BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Well my friends, this is truly my stump at this point.
I have managed to put together some cash for rims+/tires but far from anything custom aftermarkets.

And figured that maybe in time.

For now, my tires are all pretty rotted and chewed up so I been looking for a use set with good tires more so...hard part is...I'm really only find one of two locally...neither I like nor agree with price.

It was suggested to get a set of saw blades from a corvette....as the look of the rim may work with car, personally I don't like them at all...and def not on 3rdgens but I can kinda see why the suggestion and if they worked and worked well....then I would.

Saw blades with good tires avr. 500- to 550 but new tires alone are 580 on tire rack. com. Considering all of my rims are pretty chewed up as well...its tempting to sand out paint and put new tires on....just I'm back in same boat just with new rims and tires....lol

So as an example....I am stumped....lol....not sure what to do about the rims....different set or refurbished... idk

In mean time and am hunting and I def agree, rims with some shape to complaint the theme would be cool.

But use poor 3rdgen guys have such a limit.

Hummm...

So what do you think if saw blades?!

Banks4004

sorry if I missed a post about it but what are you planning to do with the black area? I saw you put the red stripe over some of it now

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

I did cut the orignal design short and still will come back and add a few little things, like on the B Pilars.
But for now it was a good saving point....

Unfortunately for as much as I wish the garage doors isolated me from the junk in the world...things do happen personally so I felt at this "time" it would be a good point to stop.

Love paint, can't ever be limited, can always add and change with in reason.

So with that being said ive focused some of my time this week working on other fan items for car so that I can put it together.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Kinda a little thing to show, but for my mirrors (since I do need them and have to hope one day installing cameras instead) here is my compromise.
Backing plate with a beveled edge (light up with LEDs as turn signals) and then will install the glass directly on the backing plate. I will use a small angler mounted behind the glass to make functional although it may not have all the movement of a regular set, you'll still be able to adjust horizontally.
Will post once done

Banks4004

I feel ya man, but you gotta deal with the world sometime. Its lookin good, that red stripe takes it to a good stopping point i think.

T/Aperformance

Personally I think corvette blades are the wrong direction for your car. If it was me I would sell the cross lace wheels you have, you could get 400 plus for them with the crappy tires on them, maybe even $500. Then add that to what you have and buy some aftermarket wheels that will fit your car, And maybe some used tires , But that's what I would do.

34blazer

Should have built a box truck because I don't think that car is a big enough canvas for you! Amazing skills for sure!

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I mean I an still happy with it and at least looks complete. But mentally not settled, not til done!
Lol

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

I have thought same.
I don't hate saw blades, but I think they are too flat face looking if that makes sense.
And I scraped up about 800 for the cause....

So I'll keep looking, maybe find a nice cl score

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Lmao, thank you sir
Box truck with ta front?!
Kinda makes a TA pick up a temptation.... something to tow the GTA around and still look like a TA....lol....

So don't think that would work

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

So I took WarBird out for its fist drive.
How did it go?!

Well didn't break down, didn't blow up nor did body crumble away (kinda went down a bad road-chewed up and ruff)

But it wasnt a calm cruising experience either.

Needed little fuel to start, but started and idled great (one of two issues fixed)
Once running and for first 1/2 of trip, little ruff....but once I remembered I forgot to put my tags on (had a follower recording ride) and turned back for them....this is were it actually started to run really well. And I was happy!

I went to house, ran in grabbed plate and two bolts....put on and off I went.
got about 1/2 the distance of the initial trip before I got hot...and it went hot, hot.

So I aborted the mission and turned back.
Got to house and shut it down.

So far I am thinking that the heater bypass hose connecting the manifold to top of water pump collapsed slightly and is kinda pitched slowing flow, thinking if its even worth replacing or if i could just cap both ends...that or maybe even air in system.

But I will get caps tonight as just about everything else is new. And with the monster radiator.... shouldn't get that hot.

So as always....Trans Am Adventures

mrws6speed

Make sure you have the front lower plastic air dam. It makes a huge difference and will likely cause the car to overheat if it's not there.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Its a really good point in fact, I was working on this cooling issue tonight.
The dam isn't the best....mat have to make something to replace it with, the fans are dual aftermarket but have peg legs on them...just under 1/2" from radiator.... maybe need a shield instead...
I did get caps tonight and fluid, I'm more water then 50/50...as well as a better hose for bypass.

The CTS faulted tonight and I do have one...just **** me off to have it code after changing that crap....so it like I gotta do it again unless I have a socket to pull sensor off....even then gotta be low.

So I will finish tomorrow night.
Thinking if I change CTS I will thermostat as well

Formula_Fire

Could repaint the stock rims gunmetal. I've always been kinda partial to the formula rims. Never been a fan of the covette rims but the later (not saw blades) could look decent.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I'm thinking that, painting stock rims will have to be my now option until I came across that "right set".

Question now is what! Lol
Def don't want to do bulk centers, it would only looks stock, so I'm think, silver (gunmetal centers) maybe black lips with a red pin stripe....

Although red lips would look cool!

Think ill think on it for a day or two!

Formula_Fire

Gunmetal with the black lips could look good. If you wanted to get creative you could strip the paint and polish the lips, gunmetal centers and do a custom bird in the center cap to match the hood bird.

Banks4004

I vote black or silver with red lip to match the red on the car. but whatever final set you get should be big and loud

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Event full night.
Rims:
Black centers and red lips is the color combo that I think will flow best.
Thinking silver birds on center caps, but thats a hell a size challenge.

But, this is really to just make what I have match car and look good until I can upgrade.

Think if I do get a set of vette wheels (C6 style for example) I would def do a gunmetal look.

Either way, hoping to Start on them tomorrow.

Mirrors are on and done, once I get LEDs in them I'll post pics.

Assembly is 95% on interior back in, but can't wait to redo it!
But Tint does wonders...lol

Running:
So far, car is running with no CEL until tonight...oddly enough I got pissed off and I smacked the dash...CEL flashed on n off in a dimming way very fast.
Then car didn't want to run but now will start on own....

I'm like you "MF" !!!!
Dropped ecu on floor, so I can tap it to see if it'll do anything....and guess what!

Started and ran on its own!!!!
No CEL's. Im like wtf, now I'm really confused n...I'm done for the night.

Lmao

Idk...crazy, so I'll see if it fires and runs tomorrow and go from there.

But positive notes.

I have:
Cut and some Spit shine to do
Ebreaks Mod to finish
Rims (paint)
Stabilizers for Spoiler

And then to collect some odd and ends for exterior like.
Taillight wing nuts
Door sweeps
LED for mirrors
Bulbs for side markers

This should complete Stage I of the build.
Then I like to take a some time to drive it (obviously work on getting it driving to par) before we jump into the next Stage.

Of course this will give me time to re-coup and actually test the body for any issues.

Hopefully by July start on Fabing a new interior and some under carriage stuff.
Exhaust and SubFrames are a def on that list.


Well...thats my vent and update...lol
Have a good night guys.

Formula_Fire

Hella a update! Might I suggest maybe to do a play on the firebird stock centers do your style bird as a silver outline on black.

RaverRacerX

BTK: a guy on protouring forum has a hood you may like

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Is that for a 3genCamaro!
I love it!!!!

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

I know I might be beating the paint job to death at this point but I had a guy come buy who does some great photography to get some nice non cell pics and I have to sAw..I can finally show what I see and have been trying to get pics of...lol...

So out of the 150he took for me...here are a few of my favorites.

RaverRacerX

you my friend, are quite a talented painter..

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Thank you sir!
Appreciate it very much

visitor

Well, there's that.

bluegrassz

iTrader: (3)

I hope to be in Charleston June 13-14. I will keep a eye out for your car.
Any good places you suggest to eat at while in town?

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Yeah man that would be pretty cool to see ya in town.
Especially in the camaro of yours.

There is a lot of good food just kinda...what your flavor is or where you are specifically.

Charleston city? Or nortg charleston area?!

bluegrassz

iTrader: (3)

I will probably be staying in North Charleston, but we like going into downtown. East Bay Street / Rainbow Row / Battery Park. My wife loves antiques, so we may hit up a few places.

Sorry to say, I will not be in the camaro. Traveling with the family and no A/c just wont work. lol

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Dude youll have a blast downtown for that and even in Mount pleasant right out side the city towards Sullivan Island like Column Builvard....neat stuff here and there.

And yeah family trips in 3rd gens...little ruff especially with kids

bluegrassz

iTrader: (3)

We have not had as much time to spend in the past. Hope to get around to more places this time.

I will keep a eye out for your car. If you see a guy in a silver GMC Terrain with a chrome grill and tinted windows flashing the headlights, it me and not some crazy guy. lol

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Lol....I will note not to defensively freak out on crazy GMC that day_ just in case. Would hate the first live 3rdgen experience was BTK was an "@$$".

Although, driving is kinda iffy right now. Its like nothing and all is wrong at once. Come Sat morning they have show in NCharleston and Wounded Warriors Foundation will be there. So...I will Ride or BreakDown sat morning in attempts to going.

Still just a starting and blue moon stall stall....once running and warm...so far pretty straight, just also haven't gone very far either...lmao

So if you see the WarBird broke down anywere in your adventures, just tell FAM its a side road attraction, stop and get pictures....lol

bluegrassz

iTrader: (3)

I will definitely stop to help you out if I see you on the side of the road. lol

Is it throwing any codes? How is the fuel pressure?

90camaro355rs

Mann that is simply bad ***! You my friend are talented!

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Lmao. Thanks

No codes, couldn't be easy.
Pressure is good (borrowed tester like 2months ago) but...honestly feel like that's the issue....no gas to start or off mix maybe (to low+/to high)

Hate to say it but after all that time invested I (forsaw this though) have had very little time to focus on this aspect.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man, appreciate it very much.

mmadden55

Awesome skills and fab work in this car, paint is superb.

AssaulT/A

That looks incredible! I may have overlooked it in the thread, do you have plans for new wheels and tires? Those flared fenders are just begging for some fat tires!

'86 Sport Coupe

iTrader: (1)

Jeez. I've been away from the forum for awhile, but that car looks so dang good. It came out really well. Is that some shorty exhaust I see under there?

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys. Thanks, been a little MIA myself but still on car...not as much as I would like to be. .

I've been fighting a TPI grimlin as well as some mantance and clean up work! Not a mechanic by any means nor really a body guy at that...but crafty I think.

As for update/questions.

Yes, bigger rims and tires to come (taking my time on that "fine" until I do find a nice set, I need tired as it is but I been looking. Just want some lip so that has made it a little more of a challenge.

Exhaust, yes long tubes with a short run. I really look forward to doing the exhaust. I'll keep headers but im not a fan of the 80s under there as I'm hitting everything with them.

As for update, I drove it a few time and once up n going its a blast but you can tell...something were off.
so I started at the things that I didn't know resolve some issues but found some others leaving me at this point to just bang my head on the wall trying to figure out exactly what it is my gremlin....lol

I was still planning to start the interior and pick this right back up in July as promised but really want to get car drivable before I start that project.

Thought about taking it to someone, more well equipped, but that has opened a whole level of trust issues...lmao..

I'm a transplant, so gotta trust were I go, then gotta trust what's done n above all, gotta trust the paint! I would die...lol... " sorry Rj, we had a giant tool box fall on the side of your car"....lol !

actually I would be more worried about the doors it has taken me some time to get used to opening the doors correctly and then shutting the doors correctly so I can just see that being the only area you would have to be conscious of while working on it.

So I guess we see.

Formula_Fire

Just a suggestion on your gremlins. You mentioned you hit the computer and it ran right for a bit. Open up the little access panel on it and make sure the chip inside is seated all the way.

Sojer

I sure most would agree, I just knew this was going to be a train wreck. MAN was I wrong. I was thinking u can't improve the look of a 3rd gen by much. U sir have a eye and skill that I would never possess. I like my cars fast but u think turbos popping out the hoods some 1000ci motor would take away from it, it's ment to be enjoyed at a stand still not 200 mph. U get 2 thumbs up from me. Just wow. Talk about growing pains

Nitewulf98

Hey man, the car is looking great! Love the Professional Pics!

Wanted to give you some thoughts on the running condition though. Check out the air filter, fuel filter, distributor cap/rotor, spark plugs, and make sure the throttle body is clean. Not to mention, try to get new fuel in and perhaps an additive. All of these are the simplest of things I can think of off the top of my head. If any of the items have been replaced recently, verify everything is correctly installed (gap on plugs, filter not leaking, etc.).

Only 45 days til I start my project, so I have a couple of weekends to spare if you want me to come by and help out on anything.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for the thoughts and I def this its a starting spot. I have quwstioned the chip itself, as it is a custom tune chip (per last owner) but this doesn't mean its good or correct. Suppost to have egr 9th injector delete ect....

Not sure if I trust it. But will def look at it this weekend

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Lmao! Well thank you sir! That is very much appreciated and I am glad to be able to earn some value from the motor gurus of the forum, although if I could (time money and ability) I most certainly would enjoy a set of turbos peering threw, delivering some " launching" power.

Perhaps next year some new life will finds its way into the engine bay!

Thank you again and I def invite you to pop in on thread as I still have more to do!

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

45days and counting!!! Awe man! Can't wait dude, like I said- let me know if I can help at all, even if just extra hands. I'll def come over and get involved!
Promise I wont try to talk you into no more paint schemes!
Lmao

But I am excited and ready to get on this car again, Sat officially! Finally looking at some time after this break and will focus on getting the warbird up n driving on its own (goal at least) before I start on any other section.

But am during to finish the exterior off and get interior going.

Really hoping to be running and together (interior with in reason) by Veterans Day as I was invited to go to Patriots Point. This year with the car!

So that's my new goal

Formula_Fire

Good goal, also check the grounds coming off the battery and off the computer I think I remember there being a main one bolted to the body near the computer.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

That I am interested in finding, so far I haven't found the ground for the ecu? Odd...this came up as I was working on car alittle git Saturday, got it to run when it dies after about 10mins (this is new to do), saw I had a code and went to see what it was, ofcourse the adle a and b would ground and or computer wouldn't go in to diagnostic mode....

I also have a bad knock sensor pigtail, I haven't made much effort to find as I was thinking, it just releates to retarded timing when it seems like the issue is, I'm too advance to start (or I'm only starting on oil pressure) & timing is not physically advancing thre rpm

On sat after the odd, code and then cel slightly flickered in and out like a strobe light, I looked at chip, re seated for kicks and searched for ground...not finding ground but finding little numbers on chip that say 89 350tpi....

now if I remeber right my 89 knock sensor once went bad and I didn't know, made car do odd ball crap and sent me on a mission of no return until I went to a shop and they said that the ecu, sends a signal to knock and if it isn't returned correctly apond start up, it'll start in limp mode and run like crap....even with out light....

Call me stupid but, I didn't think of that beung an issue ( until I saw chip the lost memory popped up) that is if that's even true????

Idk, but I am ordeing pig tail and knock sensor tonight, will replace that and search for this ground wire!

Still leaning towards the dizzy (pickup for starting issue) but I'm starting to really question this chip....

I mean all I have a piece of paper stating what it is...don't mea that it is correct or working.

So...its an inni minni on where to go with that?

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

WarBird Update:

So i figure i just update and post here as i ve gotten awesome support from you guys and thank you for that.

But to create a giant nutshell ill explain it this way.

Since ive had the car i have only really dippled and dabbed here and there on the drivetrain of the car. Mainly because i was more focused on the body and the paint. but then again i didnt actually expect some of the things to accure as they have. so perhaps that was wrong but then again, until i knew i could pull off the body it is kinda scary to over invest!
learn lesson, trust and have faith in your self and dont buy a recker and expect a good base to build off.

Since May, i have had some pretty large personal changes and events come into play and in May i really did toss car back together and put to the side in order to focus on things then....recently things have come to settle and i have decided that i wanted to that the week for myself to really just get my feet back on the ground and balance out a bit! really kinda nice to just treat yourself mentally that way and for me i was going crazy.

i have really only done two things since ive been in SC and to be restricted and left to find something else to do...well, harder then you would think, lol.
so for this week i figure i put aside some time for the car but not make it a week long thing. with that being said, Monday has turn to Tuesday and now here i am mid Wen with a whole new aspect to face!

So monday i made the same dip and dab mistake ive made all year, starting eveything and finishing nothing were Tuesday, i said we start fresh and from square one.

Issues:
Hard Start if at all.
Stalling at random times or bogging down hard to a stall.
Cooling, running a little hotter then i would like 220 solid.

What Was Done:
New Battery, new terminals, fresh connections on all point (starter/alt/grounds) replaced a few ground under engine bay and two that i found for dash (draw)
New plugs, wires, fuel filter with some fresh gas
knock sensor replace with pigtail and wiring and then due to a little huff and puff valve cover gaskets.
Reset timing, IAc adjust and TPS adjust


Results:
No draw on battery, fully charged and fully charging
Will start with in a crank or two (one long crank itll firer or just about fire, jumping on the second)
No stalling (not yet atleast) and for most part running well and idleing great compared to before.

But:
1. this long crank crap, leaving me at this point "pick up or ICM"
fuel isnt an issue, tested front to back, pressure good relays and pump and injectors all tested 17.8-17.9 with one 18.0 (is that good? idk thought it was suppost to be 14-17)
So spark or Air right, IAC seemed like its ok and thought it was chattering untill i find the pvc actually making the sound....odd right...little valve is viberating or flowing so fast it a slight chatter....huh

2. huff and puff is back, wtf...so thinking it was my goof i replaced the driver side gasket for a second time. cleaned the area major!

This morning all looks good, untill huff and puff...where is this smoke coming from. its off of the headers? by #5 spark plug. so i pulled plug and had a little oil around the back...maybe from valve cover?....of course the plus are black...way too rich! two day old plugs look like 2month old....but im thinking maybe because of the pain in the butt to get them in, maybe i didnt tighten in correctly. so i put in and with a "new" pass threw ratchet set...tighten down.

fired up again....nope huff and puff blue smoke. Killing me!!!!
but now i cant tell if its coming from valve covers or up from exhaust gaskets...maybe oil got behind them and is still burning or worse....valve seals are leaking into the exhaust...

rev a few times...nope, its in the exhaust....wth...ran up nice and hot and just ran it.
turned fans on and let it idle for 20mins (let pretend we are in traffic) car stayed at 200 solid, but exhaust....is wicked hot it seems and seemed to get that way, way to fast!

so either its so rich or retarted that its cooking or i have issue with these heads

then i finally see, as im twisting everyway i can with a flash light to see around fuel line and header....head bolt +/ oil, hit exhaust!

now thats odd....how?!
i have no coolant in the oil or oil in coolant, nor is this aluminium heads (heard they can pull oil up bolts off wall, dont know if is true)
but either way...its there!

now just because everything that could just go wrong has in the past few weeks, my doom and gloom mind says, head gasket is screwed! and this could just be a slight sign of what will fail! would explain the heat and could effect the start, compression?!

either way not good. and i dont know if that is something i could pull headers and see they are tourqed correctly or not?

i do think that the valves have been messed with before, way to clean- but heads out side are way to rustic to been replaced anytime soon.

perhaps there is more to the history then i new. i know that the TPI Unit was freshly assembled and the FPR and Injectors look as new as they could be, all nice new gaskets.
So maybe the heads were- worked on.
IDK

i do know that this has left me seriously questioning the next move.

BlackTopKing

iTrader: (1)

Well I guess it only right to update the past two days as I found the mystery headbolt to be the header gaskets. Both which were reolaced but driver side had a nicebuild up from the leaking valve cover. And under pressure from them leaking forced itself on the headers thus burning off and smoking back up the block....wild

Timing this motor has proven to be a task as oick up and icm bothb tested good, but wouldn't advance....reolace knock sensor and new dizzy resolved that issue and finally got timing to dial in.

But, my luck.... after attempting intial timing, battery said I had enough and finally gave up...
So now after fixing the timing and nit advancing issue...I'm left with a battery that won't charge pass 12.3, battery that won't crank over starter on full cycle and a car that won't start to charge battery and allow meto finish the timing....

Lmao.

Sad sad sad day