Redline's 79 Trans Am project

[fatguyzinc]

im just gonna leave this here---because everytime i see a 2nd gen
thunderchicken, this goes through my mind immediately.....makes
me miss my 71 esprit with the 455 swap !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuDK0xIZFTo

[Redline04]

John, i just received the Sept HRM and Marlan Davis has an article on the later Olds engines, page 88.

i’ll Look it up, Thanks

[Redline04]

im just gonna leave this here---because everytime i see a 2nd gen
thunderchicken, this goes through my mind immediately.....makes
me miss my 71 esprit with the 455 swap !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuDK0xIZFTo

Yep, that’s the memory

[Redline04]

Back to Updates... the TA was shelved and stored for a while due to Life.
Last seen, it was sent off for paint stripping and primer...(most pics back on pg 3)

[Redline04]

Primer and 2 coats Hot Rod Satin paint were completed, but I lost the original pics due to a phone issue... these are from last week (just before the forum crash issue)
Body is super straight and clean! Stored almost 10 yrs before I bought it... after some tiny dings were worked out this is the result.

[Redline04]

Last summer during the HRPT I got set up for a full suspension rebuild for the TA
5 boxes of UMI parts thanks to Nate and Brent!

[Redline04]

The current Suspension Upgrades will include tubular upper and lower arms, 1" lowering springs, UMI adjustable shocks front & rear, new rear springs and new front sway.

[Redline04]

Front driver side, mostly installed. This pic just before shock was installed.


Rear springs also installed. Had to cut off old snubber style boxed traction bars and unbolt home built subframe connectors to access front mount of leaf springs.
Will be replacing home made connectors with Gen II connectors from ProTouring F-Body.

[cstmwgn]

Primer and 2 coats Hot Rod Satin paint were completed, but I lost the original pics due to a phone issue... these are from last week (just before the forum crash issue)
Body is super straight and clean! Stored almost 10 yrs before I bought it... after some tiny dings were worked out this is the result.

Well John, it would appear that you patience paid off. Looks good!

[Redline04]

Front left and right suspension upgrades finished up, new front sway bar in too, old brakes back on for now. Upgrading brakes soon.

[Redline04]

Anyone out here have decent old school style10bolt valve covers for an Olds 403?
. The Holley covers on the motor were over tightened at some point and leak like crazy even with new gaskets.
. Trying to avoid stamped steel style which is all I can find online...
Pics for reference...

[fatguyzinc]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...ake/oldsmobile

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...ake/oldsmobile

[oletrux4evr]

You might try converting the bolts to studs to keep the gaskets in better alignment. That solved my leaky problem.

[silver_bullet]

https://www.google.com/search?q=olds...20vovers&cad=h
https://pitstopusa.com/i-23933808-gm...CABEgIai_D_BwE

[Redline04]

https://www.google.com/search?q=olds...20vovers&cad=h
https://pitstopusa.com/i-23933808-gm...CABEgIai_D_BwE

I have seen these, identical to the ones Fatguyzinc posted, but being on a 79 TA, the giant Olds lettering doesn't sit well. Neither Holley or Edelbrock make their version anymore. Just the stamped chromed steel ones I'm trying to avoid...
Still looking for now