transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Well, I am rescuing a 1983 Trans Am DT500 car, and I am needing some help with it.

The crossfire part of the motor has been all torn apart, and the guy doenst remember how it goes back together. Does anyone have good quality pictures of these motors? I've seen them before, and changed the air filters on one, but never took it apart. I know they are really simple to work with, I just dont know how everything goes.

I've tried finding information on them, but couldnt find much. Go figure...

I know these motors are usually crap, but I want to keep this one original.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Before you put the TBIs and linkage back together you can do a few things to it that won't change the stock appearance.The lower intake can be ported and runners polished.The TBIs can be ported but most important they probably need new throttle bushings(check this sight http://crossfireinjection.net/index.html )as it run by two members of the Crossfire Forum.This is a link to the Crossfire Forum(it would be a good idea to join this also http://www.crossfire.homeip.net - there's a wealth of info and good people like here).Also if you want to retain stock appearance another upgrade would be the exhaust manifolds.The LU5 shared these with the LG4(along with the rest of the exhaust except for the N10 dual which was an option on both).You can swap in a set from a L69 or TPI motor along with the Y-pipe and new cat then use a catback for a L69 or TPI motor.
I do have pictures of the CFI setup on my '83 Z28 but they are to large to post here without cutting detail out you may need.I can email them to you if you like.Pm me is you would like.I'm still learning but I'll help as much as I can.

EDIT:I forgot to add this link as it gives very good detail pictures and instructions on assembly/disassembly along with the porting procedures.
http://www.technovelocity.com/chevyh...rt_polish.html

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the links! Everytime I searched for "crossfire" on google, all I could get is info on the Chrysler Crossfire. I didnt figure there was too many sites on the LU5 motor.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

You are most welcome for the links.As stated I'm still learning on mine.On doing a search for info always use crossfire injection or,as you've found out,it will come back for the Crossfire(same goes for Ebay too).The L83 used in the '82 Corvette is the same setup(intake and 400 series TBIs).The '84 Vette's manifold is different only in it as balancing holes in the runners(jury is still out on good or bad)but again uses the same TBIs.



I just noticed you are from Radford VA.I know the area as my Mom was from Speedwell.I spent a lot of time up that way growing up.very pretty country.

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

I have some high quality pics of my Crossfire setup I could email you. There about 21 megs. Let me know if would like them. I can break them up into 3 seven meg email if you’d like.

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

Also, a recent issue of Camaro Performers went through the Crossfire injection. I'll see if I can find my copy to give you a link to the online version.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Please post that link ScaryOne as I had that issue of the magazine but can't find it now.The '83 Z28 they used is the same color as mine which is cool.They are hard to find around here and I keep forgetting to subscribe.

EDIT:Here's the link to Super Chevy's website(parent publishing owns both) http://www.camaroperformers.com

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

It's the November '06 Issue. Can't find an online link, so as soon as I find my %*^*$*# USB cable I'll scan them and upload them. Maybe I can upload them to the site? I dunno what the copyright situation is with that....

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

I can take some pictures of my 82 corvettes CFI system probably close to the same except emmisions stuff

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Jeff, If you have a second, you can send me those pictures. I am currently at a dial-up connection, so if you could, split them up for me.
I'll have to dig throught my old magazines, I think I have that issue.

I think for right now I'm going to drop a spare carb intake on it and go. Just a quick question... will the carb thats on the LG4 work as a stand-alone carb? I know its got all kinds of electric stuff on it. I dont have any good carbs anymore, and I found my old LG4 carb.

Just wondering if I could use it.

By the way, my email is moparpower2003@yahoo.com

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

The LG4 carb will not work by itself. it needs the computer to tell it what mixture settings to use, which in turn needs all the sensor and so on and so forth. you would need a none computerize carb if you go that route.

Be sure to keep all the crossfire stuff.

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

By the way, heres some pics. The first few are of the car untouched. The last few are after just a few hours of cleaning. The seats are pretty good, aside from the drivers seat, and some stains. Carpets decent, t-top bag is perfect, as are t-tops. Dashpad shot, imagine that! Cargo cover excellent shape. Needs a passenger side headlight assembly. And obviously a motor.

The paint though, will have to be redone. Someone decided to park it under a pine tree for a few years, and there is sap all over the hood.


Oh, didnt mention it before, only 36k miles.














After Cleaning:

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

Washing make quite a difference. I’ve sent you two pics, let me know if it works.

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

Gatta hit up walmart for a universal power adapter. The one for my scanner is broken, so I'm hoping I can get a cheap universal and then post up the article.

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

Nice find!

Here is a website registry dedicated to the '83 Daytona Pace Cars. Not sure if you have been there but here is the link: http://members.tripod.com/pacecar_83/

Agent13

iTrader: (6)

Congrats on purchasing a DT500 car.

The original radio with the red display is missing and the steering wheel was also replaced... It also looks like it has been repainted.

Good luck with the restoration!

Another DT500 website to check out is www.transamaction.de .

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I didnt think it was the original radio. Didnt think the steering wheel was wrong though. But I dont know everything about this car yet. I also thought it had been repainted, but I havent found anything to say it has. What do you see that I maybe dont? If you catch it in the right light, you can still see the Daytona wording burnt into the doors. (guy said he had them on when he bought the car, but removed them) Thats why I figured it hasnt been painted, but I've been wrong before.

I think the front bumper has been replaced, it just looks too new. I checked at DMV yesterday and the 36k miles seems to be correct. Many many records between 1998 and 2005 going only between 22k and 34k. So unless they rolled it over since 05, then I'm still going to assume 36k on the clock.

But its 24 years old, so I can understand stuff has been redone.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Very nice find and again I'm glad you're restoring her.On the CFI have you figured out if you have everything for it?And how far taken down is it?

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Well the motor was out when I got it, with the intake and heads off. But since then, I have completely torn it down to check clearances, bearings, rings, etc. I am going to go ahead and change the bearings and rings.

I think I may even sneak my AFR heads onto this along the way. I really want to keep it original with the Crossfire motor, but for now I may just use a carb so I can actually drive it. Its going to take me some time to figure out the LU5 and how it works.

Plus, its been 100+ degrees here for the last week. I dont feel like working on it, even in my garage.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

I should have asked about the CFI this way.Have the TBIs or the thier linkage been removed from the top plate?They aren't hard to setup but as in multiple carb setups they have to be sink if the linkage has been disturb.Well with the intake off you can use th e one link I posted to port the intake especially if you're going to use different heads.The LU5 originally had a 9.5:1 compression,same as the L69,and as far as I know they shared heads and cam specs are very close.Are you planning on using factory exhaust manifolds or going with headers?It's good you plan on doing that since she's been sitting for so long.You also want to drop the fuel tank to clean it out and upgrade the fuel pump to an '85 TPI pump.

And I completly understand about the heat.And up there it's even worse because you get no seabreeze in the afternoon.

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

the guy that took it apart assured me that he didnt mess with the linkages. And the TB's are still attached and unaltered. So that part is good to go.

I'll probably port the intake because my AFR's probably wont be used until next year. I still dont know if I'm going to get the crossfire part running now, or wait until winter when I can actually work on the car. I wont be driving it around here once it gets cold.

I will probably be using headers because the exhaust manifolds were sitting in a bucket that had water in it, and they've rusted through pretty good in places.


Can I use a TPI pump with the crossfire setup even though its high pressure? I guess the regulator is there. Dont know. I'm more of an old-fashioned carb guy. I dont know a whole lot about fuel injection.

I got the interior tore out today and sprayed with Rust-oleym and some POR-15.

I also made some drain holes since its an F-body, and they like to store water in the floorboards.

I know the black POR-15 isnt original, but I swear by it, and it needed something.


Does anyone have any decent size pictures of the interior of a DT500? I'm thinking someone has changed the carpet and its the wrong color.

Agent13

iTrader: (6)

The striping looks slightly wrong to me and the Trans Am decals also look higher than they should be. That is what leads me to believe the car was repainted.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

The TPI pump is a recomemded upgrade because the stock pump when new were barely adequate(10-12pis)for what a CFI setup wants(more in the 14-20psi range).In the links,especially at Crossfire Forum,there are how-tos on modifing the stock regulator so you can adjust it.And TDS sells a spring kit to go in the regulator.You can have the TBI's bored to 2"(stock is 1.8")but the main thing is having the throttle shaft bushing replaced.And make sure you get good seal on the top plate to intake.Crossfires don't like vacuum leaks of any kind.

On the exhaust if you want to retian the stock appearance you can run exhaust manifolds for a TPI motor.They have larger(2-1/4" vs 2")outlets and larger y-pipes cat and catback.Are you keeping the A.I.R. and smog pump?If you go with headers order them for a HO(L69)or TPI motor rather than the LU5.The same goes for the cat and catback.

The POR-15 is a good step and will be covered by the carpet.I wouldn't worry unless you're going to show her in the restored stock class.

On the pictures of a DT500 check the links to get an idea.And there are several members on here that have one.They maybe able to help.

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I thought the wording was up a bit high too. But a few pictures I could find have it around the same height.

I dont really know yet if its been painted. Theres a few bits of overspray on the tire pressure sticker on the drivers door.

It doesnt really matter though, because it needs paint, and will get repainted. Theres hardly any clear coat on the white, and the charcoal is faded on all the GFX and plastic parts.



This car will probably never bee in a restored stock class, or probably any kind of judging. So I'm not too worried about everything being 100% original. I'm going to keep as much the same as possible though.

I wont be running the smog pump as its locked up, and I'm not going to spend any of my money on GM's emissions crap.

84L69TA

I love the LU5's. Ive had 4 of them. Very easy to work on once you get the hang of it.

83TransAmRECARO

Looks like a good deal, I still have the original 305 crossfire intake set up just tweeked a bit but I can also send you photo's of my set up if you need them... just let me know... I also have the GM service manual for the crossfire both 305 and 350.... so just pm me any questions you might have... I stay on the road alot and don't get to jump on the site that often due to company restrictions on internet usage but I can check e-mail...

transformula87

iTrader: (2)

I've got another question. I know the lower paint code, but what is the white? Just white with clear, or is it another name?

I'm in the process of cleaning up some rust today. The spot on the B-pillar of the drivers door was worse than it originally looked. It has actually rusted through on the edge closest to the T-top. I'm going to have to either try to cut a piece out and reweld it, or try to fill it. Its not a bad hole by any means. Not even big enough to stick my fingernail in.

83TransAmRECARO

according to my connections with dupont the paint code should be 11/WA3967 thats a basecoat clearcoat , personally I would take a small part off of the car that has not seen sun in a few years to a dupont paint store and most of them can lazer scan the part and produce the identical paint code for the vehicle.... hope that helps you out...