restoring car need opinions
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From: Readsboro, VT
Car: 85 IROC-Z / 88 GTA
Engine: 403 LSx (Pending) / 355 Tuned Port
Transmission: T56 Magnum (Pending) / T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / ?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 29
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From: Staten Island N.Y/North Brunswick N.J
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87 ta, 305tbi, runs, needs a tune-up, 160,000 miles, engine is tight doesnt raddle or leak, interior i am customizing, wanna get the body work done and repaint the car all red
OK, here's my suggestions:
I'd repaint it red, with the silver GFX, and put some crosslace wheels on it, restore the interior, add graphite or grey 4th gen TA seats, lower it a bit, rebuild the suspension with poly bushings, SFCs, good shocks/struts, rebuild the brakes with upgraded pads, install headers, good exhaust, get a shift kit in the transmission, and upgrade the cam, and ignition.
That would be phase one, then I'd drive it while I decided what else I wanted to do to the drivetrain.
I'd repaint it red, with the silver GFX, and put some crosslace wheels on it, restore the interior, add graphite or grey 4th gen TA seats, lower it a bit, rebuild the suspension with poly bushings, SFCs, good shocks/struts, rebuild the brakes with upgraded pads, install headers, good exhaust, get a shift kit in the transmission, and upgrade the cam, and ignition.
That would be phase one, then I'd drive it while I decided what else I wanted to do to the drivetrain.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island N.Y/North Brunswick N.J
question
how much would that run me for? not including bodywork, also wouldn't i hav to rebuild the engine and tranny before i add performance. the car got 160,000 miles
Keep it simple.
Keep It Simple
1. Get the car road ready.
Do the regular engine tune-ups, check all the fluids, etc...
Replace or repair all hoses that need to be replaced....
Get new popup headlights and be sure all side markers, tail light bulbs, signals are functioning.
2. Paint job. Now how much do you intend on putting into that? I know you didn't spend a mint on it, but how much are you willing to spend? Body work is a plan too, unless you just want to paint over everything.
3. Interior. Just cleaning it up? Redoing the upholstery and/or carpet?
4. Anything else next...
Keep it simple. Do one thing at a time. You'll feel a lot better. I know money doesn't grow on trees. You'll get there.
1. Get the car road ready.
Do the regular engine tune-ups, check all the fluids, etc...
Replace or repair all hoses that need to be replaced....
Get new popup headlights and be sure all side markers, tail light bulbs, signals are functioning.
2. Paint job. Now how much do you intend on putting into that? I know you didn't spend a mint on it, but how much are you willing to spend? Body work is a plan too, unless you just want to paint over everything.
3. Interior. Just cleaning it up? Redoing the upholstery and/or carpet?
4. Anything else next...
Keep it simple. Do one thing at a time. You'll feel a lot better. I know money doesn't grow on trees. You'll get there.
i'd want to know what your budget and plan for the car was before you did anything........
do the drivetrain and all underside stuff first, then interior and finish with body work........doing it this way will save you alot of time and hassle as well has help to prolong your car from any damage while doing these mods or having it sit in some shop.
good luck.
do the drivetrain and all underside stuff first, then interior and finish with body work........doing it this way will save you alot of time and hassle as well has help to prolong your car from any damage while doing these mods or having it sit in some shop.
good luck.
most definitely restore it! It can't be any worse then my "85 Z28 project still in progress. So far, we've done the 350 swap, new front susp, fixed MANY rust holes in the floor and engine compartment, started minor stuff on the interior. Next up is finish the interior and prepare for new paint job. Just keep in mind that most project budgets swell to way past the estimate you plan to spend. It's already past the total planned budget and havent even touched the exterior!!!!
I've wanted to see a nice clean Trans am with a rich black paint, purple ghost flames, and some 17" Torque Thrust II or ROH ZS rims on it with 275's. Maybe even a hot 350 or 383 underneath the hood?
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