blunierdr

Before we get into the refresher part of this build, I would like to start with my history with the car. I acquired this car in 2011 for $500 from a previous owner who had wrecked it. The front end was smashed up very badly, and the transmission wouldn't shift through froward gears at all (warped valve body). Insurance had totaled it and he had bought it back with plans to rebuild it, but it sat in a shed for about a year and a half before I came around and took it off his hands.

I regret not being intelligent enough as a high school senior to take any pictures at all of the car before it was rebuilt, so unfortunately I don't have any. I pieced the car back together, took it and had it painted, the transmission fixed, and got it back on the road with a new set of wheels. Here is how it looked when it was first finished after being totaled.



After driving it, getting to know it, and starting to really enjoy owning and modifying my GTA, the next step was to clean up the engine bay, put headers, cat-back exhaust, ground control weight jacks, koni shocks/struts, and other misc modifications to really make it my own and to help with the stance and attitude of the car. I also somewhere in there decided to put wider rear wheels/tires, C5 Z06 front brakes, and 4th gen leather seats in it. Here are some more pictures of it then.

Engine bay before




After




Exterior after lowered/brakes/wider wheels




After multiple summers of car shows, autocross, track days, and sunset cruises, I had to accept the fact that there was a need for another good freshening up of my Trans Am. I had been wanting to do a vortec/stealth ram swap for some time, and the engine bay needed a lot of work again. I pulled the motor and trans, welded/smoothed the strut towers, and built the motor. At this point I am in the process of putting the engine in, and I will keep the pictures/updates coming as it goes back together. Here are some pictures of the project so far. There are way too many things to list on here, but if you want to know about anything specific feel free to ask.

blunierdr

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

That's a great looking GTA, and a great story behind it. I look forward to following your work on it.

blunierdr

Thank you Dave, I am enjoying the build and learning a lot. Definitely getting antsy to get it back on the road this year. Should have more work to share early this week.

Zane M

iTrader: (1)

Stunning!

Ron U.S.M.C.

Absolutely beautiful work.


You don't see a lot of cowl hoods on that car but it looks great on yours.
Love the stance ,style of wheels and the fact there staggered with a deep dish in the rear really looks aggressive. Really everything about it does.


Nice job.

BarryV8

Awesome car. Love that clean engine.

Jmorris1979

Super clean built. You should be proud.

blunierdr

Thanks guys for the support, I appreciate it very much. I also apologize for not posting any updates this past week, it has been a busy week for me and not as much time was spent on the car as I had hoped. I did manage to get the headers installed, along with a handful of other not very exciting things. The next step is to dive into putting the wiring harness back in. I bought all new wire loom from painless performance and I plan to take extra care in wire management to make sure the clean look of the engine bay isn't spoiled. I will post up progress pictures again when I get more finished, but for now here are some updated pictures.

Johnny*G

Love the Corvette brake upgrade! Did you source all your parts used?

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Very nicely done and I like the cowl hood!

carlos64030

iTrader: (1)

That engine bay looks great! Do you think that Stealth Ram would fit under a stock hood?

blunierdr

Johnny as far as the vette brakes go I actually bought new GM brake calipers for an 05 Z06, and bought new pads and rotors as well. I modified my spindles myself and bought the hub conversion kit from bigbrakeupgrade. I made a thread a while back in the brake forum if you would like some more info.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...hrust-iis.html

Dmccain thank you very much!

Carlos as far as I have read the stealth ram will only work with the stock hood if you do some trimming/clearancing on the underside of the hood. There are many threads talking about this if you are considering doing it so I'm sure they would be better suited to answer your questions. I am glad I have the 3" cowl though, it gives me ample room as far as hood clearance goes.

blunierdr

So has anyone started a project that has great intentions, yet you lose track of it, and next thing you know it is a year and a half later and you have to admit that you need to get your act together and finish it? Yeah..... about that. So lately I finally got back into the car after being distracted by boats, trucks, bikes, ect, you know how it goes.

What got me excited about it again was I ordered and received the serpentine conversion kit from Billet Specialties. They have some amazing products, I highly recommend them. I got it installed in no time, fit was perfect. Here are some of the pictures of the serpentine setup.
















Also got the fans and everything up front in. Had a custom upper radiator support made for it and got everything in and looking good.













Hood, intake, vacuum lines, pcv system, heater hoses, and more all installed at this point. not much more to do up top, soon I will have to get it on the hoist and get the exhaust all fabbed up and tucked tight up underneath. The car is going to sit really low when its done so I want as much ground clearance as possible. Here is the most updated picture I have at this point.













I am ready to get this car on the road. I am excited to finally wrap this project up, and I promised myself not to let it go another year without getting worked on.

blunierdr

The pictures were not showing up in my last post so I fixed them. Please let me know if you are viewing this thread but cannot see the pictures so I can try to get them working, thanks!

Buddy

You have a beautiful car my friend, commend you on all the hard work to get it to where it is now. Now you just gotta take that road trip in August and get it to Dayton to the Trans Am Nationals!!! That car belongs there. YOU belong there.

blunierdr

Thanks Buddy, Trans Am Nationals sounds like an awesome time, its only about a 4 1/2 hour drive for me so that would make for a quick road trip. Trust me when this car is finally done and tuned correctly it will not take much convincing to get me to take it places, I miss driving it!

I always struggle with how I view my cars, trucks, ect. because I spend an huge amount of time and effort into making them into exactly what I envision in my head, yet as I'm sure many other people would agree, somewhere along the way I can get frustrated. Whether its with with how something had to be changed from the original plan in order to work better or make more sense, or my perfectionist attitude nitpicking arguably insignificant problems apart to the point where I have a hard time looking at my car without picking apart all its flaws.

There are countless cars and owners on this forum that have inspired me to build my car the way I have, I hope mine can do that for others.

Buddy

One of the many great things about the TA Nats is you walk away loving your car that much more. Being surrounded by fellow Pontiac Bird owners from every year and all the amazing cars is just intoxicating, everyone is so nice and has admiration for every car there. As an owner, you get ideas for your car, learn tricks and contacts, etc. Friendships are created.
Car shows are all a blast, but going to a specific brand show takes it to another level. I guarantee every show such is the same, Grand Nationals, GTOs, Mustangs, Corvettes, etc. The experience for those that attend is elevated. And much like the Buick, GTO, etc shows, the fact all these cars are no longer made, it's like walking amongst a group of history, never to be repeated, like they are all one of a kind or more unique. While a Corvette or Mustang show is totally amazing, always newer technology and power... your kind of always looking for what Chevy or Ford has next, whats the next Vette or Stang have in store to dominate the highway. People order the next big monster that comes. I mean a factory 650 hp car.... and more to come in future models..... thats simply adrenaline pumping. And there will always be the next gen with those cars, which is amazing.
But there is also an amazing thing about not looking ahead to whats next..... these are IT, frozen in time, one of a kind - kind of, lol. And when owners, like yourself, personalize them, they are all unique.
Just me talking. You gotta get it to Dayton, you'll get the fever. Go to a few of the seminars they have on Saturday and feel the history, and Tipp City Saturday evening, you'll be 'Bird loyal for life!!! Lol

blunierdr

After all that how can I decline! I have been looking into things to do this summer/fall and i might have to put T/A Nationals at the top of the list! I also was looking into a few of the different Hot Rod Power Tour stops but they are a little further away from me. Regardless im looking forward to this year that's for sure.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Getting new shiny bits is always motivating. The parts look good.

I'll second the T/A Nats. I went for the first time last year, and it was a lot of fun. Great location (assuming they are having it in the same location).

I likely won't be there this year, but will be going back in 2019.

blunierdr

I have been getting the last handful of random parts ordered and they have been slowly coming in. I haven't done anything super exciting the last week or so, just a little more wiring and buttoning things up like securing grounds, installing the cruise control servo, getting a battery installed, ordering more miscellaneous parts, and so on.








The coolant overflow tank turned out great, I got the Rev9 overflow tank off of ebay and I am happy with the fit and finish.









The weather has started to get better, not counting the random snow flurries, and the cars are all sitting patiently until spring. I am looking forward to many Sunday afternoon cruises with these three. (the other two cars in the picture are my brother's 87 Camaro Z28, and my dad's 71 Corvette Stingray)









After just a couple more minor things are finished on the ground, I'll be putting the car up on the hoist to finish up the work left to do underneath.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Nice!

Rioux

Hello,


Beautiful your car, just question; your hood, where did you buy it?


Thanks

blunierdr

The hood is a Harwood 3" cowl hood that I purchased from Summit Racing.
I love the look and have been extremely happy with it.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Sweet lineup of cars there!

Oilburner

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Can you supply the specs (diameter, width, back space, etc) or better yet the P/N of those wheels ?? Are they American Racing wheels ?? - Thanks!! Looks awesome !!

blunierdr

I am running 17x8's up front (245/45-17) with 4.75" backspacing, and 17x9.5's in the back (285/40-17) with 5" backspacing. And yes they are American Racing Torq Thrust II's.

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Thanks !! Car looks great !!

blunierdr

Finally posting again, and I have lots to share! The last month has been spent finishing up all the last parts of the build.
Things that have been done in the last month:
-New trans cooler lines
-New torque arm bushing
-Installed TDS Steering Brace
-Moroso trans pan (with drain plug and sensor bung)
-Walbro 255 fuel pump and new sending unit
-Modified my Hooker 2055's Y pipe for more ground clearance and made cat-less intermediate pipe
-Reinstalled Magnaflow catback system with all new clamps
-Welded in bung for wideband sensor
-Installed trans temo gauge
-Installed wideband gauge
-Installed GP1 adapter from Moates
-Filled Fluids

Here are some more progress pictures. The underside of this car is nothing special, it definitely needs some paint at some point among other things, so try not to be overly disappointed with the dirty side of this thing.








































After all that, last week I started the car for the first time, set base timing, set fuel pressure, and started getting the tune at idle sorted out. After the idle was figured out (this is my first time dealing with any of the DIY tuning and it took a bit of figuring out on my part) I was confident enough to drive it into town and fill it with gas. Took a short drive after and started to open it up a bit, so far i am very happy with how it is driving and behaving! Some more tuning lays ahead but that should be a fun learning experience. So far so good, and I have a car again! Finally!


Also had time to claybar, buff, and wax the car. Much better.

Buddy

The car looks amazing!! Your garage is something to be jealous of too, very nice and clean.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Beautiful!

blunierdr

Today I set up an appointment to get my windows tinted. Will be dropping the car off for a day or two to get the rear hatch and side windows all done with 20% tint. Looking forward to getting rid of the "fishbowl" look of all clear glass.

Finished detailing the inside of the car as well, I need to take some more pictures of the interior so I can post them up.

I also noticed my exterior door handles are pretty sloppy and the passenger side makes a racket when closing the door. Anyone have opinions about swapping the factory black handles out with chrome ones? It might look good with the locks already being chrome. Anyone have an opinion on this?

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

That is a nice car.

I probably live within 10 minutes of you. We need to find a reason to get together when winter lifts.

blunierdr

Oh nice! Where do you live? I plan on making it to all the Peoria area cars and coffee events, I also joined a Hotrods and Hamburgers Facebook group that plans to meet in Metamora once a month so I'll probably make it to those when I can as well!

blunierdr

Since it has been so long since my car has been running, I thought it was an appropriate time to update the wheels and tires. I have wanted a more modern look for my car for a while now. That's not to say that I didn't like the way it looked with the Torq Thrust's on it, I just have really started to love the restomod/protouring look. My car doesn't really fit into either of those categories per say, but you get the idea of the style I like

That being said, last week I ordered new wheels and tires. 18x8's up front with 245/40R18's on them, and 18x9.5's on the rear with 275/40R18's on those. Tires are Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's (the new ones). Wheels are Ridler 650's with gloss grey centers and a polished lip.

Got them installed last night and am very happy with the new look of the car.



































I have had some mixed feedback from friends and coworkers, some love the new look, but others prefer the "classic" styling of the Torq Thrusts. To each their own, I for one am glad I made the change. This look much better suits the attitude of my car. Let me know what your thoughts are!

Evilokc

if you already said I must have over looked it. what motor is that? Is it the L31?

blunierdr

Oh wow, no you didn't miss it, I can't believe I forgot to mention which motor this car has in it! This motor is an L98. The entire drivetrain was stock to the best of my knowledge when it was totaled and I bought it.

blunierdr

After driving the car some more and getting the tune smoothed out even more I finally took some shots of the car outside. l couldn't be happier with how the wheels changed the attitude of the car. Enjoy!


On a side note, I was honored to be nominated for May Car of the Month, and I posted all these pictures on that thread already, so my apologies if you have seen these pictures in that thread already!

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Clean! Clean!

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Nice seeing you today at Cars n' Coffee. You did a good job with that car. Looks even better in person than the pictures.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Stellar. How are the tints?

blunierdr

Thanks man! It was nice to meet you and see your car as well, awesome Firebird you have. Couldn't have asked for better weather for Cars and Coffee.


I couldn't help but snap a couple pictures.
















I actually had to cancel the appointment I had setup because I had other things come up and wasn't able to make it. I am working out a time to get it done again so hopefully I will be able to post pictures of the car with the windows done soon.

I still am torn with how dark I am going to go on the windows as well. I would love to go pretty dark to help keep the sun and heat out, but I would like to start attending more local track days and/or autocross events and and have been looking into the rules and regulations as far as tinted windows go. The side windows are a non-issue because you have to have them rolled down anyway, but the rear window is where there can be problems. Most track day organizers don't make too much of a fuss over tinted windows especially if they aren't super dark, but as far as I have read, if you ever want to compete in SCCA stuff they really don't want any tint on windows. Not sure if I will ever even consider SCCA competition with this car since it wasn't really built with that in mind but still something I have been trying to consider.

I originally was considering 5% on the rear glass and 20% on the sides, but at this point I am torn between 20% or 35% all the way around. Probably leaning more toward 20%. Decisions decisions...

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Wow, now I wish I could have made it, keep me informed if you 2 go to the next cars n coffee up there..

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

My car has same tint all around if you were wondering. Any darker than what I have and you'll have trouble seeing at night. Have the shop show you a couple samples and then you don't have to guess (that's how I did it). Personally, I would avoid the blackout look.

Will do. We just accidentally parked really close to each other. I wasn't there for long though.

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I put 5% on the back and 30% on the sides, I would have gone darker on the sides, but there is questionably in NJ if tent is legal on the side windows (It actually is, but they still ticket people for it) so I didn't want to go too dark. Even though it is only 30 on the side, I still think it helps the look immensely.

blunierdr

My brother bought his 87 IROC with the rear glass super dark, I think 2.5%. I can't see into the rear window at all from the outside, and from the inside you may as well forget about trying to see out at night, it is insane. He wants to remove it and move to 5% or 20%. I agree the blacked out look is probably not the best idea. I'm probably going to stick to 20%, at work we just got a display that shows all the different tint shades so I was looking at it today.

Yeah the funny thing with my car is that I don't have A/C installed so my windows are down like 95% of the time I am driving it. I'll probably go 20% on the sides as well as the rear at this point, that should make a huge difference on how much sun gets in the car when its sitting in a parking lot compared to no tint at all.

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I think the Tint, even the 30 on the side makes a BIG difference with the heat buildup in the sun. It's still hot in there after sitting, but when you open the windows and the air starts moving it's relatively cool since all the interior piece haven't heated up ~120+ degrees. I also have one of those correct size, for the 3rd gen, roll up heat reflecting sheet for the windshield.

If I have to do it again, I am going to go 20% on the sides instead. Still looks good, and you would be able to see out at night

blunierdr

Awesome, thats kinda the feedback I have been hearing from others as well. I just got off the phone and have rescheduled my car for Saturday to get the windows done. I'll be sure to post some pictures when it's done.