 By: Chris Stephens (02/16/2005) Project Trans Am Build UpIt's unlikely that anyone reading this article doesn't have his or her own dream car. It really doesn't matter whether it's a Chevelle, Mustang, or Charger; what's important is your love of the cars. "You have motor oil in your blood" as they say. The following articles detail the build up of one of my dream cars, a fourth generation Pontiac Trans-Am Convertible; dubbed Project GTA.It has been my intention from the beginning to build a balanced and comfortable street car capable of eleven second quarter-mile times; not an eleven second drag car capable of being used on the street. For most of us, our projects need to be more than drag stars or trailer queens...they need to be daily drivers. For me, the best reward for such a car is driving it and I like to think that its driveability comes second to none. Real street project cars seem few and far inbetween in the various automotive publications these days. This '96 Convertible was purchased in late April, 2004 with approximately 120,000 kms on the odometer from a GM dealership in western Manitoba. The single previous owner: a small town farmer from the heart of the prairies. The car was fully equipped with power doors, power windows, power seats, drivers convenience packages, air conditioning, four wheel antilock disc brakes, and most importantly a healthy LT1 engine and factory installed ram air and fibreglass hood. The car was never winter driven (of significant importance when discussing a car from Manitoba) and had no rust. The car was entirely original with the exception of dark tinted windows and a replacement interstate battery. The unused, factory installed block heater cord was still tie wrapped up and tucked away in the back corner of the engine compartment. While the convertible was fast and fun to drive from the very beginning, it wouldn't take long to begin the build up. The vehicle passed the local vehicle safety inspection with the replacement of a broken fog light assembly and a wheel alignment. The following is step-by-step coverage of the build up from a potent factory pony to a fire breathing street machine. In the blink of an eye, new wheels and tires were necessitated by an unfortunate and untimely run in with a curb. Actually, it was more like a spin followed by a run in, up, on, and over a curb. Fortunately the only casualties were the outside lips of the factory aluminium wheels and car was able to limp home. After the new wheels were installed, a trip to our local repair shop for a computerized alignment was in order. Coincidentally all four lower control arm bolts were found to be loose. Did I mention the vehicle had a wheel alignment performed before it was purchased from the dealership? Did I mention that my only concern expressed to the dealership before the incident was a nagging "pulling problem" where by the vehicle would "start to pull and continue pulling" as if stuck in ruts? Well, the nature of the car combined with the nature of the incident makes it unworth my while to argue; but it's an intriguing situation never-the-less. That aside, new chrome five spoke wheels were quickly ordered and installed. The chrome 18" X20 Wrath 327 wheels were wrapped with P245/40R18 Cooper Zeon 2XS directional tires all around. The wheels look absolutely stunning on the vehicle and fit perfectly. No rubbing or other concerns; however The project has been put into hibernation for the season since the winter weather has finally come. But don't worry, that doesn't mean we can't continue with the build-up. In keeping with the goal of the vehicle, this seasons winter modifications will consist of a complete overhaul of the differential and some important new suspension components. Additionally, we're going to take this opportunity to get in under the car and do a proper job of undercoating and rust protecting. |
