TAC Spotlight => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: formula46two on December 13, 2022, 12:03:59 PM

Title: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 13, 2022, 12:03:59 PM
I've been asking some questions on here so I thought I would post some pictures of what I have going on. 78 Trans Am I've had since 1992, second owner. It was a rare optioned car being ordered as a W72 4 speed with 3:42 rear. The only amenities was a/c, being a Texas car,(and the original owner stating it was all he could afford)so it seems there were less than 3 thousand ordered that way. Well I fell victim to the G machine craze back then and bastardized the car with extreme convictions now. Plans were to do the LS engine/transmission swap and then the project stalled and life events took place which brings me to 30+ years later and my questions. I appreciate the info I will gather from here and possibly impart things I have learned during my passion for these cars. I had 5 of them at one time and down to this one and a 77 Formula also aW72 but an automatic. My son and I just recently got the Formula back up and running but it too needs a little attention. He drove that car to high school and he is now 36yo. 
Title: Re: My project
Post by: ryeguy2006a on December 13, 2022, 12:55:24 PM
Love the color! What are your plans for the car? Are you going to continue in the g machine direction or take it back to stock?
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 13, 2022, 04:37:14 PM
Love the color! What are your plans for the car? Are you going to continue in the g machine direction or take it back to stock?
Man I could write a book on this odyssey. At this point I just want to get it back together and driving. I am installing a engine I built for a goldenrod yellow formula 4speed that I pulled before selling to my brother. Approximately 430 horse. I may get a 5 speed transmission though. I still have the original W72 motor . The color is House of Colors Pagan Gold.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: 5th T/A on December 13, 2022, 07:44:38 PM
While you may have started the G machine craze, at least you were smart enough to NOT sell this car. I wish I was that smart.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 13, 2022, 08:39:48 PM
While you may have started the G machine craze, at least you were smart enough to NOT sell this car. I wish I was that smart.
I came close a couple times and yes, I'm glad I still have it.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 13, 2022, 08:41:30 PM
The motor and transmission should be going in this weekend. I'll keep posting progress.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: FormTA on December 13, 2022, 09:10:55 PM
Great looking car! Body looks straight, it's nice you could hang onto it. I have kept mine since 95 ish, they are cool cars, for sure. Keep us updated and keep the pictures coming, even little updates are appreciated. As you know, there are some really smart guys here and many have tons of Firebird knowledge and willing to share.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 18, 2022, 10:59:29 PM
Changed the rear leafs and finished up the brakes
Title: Re: My project
Post by: Jack on December 21, 2022, 07:02:33 AM
Just seeing this now, will follow along. Great project and I also love the color, you don't see many yellow firebirds anymore.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 21, 2022, 06:03:36 PM
Installed the engine/trans, cooling system today. Ordered more miscellaneous parts and running the underwood wiring  The stance is getting better with the weight going in, should be even better with interior installed.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: tajoe on December 28, 2022, 01:51:30 PM
Coming along nicely. Glad you averted the LS swap, for us purists. Thanks.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 28, 2022, 09:09:04 PM
Coming along nicely. Glad you averted the LS swap, for us purists. Thanks.
I'm glad I did too, always liked it the Pontiac rumble.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on December 28, 2022, 10:24:21 PM
I do need to give a shout out to my brother as he has had my car for the last few weeks and has gotten a lot done on it for me after sitting for so many years.  Well he is leaving out of town for a few months so now I have it back in my shop. He tasked me with having the engine hooked up and running and the Nostalgic Air A/C installed before he gets back. There is quite a bit left, interior, trim work and the body panels, doors need to be lined up. The body is straight but the paintwork that shop did had left me disappointed and I had forgotten about it until I got it back home today.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on April 22, 2024, 07:11:12 PM
Been so busy with work but how else am I going to keep throwing the money at it? Just received the Year One 15x8 gold snowflakes and about to order the tires. I really like how the B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A's look on the rear in size 275/60/15. Would 235/60/15 look proportional if I put those on front?
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on April 22, 2024, 07:16:16 PM
It also has the Ram Air Restoration full exhaust installed with the cast ram air manifolds. New battery is in and seem to have a problem getting juice to the starter? Any pointers would be appreciated, thanks
Title: Re: My project
Post by: FormTA on April 23, 2024, 03:26:27 AM

It been a while but I thought it was just the one main wire going to the starter. Also remember grounds are just as important.

Title: Re: My project
Post by: roadking77 on April 23, 2024, 05:14:54 AM
Power to the starter is the positive from the battery and the purple wire from the ignition. Check your battery for enough current then if need be put a remote starter on the starter motor, if that spins then youre getting power to the starter.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: formula46two on April 26, 2024, 03:35:30 PM
Got to lower the front a couple inches. Installed new tires/wheels... inching forward.
Title: Re: My project
Post by: FormTA on April 27, 2024, 01:32:33 PM


Really looking good!

Title: Re: My project
Post by: rkellerjr on April 28, 2024, 08:22:31 AM
Ya buddy, you'll be driving it in no time now, lookin good!