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Im seeing people tell their story so I'll share mine and will do updates.
I found this car on craigslist back in 2012 or 13 and trailored it across Texas to my home. It was in really good shape at the time. Still had its original paint which looked good. Stock IROC wheels, the interior was almost all intact from the factory and it had the dreaded, sagging headliner.
One of the previous owners had taken out the original 5.0L motor and replaced it with a 5.7L TPI out of a 91 Corvette. The 4 speed auto was still in it and a "truck cam" had been installed. The car was super torquey down low but was a dog up top. I bought new wheels and fitted them with 245/285
tires. The previous owner had also put lower control arms and an upgraded sway bar on the car with Bilstein shocks.
I then had the following upgraded to the car: Dart iron eagle heads, 1.6 rockers, shorties, dual spintech mufflers, 13in Baer (front) brakes,11in Wilwood (rear) all slotted and drilled, 31 spline axles 3.73 gears. An electric cutout was also installed which are a lot of fun. I lowered the car but cant remember what springs I went with.
I didn't want to abandon the TPI motor for a swap. I know it's probably the better idea when it comes to power and possibly even financially. I've just been set on building a TPI because no one else is and it makes the car different.
Months later the transmission began slipping so I had a reputable transmission shop completely rebuild it all the way through upgrading everything and went with a 3200 Yank convertor. I was itching to add some black to the car so I had vinyl stripes added with gold metallic pin striping.
I've posted a pic of what it looked like in 2013/2014 before but will soon add that picture here
Last edited by blackgloves; 05-28-2022 at 12:23 AM.
Months later I went through a divorce and put the car up for sale. A guy flew in from New Mexico into Austin TX and on my way to the airport the car started making a strange sound. I could not believe my luck. I didn't realize it at the time but my electronic exhaust cutout was broken and slightly open. So I rolled up to the airport with it sounding like a race car, it wasn't running quite like it should and there was a exhaust smell in the car. Needless to say, the guy declined and I felt like a jerk. He was not mad or frustrated however. Looking back, it was Whitejacket holding on, he wasn't ready to part ways and looking back, I'm thankful
I'll continue to tell the car's story. Is anyone following?
I retired out of the Army and took a job and Houston and moved there. I kept the car at my parents ranch and hour and a half away from me. Though a car cover was on it, it was a cheap one. The cattle rubbed against it damaging some of the paint and stripes. The car cover would come off and I would find it In the pasture. Amazingly the dash still to this day is crack FREE
The car wasnt driven for quite some time other than a cruise through the pasture with my young sons. The battery died, the paint worsened. After sitting there for over a year, I decided to move it to where I live now which is College Station TX. It sat here in our drive way for over a year, paint worsening, no garage or car cover. Just a windshield visor.
I dug out of the shed, closet and the garage a bunch of parts that had never gone in the car from the 1st phase. Found an engineer here in town that happens to be a Firebird owner and a member of this site. My skill set is limited so I had him install a load of parts that had been in boxes for about 5 years.
Cam, throttle body, intake, fuel rails, 91-92 serpentine system, and a guy in Houston tuned it. A couple of months later I had it painted and those pics are up.
Next up is sequential LED taillights
Near future: high gloss black/or gun metal wheels and new tires
Distant future: stroker (keeping same engine) long tubes
Last edited by blackgloves; 04-30-2022 at 12:43 PM.
One thing I forgot to mention (I think) is that this car has not been garage kept since I've owned it. Its had a windshield visor and now a cheap car cover. The dash has no cracks
Big changes coming and possibly a bunch of small ones.
Last summer the car overheated. It had to be towed and I hadn't done anything with it up until last week!
I have put a deposit down on a built LS3. I have the specs on it and can post if anyone's interested. The SBC 5.7L that's currently in it will be sold for a reasonable offer or trade?
The sequential taillights are on and I've yet to make a video for it but I will.. After the swap I plan to work on the interior. Lots of little things I'm looking to change/fix. Possibly going from my current double din to a radio delete (no radio). Removing the base tube in the cargo area. Re-covering the seats or replace seats? My current seats have no issues with its foam. But my high-school aged daughter drenched the passenger side seat in Sprite!
Great post and car, glad you kept it too. Which LED taillights you getting? I've digi-tails in mine.
The taillights are already in. I just need to make a video and upload to YouTube. It was years ago that I purchased them. They sat in a closet for years, I don't recall the brand..
Mine were designed to go with the original equipment. Turned out nicely.
Here's my thread about the transmission rebuild. It was years ago but I have less than 5k miles on that build
I have a potential buyer that's coming by this weekend for the 5.7 TPI motor that's currently in the car. Currently I'm looking at adding a T56 to the LS3 that's scheduled to go in.
Parts ordered a few days ago for this swap Rock Auto
- power steering pressure hose #363170
- water pump #251744 (251-744)
- power steering pump pulley #12559890
- power steering reservoir bracket #12555222
- thermostat housing/water outlet #1511057 (15-11057)
- harmonic balancer #12560115
- harmonic balancer bolt #12557840
- power steering pump #12279
- power steering reservoir line hose #SK903A60
- timing cover seal #29602 (296-02)
- alternator generator #13597233 ICT Billit
- LS Corvette R4 A/C Air Conditioner Compressor Bracket LS1 LS3 CTS-V LSX LS7 LS9. SKU: 551585X-1
- LS Corvette - Alternator / Power Steering Pump Bracket Kit. SKU: 551521X-1
Last edited by blackgloves; 05-28-2022 at 12:27 AM.
I have a potential buyer that's coming by this weekend for the current 5.7 TPI motor that's currently in the car. Currently I'm looking at adding a T56 to the LS3 that's scheduled to go in.
Parts ordered a few days ago for this swap Rock Auto
- power steering pressure hose #363170
- water pump #251744 (251-744)
- power steering pump pulley #12559890
- power steering reservoir bracket #12555222
- thermostat housing/water outlet #1511057 (15-11057)
- harmonic balancer #12560115
- harmonic balancer bolt #12557840
- power steering pump #12279
- power steering reservoir line hose #SK903A60
- timing cover seal #29602 (296-02)
- alternator generator #13597233 ICT Billit
- LS Corvette R4 A/C Air Conditioner Compressor Bracket LS1 LS3 CTS-V LSX LS7 LS9. SKU: 551585X-1
- LS Corvette - Alternator / Power Steering Pump Bracket Kit. SKU: 551521X-1
Thank you for sharing all those part numbers. I have a LS3 long block and the list with part numbers is going to help. Is the water pump the ls3 water pump?
Thank you for sharing all those part numbers. I have a LS3 long block and the list with part numbers is going to help. Is the water pump the ls3 water pump?
Ill be following your build!
my parts list was sent to me from my builder and he's always spot on. He post here on TGO
Last edited by blackgloves; 05-26-2022 at 09:17 PM.
I've decided to switch from the 700R4 to a T56. I've considered both the magnum, and the tranzilla. I know I don't necessarily NEED that much transmission, but when I show the car in the future it would be nice to have it on my spec board.
Tranzilla supposedly has options for rations on five of the transmission six gears. I like the idea of choosing each gear.
I've decided my first exterior upgrade will be ditching the original hood louvers for functional louvers.
Headers have been purchased. They are made for 82-92 Camaro/firebird LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6 swaps. 1 7/8 primaries, 3 inch collector, mandrel bent, 304 stainless, machined flange. Ill also be purchasing 2 SLP Loudmouth II bullet mufflers, and a stainless X-Pipe. The mufflers are 3 inch in and 3 inch out. Below are the part numbers for all three.
Long tube headers Speed-Engineering SKU: 25-1035 SLP Loudmouth II bullet mufflers Summit Racing SLP Performance 31067 Turn downs JEGS 30536 3.0" ID Exhaust Turndowns Pair X-Pipe JEGS Black Widow 3in stainless Part Number 112-BW0014-3
*NOTE* I will not be installing this exhaust myself. A local exhaust shop is doing the work.
Headers have been purchased. They are made for 82-92 Camaro/firebird LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6 swaps. 1 7/8 primaries, 3 inch collector, mandrel bent, 304 stainless, machined flange. Ill also be purchasing 2 SLP Loudmouth II bullet mufflers, and a stainless X-Pipe. The mufflers are 3 inch in and 3 inch out. Below are the part numbers for all three.
Long tube headers Speed-Engineering SKU: 25-1035 SLP Loudmouth II bullet mufflers Summit Racing SLP Performance 31067 Turn downs JEGS 30536 3.0" ID Exhaust Turndowns Pair X-Pipe JEGS Black Widow 3in stainless Part Number 112-BW0014-3
*NOTE* I will not be installing this exhaust myself. A local exhaust shop is doing the work.
Be prepared to **** off your family, friends, and neighbors with that exhaust. I speak from experience.
Many of my car buddies love the sound of my car, but they’re a bunch of cavemen like me, so……..
Yeah I'm a little worried about that but have already made up my mind. Im going to forewarn them before the car comes back. I've had really loud systems before but never in this neighborhood.
I saw the same x-pipe (close pipes) that you have but wasn't sure about fit. Yours looks great and I'm assuming it worked out nicely
Today's parts ordered. The radiator is for LS engines. Its been described to me as a "middle" range radiator. Not great, not bad, better than stock. I plan on going with functional louvers which also help with cooling
I don't necessarily need the jars but brand new ones will make the engine look that much cleaner. Mine look like they were made in 1987. My keys are worn and one has a crack in it. I fear it will break off
Radiator Part Number : 166-CC951DP JEGS
Windshield washer jar Part Number : 691-10078368 JEGS
Radiator overflow jar Part Number : 691-14070997 JEGS
Ignition lock set Part Number : 555-18196 JEGS
Door and trunk lock set Part Number : 555-18059 JEGS
Crossmember for LS swap with T56 HM-8492LSXSWAPT56 Hawks Motorsports
Last edited by blackgloves; 09-09-2022 at 06:07 PM.
Update time! Parts are coming in and the guy putting my car together sent an updated pic. Thats the Fast LSXR intake. Shipped, I paid $900 from a guy that purchased and claimed to have never used it. It was in a box and his 1,200 hp setup was too much for this intake. I purchased the Katech 103mm drive by wire throttle body from Texas-Speed.
Small update. The torque arm relocation Crossmember from Hawks that I ordered, disappeared without a trace. Being that I've never had one single seamless transaction with them, I've ordered one from BMR. If you don't select the box for insurance while checking out on Hawks, you're screwed. I just can't win for losing with them.
Part number TCC016
$259.95
You'll have the option of going with black, or red. I chose red.
I quickly read through your thread and didn't see what fuel tank you are using, so I will assume it is the original TPI unit. This pump uses a lot of amps, so you are going to need some kind of "Hot Wire" harness, whether you buy one or make one, using a minimum 10g power and ground, connected directly to the charging circuit. A 58lb regulator of some sort will also be required, and the 45lb regulator removed if it's still in the pump module. Just a few more things to consider.
I quickly read through your thread and didn't see what fuel tank you are using, so I will assume it is the original TPI unit. This pump uses a lot of amps, so you are going to need some kind of "Hot Wire" harness, whether you buy one or make one, using a minimum 10g power and ground, connected directly to the charging circuit. A 58lb regulator of some sort will also be required, and the 45lb regulator removed if it's still in the pump module. Just a few more things to consider.
I'll run it by the mechanic, but I'll predict he already knows. He owns one, did a LS1 swap, and reads these boards. I wanna thank you for the advice
I got a text from my mechanic/friend last night. He stated that I needed a part, and only one company makes it. Who?? *sigh* Hawks Motorsports. This is less than a week after I swore I'd never deal with them again. Something that I left out of my crossmember post in this thread is, years ago I needed around 11k or so in parts. Most of them I planned on going through Hawks. That experience left me with buying elsewhere.
So here I am... getting texts and he also informs me I need a 90-92' gauge cluster. Apparently the options are, switching to an electric setup or converting electric to cable. My car is an 87' so its naturally cable. This is all in regards to the speedometer.
Last night I began looking at clusters while in bed. After about 45 mins of looking around, I find "THE ONE," you know, when you find something and you just have to have it. Price be damned. Well... it appeared that only company that sells it is... you guessed it, Hawks Motorsports. FML
So with my tail tucked between my legs I call them, and Ryan from customer service/sales answers. He asks me If I've ever purchased through them before. I said yes, and mentioned my last order disappeared into thin air. I wasn't rude to him because, to be honest, it wasn't Hawks fault to begin with and I made that clear. The address I gave them was incorrect. Instead of giving my mechanics address to his home, I gave the address to his community event center for his neighborhood!
To make matters worse, the address to that building was to an open field next to the center. So FedEx, in all their glory dumps it at their door. If your community event center is like most. The doors stay locked and they only open when an event is scheduled. No one is rarely there! Also, I apparently didn't check off the box on my order for some sorta delivery insurance which they told me was like... $4?
Either way, I recommend that you take that option. It cost me a couple hundred dollars in the end
Back to Hawks, and this guy named Ryan. Ryan completes my order and informs me it didn't go through. I'm thinking, you gotta be kidding me, it's always something when I call these people. He asks for my card number and he forgot the last digit lol
After that was finished we talked more on my previous issue. I never intended them to do anything other than take my order and end the call.. But this guy tells me hes calling me back. 5 mins later my phone rings and "HAWKS THIRD GEN" flashes on the caller ID. Its Ryan, he did some research, established everything I said was true. He then tells me he's going to get with someone above him to see what they can do!
Wow! I'm very impressed and surprised. I was not anticipating any of this. I assumed last week I was stuck like Chuck and just took it on the chin.
I wanna thank Ryan at Hawks Motorsports
Here's exactly what I ordered. I'll have the mechanic take pics of my cluster when it comes in and do some show and tell.
***************************************************** 82-92 CAMARO/FIREBIRD LSX SWAP ELECTRONIC GAS PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET LS2/LS3/LS7 $49.95
1990-92 Camaro Hawks Restoration Series Instrument Cluster 200mph HM-VHX-90C-CAM-200 $845
Here's exactly what I ordered. I'll have the mechanic take pics of my cluster when it comes in and do some show and tell.
***************************************************** 82-92 CAMARO/FIREBIRD LSX SWAP ELECTRONIC GAS PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET LS2/LS3/LS7 $49.95
1990-92 Camaro Hawks Restoration Series Instrument Cluster 200mph HM-VHX-90C-CAM-200 $845[/QUOTE]
You and your friend will really like the Dakota Digital gauges, they make the integration of all the components so much easier.
I'm hoping it will brighten up things a little. My current cluster has a scratch across it. Its not awful but it bugs me. Having a brand new one is exciting. I plan on showing the car some and small details like this add some, wow factor
I plan on keeping the stock cluster in a box. Ive seen so many parts off classic cars go for ridiculous money over the years. And who knows... maybe one day I'll get old and cheesy and decide to take on a project of returning it to factory spec
Lots to update and I'll get to some of it later with part numbers and pics
Get this! The cluster and bracket I ordered from Hawks needed a signature. My mechanic was not at his house but a note was left. I found out it was located at the nearest CVS store which is a central pickup area. He drives up there and they claim they don't have it. He gives them my name, his name.... nothing!
So I called and I get the same answer, they have nothing indicating its there and they checked every package. So I begin to dig in and find out it had been delivered to CVS and the person who signed for it was "Romero". When I call CVS back and tell them the information I just learned, you could them hear it in her voice that I wasn't some obnoxious customer who wouldn't stop calling. She did say they had a "Romero" and referred to them as "she"
So now a manger is looking and they call me back to tell me the store manager is getting involved and I would get a call back. The next morning my phone rings and sure enough its a manager stating they finally found it and it was located in some odd place that things are never kept.
When my mechanic goes to pick it up I get a text stating the box had been OPENED and parts might have been damaged!
It appears someone took the gamble of opening it to see if it was worth stealing and then hid it to buy time. Im guessing they hoped it wouldn't be found anytime soon?
All is well. Ill post a picture of it all. I've also ordered a bunch of parts which I'll share and post the part numbers and post pictures
Parts are starting to arrive. As cheesy as it may be, the radiator support bracket excites me more than it should. I'm really dedicated to this car and want it to look new. Here's a few pics.
I just ordered this on ebay in black for my doors. After my car was repainted I never put the decals back on. I'm going with a white with a black accent theme.
I sent emblem pros an email to have this made with a black background and white font. Then another with white background and black font so that I have an option when I get the car back
09-16-2019, 10:43 AM
Gorgeous car and I bet it moves along really well! 
