Well, Since the decision has been made to replace my fading LB9 305 with a Caprice LT1, I figured it would be best to have a combined Build and Questions thread. Hopefully it will simplify things and no need for spamming the boards with questions!

Anyhow, here's the car:
1989 Trans-Am GTA, LB9/T5/T-Tops



The Plan:

Since I'm straying from original, I'm going for more of Grand Tourer build; good power (350-400RWHP) , comfortable yet sporty ride to handle long journeys on those twisty back roads, and Stock appearing looks, because why mess with a good thing!?! It's going to take a while as I work up in the Northwest Territories three weeks at a time, and I'm still trying to get some classes done and pay off a house, so please be patient.

 

Sounds like a plan!

 

Curious to see which way you're going with this. Any idea where I can score one of those windshield decals?

 

I'm wanting to keep this build somewhat simple, slightly lower, a lot faster, be able to stop the moment i want it too and comfortable to be in for 6 or more hours. the big changes are basically going to be the LT1 swap, 1LE brakes, and the interior/exterior.

as for the Pontiac windshield banner, I believe it's a dealer added option if i recall correctly. if you go to a place that dose decals I'm sure they could do one up for you.

 

First big question:

Electric power steering? Dose anyone run anything like that? I'm trying to rid myself of the huge acc. brackets and mount the alternator low down and either fab a PS pump bracket with a tensioner or run something like an MR2 electric pump
any ideas?

 

Well, seeing I've been home two weeks and headed back to work tomorrow I figured i should post up some sort of an update seeing I've accomplished a fair bit!

Picked up my LT1! Recent rebuild with 30,xxxkm on it! not bad for $1100 with a 700R4 i can sell

Then I carried on prepping the engine
Stripped all non essentials from the engine, and installed a few goodies for now

All new ARP hardware replaced the old stuff, mainly because my Canton pan wouldn't clear the OEM windage tray bolts




and installed some nice hooker comp. headers that i wrapped.


then came the fun part... Harness work...

luckily the previous owner labeled everything before pulling it!


I've been making so good progress so far! just a few things to sort out. I've sent a PM to the master (Pocket) to help me figure the last couple things out.

I have to invest in an engine hoist next time off from work, so I tried to get as much prep done as i possibly can. I stripped as much as I could without major work from the engine bay and gave it a good cleaning and a quick respray. and I have to say I am very happy with it! looks almost better than the rest of the car!

before:




after:

 

looks like it will be a good build. subscribed!!

 

Well I figured it's time for an update, Been trying to get a few things figured out with the PCM harness, realized my Chassis harness was cut up and hacked to all heck, sooo... I'm putting this in

Painless Kit #50002 Race harness 21 Circuit


Sofar I have the stock harness gutted out, and kept what I need as per switches and such. I saw another build where he modified the OEM fuse holder to place the Painless unit. I thought about it, but came up with this:



I used the convenience center and modified it a little bit, so it now holds both my fuse block and OBD2 Diag port, what do you guys think? I know it needs to be cleaned up, but I'm still working with the wiring so bear with me lol

Here's some more random shots of progress

LT1 is finally in!


Decided to clean and paint the intake manifold black wrinkle


But sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the good life lol

 

Here's an idea I came up with, I know a lot of people are interested in using a painless harness. I know the '89 model year is kind of an odd duck when it comes to wiring. So i'm going to try and make some charts up in accel.
stuff like this, I already have the gauge cluster done and wired up.





and just because, my little research buddy

 

Looking good so far! Can't wait for future updates!