[cuz68]

That is one sweet looking engine, I like the vale covers also.

[stobin]

It's been quite a while since I posted. here are some updates. I finally got help figuring out how to use Dropbox to post my pictures. Here are the completed pictures of my intake system. I had it powder coated wrinkle black to give it a more stock factory look. There is a tab built into the far end of the tube to allow a bracket to connect to the tube to the inner fender so it will be more rigidly mounted and eliminate any movement.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wm1ir0djr1...2022.17.36.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3hdbbvpdhe...2022.18.23.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iasx3sj720...2019.23.57.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dzs7iv6c2a...2019.25.18.jpg

[stobin]

This is one of the other projects that has been taking up my time. Since I know that I will be running this car at autocrosses and road courses from time to time, I felt it would be smart to incorporate a power steering cooler in the system now, rather than later. I purchased a nice Earls unit, and found an area in front of the core support to mount it. I am using -6 lines to connect it, and it will be part of the hydraboost system that I had before I swapped in the LS7. The tank is a Moroso aluminum unit that I had modified with two extra -6 ports to connect to the hydraboost. I powder coated this wrinkle black as well to keep it looking stock.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f7887hbklz...2019.51.40.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h3kpf8yb2z...2019.52.25.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b8l6ffatkb...2019.24.57.jpg

[stobin]

After installing the LS7, it was clear to me that the existing wiring harness was not going to work. after modifying the original in the past to work with EFI, electric fuel pump, electric fans, etc., I decided to start fresh with a new harness. The idea of doing wiring is something I don't take lightly. I never really liked doing electrical, so it is a big deal to me to not screw it up. I decided to go with American Autowire. I heard a lot of positive feedback on them. . They do not make a replacement kit for my generation A-body so I purchased thier Highway 22 kit. The instructions are pretty straight forward. I recruited my father to help me since he has more experience with wiring. I also decided to install the panel in the trunk to make it a much cleaner install, and it makes it easy to get to if a fuse blows. I did have to purchase AAW's trunk mount kit that gives you larger gauge and longer wires. It took me most of the day to pull out every wire in the car. The only wires I am not pulling are the rear tail light harness because they are in perfect condition and will just splice into them with a weatherpack connection. While I am still working on the chassis wiring, I decided that I wanted a new box for my trunk mounted battery. I sketched out a design and had a friend of mine fabricate this up for me. I wanted to package all the components in one place, and have a nice clean design that incorporates the remote solenoid, the mega fuse panel that AAW provides, and a covered area for the fuse panel. This is what we came up with. All the wires to the fuse panel will be run nicely into the seperate box up to the the main panel. To finish it off I will be sending out to have it powder coated wrinkle finish black like many of the other parts I have powder coated.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbx7owshyc...2016.18.05.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8z295mh00v...2017.23.09.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d9emnwusvu...2018.29.50.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yp4hi5n2i4...2014.31.30.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iw0xyv8s91...2014.32.57.jpg

[stobin]

Moving into the interior, I decided to go ahead and send out my front seats to the upholstery shop. I can't recall if I mentioned that I am installing a completely new interior in the car. I had picked up a complete set of front and rear seats from a 2002 Acura CL coupe a few years ago for a great price. I wanted some well fitting seats that are more supportive and have excellent side bolstering. They also have power and heat to both seats. They fit very well into the cabin, and are not out of place in the car. The back seat from the Acura is almost a perfect fit, and looks great in the car. I am turning the rear cabin into a two seater. The design theme on the interior is something special that I dreamed up a few years ago that I will hold off on going into detail on at this point. When the seats are finished and installed, I will post pictures which will make it clear the direction I went on the build.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f9cdqpcb2oqy8gt/DSCF3437.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1roi3vlmgpz1qrn/DSCF3440.JPG

[Chief Wanabee]

That's great progress. I really like the choice of seats, and that you added the CL rear seat as well!

They don't seem to be airbag front seats, which surprises me, I thought an '02 would have bags. Is the inner seat belt fastener (near the console) integrated into the seat frame, or are you retaining factory GM for the belts and fasteners?

[stobin]

They actually are airbag equipped, but they have been removed while at the upholstery shop. I will be retaining the factory GM seat belts instead of the seat mounted ones. I already purchased a 3 point belt system from Morris Custom Concepts. I will install them once the seats are fabbed into place.

[stobin]

After 2.5 years of plugging away at this project, the LS7 is now running. I have been working on this non stop the last few weeks in order to get the engine started. All of the little things such as chassis/body/engine grounds, fuel system, wiring, etc were finally finished. I had my fingers crossed when I turned the key, but it did not disappoint me. Other than a minor fuel leak, everything worked perfect. I don't have the fan powered up yet but it only got up to about 190* after letting it run for 5 minutes or so. Oil pressure is fantastic. For anyone that has not read through my build, this is an ERL shortblock with 4.130" bore, 4.0" stroke, with Brodix BR7 cylinder heads ported by Dr. J's Performance. Cam is a custom grind from Geoff at EPS, specs are .631-.640, 226/242, LSA 115+3. Ported LS7 intake, 90mm GM TB DBW, Speartech harness. The video is with open headers and dual 3" cats only. Thanks.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ig0um9di5...420_130258.mp4

[rohrt]

Nice video. You make it look easy

[stobin]

I realized that it has been a while since I updated the build of the GA. I want to get caught up on some details since it have undertaken some changes to the plan. Since it has been a few months since I updated the build site I thought I would post some new information. I have been working on some minor items such as the DBW pedal assembly, hydraulic clutch hard line installation which are both completed. The DBW is from the Corvette drive assembly I purchased. It was not even close to working with my pedal positioning needs, so a lot of fabbing and re-fabbing took place to get it placed properly. The arm had to be cut and re-welded several times with trial and error in order to position the gas pedal correctly, and allow me to heel/toe the car. I wound up installing a 1/2" spacer underneath the pedal assembly as well to get the pedal height correct. It is now exactly where it feels comfortable, and allows me to slide my shoe over to blip the throttle. The Corvette pedal has a very short travel plane, so I imagine the throttle will be a little sensitive for me at first, but will allow easier rev matching.

[stobin]

After deciding not to modify the existing HRE's for larger tires, I decided to sell them and order new wheels. I was able to have the car measured for the new wheels and tires. I got back in touch with my old friend Bob who used to work for HRE in the past, and now has his own company called Modulare Wheels in Orange, Ca. Bob was the person who originally measured the car back in 2002 for the current wheels I have on the car. As a recap, I am currently running 18x8.5 front, and 18x10 rears. With all the measurements finalized, I will be running an 19x9.5 front on a 275/35/19, and a 19x11 rear on a 305/35/19 Nitto NT05. Bob confirmed the 305 has plenty of room. The rear backspace will be 6.25". The best part is no fender modification required. I love the fact that the Grand Am has so much room to run these. The front is 5.5" backspacing (+6 offset). With a traditional flat face wheel I will have a minimum front lip of 3-3.5", and rear of 4.5-5". I am running a concave wheel. I like a lot of the styles that Modulare has, so I decided to have them build me a set. Their website is one of the best wheel sites I have been on. They have an extensive collection, and a fantastic wheel visualizer and gallery. Pricing is also reasonable considering the high quality of the product. Their at modularewheels.com. This is the Modulare C1 Concave. It is a 7 spoke three piece wheel with hidden hardware. I am trying to decide if I want to go with a gloss black center again, or possibly a dark grey/graphite color? I am open to opinions.

[stobin]

Here are some shots of the rear tires.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wggae2613c...14.20.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3grw3hocud...16.24.jpg?dl=0

[Alvin]

TTT

[stobin]

I am assuming that this is a request for an update. The car runs and drives, but because of some improperly placed power steering/hydroboost reservoir ports (not my fault), the hydroboost was making a lot of noise and rendered the car undriveable. I was able to get it to the exhaust shop for refitment of the exhaust system, the driveshaft shop for a new driveshaft, and to the interior shop for the rear seat fabrication. The power steering pump is back out of the car as well as the reservoir for a redo. I anticipate getting the parts reinstalled this weekend, and if all goes well, I will be driving it around the block a few times to shake it down. The wiring is almost completed, just need to wire up the headlights and horns. The Mk VIII fan is wired into the E38 computer and is being controlled by the ECU flawlessly. So far it has run to about 205* and then engaged the fan which gets it down to around 190*. This is when sitting idle in the garage. Since I have the exhaust back on the car, I now finally can here how the car sounds at idle. It does have a moderate lope to it, but less than it did with the 455 previously installed. I am happy with it. The exhaust has no smell anymore thanks to the dual 3" cats I installed. The exhaust is quieter now as well which I suspect is from the cats. The wheels are still in the build stage. I hope to have the 19"s installed next month. I have made a decision on wheel finish. I am going with a textures gunmetal center, with a chrome outer. I saw this on a Mercedes E63 when I was in Vegas last week for the Optima Ultimate Streetcar Challenge. It has a raised texture and an eggshell like finish with a small amount of metallic. Stunning. See picture. The wheel is not my wheel design, just the powder coat I chose. Other major items needed are the tunnel fabrication, and seat tracks for the new seats. I have tuned this car into a tribute car that pays homage to a very well known builder that Pontiac worked with in the 60's and 70's, and the interior will reflect this. I am not prepared to reveal this yet as I am trying to complete the interior first. After the fabrication is complete, I need to schedule a tune at the dyno shop for final tuning. Thanks.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by stobin

I am assuming that this is a request for an update...Thanks.

Yes it was; and Thank You for the update. Pls keep us posted...
BTW - My WAG = Herb A.?

[HWYSTR455]

Subscribing! Not sure where I've been hiding, first I've heard of your' project! Sorry I'm late to the show!

.

[Chief Wanabee]

Glad to hear you're still making progress stobin. This is such a great project.

[indymanjoe]

Lots of great work in this thread,Great job so far!

[stobin]

This is a very short video of the Grand Am driving when I had it at the alignment shop. I have been driving the car for about 2 months, but still have a few more things to finish such as the interior and some minor electrical leftovers. The new wheels will be ready to bolt up in about one week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEipEy2kdLk

[3 Chiefs]

She looks mean! I like it.