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#181
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The car looks really good.
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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 |
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#182
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Stobin, check PMs please. - Bob
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77 Can Am W72 |
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#183
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It has been quite a while since I posted any information on the Grand Am build. The reasoning for this was due to the fact that the GA sustained some damage. I was driving the car home and without notice the car in front of me panic swerved out of the way of a dropped payload of various item that had just fell into the street. I was unable to stop fast enough to avoid them and ran them over. This caused some bad damage to the front crossmember, lower valance, bumper, front tires, and the underside of the car. I was pretty heartbroken. I had just been driving the car for about 2 months since getting the car back on the road and was getting ready to attend a car show that next weekend. The build, or should I say re-rebuild had taken me over 3 years this time, and I was looking forward to going to events and just driving the car. A rundown on the build up to that point included a full boxing of the frame (not the original frame), more on that later..., replacing the original Pontiac 455 with an ERL built 600 HP LS7, Global West long travel front coil over suspension, etc. which is all detailed on previous pages of this thread. So I contacted my insurance company and after 3 months of going through the process we agreed on a settlement for the damages. Now since I suffer from a disease known as "Car Guy Perfectionism", I had no intention on trying to fix the frame. So of course I decided I was going to replace the frame....again. Luckily I had the original frame that was under the car prior to making the initial frame build up. So I grabbed the original frame and mapped out the plan. When I had had the frame modified, I did not have the funds to convert the rear suspension to coil over. That was going to happen this time. So I preceded to deconstruct the car in my garage. I sent the frame to Cambra Speed Shop in Orange, Ca. to do the frame modifications. This included a full boxing of the entire frame, and a custom built rear coil over suspension.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...ORidJ-pzzFIBnChttps://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...PAD5bj2NywUrpX https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...E1IOY9i3AkxqZd https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...kqiWV0kLKFaoCm https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...m2cT-SVh6PsVwg
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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. |
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#184
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The frame was mounted and welded to the frame table to ensure the frame wouldn't twist. I purchased the Global West long travel coil over kit for the cutting and welding of the spring pockets. I also had all the holes in the crossmember welded up that were not needed to give the frame a cleaner look. In addition, I had the motor mount holes welded and threaded nuts welded to the inside to allow for easier mounting and dismounting if needed in the future. The rear of the frame was also completely boxed this time around which was not done previously. All of the factory perimeter welds were re-welded for added strength.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...u_cJnPW55a0sjO https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...DQsIgPlseSpqMJ https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...jpZ3axX16OCw36 https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...q5UtsSaf-viKE2 https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...toN14i9GyVMbnK https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...IVWSusVCPLDYYJ
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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. |
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#185
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More photos of reinforcements made.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...DD0lH8npIgay1o https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...C8Dc0OtK438TKT https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...22LHfeWWsup6vq https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...wMhFz6hO2pBgaK https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...M4JuSbgbWnF_-i
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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. |
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#186
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A few more views of the frame. Global West long travel coil over set up being welded in place. All of the suspension mounting points have been reinforced with welded brackets. The entire frame weld points from the factory were re-welded as well. All the corners were fitted with welded plates. This is a heavy car, and my intention is to autocross and track day the car for fun. So I felt it was necessary to do all of this short of investing into a custom frame which was not in my budget. This car is a street car, so I'm keeping these upgrades realistic. The frame was then sent out for powdercoat.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...PQytweeaj8zknA https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...Vw6_s2fhuPLFGD https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...84VrNaXfygSdr6
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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. |
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#187
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Photo links not working..
Andrew
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IG: projectgattago Please get in touch for Holley EFI tuning services. "You were the gun, your voice was the trigger, your bravery was the barrel, your eyes were the bullets." |
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#188
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So one of the projects I was not able to afford to due in the past was upgrading the rear suspension to coil overs. Since I had the opportunity to make the improvements, I went forward with it. This was designed by one of the technicians at Cambra Speed. He designed an adjustable link system that will give me a choice of 3 positions for the height of the shock mounting, and 3 positions to set the angle of the shocks. Doug Norrdin at Global West recommended keeping the shock angles at no more than 15 degrees, so that was designed into the system. I purchased QA1 double adjustable shocks for the rear to match the front coil over set up. Spring rates in the front are 600 lbs., rears are 200 lbs. A rear crossmember was welded into the frame to mount the coil over system for added strength.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...9cku-2pb5q_EKj https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...D1NWfs1ER1ZfRg https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...F5nHEOCydjEU5y https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...u4_4t8d1eNg24Q https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...fKVvz6FrdTup-2 https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...AB8CE8vZnyJ6ZK https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...vqP_TQWGAYGQRw
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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. |
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#189
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So at the same time I was in the process of reworking the frame, I started to plan out the rest of the improvements I would like to make. I had installed a TKO 5-speed in the GA in 2008 which transformed the car. I decided that I would sell the 5-speed in order to afford a new Tremec T-56 six speed box. The majority of the upgrades I make to this car can only be performed by selling the parts I have in order to make it realistic to spend the money on the new components. I was able to sell the TKO for a very good price. The other way to afford these items is to work extra shifts. I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to work extra shifts if needed. I work 12 hour shifts as a Registered Nurse, so when I need extra cash, I pick up extra shifts. The insurance settlement did help with the upgrades as well, but not as much as I decided I wanted to improve the car. The transmission crossmember needed to be remade. This one is much beefier than the one it replaces, especially after realizing the old one did have some flex in it. So as with the other frame upgrades, this piece is very overbuilt.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...iijR94ylvaGX0r https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...aOaHfuqKD4m4da https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...kR3B25I2pI2J7w https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...HS-o-ZfFjSpqws https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...QoQoQsCI1rEmKg https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...x9LEtFEUge_lCX
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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. |
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#190
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Okay, I'm done. I have had nothing but issues for months on these forums trying to post, so forget it. I refuse to waste anymore of my time.
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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. |
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#191
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here's the link for stobin's build on pro-touring.com, car is even more awesome this go round, hopefully it's out of the body shop now.
http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/8...light=grand+am |
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#192
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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. |
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#193
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Okay....Apparently it works. I need to get some sleep. I will fix all the other post's tomorrow.
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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. |
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#194
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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. |
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#195
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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. |
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#196
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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. |
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#197
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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. |
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#198
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Awesome stuff. What rims are those?
Last edited by rohrt; 08-04-2016 at 07:29 PM. |
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#199
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Modulare Wheels. They are the C1 concave design. I love the way the concave profile looks on the car. A friend of mine from way back that had originally measured my car in 2001 for the 18" HRE wheels I had previously is a co-owner. I sold the HRE's to a fellow GA owner in order to step up to some wider wheels. I went with 19's because the tire selection works out better. I need a tall rear tire. The rears are 19x11's with 305/35/19 Nitto NT05's. The fronts are 19x9.5's with 275/35/19 Nitto NT05's. Bob measured the car, and I still have more room in the back to go wider, but I don't like the steamroller look. I want the front/rear to be close enough not to induce understeer issues. The centers are a textured gunmetal. Has a rougher finish.
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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. Last edited by stobin; 08-04-2016 at 07:52 PM. |
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#200
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So one of the projects I was not able to afford to due in the past was upgrading the rear suspension to coil overs. Since I had the opportunity to make the improvements, I went forward with it. This was designed by one of the technicians at Cambra Speed. He designed an adjustable link system that will give me a choice of 3 positions for the height of the shock mounting, and 3 positions to set the angle of the shocks. Doug Norrdin at Global West recommended keeping the shock angles at no more than 15 degrees, so that was designed into the system. I purchased QA1 double adjustable shocks for the rear to match the front coil over set up. Spring rates in the front are 600 lbs., rears are 200 lbs. A rear crossmember was welded into the frame to mount the coil over system for added strength.
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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. |
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