1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
#1
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
I've been on the board a long time, mostly for research and I have sold some parts off of some of my older 3rd Gens, but now I have basically "inherited" a 1988 GTA that belonged to the old man. He's had it since 1996 and the LB9 finally gave up the ghost so he gave it up to work on other projects. Rather then see it go outside the family I decided to scoop it up. Now for the record, I am pretty much set on the direction this car is going so any advice/help toward what I am doing will be appreciated, but don't waste your time trying to talk me into big HP, just did that with my 2002 and wish I hadn't. My goal for this car is a roughly 400HP driver, lighten it up a little and improve the handling. So having said that, any other advice will be welcomed, but do not get offended if it isn't taken (please ).
Basic rundown:
2002 LQ4
Cam (undecided on which one yet)
T56
LS1 fuel system/fuel tank
Lots of suspension/brake mods (ask questions if you want specifics)
Headers/Y-pipe, I will be running CATS also
GMMG cat back
Dual MAP PCM for gas/E85
And obviously there are a million details in between, but I have nothing but time so I'm in no rush.
as of now it is still in the teardown phase, emptying out the engine bay so i can re-paint it, once that is done I will do the front suspension and K-member. And now onto the pics so far
Here it is, as it sat when I got it, engine is the stock 305 with what appears to be a broken ring land so it is coming out!
As you can see the interior is pretty much completely restored to original.
And here is the Original TPI engine, take a good luck because it is going into storage!
Teardown: few pics of the engine teardown progress. This was after the first day, removed alot of the electronics, some of the intake etc..
Basic rundown:
2002 LQ4
Cam (undecided on which one yet)
T56
LS1 fuel system/fuel tank
Lots of suspension/brake mods (ask questions if you want specifics)
Headers/Y-pipe, I will be running CATS also
GMMG cat back
Dual MAP PCM for gas/E85
And obviously there are a million details in between, but I have nothing but time so I'm in no rush.
as of now it is still in the teardown phase, emptying out the engine bay so i can re-paint it, once that is done I will do the front suspension and K-member. And now onto the pics so far
Here it is, as it sat when I got it, engine is the stock 305 with what appears to be a broken ring land so it is coming out!
As you can see the interior is pretty much completely restored to original.
And here is the Original TPI engine, take a good luck because it is going into storage!
Teardown: few pics of the engine teardown progress. This was after the first day, removed alot of the electronics, some of the intake etc..
#2
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
More teardown completed, LB9 and 700R4 are tucked away in the garage. Few more parts and pieces and I can start working on cleaning and painting the engine bay!
finished the shift plate today. managed to cut the mirror switch hole without cracking it. I may re-do the vinyl wrap at some point, there are 2 small creases in it that will drive me nuts but for now it is done except for the 6 Spd shift patter sticker to cover up the indentation from the factory emblem. Overall I think it came out pretty good, below is a before and after shot!
Before:
After:
finished the shift plate today. managed to cut the mirror switch hole without cracking it. I may re-do the vinyl wrap at some point, there are 2 small creases in it that will drive me nuts but for now it is done except for the 6 Spd shift patter sticker to cover up the indentation from the factory emblem. Overall I think it came out pretty good, below is a before and after shot!
Before:
After:
#3
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Got the fuel tank together , haven't attempted the wiring as of yet, figure I'll do that once I actually install it
More teardown, A/C and wiring harness come out next
More teardown, A/C and wiring harness come out next
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Car: 1984 Formula ws6
Engine: 370 LSX
Transmission: 4L80E with a brake and 4500 Stall
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 4.30 gear
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Looks like a good clean car.
#5
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
You're going to have a sweet ride there when you finish it. It looks to be in real nice shape!
#6
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Cam wise if you arent looking for big hp but decent lope and nice curve Id say in the 224-228 range on a 112lsa would be great.228R was my choice and love it to death.
You have a very clean base to work off of..this will turnout to be a great driver.Good luck on the build
You have a very clean base to work off of..this will turnout to be a great driver.Good luck on the build
#7
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Cam wise if you arent looking for big hp but decent lope and nice curve Id say in the 224-228 range on a 112lsa would be great.228R was my choice and love it to death.
You have a very clean base to work off of..this will turnout to be a great driver.Good luck on the build
You have a very clean base to work off of..this will turnout to be a great driver.Good luck on the build
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#8
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Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
I absoluletly love my Trick Flow Cam. It seems nobody gives these cams a chance. Mines the Level 3 228/230 585/585 112 It idles smooth, drives perfect and I feel its a great all around cam. + It put down 423/399 with a stock 70K Lq4 shortblock, 243 heads and an LS6 intake. My headers also have 2.5 collectors also . Not like 3 most people run. and an automatic to boot with a low 2600 stall.
#9
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Too much lift for what I want to do, but I don't doubt it is a runner. I am planning on staying at or below .550 on the lift
#10
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Car: 88 rs
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: moser 4:10
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
What are the black fittings you're using on the tank to convert to inverted flare?
#11
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Are you talking about the quick connects? they are not inverted flare, they are -6AN. I am going to use tube nuts/sleeves to convert from -6 to hard lines
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-640853
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-640863
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FRA-581806
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FRA-581906
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-640853
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-640863
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FRA-581806
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FRA-581906
Last edited by NBrehm; 09-26-2012 at 04:51 PM.
#12
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Car: 88 rs
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: moser 4:10
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
I couldn't tell on the type of flare. But those are cool, I didn't know about them. Thanks for the link.
#13
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
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Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
had some time to do some more teardown, getting there. Cleaning off 24 years of road grime is a royal PITA.
Started getting some of the interior out also, probably won't pull the seats or carpet until the weather gets better.
Started getting some of the interior out also, probably won't pull the seats or carpet until the weather gets better.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Just about done doing the teardown on the backhalf, just have to pull the tank tomorrow and I can start cleaning/painting. I do like finding just about no rust . rear axle is torn down and ready for cleaning and paint. All the suspension is off for cleaning/paint.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
FINALLY done taking the GTA apart (well behind the engine bay anyway). Got off all the old steel lines today, pulled the fuel tank and I will start cleaning and paint prep tomorrow, maybe even get the rust encapsulator on depending on how long it takes to clean, sand (where necessary) and mask the car. Unbelievably the 25 year old steel fuel and brake lines came out in 1 piece, I did find a pin hole in a fuel line though which solves the mystery of why the car smelled like gas when you first shut it off. Also found the car has def been hit on the right front at least once as the subframe is all wrinkled. However I still have not been able to find ANY rust under this car :thumb .I don't think I have ever seen an F-body torn down this far before, kinda cool. Just hoping it goes back together as easy as it came apart (Riiiight!)
Stock tank alongside modified 4th Gen tank
Fuel and Brake lines removed
gas tank area
Rear underfloor
Wrinkle on passenger side subframe
Passenger side engine bay
front underfloor
Stock tank alongside modified 4th Gen tank
Fuel and Brake lines removed
gas tank area
Rear underfloor
Wrinkle on passenger side subframe
Passenger side engine bay
front underfloor
#18
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Got the bottom painted today, took a total of 8 hours to degrease it, 2 hours to sand and mask and another 3 to actually paint.
Here is what it looked like when I got to it.
After 8 hours of de-greasing, back down to the paint...or sealed primer...or whatever the hell it was.
Masked off for paint and sanded
And finally painted, have to check once it dries and make sure there is no touching up to do.
Here is what it looked like when I got to it.
After 8 hours of de-greasing, back down to the paint...or sealed primer...or whatever the hell it was.
Masked off for paint and sanded
And finally painted, have to check once it dries and make sure there is no touching up to do.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Thanks guys, coming along slowly but surely
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Car: 89 GTA/90 Iroc Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0L
Transmission: 700R4 x 2
Axle/Gears: 3.27/2.73
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Very cool - you are living a dream for most of us.
I'd love to do this to a POS rat car and bring it back to life.
I want a IROC Vert to restore next.
I'd love to do this to a POS rat car and bring it back to life.
I want a IROC Vert to restore next.
#23
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Put the 4th gen fuel tank in today, fit perfectly but there are a couple small problems that will have to be addressed at a later date. First the custom made adapter harness from racetronix was about 10 inches too short to reach from the fuel pump to the car side, so I will need to get an extension made for that. Other is the filler neck will need to be modified a bit. Other than that it popped right in. Also rust proofed the rear axle, still waiting on more paint to get here so I am stuck on that for now. So I guess I will while away my time cleaning some of the old parts and doing some more painting. Hopefully the paint shows by Thursday otherwise the axle is going back in and will need to be pulled again later on :/
Tank wired up with the too short adapter harness
Tank installed shots
Rear axle with the rust proof coating
Tank wired up with the too short adapter harness
Tank installed shots
Rear axle with the rust proof coating
#24
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Another 3 hours spent de-greasing, sand blasting and painting the exhaust heat shields today. Then I rummaged through some boxes and found 2 1/2 cans of the paint I needed for the rear axle so I got the bottom half of that and the rear sway bar painted today. Painting is getting old, thankfully tomorrow morning will be the end of the painting for awhile.
Heat shields hanging up to dry
Rear heat shields installed
T56 Torque arm mount
Rear Axle and sway bar painted.
Heat shields hanging up to dry
Rear heat shields installed
T56 Torque arm mount
Rear Axle and sway bar painted.
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Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Looks good so far. Have anymore pics of the exterior of the car? It looks great!
#27
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Well rear axle and suspension is installed and the car is back on it's wheels. A little pissed that quite a few parts didn't show up on time, sway bar links and bushings, rear springs, rear LCA's, forged axles, and some other small stuff so i will be doing some disassembling again but it is all in car stuff so shouldn't be too bad. Decided to wait and do the carrier studs when i do the axles so that is still on the list also. Also still need a new torque arm and the Watts link but that can wait for awhile. Also may have found a lead on a fairly priced T56, so keep your fingers crossed! This will be it for awhile, going to work for Uncle Sam for the next 6 months or so but I will start posting again once the car is out of hock.
Finished rear axle assembly
Axle and suspension re-installed
Finished rear axle assembly
Axle and suspension re-installed
#28
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
FINALLY got my T56, I ended up getting an LT1 trans, for the price he was asking I can change the midplate and input shaft when I do the Viper upgrade and rebuild it. It's also an M28 (out of a 93) so it has the 3.36 first gear in it and no skip shift to deal with. HOPEFULLY the gears are OK because that first gear is hard as hell to find, but for $700 I'll take my chances. Now if I can just get back home so i can get back to work on it I will be a happy camper!
#29
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FINALLY got my T56, I ended up getting an LT1 trans, for the price he was asking I can change the midplate and input shaft when I do the Viper upgrade and rebuild it. It's also an M28 (out of a 93) so it has the 3.36 first gear in it and no skip shift to deal with. HOPEFULLY the gears are OK because that first gear is hard as hell to find, but for $700 I'll take my chances. Now if I can just get back home so i can get back to work on it I will be a happy camper!
#30
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Hoping to be home in late April so I'll get back to work on the car then. Right now the trans isn;t a high priority so it will get back up and stored till I get around to it.
#31
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Car: 1983 Firebird SE
Engine: C5 LS1
Transmission: 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
I have a LS style mid plate. My original T56 was going to be converted, until I found out it had the wrong gears... first gear ratio is the tell tale...
Sold my original tranny and the conversion input shaft, but still have the mid plate you need....
Sold my original tranny and the conversion input shaft, but still have the mid plate you need....
#32
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
PM me with pics and a price shipped to 12531, maybe we can work a deal
#33
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Got some work done today, put in the new springs, repainted the sway bar (again) and installed it with new hardware, put in new bump stops, new torque arm. Tomorrow if I can get some axle bearings I will do the diff and axles, have to see what happens.
Pile 'o' new parts
Hotchkis 1.25" drop progressive rate springs with the stock WS6 springs alongside
Springs installed with a view of the bump stops and some of the sway bar
View of the assembled pieces, just waiting on the Watts link and have to put the shocks in
Old/new torque arms together
New torque arm installed
Pile 'o' new parts
Hotchkis 1.25" drop progressive rate springs with the stock WS6 springs alongside
Springs installed with a view of the bump stops and some of the sway bar
View of the assembled pieces, just waiting on the Watts link and have to put the shocks in
Old/new torque arms together
New torque arm installed
#35
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
AHHH where is the interior??
Oh there it is....
Oh there it is....
#36
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Completely finished with the rear axle and suspension except for the Watts link
#37
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Got a little but more done today, ended up giving my rockers and pushrods to the old man for his Trans am for some repair work, so while the valve covers were off figured I would sand some of the blemishes and paint them. Most of the engine is going to be this metallic stainless steel color so I wanted to see how it looked. I didn't go nuts sanding off the casting marks since I really don't care all that much, but made it look a lot better then it was. Also painted the front panel for the engine compartment. No more red base coat with no clear, it is all going to be old school muscle car matte black under the hood. I think it will really show off the stainless parts well and will make for easy touch ups in the future.
Before sanding
After sanding
Primer
painted
Front frame rails and rest of floor painted
Nose panel in old red
Nose panel in final matte black
Before sanding
After sanding
Primer
painted
Front frame rails and rest of floor painted
Nose panel in old red
Nose panel in final matte black
#40
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Need a little more cash for the control arms and K-member then things should start to take off a bit. Right now I can't trial fit the engine and trans so i am just killing time painting stuff.
#43
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
That's a BMR mount, I love that kind because I can adjust pinion angle and use a full length torque arm, makes for a much better ride. I am most likely going to use stock F-Body Manifolds or shorty headers and fab a Y-pipe, I have no need for longtubes or their fitment issues on this car. Haven't decided yet, I'll know more when I get to trial fitting the engine. Leaning toward shorty headers so I can cut off the flanges and weld V-Band clamps on them if there is room, make getting it apart from the Y-pipe again in the future easier. In fact the plan is to place a few strategic V-bands on the whole exhaust and weld the rest so no dealing with this slip fit BS anymore.
#45
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Car: 1986 Camaro, 2004 9c1 impala
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Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 373, LSD, GIRDLE
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
subscribed.
#46
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Whaley Lake, New York
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
Parts fairy came again yesterday, coil over kit, new front steering, bump steer kit, U-joints and struts (not pictured) showed up. All I need now is the K-Member and control Arms and I can get cracking on quite a few things.
#49
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Whaley Lake, New York
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 6.0 LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.43
Re: 1988 GTA LQ4/T56 resto-mod (lots of pics)
I know it's been awhile, but have had other priorities money wise that needed attention. However the missing pieces of the chassis (except the watts link) are now in my possession so work can recommence. Hopefully have some more progress while I am in town for the holidays!