Replacement build thread. 1999 firebird.

[zeeman]

Well, I drove it today. Still doesn't shift correctly and runs crappy. I have a lot of tweeking to do. I have to look @ the front brakes something is dragging, needs an alignment, exhaust needs some fitment work. But it's getting there

[DynoDave]

Nice! There a lot more fun to tinker with when you can drive 'em.

[zeeman]

Just an update. I am taking a bit of a break from the car for a couple months. My other passion is riding my bike. I was returning from a ride out to Belle Isle, and I got hit by a car. It's been a couple weeks, I'm not in any danger ,I just need to heal. I can't discuss any specifics because of our legal system. So I'm still around, I'll be back.

[zeeman]

So,I'm still here. Still waiting on a settlement on my accident. Car is in the garage...waiting. It needs a tune. And some minor work to run as an n\a build. Still trying to decide what I want to do with it. In order to finish it as a turbo build I would need to back up and start over somewhat. Ditch the air conditioning. Remove the completely rebuilt 4l60 trans and replace it with a 4l80 transmtion. And build or buy A 8.8 rear end. Figure out some kind of fix for the torque arm too. Or. I could build the one air conditioning line I need, charge the system, and get it tuned, and drive it.

I did fix the grinding sound it had when moving. Brake pads was backward! Lol. Still need to fix the exhaust system it won't stay up and the tail pipe slowly sags.

[DynoDave]

Always a tough call. No right answer, just what's right for you. You healed up OK from the accident?

[zeeman]

I'm probably 95% . Some permanent damage. Nothing horrible just a nuisance. Still can't talk about it for legal reasons. I'm riding again but a bit slower, lol.

I'm leaning towards N\A. I might let a shop tune it so so can I can drive it. With a little body work and paintit would be a nice car. Think I'll save the turbo for somethings else.

[zeeman]

So, I am finally getting ready to send my pcm to Ftost for tuning. I might get this thing on the road someday after all.

[zeeman]

Pcm came back from EFI performance. (Formerly Tunes by Frost) on Tuesday. installed it today, turned the key and....Joy! No dash lights. Put it in drive and feels like first gear, spun the tires easily enough. Ran fantastic in the driveway idles right. I couldn't be happier with EFI's service.
now I need to fix the exhaust and install some pannells in the interior.
Still needs a stereo system installed. Then body work and paint.
One more piece of the puzzle completed.

[zeeman]

oh yeah, From my accident. I reached a settlement with the insurance co. And we are done.
so physically I'm as healed up as I'm going to get. I broke 10 ribs on my right side, and my clavicle, minor lung puncture, and some damage to my hip. My shoulder is 1.7 cm shorter on the right side now.

[zeeman]

I removed, modified for fitment, and reinstalled the entire exhaust system today. Welded the tips on. So that's over with.
I need to start looking at stereo components. And that means I get to rip the interior out....Again! Oh what fun.
Also I think there's something in with the alternator. It screams like a bearing is going bad.

[DynoDave]

Excellent news on the tune! Glad it's running well. Also glad you got the settlement done, and have that behind you.

[zeeman]

Yeah man, progress on all fronts lately!lol.

[DynoDave]

Alternator next?

[zeeman]

Nope its still working for now I'll let it be. Air-conditioning is next. I need to get some adspters and make a few lines up. Get a new accumulated and charge it.
front end alignment would be nice too.

[zeeman]

And of course the stereo system. Which means the entire interior has to come out for sound proofing and wire routing.