My own version of a "Recaro T/A"

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May 22, 2020 | 10:57 PM
  #101  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Still waiting on the shop to call back about my rear so its sitting on the stands for now. In the meantime I linked up with a friend who retrofits headlights of newer vehicles to see what he could do for me. I made it clear I have no interest in ebay LED lights. I think I have a solid solution.







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Jun 8, 2020 | 10:58 PM
  #102  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Any info on those lights? I upgraded my Jeep's sealed beams to LED (whole housing, not cheap replacement bulbs) and it is so much better. The GTA has never been as bad as the Jeep was, but could use some help. Being flip up, it does reduce options a bit, so I was curious as to how yours performs.
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Jun 8, 2020 | 11:20 PM
  #103  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Any info on those lights? I upgraded my Jeep's sealed beams to LED (whole housing, not cheap replacement bulbs) and it is so much better. The GTA has never been as bad as the Jeep was, but could use some help. Being flip up, it does reduce options a bit, so I was curious as to how yours performs.

The lights are great.The whole setup was plug and play. I did order new adjusters so i can get them aimed right. At the moment mine are too low. I also noticed the whole headlight assembly is vibrating as i go down the road. I need to figure that out as well I think something may be loose.




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Jun 8, 2020 | 11:25 PM
  #104  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Nice, Does your friend do this as a business, or just side project/hobby. He could probably get himself some good business for thirdgens!
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Jun 9, 2020 | 10:58 PM
  #105  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Nice, Does your friend do this as a business, or just side project/hobby. He could probably get himself some good business for thirdgens!
Its a business but he is mostly doing newer vehicles. For some reason the link doesn't work when i copy it over but if you look up "Killerwatts Retrofits" on FB or instagram his work is there. Hes in the process of making another set for a friend with an 88 ta.
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Jul 22, 2020 | 12:03 AM
  #106  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Car has been running well. The motor developed a loud sound that you can really hear above 2K rpm. Still tracing it. Thankfully got the A/C working and quickly learned that the factory single fan is not enough. On a drive to NY cruising at 70 I was right at 200 on a 95 degree day. Sitting in traffic I was getting a hair nervous as I saw the temp creep up past 220. I bought a new 16in SPAL fan. A friend of mine was able to fabricate me a new shroud at his shop. I totally under estimated the requirements of this new fan and thankfully fellow member scooter was local and able to help. According to Spal I will need a 50Amp relay and a 40 amp fuse. Once the new parts arrive I will try again.





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Jul 22, 2020 | 06:41 AM
  #107  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
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Aug 13, 2020 | 06:57 PM
  #108  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
The glory has been short lived. Sometime in the last 4 weeks my motor has developed a bottom end knocking. Right at about 9300 miles. Not very happy cause of course by the time I got the car running the warranty was already up. Blueprint is interested in what is wrong with it though. Taking this opportunity to make some changes and clean things up some more.



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Aug 13, 2020 | 09:21 PM
  #109  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Bummer Jon...I found a leaking fuel hose on the passenger side fuel rail on the '49 tonight....glad I changed the oil, could have burned it to the ground!

Plans for the "next phase" of the engine?
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Aug 15, 2020 | 12:46 AM
  #110  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"




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Aug 15, 2020 | 12:55 AM
  #111  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Bummer Jon...I found a leaking fuel hose on the passenger side fuel rail on the '49 tonight....glad I changed the oil, could have burned it to the ground!

Plans for the "next phase" of the engine?
I have another 6.0 sitting on the stand that has been rebuilt with a custom Martin Smallwood cam. The plan is to use this with a set of cnc ls6 heads and a dorman ls2 intake with a fast 92 TB and see how she likes it.



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Sep 8, 2020 | 11:53 PM
  #112  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
My new engine is ready to go in. Coincidentely I got a phone call from the manufacturer of my original engine that it is being rebuilt and sent back. I will see how this new engine performs. Looking forward to getting her going again.




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Sep 14, 2020 | 11:47 PM
  #113  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
She lives! Put some serious time in to get her running as I am pressed for time. This new setup is not as rowdy as the previous but should drive well. I hope it makes some power. Since I already had the trans out I decided to try a different shifter. I installed a Hurst Pro Billet that I had on the shelf. Gonna put a few miles on it over the next few days and get this engine broken in.





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Sep 15, 2020 | 06:53 AM
  #114  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Awesome! I love my Hurst shifter, only one I haven't tried is the MGW. What is the setup on upper half? I started with the straight 7" stick and ended up with the factory look round.

Glad you've got it running again!
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Sep 18, 2020 | 11:46 PM
  #115  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Awesome! I love my Hurst shifter, only one I haven't tried is the MGW. What is the setup on upper half? I started with the straight 7" stick and ended up with the factory look round.

Glad you've got it running again!
Its about a 7in flat stick. The ball is actually too small I need to change it out. I dont like how it feels in my hand.
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Sep 19, 2020 | 12:15 AM
  #116  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Been breaking her in and she feels good. I will need to replace the tires as they seems to break loose easily even rolling. Not sure if its due to the increased compression (10.9:1) but my 4a wire to the starter is currently pulling 282 amp on a hot start and it struggles. The cable is about 3 ft long. I will most likely be changing that out for 0 gauge



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Mar 26, 2021 | 10:29 PM
  #117  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Several months of hibernation and Im finally home to see how this car does. Had a horrible vibration when I went to break in the replacement clutch and decided to order a Founders adjustable torque arm. Took me several hours to get it to fit properly on this fabricated rear but now that the pinion angle is correctly set she is smmmmooooooooth. I think she will be back at the rollers again this week. I had a new windshield installed and whatever cleaning solution they used smeared all over the paint?!?! I cant tell if its the primer underneath but either way I will need to get it addressed. I'll try to get a photo of it.



Iskenderun Turkey

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Mar 27, 2021 | 05:15 AM
  #118  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Pinion angle can be a pain! Cool pic, at least you didn't get caught trying to go through the Suez Canal.

Hopefully the window goo didn't mess things up.
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Mar 31, 2021 | 07:09 AM
  #119  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Been breaking her in and she feels good. I will need to replace the tires as they seems to break loose easily even rolling. Not sure if its due to the increased compression (10.9:1) but my 4a wire to the starter is currently pulling 282 amp on a hot start and it struggles. The cable is about 3 ft long. I will most likely be changing that out for 0 gauge


Just read the thread - sweet build it ought to be handful with 6.0 6spd LOL. I love the steering wheel its a peeve of mine if you have your hands on it, it needs to be and look nice
Great Job!
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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:09 PM
  #120  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Pinion angle can be a pain! Cool pic, at least you didn't get caught trying to go through the Suez Canal.

Hopefully the window goo didn't mess things up.
Getting stuck in the suez is the kind of luck I would have. Right before I'm about to go home LOL. Thankfully I havent gone through the canal in 7 years. Been getting spoiled on the northern europe run lol. This last time was 4 months in the Med.
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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:21 PM
  #121  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Today was the day. The night before I decided to replace the starter. I was getting sick hot the terrible starts. Almost impossible to start when hot. It was not a timing issue. This MSD Dynoforce is a BEAST. Car fires no problem. When I got to the dyno we did a little shakedown cruise to look things over and we had a misfire that happened to be the AC Delco plugs i was using. I quickly swapped them out for NGK TR55 plugs and it was show time. To my surprise the car Performed flawlessly and performed well. 450whp 427wtq . So happy it worked out.






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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:24 PM
  #122  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AiaKTbiRzT3xXaZS7
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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:32 PM
  #123  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Those are nice numbers. Congrats!

TR55 spark plugs might be a better choice and give you better cold starts. TR6 are kind of cold blooded and more suited for max effort n/a engines.
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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:53 PM
  #124  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: Those are nice numbers. Congrats!

TR55 spark plugs might be a better choice and give you better cold starts. TR6 are kind of cold blooded and more suited for max effort n/a engines.
I had to go look at the spark plug box again. My mistake! You are correct, tr55 has always been my go to. But it was insisted that I try the delco. Didnt work out that well.
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Apr 1, 2021 | 11:57 PM
  #125  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Yep, LS engines love those NGK plugs.
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Apr 2, 2021 | 05:39 AM
  #126  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: To my surprise the car Performed flawlessly and performed well. 450whp 427wtq.


You gonna come race that thing at Atco Dragway, or is she just a looker...?

- Rob
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Apr 2, 2021 | 06:52 AM
  #127  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Great numbers Jon, and that torque curve!
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Apr 2, 2021 | 07:07 AM
  #128  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Great numbers! Should make a perfect street car for ya Jon !
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Apr 5, 2021 | 09:51 PM
  #129  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: You gonna come race that thing at Atco Dragway, or is she just a looker...?

- Rob
I thought they closed atco
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Apr 6, 2021 | 08:45 AM
  #130  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: I thought they closed atco
They're open, first test and tune was last week and it was mobbed.

It was expensive to run that day, but who cares, they're open, that's all that matters...

- Rob


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Jun 6, 2021 | 12:18 AM
  #131  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
The weather has been great! Been Putting the miles on the drivetrain for sure. Been driving about 600 miles a week down to Virginia Beach and back and the car performs flawlessly. Enjoying every minute. Fixed the AC again and its working great.....but when its on you really feel the load on the engine. Everything is new.





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Sep 27, 2021 | 12:04 PM
  #132  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Car is currently getting disassembled for paint on Oct 4th. Been fighting a battery drain issue and noticed that the battery would not stay charged much more than 2 weeks. I found out that my modified radio with a bluetooth module installed is drawing about 300 milliamps when the car is just sitting. I put in an unmodified radio and its only 14milliamps. Gonna have to open it up and see whats going on.
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Sep 27, 2021 | 12:06 PM
  #133  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Just a respray Jon? Or are you doing a color change?
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Sep 27, 2021 | 12:31 PM
  #134  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Getting a respray, the hood will be replaced as well as both doors most likely. The shop wanted to discuss colors the day I drop the car off. I'm looking for a brighter white than oem.
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Sep 27, 2021 | 12:32 PM
  #135  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Very cool. Is it Arctic White now?
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Dec 20, 2021 | 11:11 PM
  #136  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Just checking in and giving an update. The car has been away at the body shop since Oct 4th and several pushbacks. When I dropped it off there was not much going on there but things have ramped up. As of today the car still has not been touched and unfortunately i will need to leave it behind as I go back to work. Several local club members are going to periodically checking in at the shop to see the status of "paint prison".
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Dec 21, 2021 | 06:46 AM
  #137  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Sounds about normal! I've learned to always be in a hurry when I take something in to the body shop.

Safe travels my friend!
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Feb 18, 2022 | 02:53 PM
  #138  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Currently on the other side of the world up in the North Sea so I sent a friend over to the shop on my behalf. Thankfully his trip was not a waste and he was able to get some photos sent to me. These are from the first week of Feb. Very pleased to see that things are progressing. I was able to speak to the shop yesterday to make sure they replace the door hinge bushings that I included when I dropped off the vehicle.



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May 26, 2022 | 05:19 PM
  #139  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Been a chaotic few months but I returned home to a painted car. I got off the boat and drove 7 hours home. I didnt go straight home I in fact drove straight to the body shop since its a few min away. The car over all looks great. Door hinges were done and new eatherstripping installed. But they DID NOT paint the lower gfx . I had to tell them that needs to be done asap. They say the car will be done next week. I hope that I can get it all back together quickly and efficiently from that point as I am currently against the clock.


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Jun 3, 2022 | 10:30 AM
  #140  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
After 8 months I brought the car home. I will be going to the GM nationals without the decals. I have to wait till July to install them. Time to get the interior cleaned up.




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Jun 3, 2022 | 07:15 PM
  #141  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: After 8 months I brought the car home. I will be going to the GM nationals without the decals. I have to wait till July to install them. Time to get the interior cleaned up.



good luck John
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Jun 27, 2022 | 05:57 PM
  #142  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
I had a fantastic time at the GM Nationals and am looking forward to going back. The drive up there was fantastic. Great group of people to cruise with along with the members of various fbody forums. An experience I will never forget. I hope we all can cross paths again.





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Jul 23, 2022 | 11:44 PM
  #143  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
This heat wave has been crazy here. Noticed my vent temps were pretty high and something seems out of wack. Took the car in to a local friend and sure enough the compressor checked out. Just over 1 year on it. Thankfully it is under warranty. Had it not been I most likely would have switched over to a sanden unit. I estimate to make that switch it will be about 5-700 bucks. (Compressor, Lines, Bracket, belt, belt)








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Jul 24, 2022 | 04:41 AM
  #144  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
I got the same story and will be switching over to the sanden unit when my budget allows
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Aug 8, 2022 | 10:14 PM
  #145  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Finally after waiting I was able to get the decals installed on the car today. I also had the bumper strip installed. Pretty happy with how it came out. Now I can get some coating on this bare paint cause literally everything wants to stick to it.



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Aug 8, 2022 | 11:21 PM
  #146  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
i think the car looks way better with the decals
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Aug 9, 2022 | 11:06 AM
  #147  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
I agree with battmann, looks much better with the decals. Normally I'm not big on decals but that car looks great with them.
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Aug 9, 2022 | 04:15 PM
  #148  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Quote: i think the car looks way better with the decals
I agree 100%, My friends do not appreciate that the hood says "5.0 Liter HO"
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Nov 28, 2022 | 02:11 PM
  #149  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
You ever sort out the power steering noise?
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Jan 26, 2023 | 09:36 PM
  #150  
Re: My own version of a "Recaro T/A"
Just an update, Hope everyone has been doing well enjoying their cars. Once my paint was cured I had the car ceramic coated. Amazing how easy it is to wash the car now. I made sure to purchase the same cleaning products as my detailer so I can wash and maintain it myself. It is great. Up until November I was putting some serious miles on it again driving back and forth to VA. Late November on the trip down I noticed I was losing coolant. Very cold evening and somehow made it to the boat with only half the block full. Sure enough the heater core went. I put in the water pump bypass loop for LS to get the car home but only today just did the heater core. Slowly crossing things off the list!.








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