#201  
Old 05-26-2020, 09:49 PM
keith k's Avatar
keith k keith k is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,558
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SD455DJ View Post
keith k - That's a good question. I never looked into that, but I assumed that they were part of the compete 'X'/Transverse muffler system. I just ordered the head pipes from Ames, not Pypes.

Dennis
Thanks, Dennis. I checked the Ames catalog and they do indeed carry them (need to be ordered separately from the "crossmember back" exhaust system).

__________________
keith k
70 Trans Am RA III / T400 / Lucerne Blue / Bright Blue
70 Trans Am RA III / M20 / Lucerne Blue / Sandalwood
70 Formula RA III / M21 / Lucerne Blue / Bright Blue
  #202  
Old 05-31-2020, 04:41 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default RAIII Formula 400 Update

Dan was able to install a fresh temporary TH400 & 13" stock convertor while the original PQ tranny gets checked out and cleaned up. Dan had to install a new tail panel license place light assembly as the original was long gone??? Don't know why it was removed...maybe when it was repainted and misplaced?...who knows! Anyway, now it has a repop unit (Ames) installed and it works great. It also was missing the passenger side mirror gasket where a new repop replacement is now installed. The missing inside door escutcheons (black with chrome edging) are also installed with new repop replacements. We still need to find and install the dash Bird emblem.

The old kink-bent headpipes has to be cut off to allow the tranny to drop, so this was an opportune time to replace the downpipes with the new Pypes 2.5" mandrel bent pieces. We have found these to make the biggest single hp gain (roughly 50%) when improving your exhaust system, while an X pipe, flow-thru mufflers, and a full 2.5" system making up the other 50%. We are leaving the new Magnaflow exhaust system on it as it is...well...new, and tucks up fairly high. It ain't perfect, but it's not bad...we'll see what it sounds like inside and out, and hoping that it doesn't drone.

We still have to remove, or cover the blue overspray that seems to be everywhere under the car. We wish they would have taken a little car to mask the bottom of the car off when the repaint was done.

Dennis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	New License Plate Light.jpg
Views:	266
Size:	60.7 KB
ID:	541472   Click image for larger version

Name:	New Temp TH400 Ready.jpg
Views:	264
Size:	50.8 KB
ID:	541473   Click image for larger version

Name:	Temp TH400 Installed.jpg
Views:	261
Size:	61.5 KB
ID:	541474   Click image for larger version

Name:	New Pypes 2.5 Headpipes Front.jpg
Views:	261
Size:	75.7 KB
ID:	541475   Click image for larger version

Name:	New Pypes 2.5 Headpipes Side.jpg
Views:	255
Size:	70.2 KB
ID:	541476  


  #203  
Old 05-31-2020, 04:48 PM
Norwood's Avatar
Norwood Norwood is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bartlett, Illinois
Posts: 6,641
Default

If the Nats get cancelled We may have to do a road trip to Michigan to see this car

  #204  
Old 05-31-2020, 04:57 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Norwood View Post
If the Nats get cancelled We may have to do a road trip to Michigan to see this car
Craig...not a bad idea...sort of a mini TA Nationals. There are a couple of new hotels 3.5 miles away. I sure hope the big event doesn't get cancelled, or Norwalk for that matter.

Dennis

  #205  
Old 06-14-2020, 09:51 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

We had the Formula out yesterday since it was such a nice day and discovered that the power steering pump needs to rebuilt or replaced as it chatters and fights turning in either direction. There will probably be a few more surprises that will pop up as we go along.

Dennis

  #206  
Old 07-21-2020, 07:07 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

Dan replaced the original power steering pump with a nice remanufactured pump and now it steers smoothly and quietly...and ready for the first road trip since she came home last December. Next thing to do is to remove the Lucy Blue overspray all over the bottom side of the Bird.

Dennis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	New PS Pump 1.jpg
Views:	203
Size:	79.1 KB
ID:	545394   Click image for larger version

Name:	New PS Pump 2.jpg
Views:	209
Size:	86.9 KB
ID:	545395   Click image for larger version

Name:	New PS Pump 3.jpg
Views:	210
Size:	69.5 KB
ID:	545396  

The Following User Says Thank You to SD455DJ For This Useful Post:
  #207  
Old 07-23-2020, 08:59 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

We finally got a chance to test the Formula out on the road and made a 4 mile drive. Everything was tight, no squeaks or rattles, exhaust even sounds good with no drone from the little 14" straight-thru Magnaflow mufflers. The TH400 shifted firmly and the 3.55 12-bolt was quiet (2800 rpm at 60 mph). We aren't pushing the motor too soon to make sure everything sounds alright before opening the secondaries. Sure wish the car had factory tach & gauges to keep an eye on the vitals going down the road. I have some nice small Autometer under-dash gauges (oil, water, volts) and a small tach to hide away under the dash that I think we'll install.

Dennis

  #208  
Old 07-23-2020, 09:06 AM
HWYSTR455's Avatar
HWYSTR455 HWYSTR455 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Manassas, VA
Posts: 14,658
Default

Very nice to hear! I really like this car....


.

__________________
.

1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #209  
Old 08-19-2020, 07:04 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

We get to pick up the Formula's PQ TH400 trans this Friday after getting a good once-over by our tranny guy. It was in great shape and just outfitted with fresh seals and gaskets. Even the original vacuum modulator was still functioning perfectly and will be retained. I believe the original torque convertor was good too and just flushed/cleaned for reuse. The car wasn't thrashed like a lot of these cars were over the decades (!). We are leaving it stock...no shift kits this time. It had nice firm shifts stock.

Dennis

  #210  
Old 08-19-2020, 12:04 PM
unruhjonny's Avatar
unruhjonny unruhjonny is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 6,232
Default

I took a couple minutes to re-read this thread and stumbled upon this:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transamric View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by unruhjonny View Post
I have an original paint trunk lid from a brown '70 Formula - if my memory serves me, the sticker is in the recess nearest to the glass, on the other side of the trunk!!
I assume it's a Norwood build also? Another picture wouldn't hurt, when you get the chance.
We know from the Assembly Manual what Pontiacs intent was, but it appears that the line workers had minds of their own!
Well I was mistaken, it was exactly where it should be.



Curiously, the trunk latch area has damage that I don't remember noticing in the past, and it appears to have a GM replacement catch along with the paper tag still there (it's illegible though).


Dennis, I really like how you and your brother do your cars justice. I really enjoy reading your threads.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7905s.jpg
Views:	541
Size:	48.5 KB
ID:	547551  

__________________
1970 Formula 400
Carousel Red paint on Black standard interior
A no-engine, no-transmission, no-wheel option car.
Quite likely one of few '70 Muncie three speed Formula 400's left.


1991 Grand Am: 14.4 @ 93.7mph (DA corrected) (retired DD, stock appearing)
2009 Cobalt SS: 13.9 @ 103mph (current DD; makes something north of 300hp & 350ft/lbs)
  #211  
Old 08-20-2020, 07:07 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

Thanks Jonny...Dan and I are reliving our youth...doing the things we couldn't afford, time and money-wise, when we young and broke. Now, we are old and broke...haha.

Dennis

The Following User Says Thank You to SD455DJ For This Useful Post:
  #212  
Old 08-22-2020, 09:47 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

We picked up the original PQ transmission yesterday and checked it over a bit now that it was degreased and clean. What was interesting is the aqua 'PQ' ink stamp is still faintly visible up on the passenger side bellhousing (somewhat hard to see) and the 'PQ' tag is easy to read now. The original torque convertor has a small 'D' (?) stamped into the case and possibly some light green paint daub remnants. I'm not sure if they mean anything, especially the paint which may just be a simple paint spill and not a 'daub' at all.

I forgot to check to see if the vacuum modulator has any color stripes on it that another thread in the Street forums is discussing. The PQ trans was given a clean bill of health and was all factory inside. It did get all new frictions, seals and gaskets. The modulator held 15 in. vacuum over night and lost only .5 in. in the test, so was kept. The original TC checked out well too. We'll be swapping tyranny's again and getting to work cleaning the bottom of the car of LB paint overspray and general cleaning.

Dennis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	PQ Stamp 1.jpg
Views:	147
Size:	61.9 KB
ID:	547694   Click image for larger version

Name:	PQ Tag 1.jpg
Views:	156
Size:	58.9 KB
ID:	547695   Click image for larger version

Name:	PQ TC 'D' Embose.jpg
Views:	142
Size:	41.3 KB
ID:	547696   Click image for larger version

Name:	PQ TC Paint Daub.jpg
Views:	146
Size:	47.4 KB
ID:	547698  

  #213  
Old 08-22-2020, 11:33 PM
Held for Ransom's Avatar
Held for Ransom Held for Ransom is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,912
Default

My convertor had an ink stamping on it.
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=470878

And, the '71 colored tag.
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=455882

__________________
So long, farewell.
  #214  
Old 08-23-2020, 11:15 AM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

Thanks for the links Mike. I never did look at the flex plate side of the convertor...I'll do that to see it there are any ink stamps on the case like yours. It's also interesting that our tag is black silk screen and yours is pink, but you said yours was a PQ from a '71? Was pink for '71 and black for '70???

Dennis

  #215  
Old 08-23-2020, 01:08 PM
FASTASSBIRD FASTASSBIRD is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 839
Default

And 69 was yellow PQ


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  #216  
Old 08-23-2020, 03:30 PM
'ol Pinion head 'ol Pinion head is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: INJUN Territory, Red State Merica!
Posts: 9,564
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SD455DJ View Post
Thanks for the links Mike. I never did look at the flex plate side of the convertor...I'll do that to see it there are any ink stamps on the case like yours. It's also interesting that our tag is black silk screen and yours is pink, but you said yours was a PQ from a '71? Was pink for '71 and black for '70???

Dennis
Have owned two '70 PQ's, first came behind a complete '70 YZ engine I bought in the mid 80's. original tag had the pink background, like Ransoms. the engine had E of '70 date codes.

Original '71 PQ tags have a turquoise background on the tag, same as '71 PX & PR coded tags.

__________________
Buzzards gotta eat... same as worms.
  #217  
Old 08-23-2020, 03:40 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

I guess these tags weren't color/year specific. The Formula is a Norwood assembled car, not that that means anything, and is an 04D date build on the trim tag...time of production significance??? The tag is stamped PQ - 70 - 1343. Is 343 is the sequence of production number???

Dennis

  #218  
Old 08-23-2020, 03:44 PM
'ol Pinion head 'ol Pinion head is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: INJUN Territory, Red State Merica!
Posts: 9,564
Default

Have never been able to figure out the sequence number on original turbo 400 tags.
The valve body's have color daub color codes too to identify what they originally belonged in.

__________________
Buzzards gotta eat... same as worms.
  #219  
Old 08-23-2020, 10:17 PM
Held for Ransom's Avatar
Held for Ransom Held for Ransom is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,912
Default

I've found most years are color specific. I don't know when or why they changed to a pink tag in '70, as most are a black background.

Checked my notes and you guys are right...
'69 PQ Yellow
'70 PQ Black, then Pink.
'71 PQ Blue
'72 PQ Yellow
'73 PQ Pink
'74 PQ Blue

The serializing, I can't comment on.

__________________
So long, farewell.
  #220  
Old 08-23-2020, 10:29 PM
keith k's Avatar
keith k keith k is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,558
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Held for Ransom View Post
I've found most years are color specific. I don't know when or why they changed to a pink tag in '70, as most are a black background.

Checked my notes and you guys are right...
'69 PQ Yellow
'70 PQ Black, then Pink.
'71 PQ Blue
'72 PQ Yellow
'73 PQ Pink
'74 PQ Blue

The serializing, I can't comment on.
My '70 auto TA has the pink PQ tag - it's an 06E Norwood car. Also has the Aqua sprayed (or ink stamped) PQ letters on the case.

__________________
keith k
70 Trans Am RA III / T400 / Lucerne Blue / Bright Blue
70 Trans Am RA III / M20 / Lucerne Blue / Sandalwood
70 Formula RA III / M21 / Lucerne Blue / Bright Blue
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:24 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017