Driving Excitement...85 Trans Am Project. New Plan as of 5/3

[SSEiMan01]

I know, just wish I was closer to my family though too. But you know that story.

Anywho, back on topic: I'm beginning to remember all the *shoot* I have to do on this car still. I'm going to do it all in primer red in the spring, most of it is already anyway, that way it won't be Will and the amazing Technicolor Trans-Am anymore.

[wake]

ill help if i can

[SSEiMan01]

It's just a pain in the ass to have to mask it all off. If I'm going to go through that just for primer its kinda dumb, but necessary. I wouldn't be happy with any paint on it other than the stuff I have that cost me a fortune, and that I want to be applied by an experienced body guy, after all the bodywork is done on it. Ugh.

[MattStrike]

I'm guessing you figured out the spring before I even found this had been updated

If not:

Use a fender washer and a screw to attach the spring into the seat on the radiator core support, just to the left of the manual latch. You can use a cut-off wheel to make a few fingers in the washer to hold the spring as well. Then you would need a patch of undercoating or a cap for the spring so it doesn't scratch the aluminum.

[SSEiMan01]

I haven't gotten home to it yet Matt.

That could work too, and you reminded me I need to paint the spring black.... More work, ugh. lol

Right now this car is purely function>form. I know it's hideous but all I care is its mechanically sound. I won't have money to paint it for years. :sad:But I should think of some kind of buffer so it doesn't scratch.

[SSEiMan01]

Done.



Just for fun.

[MattStrike]

That'll do.

[00Beast]

Someone raided their stock at Menard's.

[SSEiMan01]

Actually Ace Hardware... I worked there before Menard's.

[SSEiMan01]

Ok, so I'm planning more power mods for spring time. I have a technical question.

I'm running a Comp Cams Thumpr cam, part 12-600-4, I'd like to upgrade the rocker arms. Should I go 1.52 or 1.6? Roller tip or full roller? There are so many options and I want to make the most beneficial decision.

I'm not concerned about idle smoothness, those of you who have seen the car will realize that...

Also, in addition to this I plan to upgrade the Intake Manifold (maybe add a carb spacer), a different and more efficient belt drive, and maybe an electric fan. Some cosmetic improvements will be made as well.

[Jrs3800]

what is the valve lift with the 1.5 rockers? 1.52 would be fine I am sure and would reduce a lot of valve train friction, if the cam is Bumpy( and I think it is ) 1.6 may be pushing it a bit...

[SSEiMan01]

I was thinking 1.52 as well from what I've read. The specs on that cam are listed here: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-12-600-4

Stock arms are 1.5 ratio IIRC.

[wake]

id say take a set of Bonneville vans, wire them up together to where they both come on full speed n throw em in, im 99% sure they fit cause i remember test fitting them on Paul's gta clone

[Jrs3800]

Now the question becomes, what lift are the heads set up for? Not doing the mat right now, but it looks like you will be on the Border of .500 lift with the 1.6 roller rockers...

[SSEiMan01]

That or I'll get the same setup Tony has on his 88 GTA, wired up like a boss to come on automatically at 180*.

And Don, the heads are *pretty much* stock. They had some mild porting done when the motor was built but they're not aftermarket heads or anything.

[Jrs3800]

Stock springs, Stock Shimmed or Upgraded?

[SSEiMan01]

Stock springs.

[gonzo4191]

I would skip the rockers.

[crash93ssei]

Stock rockers too?

Gonna be pushing it with the stock springs, likely any more lift and you will want new springs. Also with new rockers you may need guide plates at which point might as well go with screw in studs.

[SSEiMan01]

I would probably upgrade the springs as well at the same time. One of those, as long as I'm in there, kinda things. Any recommendations in terms of springs?