[Ugod02010]

25947There kinda hard to see I'll get a better pic. I have a nice set of dual 3" tips for that catback too so I think it will sound mean as hell! Especially with longtubes! I need a visible car tho here in pa

[fullforce]

Does that exhaust make your car invisible in pa? Lol I don't understand?

[SMok3 Em A11]

Does that exhaust make your car invisible in pa? Lol I don't understand?

I think he may be referring to a visible exhaust for inspection. Visible as in exiting the car at some point.lol

[Ugod02010]

Visible cat. Catalytic converter lol

[Ugod02010]

We have a gas cap test and they make sure u still have cat(s) and if the smog stuff is there it's supposed to work. For emissions. But at least we don't need the stupid front license plate.

[ginoz28]

Do they check your wearing the right size underwear also?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[fullforce]

damn, I didnt know PA required that, do they do a sniffer test or just look under there? You could esily put a gutted out cat under there so im sure they have to stick it up your rear when you go in for a check up? lol

[Ugod02010]

That's all I have now gutted cat. It's welded the whole way round on both sides tho. So I think I'm just gonna grab a new high flow one somewhere. No sniffer just visual. Some counties have it some don't. I just happen to be in one that requires emissions

[fullforce]

If your gonna run a cat I'd say no muffler those bullets are quieter than a flow master at lower rpms

[SSlowBoat]

or you have a good "friend" in pa that doesnt care about such things....lol

[Ugod02010]

I do indeed. 2 friends. Lol. That's good to know about the bullets. I kinda like it just as loud as the flowmaster is. I'm pretty sure it's a 40series so it's pretty loud even at idle. I figure with longtubes tho it should sound pretty damn good thru that glass pack that they have in that catback

I may also take the gutted cat I have and cut the ends where it's welded and make it work.

[ZOHAN]

I say have two sets of exhaust. 1 with cats and whatever else, and one to drive for the rest of the year :-)

Making you silky smooth...

[fullforce]

I say have two sets of exhaust. 1 with cats and whatever else, and one to drive for the rest of the year :-)

Making you silky smooth...
excellent idea, especially if its only 1 time a year, just make sure you get it inspected in the warmer months so you dont have to swap exhaust out in the winter twice every year. Or you could have a clamp on converter at the Y and then have a peice of 3" pipe cut the same length to put inplace of the cat after inspection.

[SMok3 Em A11]

Or you could have a clamp on converter at the Y and then have a peice of 3" pipe cut the same length to put inplace of the cat after inspection.
This is what I did!

[Ugod02010]

I do know no matter which way I go it's gonna be clamped and not welded! Or at leat not welded to where it can't come off easily. Anyone used those clamps that are a flat metal made kinda for butt joints and such?

[SMok3 Em A11]

I do know no matter which way I go it's gonna be clamped and not welded! Or at leat not welded to where it can't come off easily. Anyone used those clamps that are a flat metal made kinda for butt joints and such?

Are you referring to band clamps?

[Ugod02010]

Yessir. I was having a brain fart so I couldn't think of what they were called

[fullforce]

That's all I use

[fullforce]

I have see some that are completely flat though I don't know how well those would work, my pipe slips in and then one side of my clamp is slightly larger than the other side if you look at them you will see what I'm talking about

[97Z4CZ28]

Are you referring to these ugod02010, and I believe Fullforce is reffering to these as well...

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd499/97Z4CZ28/97%20Z4C%20Z28%20Camaro/StainlessEhaustBandClamp_zpsbe3103fe.jpg (http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/97Z4CZ28/media/97%20Z4C%20Z28%20Camaro/StainlessEhaustBandClamp_zpsbe3103fe.jpg.html)

Best thing in the world I think, makes life much easier to take off and reinstall when working on something where the exhaust is in the way.

[SMok3 Em A11]

Mine weren't tapered like that an they sucked. Next time I will be getting the tapered style.

[fullforce]

Yes thats the good ones right there thats all i will ever use from now on.

[Ugod02010]

I was actually talking about the ones that were just flat. Autozone sells em. I think I'll go with the tapered ones then. That eBay exhaust is all slip fit anyways so those should work good. I dot like welding everything because then u can't take anything apart to fix something. Starter, fuel tank hell anything gets to be a pain with te exhaust in the way!
I was mainly thinking of the flat ones since I cut the stuff that was there b4 and there basically just butt joints. So there pain to weld and I was just gonna use the old exhaust for a little while anyways till i find a good one. I need everything tho so I'm looking at some cash. But 200 for catback I seen pacesetter LT's somewhere with the y for a little over $200 I think so that's not to terrible. Just gotta wait till tax time to go that route.

[Ugod02010]

http://youtu.be/UCCYjISlGwM

[fullforce]

Man I wish I would have blacked my engine out that looks good

[97Z4CZ28]

Looking good!! Your getting there! Can't wait until I can start her up! Hopefully shortly after the first of the year for me.

[Ugod02010]

If u could leave the sandpaper alone!!! Lol. Thanks guys! Only thing is I did the red on the alt pulley I used some caliper paint for it and I don't really like how it came out. Looks kinda "ricey" lol
I'm just about done bleedin the brakes. I tell ya I bought the little one man bleeder from autozone it works so much better than yelling at my girl for 2hrs! And I still haven't bought anything. That's gonna be changing soon tho since I need some longtubes and catback! I am pretty sure I'm gonna go with the one from phab on eBay. I've also been in contact with Lloyd Elliot about cam. I'm trying to figure out what brand/size stall is in the car now. It really looks like a B&M with the color of it. I'll post up a pic.

[Ugod02010]

Only numbers I see is there is a 7 in between each of the "fins" there. And on the outer edge it has the numbers k1 2B 303
i spun the engine over just bumping the key and had put marks the whole way around the converter to make sure I didn't miss anything and those are te only marks on the thing.

[fullforce]

It's probably a rebuilt trans and rebuilt stock converter?
I know you were trying to get the car together witch you obviously did, but now your going to rip it all back apart for a converter and cam swap?????, I highly recommend the cam swap nonetheless, it's the most awesome thing I've ever done to a car and makes it a real mans car in my opinion. Lol

[Ugod02010]

It's probably a rebuilt trans and rebuilt stock converter?
I know you were trying to get the car together witch you obviously did, but now your going to rip it all back apart for a converter and cam swap?????, I highly recommend the cam swap nonetheless, it's the most awesome thing I've ever done to a car and makes it a real mans car in my opinion. Lol
I'm just silly like that:D
It is possible it maybe a stock rebuilt one. I was looking at b&m converters, they look to be really close to the same color blue. Anyways what cam did u go with? And did u do the stall also or just swap cams? Lloyd said that he has one for the stock stall an also one that will make some pretty good power with something along the lines of a 3200 stall. I may just go wit the smaller cam for now.it all kinda depends on what I can figure out about the mystery converter in the car. I am almost to a point where I can back the car out of the garage a bit and power brake to see it I can get a idea where about the stall speed is. I have brakes all bled out and everything really only things left to do is exhaust and I need to change the one cable on the throttle body it's a little different than on the 96 car. I haven't looked into what's involve there yet but should e fairly simple.

[fullforce]

Ive got the comp cam 503 and a 6300rpm stall....lol

Even though I havent ran any other cam except the stock one, I would have to agree with what is normally said saying this is the biggest cam you want to run on a stock engine. You might get by without a stall but I wouldnt recommend it, even with any cam. I would deffinatly go with a cam from LE thats close to the CC503 specs, and a nice stall, longtubes, and tune. Heck even a used stall would be perfectly fine.

[Ugod02010]

He said he has one it's 218/224 and .570 .565 with a 111lsa. That's the one for no or factory stall.
Then 227/235 and .565 .579 with 110lsa for a stall. It sounds awesome I heard a clip of it.
I def ain't gonna go with a stall te size u have! Jeez do u drive it daily? Anyone around u when ur pulling out at a light even slowly would think u r tryin to race!!

[Ugod02010]

Well this blows! I sold a bit of stuff and was planning on ordering the phab catback. Go onto eBay and of course the price has gone from $200 +39 shipping to $275+39 for shipping. Lovely. Why does this shit always have to happen. Still not a bad price but that just goes to show my luck!!

[fullforce]

I don't actually have a stall my car is a 6 speed so I can stall it I the revlimiter lol. That sucks about the exhaust setup I'd send him a message and see if he could still do the ok price.... It could be worse though... You could be pulling the dash out of a cobalt

[Ugod02010]

Lol. Tru. I took a dash out of a sunfire before so I understand. I actually did send them an email. It was just today or yesterday that the added 75$ to the price so we will see what they say. I thought I red somewhere about a 6300 stall. I didn't think they made them quite that high. Lol. I got those pigtails in the mail for ya today too. I pm'd I a tracking#.

[Ugod02010]

Had to get these off. Lol I actually just put brand new ones on the formula about a week b4 I smashed it so those didn't cost anything either.

[Ugod02010]

My 26217I had to reweld the pass side of the sway bar where te end rods go. Looks good u can't even tell. I was just gonna use the ones off the t/a but mine looked better aside from being broken.lol.

[Ugod02010]

Because Racecar?

[fullforce]

whats all that white power on the ground?

[Ugod02010]

That's howni can strip a car and build another one in a week

[Ugod02010]

And doing it a garage barely big enough to fit the car in!
its really gonna suck when I start the body work! And sadly it will be the third car I sanded and did the body work in this little ass space.

[Ugod02010]

26224Here's my old thirdgen. She was beast. 355 carbed setup. Edlebrock RPM cam and intake. Easy close to 400 at the wheels in this thing
26225
And a little laughing had just incase ;)

[Ugod02010]

2622726228
That car changed faces and motors 3x

[fullforce]

I love third gens it's just so hard to find one that isn't falling apart, one day I'm going to do a turbo 4.8 t56 91-92 formula build.... Ahhhh we can dream right???!!

[Ugod02010]

I would do the 5.3 instead. I dust know my boss has a 4.8 in his gmc. It's so gutless it's unreal. I'm sure a turbo would wake it up but still. Or throw a built up n/a ls

[fullforce]

There's not much power difference in the two and the 4.8s are dirt cheap in the junkyards, and they seem to handle a little more boost. Either one will support 700rwhp all day long and I just want about 500 lol so even of I do pop one it's less than $500 for another

[Ugod02010]

I seen that about the boost. I'm a fan of displacement tho. I never really been much impressed by boost. Course I hve yet to ride in a monster boosted car 500+. My one buddy had a GTP Grand Prix. I think it was over 400 at the wheels it was pretty badass in a Grand Prix getting down like that.

[Ugod02010]

http://youtu.be/TjuXHE8j9p8

[Ugod02010]

I have the patients of a 2year old. So I welded the flowmaster that I cut off the formula up onto the t/a. For now anyways till income tax then I'll get the new headers and catback! I'll get a better video in the next day or so. I could actually go for a ride if it wasn't so shitty outside! At least a shakedown see what needs tightened, moved, refilled, whatever it is on a project this big.

[fullforce]

Awsome, your gonna have fun come spring time... It sucks you have to wait all winter to actually get outside and really enjoy things though.

[Ugod02010]

I know. It's supposed to get up to the 40-50 degrees late this week into the weekend. Hopefully I can get the last couple little things and at least get a burnout vid!

[Ugod02010]

okay so yesterday i finally went thru and fired her up and let it warm up to temp.(first time) the others were just quick leak checks and exhaust clip...
NO LEAKS NO LIGHTS! things are looking good with the engine install and wiring changes.. Fans kick on when they should. everything seems to be going smoothly. So yesterday i went and grabbed a bunch of the small bits needed to finish buttoning things up. (Cotterpins, antifreeze, sway bar ends) I still have all the body work and all that fun stuff ahead, but all the drivetrain and stuff is sorted out!! Thanks again to everyone who has helped with the info and pointers along the way! This build would not have been possible without the vast knowledge I have gained from this page!(and shbox.com)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First group are of right when I did the engine swap,
26350263512635226353

[Ugod02010]

26354263552635626357I ditched the yellow markers up front, the rears are next, Also PA. don't have a license plate law where we need one up front so I ditched that also, Really cleaned up the front end

[popo8]

Great job man... U planning on getting some miles on it before starting bodywork?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ugod02010]

I'm itching to take her out! I'm sure I'll run around a lil before painting it. The plan is to get the exhaust and paint materials around income tax time. I'm just going Arctic white again. I got some plans pretty close to factory look but a tad of my own twist for the paint, body stuff! Also the ttops and roof area inside and out need attention


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdFbvKu-V5Q&feature=youtu.be
Heres a quick cold start. I cant wait to get the longtubes and glasspack setup! I think I'm gonna reuse the tips from this exhaust, There made really well. Yonaka is the name of the company who makes them, I picked em up on ebay for around $80 I think

[Monteman427]

Lookin good bro!

[Ugod02010]

Thanks guys!! My list is getting very short of what's left to do. If I really really wanted to I could probably have it ready for a shakedown run in a day or two. But I got a while to go till springtime so I'm trying to take my time a bit so I don't run outta stuff to do.
I have a good idea for the headliner, I'm gonna take it out and take the fabric off and use fiberglass putty stuff to harden up the backing and get it sanded nice and smooth and use the same carbon fiber wrap I wanna use on the roof inside also

[fullforce]

I just completely removed my headliner, nobody even notices

[SMok3 Em A11]

I just completely removed my headliner, nobody even notices

Mine doesn't fir due to my cage I even forget its gone sometimes lol.

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

[Ugod02010]

Did u take notice to the headliner b4 it left there Chris? It's growing some kinda mold or something! Lol. I am pulling it out in a few minutes here just trying to get some motivation to head down the basement, It's been really warm the last two days but today is bout to drop back to the 20-30 degrees. I have got her warmed up 3 or 4x now and everything is running great. No leaks, creaks, or funny noises! few more small things and a nice day and I should be able to do a quick trip around the block!

[97Z4CZ28]

Doing great! Looking great! I am taking a holiday break until after the New Year then its balls to the wall! Merry Christmas!

[Ugod02010]

Thanks guys! I been at a standstill myself since i have no cash to put into her. Right when I get income tax I'm gonna finish up the exhaust. Then I may start on some body works shortly after that. I just put an application in trying to get into this brand new body shop they just put up down town here. I don't think they pay much to start but I would rather wrench on cars then climb around up on roofs anymore!

[fullforce]

I would advise anyone thinkin of getting into the automotive repair business to stay away! It's a hobby not a career, but if your going to be doing body work that's a whole different ball game. I do know some body shops have mechanics so who knows. I guess either way it's still better than nothin though!