85TAracer

iTrader: (5)

I purchased this car in August 2003, I was 16 and it was my first vehicle. Unfortunately I can’t find any photos from when I bought it. I only have a few pictures of the car when I raced it at Lancaster.





I drove it for that fall, and the following summer. During the winter of 2004-2005 I pulled out the tired 305 4 bbl. and replaced it with a high strung 327 from a 68 Corvette. I built up the 700R4 when the high revving 327 tore it up. I also replaced the 9 bolt 3.08 non-posi aluminum drum rear end with another 9 bolt, this one being a 3.27 posi disc brake rear end. I custom made a true dual exhaust system with long tube headers when I installed the 327. My best run at Lancaster was a 9.01 @ 80mph (maybe more maybe less I can’t remember the mph)

I stripped the car down in the fall of 2007 to the bare unibody. The rust was starting to get bad around the quarters and a few other places. Also, it needed a paint job badly. I fixed all rust by welding in new metal. I sprayed the engine bay and jams myself, and have subbed out the remaining body work and primer to get it ready for paint. I am converting this car to a manual transmission, so I need to cut a hole in the floor. Anything else required for the swap has been purchased or modified accordingly.





Speaking of swaps, I am not reinstalling the 327. I am using an LT1 platform for the rebuild. The engine is under construction currently. I am using the T-56 6 speed manual from the same donor car. There are many modifications and parts to buy to successfully make a clean installation.

85TAracer

iTrader: (5)

Continued:

I placed the LT1 in to reference where parts will go, and more importantly to build my custom wiring harness! I couldn't have done that part without the help of board members here, specifically Pocket, thanks!






Trying to keep the engine bay as clean as possible, I am hiding the relays under the fender by the battery.

More pics and updates to come later.

85TAracer

iTrader: (5)

Update: I got the car back from my body guy. Now I need to clean everything and prep for paint! Hope to have it painted in the next 2-3 weeks.





No long term project is "easy", theres always problems and hassles along the way!

85 ZXX

iTrader: (1)

Keep us updated on your progress....I'll be following this thread!

tyrvidar

amazing work man. That will be one sweet *** ride

9014josh

iTrader: (1)

Inspiring build! My first car was an 85 trans am too,too bad I sold it to an idiot and the car was crushed and junked.
You will be very happy with the performance of the lt1 such an improvement over the dog 305's I just did a 95 lt1 swap to my 87 trans am.keep up the good work!

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

nice project and nice times on the track man!

92 Camaro

iTrader: (1)

nice. I like how it looked.

85TAracer

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the kind words guys. I am getting the hatch reassembled and bolted to the car... I had to sand down, prime and paint the metal edge around the glass. This takes a lot of time. A lot of prep involved in masking everything off properly for over spray. Also, it is a PITA to reassemble the decklid onto the glass! Glad I decided to put it on now and NOT after it was painted. (outside) I had the underside repainted due to some rust.

Also, here is the build sheet I found under the carpet on the driverside floor board (under the seat area) One cool thing is that it was originally sold not far from where I live, and the dealership is still open!