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#1
01-28-2014, 03:43 PM
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My Modified 73 Trans AM Project, Complete
I bought this 73 Espirit from a member of this forum about a year and a half ago out of Seattle. It was an incomplete 71 clone project. I ended up doing a complete resto, redoing most of the previous detail work, and in fact, having the paint reshot, this time in one shade of Lucerne Blue, instead of 5 different ones.
I know this may not be a popular on this forum, but I chose to go with a 455" LSX engine with Magnum T56 for my build. My business is predicated on everything LS, so it seemed like the logical choice FOR ME, as well as what I know best. The car made somewhere around 550RWHP on pump gas, and drives phenomenal relative to the power. Although this isnt a high dollar, or rare car to start with, as always, I try to use the use the "no cutting" approach when doing this type of powertrain conversion. The stock frame, and chassis is unaltered, and all the required conversion pieces are on the powertrain side, not the vehicle/chassis side. I also wanted a traditional look under the hood, in fact, original appearing at a glance. I used a traditional carb style LSX intake, modified it for fuel injection, with a 4150 type throttle body. We made the spacer to put the ProTouring F-Body shaker base at an acceptable height and angle. I used "slider" conversion mounts to get the throttle body center line in the appropriate location. Valve covers are GM Performance Parts. The Magnum trans fit the stock tunnel fine. Because of the multiple shifter locating spots on the trans, the shifter comes through the factory 4 speed hole perfectly. I used Kore3 C6 brakes all around. The rearend was previously rebuilt. Once it warms up here in Chicago, I plan on swapping out the lowering blocks with the same springs Norwood has, I think PT F-Body, and get the ride height perfected. YO 17" cast wheels. The interior was black, now white. With the only alteration being the 3 point seat belts. We did not use the C/F nose as seen in some of the pics. It now has a Pypes crossflow muffler for added ground clearance. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...4984839&type=3 This is the favorite of my cars to drive.   
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#2
01-28-2014, 04:06 PM
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That looks really great!
Engine looks like it belongs. What are you using for computer control? 
__________________
John Wallace - johnta1 Pontiac Power RULES !!! www.wallaceracing.com Winner of Top Class at Pontiac Nationals, 2004 Cordova Winner of Quick 16 At Ames 2004 Pontiac Tripower Nats KRE's MR-1 - 1st 5 second Pontiac block ever! W.E.C moment "Every man has a right to his own opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts." "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." – Socrates |
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#3
01-28-2014, 04:07 PM
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Nice looking car. Forgive my ignorance, but what is a 455 LSX?
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#4
01-28-2014, 04:12 PM
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Thanks guys. LS, meaning 1997-2013 engine style. We used an GMPP LSX block, bored and stroked it to make it 455 cubic inches.
John, stock 1999-2004 style GM PCM was used, with a custom engine/trans harness by Modern Vintage Systems. Simple 4 wire integration. We dyno tuned it here at the shop.
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1971 Trans Am 455LSX/T56 Clone 1973 Trans Am LS3/T56 in process 1977 Can Am....Sold 1973 Trans Am 455/Auto, White, # matching-Sold 1959 Impala TT LSX 1987 GNX #357 1969 Boss302 Clone w/Supercharged Coyote 5.0-Sold 2010 ZR1 2009 CTSV www.speedinc.com 
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#5
01-28-2014, 04:13 PM
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I like it. Congrats
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#6
01-28-2014, 04:22 PM
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nice work, Tom. I'm not usually one for a non-traditional (Pontiac) powerplant swap, but yours is very tastefully done. Bet it's a blast to drive.
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#7
01-28-2014, 04:50 PM
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thank you guys, I really appreciate it.
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#8
01-28-2014, 04:56 PM
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Awesome car. Engine looks like it belongs. A nice blend of vintage and modern
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#9
01-28-2014, 05:48 PM
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Wow! I like it as well! Looks awesome! Bet it runs good!
__________________
69 Judge RAIII 4SP 2ND OWNER 63 Catalina 421HO 4sp 66 GTO Conv 4sp 73 Trans Am 455 4sp http://www.sdperformance.com/ Drag racing. An adrenalin rush like no other. It felt like going into combat, tasting your first beer, and losing you virginity, all in about 8 seconds. |
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#10
01-28-2014, 06:49 PM
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Love the paint scheme and 17" rims. I went to the POCI Co-Vention last year and was really shocked that only ONE car showed up with the new YO 17" Rally IIs. It was a pro-toured 1969 Custom S that was just awesome.
Agree, very tastefully done. Now I have to walk out to the garage and look at my stalled project.
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Jimmy www.firebirdgallery.com 2002 WS6 M6 Trans Am - original owner 1973 Trans Am 455/4-speed 1971 Formula 400/400 1969 GTO 400/400 - 3rd owner 1968 Firebird Convertible 350/200R4 POCI - AAC |
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#11
01-28-2014, 06:59 PM
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Really e'fen nice.
Nice work.
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Ric |
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#12
01-28-2014, 08:04 PM
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I've had the pleasure of seeing this one close up. Tom is an incredible craftsman and his innovation is spectacular. The car is every bit as nice as it looks and may I add its really and I mean really fast.
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#13
01-28-2014, 08:29 PM
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Like others I tend to stay on the original side of things but that car ROCKS! Very nicely done and well thought out!
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Some guys they just give up living And start dying little by little, piece by piece, Some guys come home from work and wash up, And go racin' in the street. Bruce Springsteen - Racing In The Street - 1978 |
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#14
01-28-2014, 08:52 PM
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Very tastefully done,,,great to see more pro-touring TA interpretations... The car is beautiful....
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[email protected] |
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#15
01-28-2014, 10:30 PM
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Very nice!
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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 |
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#16
01-28-2014, 10:46 PM
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W o W !
Great attention on the engine getting that look to it. Fantastic job all the way around. |
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#17
01-28-2014, 11:36 PM
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Thanks again guys, I appreciate it.
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#18
01-29-2014, 12:35 AM
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Very nice. Must be a blast to drive.
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#19
01-29-2014, 04:18 AM
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Beautiful car, the LSX looks right at home.
Any video or sound clips in the future would be nice 
__________________
 2 sons, 2 Firebirds. 1971 Formula 455, 1972/w 455 HO added.1974 Formula 400 "retired", parts car now. 
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#20
01-29-2014, 07:59 AM
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Quote:
__________________
Some guys they just give up living And start dying little by little, piece by piece, Some guys come home from work and wash up, And go racin' in the street. Bruce Springsteen - Racing In The Street - 1978 |
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