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#81
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LONG TRAVEL COIL-OVER FRAME FABRICATION PICTURES
Today I went back to Global West to check on the progress of the long travel coil over frame modifications they are doing for my Grand Am. A summary of the work they are doing is that I had shown an interest in there long travel kit they had already introduced for the '64-'72 A-bodies. As I expected they of course did not offer that for my chassis. Doug, the owner of GW and I came to an agreement to use my chassis as a template to offer the kit for the '73-'77 A-body chassis. I had the QA1 hybrid coil over kit previously installed, which I was happy with, but realized it's limitations regarding it's amount of travel. At this point one side is almost completed and I will be able to get the frame back over to the powdercoater at the end of next week. They are also building a unique bump stop system that will mount undereath the upper control arm. The work is top notch as I have come to expect from GW, and since I already had literally everything they offer on my car, I am glad they were able to accomodate me on this project. I will post more photos of the completed work going forward. Thanks.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#82
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WOW that looks awsome!
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#83
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What do you plan to use for frame-to-body bushings?
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77 Can Am W72 |
#84
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Just planning to use the rubber bushings. I replaced them in 2004 so they are in great condition.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#85
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Global West produces first rate products...and it is a great plus that Doug is a class act!
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Dave "Big Injun" Anderson dave@4mypontiac.com www.4mypontiac.com For GTO Celebration items click the tile coaster. |
#86
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That is true, Doug is a great guy and always willing to answer my questions. I did decided to order new rear springs today. I am having Coil Spring Specialties wind me a custom set based on the previous ones I had. I sent the springs to them and they mapped out the specs. They were 131 pounds. I ordered the new ones to be 175 pounds and 1/4" lower. It will handle better, but still retain a decent ride.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#87
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I dealt with Doug when buying all of my stuff. Great guy to deal with and very knowledgable. I need to call him and let him know how happy I was with their products/service.
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Tod Hoffmann 1966 GTO Montero Red Hardtop - Holley EFI'd 462, KRE DPorts/Muncie 4spd 1990 Chevy 454SS pickup - Accel DFI/T56 6spd - Hot Rod Power Tour Long Hauler 1996 Chevy K2500 ECSB 'Poopy' 2002 Honda VTX1800C 2016 Cadillac CTS Premium My project thread: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=516826 |
#88
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Mcleod Clutch Parts for the Grand Am
Today I received more parts for the Grand Am. As I always have used Mcleod clutch parts, I purchased Mcleod's blowproof scattershield, SFI LS flywheel, and Mcleod/Wilwood 5/8" clutch master cylinder. The scattershield is heavy, but worth it since I blew up a clutch once before and saw what happens to the bellhousing. I already have a 3/4" Wilwood master for the the hydraulic T/O bearing set up that was installed in the car, but this new set up will reduce my clutch pedal effort. The 12" clutch and disc are my parts that I had previously installed on the Pontiac 455, and will be re-using those parts since they are in perfect condition. The plan is to lighten the flywheel from 30lbs. to about 23lbs. I had this done on the Pontiac, and it worked great on the street....revving very quickly. My garage is starting to look like a speed shop. I have parts all over the friggin place , so if the swap doesn't work out, I think I can open a parts store instead??
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#89
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He's Starsky, I'm Hutch.
Haven't had a lot to post lately but here is a little update and cool pictures. Global West is finished with the front end coil-over fabrication. I went out to them on Tuesday and delivered the rear end. I decided to go ahead and have the rear frame modified for coil-over suspension. I cant afford to buy the shocks and springs right now, but they are doing the fab work so that I can buy those later. In the meantime I will put the Bilsteins and traditional rear spring back in. I will get the frame back to the powder coater soon, and should have some pictures to post then. The only cool thing I can post now is the fact that I got to meet Paul Michael Glaser of Starsky & Hutch today at the Grand National Rodster show. To be honest, the only reason I went to the show was to meet him. It might sound a little lame, but hey, those two guys were my idols. Starsky & Hutch was a HUGE deal for me at the time. I was able to get a picture with him, and he was great to talk to. He was very approachable. Sometimes when you get to meet someone you really admire, you get disappointed. I am glad to say I was not disappointed.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#90
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New Frame Pictures
Well it's been almost a month since I had anything worth posting, but today I finally was able to get the new modified frame back home after powder coating. Just as a recap, The frame was initally sent to Rob at No Limit Engineering to receive all of the extra bracing and boxing that I wanted done. Rob did a great job on the frame. It then went to Global West Suspension to have the front suspension modified for the long travel coil-over kit that I decided to install. Doug, Paul, Eric, and Amy at Global West were fantastic to work with as usual, and I highly, highly recommend anyone to call them for future upgrades. I had already had a QA1 hybrid coil-over kit installed, as well as all the suspension pieces they offered for my Grand Am, so this a real big upgrade in my eyes. I hope this new set up will allow me to dial in some great handling, as well as allow the ride to be even better than it was before. This is a BIG car, and it would be great to be able to hang with smaller and lighter Pro-touring cars. As a side bonus, GW had my rearend as well to mock up the rear for coil-overs as well. I wanted to pull the trigger on the rear coil-overs, but money was tight. To thier surprize and mine, the rear coil-overs fit in the stock locations, and no modifications or relocating was required for the coil-over shocks to clear the rearend housing. So for anyone with a '73-'77 A-body out there, you can bolt them on. For safety sake, GW did weld in some extra beefy steel plate in the stock upper shock mount area.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#91
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More Pictures
Some pictures of the bracing that was done and frame boxing. Also pictures of the modifications done to mount the long travel coil-overs.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#92
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ive been looking for a coilover solution for my 73 GA, is global west going to offer something for 73-77s? ive emailed them twice with no response.
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#93
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Grand Am coil-overs
In addition to the existing hybrid coil-overs from QA1 you can buy now, GW used my car as the template for this long travel kit. Doug is putting the finishing touches on the instructions. I don't know for sure what their timeline is on the release though. It may be better to call them directly. I would speak to either Paul, or Eric regarding the release date. If you need help with any questions, just send me an email. Thanks.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#94
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Front Coil-over Suspension Pictures
I was able to get a few things done today on the frame. Installed the front upper control arms. I included a few other frame pictures as well.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#95
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Coil-Over Parts Pictures
I decided to go with the QA1 double adjustable coil-over kit for the front. I wanted to be able to really dial in the ride and handling. I am a mountain biker, so I have some experience having the same adjustments on my bikes to dial everything in. I had 550 lb. springs on the previous coil-over set up which worked well, so I stepped up slightly to a 600 lb. spring. The springs are 10" long, and the shocks are 17" long.The car was very streetable before, so I hope this will be a good starting point since my intention is to autocross and road course the car from time to time. Eibach spring colors only come in in silver or red. I chose the silver. The spring hats are at the powder coater to be done in black so I have a little contrast.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#96
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Rear Suspension Installed
I have been busy with work and other important things lately, but I got a chance to make some progress on the suspension. I was able to hang the rear suspension. I am re-using the Global West rear lower control arms, and have installed the new GW upper rear control arms as well. I will be getting the rear springs and shock in soon.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#97
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FRONT COIL-OVER SUSPENSION INSTALLED
I was able to make some more progress on the suspension by installing the Global West front lower control arms, as well as the coil-overs. Next week I will be concentrating on getting the rest of the front suspension.....tie rods, sway bar, etc. on the front so I can get the tires and wheels on and officially have a rolling chassis.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#98
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that looks very nice! i've been considering those front coilovers for my tempest.
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#99
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Hey thanks Colin. I'm real happy with the way it's coming together so far.
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am ERL built 430 CI LS7, Brodix STS BR7 heads, Magnum T-56 6-speed, Modulare 19" wheels, QA1/Global West/Speedtech suspension, Wilwood 6/4 piston brakes. BMW Donnington Gray paint. All wrapped up in a Hurst Pontiac tribute theme. |
#100
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cant believe i missed this thread, unfortunately now i want coilovers! whats the specs on the tires and rims? and do you have any before pics? i'd like to see the stance with the previous spring rates.
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