TreeFiddy

Yeah, compliance is a subject I have only done a little research on in a general sense, and there isn't a lot of hard info to be had, plus yes it differs between states. You're wise to get the engineers involved from the outset, it'd be their job to know.

I'd like to see an HQ Magnvan

LX_SS

Well considering how much is involved in the modifications, i thought it would be best to find an engineer before i even started, once i found one that was willing to work and advise me how best to proceed, the rest falls in place.

Costs are $1000 per inspection, if done correctly there should only be 1 inspection.

The engineer may be partly allowing me to do more than he may most given my welding certs.

And there is a 2nd one to do as well treefiddy, that would i should start converting the firewall in about a month or so.

KBD85

SUBSCRIBED

LX_SS

Seats are done and mounted, i'll post some of the drivers seat soon. The passenger seat was a breeze compared to the drivers due to the cat converter hump and the z32 left seat rail is higher than the right (driver only) so it took a little more work to get the mounting points just right.

The shifter linkage is in the way with the original torque arm and/or spohn type torque arms, the only other option is a jegster or similar style torque arm. This would be favored over the others due to if you require a replacement shifter assembly you don't need to modify it to install it.

peterc005

In Victoria the RTA booklet says the tubular rear control arms are ok, but not front cross-member of A-arms.

I think an easier option is to get a modified car registered in stock form, and then do the modifications.

The good thing about down south is that we only need a RWC when transferring a car, not annually like in NSW.

My car has just hit 25 years, which makes it easier again.

LX_SS

Well there you go, explains probably why the lakewood rear arms are acceptable.
Peterc005 is correct on the rego, its easier to mod after its registered, which mine is.

Anyway here is the rear seat brackets all finished, painted etc....
You can see the little balancing plates that have been added to it.
Thought i'd throw some close up of the tig welding, hope you guys like it

LX_SS

One custom trans tunnel, its not round as the vy/gto tunnel is very squarish, and the compacting factor of it all make it what it is. Most amount of room, extremely limited clearance(interior side).
Also since i don't have a lot of space, i had to change it whilst the vehicle is on the ground. Now to do this with our cars is interesting but more or less you just replace sections of the tunnel at a time, front half/rear half etc...
There is no body filler on this tunnel as it sits, just raw painted metal. Most of the welds haven't been touched, some that where a little high were just trimmed flush.

LX_SS

Time for a montage

This is just how the interior starts piecing together.

KBD85

this is realy starting to come together!!!! looks SO good!!! did the new trans tunnel give you more leg room? we all know they didnt give that side of the car very much!

midias

Holy crap that's impressive. Great job, I love all the pics.

LX_SS

Yes and no,

Previously i could touch the firewall with my feet if i needed too, now i can't so the seat position is more rearward. The actual room is less, as the dash sits lower and out further than the original. If you open the glovebox, whilst sitting in the passenger seat, it if touching your knees, but we never had a glove box originally.
The seating position is further rear than standard to help compensate for this, however there is only so much you can do and its already 2 rear rearward, any more distance than this(the rails would like more ideally), it would require you to having to change the mounting points on the car.

Previously i always thought the front seat never sat correctly, in the driving position your sitting in the middle of the door, now your sitting at the rear of the door.

Another partial example, i imagine sitting in a VY/GTO the dash does feel a lot higher up and you certainly feel more upright in the seating position. In the Firebird if feels much more compacted. Not having sat in a c4 corvette, however seeing the conversions on those and the amount of room left, its about the same.
Suppose in a full sentence, i'd just say it feels more like getting into a lotus exige/elise than anything else due to how tight is it. You wouldn't want to be over 6 foot put it that way.

AUZ28

Nice Work!!

LX_SS

Little update, many things been happening.
Black orb of power, its gone, i'm thinking this is what secretly gave the firebird its grunt in the 80's :-P
I has Pedals !!!!!!!, and a fuse box, maybe even a brake booster.
Pedals we're pretty easy to modify, the accelerator is a lightning bolt shape rod, so i took out the horizontal and made it straight. The brake i cut, heated and bent, also lap welded for more strength. Hard to get a good pic of the weld there, but it gives you an idea.
Who can guess whats in the corner of the engine bay ???
Well's there a and b, but c doesn't follow.

AUZ28

Are you goin to road resister the car with the ABS? Pretty sure in Queensland u can't. The rear tone wheels of the vy were inboard on the irs diff. Goin to be a bit hard to place them somewhere they were pretty big. Unless you are goin irs aswel. Abs module will have a fit. I was looking at doin a similar thing by putting a vs live axle abs in a Gemini as the live axle tone wheels are on the axle and pick up goes through axle tube.

Anyways looks like a great build can't wait to see more

LX_SS

what do you think vy crewman has, non irs rear end with abs, exact same as the vs non irs abs rear end is. no fits necessary

AUZ28

Ok sweet. Forgot it was a crewman.

LX_SS

The other thing i should add, with the abs system, if it don't work, pull the fuse, abs inactive. So there are always ways around it in a sense. The front hubs are a little more interesting. I've got a couple of theories about the abs system but not 100% sure until testing. I also have a tech 2 so i can see exactly what the system is doing when it comes times for testing of sensors etc....

Other idea, which is always an alternative, is if the abs system doesn't work, i can use the existing wiring and sensors etc... for a racelogic traction control or similar item.

Where their is a will, there is a way.

cagedruss

iTrader: (1)

What steering box did you use?

LX_SS

Technically no steering box, Rack and pinion setup.

The commodore rack was interesting when i had it on for testing, it more or less fits and the housing is about the correct width, however the travel is only 5.5"/125mm so we don't quite get that turning angle, also it would be more suited to LHD due to a rear mount rack in the forward position.

The new rack is a front mounted rhd bmw unit, more narrow in width and 6" travel. Should be interesting once fitted.

Also the plastic LS1 fuel tank is on its way from the USA, awesome bit of kit imo from the 4th gen, in tank pump, sender, charcoal can and fuel filter etc.... is the same setup as the VY/GTO. Making the entire fuel system bolt in, All i need to do is run 1 new fuel line from the tank to the front :-)

LX_SS

Radiator expansion tank, recessing in to the wheel well, its tucked well under the guard so you will bottom out on the guard before this anyway.
Also whilst i was at it, i fitted the engine/trans and got the mounts sorted as well as tested a spohn trans x-member out, wow does the tailshaft loop on those things sit low to the ground and on a bad angle, least when i make mine i have a template to go off anyway.
The strut tower has been welded all around not filled, its just covered in primer to prevent rust. Previously the towers we're just filled.
Enjoy.

Fords88Bird

Very impressive build/mods.

In many aspects this is tougher than building from scratch, as you have to adapt and make things fit that were not meant to fit together.

Excellent progression so far and have no doubt that you will complete the project, no matter how long it takes.

Keep your vision. Later.

punkmaster98

iTrader: (5)

subscribed

82crossfire305

iTrader: (2)

I must say I am inspired by your work sir. I too am building a 3rd gen with a retro finish. Ill be popping in every so often to see how things turn out for you.

Subscribed

LX_SS

So after little break, update time.

After having not many other options for the torque arm left apart from the jegs short arm and working on the trans tunnel previously i didn't like the amount of flex in the tunnel then adding the torque arm force on it, it won't end up well in the long run.

I decided to modify the standard torque arm to suit my application, however since the transmission type and the cross-member type are both no viable options for me as it interferes in the gto automatic shifter (i also have no desire to use a B&M or similar). So on top of modifying the standard, i also had to fab a new mount for it in the tunnel, why not take this chance and make some inner sub frame connectors.

So here it is, a modified standard torque arm, and 1 sub frame connector (yet to be tied into the outer sfc and i also ran out of primer).

Original Torque Arm - Modified Raw Metal - Close Up Welds - Torque Arm In Primer



Passenger Side Inner Rail (US Driver Side), Also has Torque Arm mount on the tail shaft side, also still need to graft into the outer SFC's.
All welding was done under the car, no hoyst luxuries (oh i wish i had one, room is a bitch).



Also if you wondering, These are the GMAW/MIG welders i'm using. CIG TransMIG 275, Migomag 210, I'll get a pic later on of the TIG werlder for those interested.

LX_SS

Update with the grafted inner and outer sfc's

You don't loose any ground clearance, its basically the same height as the outers, maybe 10mm lower at the lowest point.
You can also see the area for the torque arm mount, i'm yet to fab one up yet, however i just got my new torque arm bush so that will be done shortly.

Grafting plates are overkill, 10mm thick 75mm wide. It does add a bit of weight(not huge), however this isn't a drag car and not chasing every little horsepower.

Once i do the other side rail (it also doesn't need to be as strong as the one that's done), i will also incorporate a tail shaft loop, just as some added safety.

Enjoy.

midias

Amazing work as always.
Are you going to add another subframe to the other side?

LX_SS

Yeah, I am however it doesn't need the strength of the one that's already done, it doesn't have to support the torque arm. Also i need more as much clearance as possible to run the 3inch single pipe, not an issue just something to keep in mind.

Looking through some old car pics , wow here was some of what it was when i lifted the floor carpet and removed the dash.
The entire firewall is mostly just rust, not metal and there plenty of places there that is just rust rust and more rust.. ARRRGHH so much rust.

Ahh well, its evolved into something much better than what it was.

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

subscribed!

Door panels could be tricky with this one...

midias

I have faith in him

LX_SS

I spent a good 5 years + in custom car audio installations, fabricating and trimming door trims, dash panels, custom clusters etc... So it shouldn't be too difficult. Also had a bit of experience doing fibreglass work on boats.

Downside, this is on the backburner for a month or so. The reason being i have taken delivery of another pontiac receiving the same firewall treatment.

Photos will be inc soon....

LX_SS

So here we go, take 2.
Delivery of 1 Black Trans Am, this is how it arrived.



After cleaning up some of the sound deadening material, the joys of prep work.



Cleaning all the sealant out, its a freaking mess, Trimmed some panelling also.

LX_SS

Cleaned and primed the old kickpanel, Clamped for Tack Welding, Primed And Welded, Opposite side untouched.


More to come soon.

LX_SS

So little update, there is so many pics to go through but can only select so many. Anyway here is the new driver side kick panel, keep in mind its rhd. You wouldn't believe just how much strength this sheet adds into the area, i was simply astounded. On top of this im not sure if you notice maybe there is pics showing my firebird area, the hinge mount section next to the wiper drains, they have been cut flush following the guard line into the A-pillar and have also had additional plates and welding done on that area, the flimsy mounting base of the original bonnet hinges is no longer an issue.

I'm liking this multiple birds one stone thing happening, just don't tell the rspca, i might get in trouble for the metaphor.

Give you an idea of accuracy, my firebird conversion i would say is within 5mm of perfect placement, its a little high if anything to be honest, requiring slight modifications for the windscreen to clear the wiper motor (machine a groove into the motor housing solves the issue).
This 2nd conversion is within 1-2mm of perfect placement, however i have noticed this does sit lower, not by much but a tad, so will be interesting to see how the heater box fits, can't tell till the brace is out, to take it out i have to tack the entire firewall in position after everything else is done, remove the brace then test heater box.

So last pic in my last post is the untouched condition, the following are :
Primed, cleaned and original holes plated/welded - Backside with complete penetration, also primed - New panel all welded up, nice clean vertical down on the wiper channel as well - All Primed Up - All Primed Up Shot 2


There's alot more pics but i'll leave it here till its done.
A sneak peak of how its shaping up for the technically first trans am i've converted (since mines only a firebird formula hardtop C&C converted).

KBD85

truly amazing!!! and I am worried I wont remember how to put my motor back in from a simple rebuild! LOL

LX_SS

So update time,

My work on this trans am has been completed, i was required to do all fabrication work (basically get the firewall in, not prepare it for paint).

Its a very nice fit i think personally, even better than mine but that happens after you've done one previously. This unit retains the factory trans tunnel by using the spohn engine and trans mounts. Also added were some outer SFC's as inners are just not required, these are welded in with addition tabs to both the floor pan and the outer sills to spread even more load. Remember this has all been done under a particular budget(and the owner wants to do some of the work as well, also cuts costs and my work which is not a bad thing), so saving time by not having to fabricate ferrules as well as purchasing fastners when welding is by far the stronger option.

So here it is : I will post later on a pic showing the trans tunnel and interior.

How it came in - How its leaving - Close Up - LHS SFC - RHS SFC - Heater Clearance (just why you dont want to get the firewall wrong)

CAMARO-CAMARO

This is good work man.... I've seen so many japanese cars with this RHD conversion but never came to my mind a third gen Camaro... Definitely gonna follow this build... thanks for taking the time to post and share.... Something great is going on in here..

LX_SS

Also to update, some plan changes on my firebird due to a few reasons which the main is time.

ABS is not being fitted at this stage, its not due to not being possible, its most certainly is, however there is alot of diagnostics with this, time i dont have to spend.
It also simplifies brake lines etc...
Also not using the commodore diff in the rear, this is a pure time saving and work load reduction for minimal gain since the abs isn't being fitted. Also don't have to do any torque arm fab work.

This should save me quite some time in finishing the car, as i do want to have it done and to be honest those are luxuries that arn't necessary.

So all i have left on my bird now is driver inner rail, torque arm bush mount, fabricate headers/exhaust, extend wiring harness, make fuel and brake lines, mount brakes front + rear, swap lsd from commo unit to pontiac unit (both 9 bolts).

Steering rack should be in end of feb, i've decided to bite the bullet and just get a rack and pinion that uses are center take off pivot point, the bmw unit was nice, just too much work if it ever failed to replace. Also the plastic 4th gen tank should be in around this time.

So that's where it is at currently, between other work that i'm looking for and some i have coming, i'm hoping to possibly have it all running/driving minus bodywork might be done by april/may. Anyone else for a firewall conversion ???? :-P

Exciting times.

peterc005

@LX_SS - keep soldering on. A lot of the work you are doing is original and unique, which means a lot of work and risk. This will be a totally cool car if you can pull it together.

LX_SS

Cheers for the kind words peter.

The abs and rear diff conversion was mostly a time saving factor, there is other projects i want to get onto and get finished, so be nice to get this to a driving work on body stage, least its movable etc...

So many possibilities but where do you draw the line.

Anyway, had a few hours free so decided to do a few little jobs that i don't find entertaining. Also made up the bracket to bolt to the guard mounting points to hold the engine bay relay/fuse box, its 2 pieces, a main body and the corner mount, the corner mount is just for support whilst the main body holds the unit. Works well and adjustable with the guard.
Wiring is all done using the spare non climate wiring harness, each wire is exact same colour for colour matched, painstaking process but well worth it.

Here it is - New Engine Bay Relay/Fuse Box 1st Angle - 2nd Angle - Still a work in progress - spaghettiO's.

LX_SS

Here's a shot of the wiring test fitted, no clips no covering.

midias

I cannot get over how amazing this project. You skills are very impressive please keep taking pictures I love seeing your updates.

LX_SS

This is the moment where i feel like the doctor who is giving life to frankenstein, ITS ALIVE *electricity crackle, sadistic laughter* sorta thing.

Connected a battery and few earths to see what happens.

peterc005

Looks great, but we need more pics.

LX_SS

well the fun and games begin, literally, beep beep beep, warning this, error that, so much diagnostics to do.
i've got some feedback problems and earthing issues, need to find all the damn earth's.
also my rear vy ss non climate harness has different connectors and doesn't connect to the climate dash loom. go figure.
so i've got a lot of wiring tinkering to do and pages of wiring diagrams.

LX_SS

Brake booster and master cylinder ordered, cant wait for them to get here. I'm using a hydratech brake assist with a chevy s10 master all setup for pontiac gto. The brake assist unit will allow me to run the steering column shaft directly above the chassis rail allowing so much needed clearance on the driver side exhaust header, it also allows clearance for the shaft to reach the desired angle. I could have retained the 05-06 vz/gto master cylinder, however the brake lines will be directly above the exhaust manifold, to make use of the room and to move everything away from the exhaust, the brake line outlet is on the guard side, not engine side.

I have a new instrument cluster coming, calais lvl 3, however i did find a downside with my conversion. If you want a pontiac startup logo you must use(as far as im aware) VZ/05 GTO parts. Basically the units that operate on canbus rather than aldl.

peterc005

What are the prices like on VZ parts?

LX_SS

Exact same as the vy for the most part, engine is a little different, also drive by wire not cable throttle.

Problem is you can't fit a vz cluster or part, into a vy, its all different.
So to do a vy-vz swap, all the wiring harness has to be changed, along with every electrical part. The mounting points for all the parts are the same.

Expensive exercise for minimal gain. I can just get used to it starting up saying chevrolet. After all engine is chev.

LX_SS

Diagnostics are as simple as plug in, read then replace parts.
You can see some of the engine items i can monitor, so easy to tell if anything is ever wrong. Last shot is sv8 cluster test mode, tho this cluster is changing just fun to tinker with.

LX_SS

Steering rack is in the country, yay.... Just getting some minor machining done for some guides/mounts fitment.

Going to be some exciting things in the next month or so i reckon, Hydratech brake booster, rack and pinion steering, custom exhaust manifolds, inner drivers SFC, 4th Gen fuel tank.

Only things left after that is fit brakes, brake lines, exhaust, random various little bits, tons of effin wiring, and a test drive. Then its strip again, body work, paint, reassembly.

So far i've got everything in, tested, everything is working however there are some minor errors left.

Engine Error - Anti Theft (BCM to PIM link needed)
Low Coolant Error - Well more warning since bottle is empty.
Instrument Cluster Error - Fuel Gauge Sender not connected.

ABS - Module connected, no sensors, no fuse, throttle relaxer disabled, Warning Lamp Only.
SRS - No Module, No Error, Warning Lamp Only.

Still having issues sourcing a rear body harness to suit calais single climate dash loom.

LX_SS

Here's a pic of the hydratech brake booster in a GTO, basically same setup, just mirrored to suit rhd.