"it" has begun....
#201
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
I hear you can have a stock water pump refurbed if you don't want the universal aftermarket style with the return port on top. Got a couple stockers on the shelf to rebuild at some point myself, but haven't looked into a rebuilder yet. It's the limitation of small town life, not a lot of specialty shops around.
#202
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 345
Likes: 12
From: Pittsburgh
Car: 1990 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305 V8
Re: "it" has begun....
Just read through this all again. Thats incredible all the NOS parts you're putting on this car. I dont think I’ve seen too many other guys on here try to rebuild a car like that. It has to be way harder and much more time consuming trying to find and use NOS parts compared to just buying new aftermarket stuff. Its going to look like a brand new old car lol
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TTOP350 (08-19-2022)
#203
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Stuck on the old SLP underdrive crank pulley for giggles. Took it off and its in the hatch with the slp road race alt pulley. DO NOT run them together on the street!!!
Spent over 24hrs in the garage last weekend cleaning and detailing rear suspension parts and the serp setup plus rebuilding what needed it. Trying to make it look better but still "used" is tough.
Still have the alternator and a few other things to do to get this buttoned up and dropped in
Last edited by TTOP350; 11-24-2020 at 12:02 PM.
#206
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
It needs to come out looking used without it being used, for a couple of shows anyway.
#207
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 205
From: Austin, TX
Car: 90 Formula / T-tops
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: MD8
Re: "it" has begun....
Why not rebuild a pump from the junk yard? Or did GM make a special pump for the Firehawk? In the grand scheme of things, rebuilding a water pump looks easier than most jobs. There is a place in California that I ran across that will do it. They may have pumps laying around, ready to go.
#208
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
No special water pump, just haven't found the correct pump locally and even though it won't be easily seen, that's semi important to me if going for "the look".
If I do find one down the road it'll be an easy swap. You know, because everyone will notice that driving down the road lol
If I do find one down the road it'll be an easy swap. You know, because everyone will notice that driving down the road lol
Last edited by TTOP350; 09-09-2019 at 02:24 PM.
#209
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 571
Likes: 485
Car: 1989 Firebird GTA
Engine: Motown Aluminum 427
Transmission: TH400/GVO
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 IRS 3.75:1
Re: "it" has begun....
Spent over 24hrs in the garage last weekend cleaning and detailing rear suspension parts and the serp setup plus rebuilding what needed it. Trying to make it look better but still "used" is tough.
Still have the alternator and a few other things to do to get this buttoned up and dropped in
I wish..... I wish.....
#210
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Another boring update.. distributor cleanup, checkout and rebuild. Pickup coil was toast. Hope the replacement parts are as good as oem. (Doubtful). Keeping the stock stuff just incase.
#211
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 204
From: DFW
Car: 90 Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.54
Re: "it" has begun....
I dont like old HEI never had much luck -years ago I converted my 69 Chevelle wagon family truckster to one and IIR i went through 3-4 modules -yes i replaced resister wire for 12+volts and added the grease where it mounts to housing the only convienence i had is every module that quit did so when at my house hope yours works better, if you like I have a couple around that I'll never use
#212
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
This isn't the older style HEI, it's the EFI type from TPI vet/ f-body. I've had the best luck with oem factory parts but hoping these delco/china(ugh) parts work..
#213
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 912
Likes: 20
From: Kansas
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 6.0L LQ9
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.92
Re: "it" has begun....
I use AC Delco stuff for all my TPI/TBI/Vortec stuff. Very low failure rate when it comes to QC. You shouldn't have any issues.
#214
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 204
From: DFW
Car: 90 Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.54
Re: "it" has begun....
this is the early HEI stuff my 72 Trans am had one of these(yeah HEI started before '74) good luck finding wire set for these! IDK how reliable they were I didnt put alot of miles on it, anyways good luck hopefully you never have an issue I'm Ok with small cap separate coil HEI's - carry on and get r dun!!
#215
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 912
Likes: 20
From: Kansas
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 6.0L LQ9
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.92
#216
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
big cap is older HEI - Delco used to be the good stuff but not anymore
this is the early HEI stuff my 72 Trans am had one of these(yeah HEI started before '74) good luck finding wire set for these! IDK how reliable they were I didnt put alot of miles on it, anyways good luck hopefully you never have an issue I'm Ok with small cap separate coil HEI's - carry on and get r dun!!
this is the early HEI stuff my 72 Trans am had one of these(yeah HEI started before '74) good luck finding wire set for these! IDK how reliable they were I didnt put alot of miles on it, anyways good luck hopefully you never have an issue I'm Ok with small cap separate coil HEI's - carry on and get r dun!!
Back in the early 90s I had a NOS dist and wire set (like your picture) I was going to put in my old poncho but hung on to it and later sold it for decent money.
#217
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Since I haven't posted an update for awhile, here's my #1 helper snugging up the waterpump.
Making memories and learning.
I'm not going to post some of the detail shots until after Aug or so but the car is getting closer ;-)
Last edited by TTOP350; 05-30-2019 at 08:17 AM.
#219
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
#220
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 11
From: South Texas
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: "it" has begun....
Tony what are you going to use for a tune to run this engine? Looks good, can't wait to hear it run!
#221
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
#222
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 205
From: Austin, TX
Car: 90 Formula / T-tops
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: MD8
Re: "it" has begun....
looking good! I was noticing how you are routing spark plug wires. Do all SBC have those bolt holes for your spark plug wire holders? Where does one find these holders? One day I will get around to installing my headers and been wondering what to do.
#223
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
A fun pic b4 dropping in the engine. The plan was to have a complete drive train pic all together b4 install but I'm running a bit short on time...
#224
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 204
From: DFW
Car: 90 Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.54
Re: "it" has begun....
I love to see a well built project come together! although I would of liked to see 400+inches too
#225
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Someday If ever find a certain set of heads I'll push ahead with the 400ish inch setup
Last edited by TTOP350; 02-12-2020 at 08:36 AM.
#226
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 204
From: DFW
Car: 90 Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.54
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TTOP350 (03-30-2024)
#227
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Bellhousing is no longer "nos".
Last edited by TTOP350; 11-21-2019 at 02:37 PM.
#229
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Gasket samples
NOS SLP tri-y gaskets
NOS SLP Taylor plug wires
Console test fitting
NOS SLP tri-y gaskets
NOS SLP Taylor plug wires
Console test fitting
Last edited by TTOP350; 01-26-2021 at 09:23 PM.
#230
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 23
From: IL
Car: 91 TA / 91 Formula
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: "it" has begun....
Console is coming together nicely. Someone should offer these, I am sure lots of people would jump at getting one.
#231
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
#232
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 458
Likes: 170
From: East Moline, IL
Car: 88 T/A, 91 Formula, 94 Firehawk
Engine: 400 Pontiac, 5.0 TPI, 5.7 LT1
Transmission: 700R4, T5, T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10, 3.42, 3.42
Re: "it" has begun....
Did they have to modify the tunnel for this transmission similar to cutting back for a T56? Or did they weld in a stamping specifically for the ZF? I always liked the looks of this console as well, perhaps more so because of the cars they were installed in
#233
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
The cars used were built as 350 autos. So they did have a hole to cut and I know there are metal stampings for the shifter area (shown in a earlier pic).
Last edited by TTOP350; 01-04-2021 at 10:42 AM.
#235
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Thanks Mac! IIRC 013 didn't have it. Edit: 013 did have the special tunnel stamping installed.
Last edited by TTOP350; 07-01-2019 at 09:30 AM.
#236
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 458
Likes: 170
From: East Moline, IL
Car: 88 T/A, 91 Formula, 94 Firehawk
Engine: 400 Pontiac, 5.0 TPI, 5.7 LT1
Transmission: 700R4, T5, T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10, 3.42, 3.42
Re: "it" has begun....
I see. For some reason I was under the assumption these cars started as LB9/5spd cars since they were going to be leaving as manuals. Did they use the same clutch hydraulics as the TPI cars then? Guess it makes sense if they were cutting their own hole for the trans to use the 350 car with none. After accumulating parts for the last three or four years to do a 383 TPIS Big Mouth 6 spd swap in my 91 Formula, I’ve been on the fence about just keeping it original. But I tell ya, watching this thread had me more and more saying hell with it and build something with period correct mods. Love the attention to detail you’re putting in and making it what looks like a true clone! All hail the 91/92 Hawks!! Just too bad they didn’t make enough to go around! LOL!!
#238
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
I see. For some reason I was under the assumption these cars started as LB9/5spd cars since they were going to be leaving as manuals. Did they use the same clutch hydraulics as the TPI cars then? Guess it makes sense if they were cutting their own hole for the trans to use the 350 car with none.
Yes, same clutch and hydraulics as F-body but a slightly upgraded aftermarket clutch disc and pressure plate.
Last edited by TTOP350; 11-21-2019 at 02:39 PM.
#239
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Mix of NOS and cleaned/detailed parts
Delco rotors and NOS rear pads
Delco replacement track bar I painted and put the blue inspection marks on. Some were perfectly done others more like this and I've even seen some blues turned to a chalky light blue to white
Hard to hide the bilstiens. I couldn't find a steel cover to replace the blue plastic. I may revisit that quest later
Delco rotors and NOS rear pads
Delco replacement track bar I painted and put the blue inspection marks on. Some were perfectly done others more like this and I've even seen some blues turned to a chalky light blue to white
Hard to hide the bilstiens. I couldn't find a steel cover to replace the blue plastic. I may revisit that quest later
Last edited by TTOP350; 01-26-2021 at 09:30 PM.
#240
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 9
From: Kelowna
Car: 1992 Firehawk #005
Engine: 350 T-Ram
Transmission: 6 Speed ZF
Axle/Gears: 3.45 Dana 44
Re: "it" has begun....
Interesting paint markings. My 4th gen 1LE suspension parts also had blue paint jobs on them.
#241
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Not sure what the blue means in the PHB but i'm fairly sure it was put there by the panhard bar supplier. I put these blue marks on this PHB.
The rear control arms are NOS GM 1LE/WS6 (same bushings in both)
This car is FAR from perfect but will look better to me with some use.
Last edited by TTOP350; 11-11-2020 at 08:17 PM.
#243
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
#244
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 204
From: DFW
Car: 90 Formula 350
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.54
Re: "it" has begun....
Interesting paint markings. My 4th gen 1LE suspension parts also had blue paint jobs on them.
I would bet that the blue meant harder durometer bushings for 1LE. When SLP was clearing them out I bought a couple sets of harder durometer LCA bushings they even fit the old A-body chevelles control arms but bolt hole is a little tighter than The a-body bolts but I made them work Looks great so far Tony this has me thinking about a T56 swap for my car
#245
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 23
From: Accord NY
Car: 90 IROC original owner
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: TKX
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: "it" has begun....
The gaskets that go between the header and Y pipe flange look like what I would need for my Accel headers.I had to make mine out of gasket material.
Can they still be purchased?
Can they still be purchased?
#246
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
They are long out of production and the company that made them is gone too. IIRC, your headers are a bit bigger? In my research of these, there are some import 4cyl car exhaust that come very close to these.
It would be nice if cometic could make them, would be a far better gasket for that. (will be contacting them soon)
Edit: I spoke with cometic and they said they could make the Tri-Y collector gaskets with the metal ring for 30-40 bux a pair.
It would be nice if cometic could make them, would be a far better gasket for that. (will be contacting them soon)
Edit: I spoke with cometic and they said they could make the Tri-Y collector gaskets with the metal ring for 30-40 bux a pair.
Last edited by TTOP350; 10-30-2019 at 12:32 PM.
#247
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 11
From: South Texas
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: "it" has begun....
Here are the gaskets that came with my Accel Tri headers, I'm curious if they are larger than SLP version.
Tony, did you end up making your own gaskets for the T-Ram intake?
Tony, did you end up making your own gaskets for the T-Ram intake?
#248
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
I'll measure the slp collector gaskets 2night. Still working on the T-ram gasket kits. Found a new place that will do them just need to finish it all up.
Picked up the blueprints I had made for the brembo hat/hub and caliper bracket to mount the brakes. May be offering those parts later in the year.
The SLP collector gasket opening is 1.634 to 1.64
Picked up the blueprints I had made for the brembo hat/hub and caliper bracket to mount the brakes. May be offering those parts later in the year.
The SLP collector gasket opening is 1.634 to 1.64
Last edited by TTOP350; 10-30-2019 at 12:33 PM.
#249
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 932
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: "it" has begun....
Detailed the yellow bilstein strut to look stock, bolts spindle and brake bracket. Need to put the paint inspection marks on the a-arm and spindle. Also, need decal for the strut.
Trying out the yellow wheels. Will strip and paint them all later with hood and maybe bumper covers
Trying out the yellow wheels. Will strip and paint them all later with hood and maybe bumper covers
Last edited by TTOP350; 01-30-2023 at 10:25 AM.
#250
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 205
From: Austin, TX
Car: 90 Formula / T-tops
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: MD8
Re: "it" has begun....
could indicate side to mount. I noticed white/pink on my left/right strut mounts. Pretty certain that was to identify which side they should go on to make things easy on the assembly line. Seen a few other similar markings around the car but haven't figured out what they are for.