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Doug's Headers
Exhaust Cutouts, Electric, Bolt-On, Stainless Steel, Natural, 2.5 in. Diameter, Kit
Dupli-Color
Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Flat Gray Primer, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
Dupli-Color
Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Gloss, Pontiac Metallic Blue, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
Dupli-Color
Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Semi-Gloss, Black, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
EBC Brakes
Brake Pads, Yellowstuff 4000 Series, KEVLAR, Front, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Set
Summit Racing
Carburetor, Summit, 750 cfm, Square Bore, 4-Barrel, Electric Choke, Vacuum Secondary, with DVD, Each
TCI Automotive
Automatic Transmission, Forward Shift Pattern, Automatic, Manual Valve Body, Chevy, 700R4, Each
American Powertrain Systems
X-Factor Aluminum Cross Member, 75-81 F-body to 700r4/4L60/4L65, includes hardware and bolt plates.
RockAuto.com
Brake Hose, Left/Right
RockAuto.com
ES427R Outer Tie Rod, ES2001L Inner Tie Rod, ES2002L Inner Tie Rod, ES2004S Adjusting Sleeve, DS883 Center Link, K6186 Idler Arm
The Industrial Depot
The Industrial Depot - Fasteners, Hardware, and Shop Supplies
Video Transcript
(ANNOUNCER)>> TODAY ON
DETROIT MUSCLE WE'LL KEEP YOU IN SUSPENSE AS OUR
GIVEAWAY TRANS AM GETS NEW LEGS AND 600 POUND FEET
OF TORQUE WEDGED IN, AROUND, AND UNDER IT. IT'S MAJOR UPGRADES
GALORE AS THIS T/A GOES FROM TIRED TO WIRED. DETROIT MUSCLE STARTS NOW!
(JOE)>> OUR FIRST PROJECT MEANS THAT WE'RE GONNA BE KICKING BANDIT STYLE WITH THIS 1978 PONTIAC TRANS AM. WE BOUGHT IT FROM A LADY WHO'S HAD IT SINCE THE MID '80'S. THEN SLAPPED IT ON THE CHASSIS DYNO WITH SOME HELP FROM OUR SISTER SHOW ENGINE POWER. ALL THAT WE COULD SQUEEZE OUT OF IT WAS A MONSTROUS 152 HORSEPOWER. WELL THAT'S NOT GONNA WORK.
(TOMMY)>> SO THEN WE GOT THE PONTIAC POWERED GURUS FROM BUTLER PERFORMANCE TO HELP US BUILD UP A PONTIAC 455 INTO A 550 HORSEPOWER STROKER THAT'LL ROAST THE TIRES PLUM OFF THIS BIRD.
(JOE)>> THE GRAND IDEA HERE IS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC BLACK AND GOLD SPECIAL EDITION TRANS AMS THAT WE ALL REMEMBER, AND THEN GIVE OURS AWAY TO ONE OF YOU GUYS. OF COURSE A LOT OF THE INSPIRATION COMES FROM THAT BURT REYNOLDS CLASSIC SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. HOPEFULLY WE WON'T HAVE ANY COUNTY MOUNTIES CHASING US
WHEN THIS THING'S DONE. WELL RIGHT NOW WE'RE AT KIND OF AN IMPASSE. WE'VE GOT THAT BIG BAD STROKER MOTOR READY TO DROP INTO ITS NEW HOME. HOWEVER THAT 150 HORSE DOG IS STILL SITTING IN ITS PLACE.
(TOMMY)>> THE PLAN IS TO SNATCH THIS OLD MOTOR OUT SO WE CAN SPRUCE UP A BIT, CLEAN AND PAINT ALL UNDER HERE BEFORE WE DROP IN THAT NEW ENGINE.
(JOE)>> IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, NO THIS ISN'T THE ORIGINAL ENGINE FROM THIS CAR. IT CAME FROM AN EARLIER MODEL T/A. SO KEEPING THE NUMBERS MATCHING ENGINE, WELL THAT'S A NO GO SINCE IT'S ALREADY GONE.
(TOMMY)>> SO FIRST THINGS FIRST, WE'VE GOT
TO GET THIS HOOD OFF.
(JOE)>> THERE ARE FEW THINGS IN LIFE MORE TITILLATING THAN TRYING TO CONTORT YOUR BODY AROUND A HOOD WHILE DOING MAJOR ENGINE SURGERY. SO I THINK WE'LL GO AHEAD AND LOSE OURS FOR THIS SWAP. THE LITTLE BIRD'S HEAVY.
(TOMMY)>> DON'T FORGET TO DRAIN THE RADIATOR INTO A PAN BEFORE YOU PULL THE LOWER HOSE. THAT WAY YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF A PRETTY BIG MESS.
(JOE)>> WHAT HE JUST SAID ABOUT AVOIDING A MESS, THERE WE GO, WELL SO MUCH FOR THAT.
(TOMMY)>> WE KNOW THAT THE OLD EXHAUST IS GOING AWAY
FOR GOOD, SO NO NEED TO STRUGGLE WHEN A RECIPROCATING SAW MAKES SHORT WORK OF REMOVING IT.
(JOE)>> LETS SEE IF I CAN GET THIS OLD DRIVESHAFT GOING. YOU KNOW WE'RE USING A LIFT TO GET ALL THIS STUFF OUT FROM UNDERNEATH, BUT IF YOU'RE DOING THIS AT HOME, DON'T FORGET WITHOUT THE DRIVESHAFT THE THING'S GONNA WANNA ROLL. GET READY FOR THE ROLL. THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS CAN COME OUT NEXT AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER BOLTS.
WE'RE REMOVING THE OLD TRANS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ENGINE. SO STUFF LIKE THAT AND THE SPEEDO CABLE WILL NEED TO BE DISCONNECTED.
(TOMMY)>> OF COURSE YOU CAN'T FORGET THE TRANNY LINKAGE.
LET IT DOWN. IF YOU'RE TACKLING AN ENGINE SWAP FOR THE FIRST TIME, SAFETY SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CONCERN.
USE A CHERRY PICKER RATED TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT. THIS TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DUMP FLUID ALL
OVER THE FLOOR FOR US. SO TRY AS WE MIGHT TO CATCH IT, WE'VE GOT ANOTHER MESS TO CLEAN UP.
(JOE)>> WELL AFTER SOME ADDITIONAL EXHAUST TRIMMING FOR CLEARANCE, WELL SHE'S PRETTY WELL READY TO COME OUT.
(TOMMY)>> IF IT GETS TO BE TOO MUCH LET ME KNOW. I'LL GIVE YOU A BREAK, I'M NOT GONNA DO IT. WHAT YOU HUFFIN AND A PUFFIN FOR?
(JOE)>> I'M GONNA BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN.
(TOMMY)>> ALRIGHT, GO AHEAD JOE. FUNNY THING ABOUT AN OLD GREASY ENGINE IS THAT IT LEAVES A GREASY OLD MESS THAT'S GOT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THAT'S HER!
(JOE)>> ALRIGHT, WE'VE GOT SCRAPERS. WHAT'S THIS THING FOR YOU, YOU GONNA SYPHON SOME GAS OUT?
(TOMMY)>> WELL IT DOES KINDA WORK AS A TENNESSEE CREDIT CARD TOO, BUT I'M GONNA USE THIS LITTLE PIECE OF HOSE AS A DEVICE, WELL TO KEEP WATER OUT OF THE GEARBOX.
(JOE)>> HEY THAT'S PRETTY SMART. WELL I'M GONNA SCRAPE SOME OF THE GUNK OFF THIS ENGINE CRADLE BEFORE WE GIVE THIS THING A BATH, OR BEFORE YOU DO.
(TOMMY)>> WE'RE SIMPLY GONNA PUSH THIS HOSE ONTO THE RETURN AND THEN TAKE IT AND LOOP IT BACK AROUND TO THE FACTORY POWER STEERING HOSE. THAT KEEPS ANY WATER, MOISTURE, SOLVENT, OR CLEANER OUT OF THAT GEARBOX, KEEPS FROM MESSING IT UP.
(JOE)>> IT'S A DIRTY JOB BUT LIKE THEY SAY, SOMEBODY'S GOT TO DO IT. SOME OF THIS GUNK HAS LIKELY BEEN HERE FOR BETTER THAN 30 YEARS.
(TOMMY)>> IS IT TIME FOR LUNCH?
(JOE)>> I THINK IT'S TIME FOR MOVING THIS THING OUTSIDE.
(TOMMY)>> ALRIGHT, I GUESS WE CAN DO THAT BEFORE WE GO TO LUNCH.
(JOE)>> YES!
(TOMMY)>> WE'RE READY TO SPRAY ON SOME CLEANER. WE GOT SOME DEGREASER FROM SAFETY KLEEN.
WE'RE GONNA HOSE THIS STUFF ON, LET IT SET, GO GRAB A BITE TO EAT, COME BACK AND SEE WHAT WE GOT.
IF YOU'VE GOT ACCESS TO A POWER WASHER, IT'LL SAVE YOU A BOAT LOAD OF TIME OVER A BRUSH AND BUCKET. AND YOU CAN RENT THEM PRETTY CHEAPLY TOO. WELL WE GOT EVERYTHING TAPED UP, CLEANED UP, AND READY TO START DOING SOME SPRAYING. WE'RE GONNA PUT ON SOME DUPLICOLOR SPRAY ENAMEL, GIVE OUR ENGINE BAY A MAKEOVER.
(JOE)>> NOW THIS IS ENGINE ENAMEL, AND EVEN THOUGH WE'RE NOT REALLY SPRAYING THE ENGINE, THIS STUFF IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE TEMPERATURES AND CHEMICAL ELEMENTS THAT LIVE UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR.
(ANNOUNCER)>> STICK AROUND AND GET THE SKINNY ON THE MYSTICAL, MAGICAL INNER WORKINGS OF TORQUE CONVERTERS. THEN WE'LL SHOW YOU A SNAPPY WAY TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL CROSS MEMBER INCOMPATIBILITIES AS WELL AS A COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL.
(JOE)>> LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT THIS OLD PONTIAC WRAPPED AND READY FOR A LITTLE PERSONALITY, HUH?
(TOMMY)>> OH YEAH, WE'RE GONNA SPRAY ON A GOOD BIT OF IT.
(JOE)>> WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO FIRST?
(TOMMY)>> WELL I'M GONNA SPRAY ON SOME OF THIS PRIMER TO GIVE MYSELF A GOOD, EVEN CANVAS TO START WITH, AND I MIGHT EVEN LET YOU START PAINTING SOME.
(JOE)>> PONTIAC BLUE I HOPE?
(TOMMY)>> OH YEAH, NOT NONE OF THAT FORD STUFF THAT YOU LIKE. THE PRIMER THAT WE'RE USING IS DUPLICOLOR'S ENGINE ENAMEL PRIMER.
THE REASON THAT YOU WANT TO TRY TO HAVE A UNIFORM CANVAS FOR YOUR PAINT IS THAT THE COLOR'S OF THE COMPONENTS THEMSELVES CAN EFFECT THE COLOR OF THE PAINT THAT GOES OVER THE TOP OF IT. AND SPRAYING ALL OF THEM THE SAME SHADE OF PRIMER NOT ONLY PREPS THE SURFACE, BUT IT MAKES EVERYTHING THE SAME HUE, INSURING THAT YOUR TOP COAT WILL HAVE A CONSISTENT LOOK.
(JOE)>> DUPLICOLOR ALSO OFFERS THAT ICONIC PONTIAC BLUE IN THEIR ENGINE ENAMEL LINE UP. AND ONCE THE MASKING IS REMOVED, WELL YOU CAN SEE IT LOOKS PRETTY DARN GOOD ON OUR STROKER.
WELL HERE'S WHAT WE'RE MATING UP TO THAT BEAUTIFUL BLUE ENGINE. IT'S A 700 RFOUR STREET FIGHTER FROM TCI, TOUGH ENOUGH TO HANDLE 750 HORSEPOWER. IT'S AN AUTOMATIC WITH OVERDRIVE FOR COMFORTABLE CRUISING ON THE INTERSTATE. NOW THE TCI TORQUE CONVERTER IS BUILT FOR MORE LOW AND MID RANGE POWER, AND IT HAS A 2,400 RPM STALL TO COMPLIMENT THAT CAM IN OUR 474. YOU KNOW TORQUE CONVERTERS ARE OFTEN A MYSTERIOUS AND CONFUSING PART IN THE DRIVETRAIN. AND IF THAT'S THE CASE FOR YOU, WATCH THIS, IT MIGHT HELP. TORQUE CONVERTERS ARE BUILT WITH ONE THING IN MIND, TRANSFERRING POWER FROM YOUR ENGINE TO AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT DOES THIS BY TURNING AN IMPELLER WITH A SERIES OF
VEINS ATTACHED TO IT. WHEN THE ENGINE REACHES THE CONVERTER'S STALL SPEED, THE FLUID INSIDE THE UNIT IS FORCED TOWARD THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSING BY CENTRIFUGAL FORCE. THE FLUID WILL THEN BEGIN TO SPIN A TURBINE, WHICH IS SPLINED INTO THE TRANSMISSION'S INPUT SHAFT. THE STALL OF THE CONVERTER SIMPLY REFERS TO THE RPM'S REQUIRED TO BEGIN FORCING MOVEMENT OF THE TURBINE.
HIGHER STALL CONVERTERS ARE TYPICALLY EMPLOYED IN MORE PERFORMANCE ORIENTED APPLICATIONS. WHERE AS STOCK STYLE SETUPS WILL OFTEN EMPLOY
LOWER STALL UNITS. NOW SINCE THE RFOUR IS BASICALLY A CHEVY TRANSMISSION, WE NEED THIS ADAPTER PLATE TO MAKE IT WORK WITH OUR 474. IT'S ALL PART OF A KIT THAT INCLUDES A LINKAGE BRACKET, TB CABLE, TRANS COOLER HARDWARE, AND EVEN ALL THE TRANNY FLUID YOU'LL NEED.
(TOMMY)>> EASY DOES IT, OH DAMN, STOP. OKAY, COME UP JUST A SMIDGE. WITH OUR ADAPTER PLATE BOLTED ONTO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND THE FLEX PLATE IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> UP A LITTLE BIT, THERE IT IS, PERFECT.
(TOMMY)>> THE POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION CAN BE JOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY.
(JOE)>> THEN WE'LL WORK ON PLUGGING THE NEWLYWEDS INTO THEIR APPROPRIATE HOME IN OUR TRANS AM. EASY DOES IT, WE DON'T WANT TO SCRATCH UP OUR NICELY PAINTED ENGINE OR CAR. [ wrench spinning ]
(JOE)>> IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG BEFORE WE START TO REALIZE THAT, WELL THE FACTORY CROSS MEMBER IS HANGING US UP.
TRY AS WE MIGHT, IT'S NOT GONNA ALLOW US TO PROPERLY POSITION THE TRANSMISSION.
(TOMMY)>> THAT'S NO BIG DEAL. A FEW BOLTS AND SOME HAMMER TAPS AND THE OLD CROSS MEMBER IS OUT OF THE WAY. THEN THE ENGINE CAN SEAT ONTO ITS MOUNTS. I'LL TELL YOU WHAT MAN, THAT'S A PRETTY LITTLE
MOTOR SITTING IN THERE.
(JOE)>> YEAH, I THINK IT LOOKS JUST FINE, IT LOOKS RIGHT AT HOME.
(ANNOUNCER)>> KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED AND WE'LL GO THROUGH THE DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY OF OUR FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE COIL OVER UPGRADE THAT IMPROVES YOUR HANDLING ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SWAP WE'RE DOING ON THIS OLD BIRD.
(TOMMY)>> WELL WE JUST ABOUT GOT OUR TRANSMISSION BOLTED UP. WE RUN INTO A LITTLE SNAG, OUR STOCK CROSS MEMBER WOULDN'T BOLT INTO PLACE RUNNING THIS 700 RFOUR. BUT THAT'S NO BIGGIE BECAUSE WE GOT THIS XFACTOR
CROSS MEMBER FROM AMERICAN POWERTRAIN. THE XFACTOR IS AN ALUMINUM HIGHLY MODULAR PIECE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO RUN A HUGE COMBINATION OF DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS WHILE BEING BOTH STRONG AND LIGHT WEIGHT. NOW THE FACTORY RUBBER MOUNT WAS NEVER REALLY DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE POWER THAT WE'RE GONNA HAVE IN OUR TRANS AM. SO WE GOT THIS PRETTY LITTLE JEWEL HERE THAT WE GOT FROM PROTHANE. AND I'LL TELL YOU, IT'S GONNA HANDLE ALL THE ABUSE THAT WE COULD EVER THROW AT IT.
(JOE)>> WELL NATURALLY WE WANT THAT THING TO DRIVE AS GOOD AS IT RUNS. SO HERE'S AN UPGRADE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION ALL FROM CLASSIC PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS.
BEGINNING WITH A STIFFER INCH AND A QUARTER SWAY BAR, SOME OF THEIR TUBULAR UPPER AND CONTROL ARMS, AND A SET
OF SINGLE ADJUSTABLE COIL=OVER SHOCKS. THESE THINGS BY THE WAY WILL LOWER THE RIDE HEIGHT ABOUT AN INCH TO TWO INCHES. SO LET THE SUSPENSION TEARDOWN BEGIN. STOCK CALIPERS ARE FIRST TO GO, AND WE'RE GONNA REPLACE THE RUBBER BRAKE LINES ANYWAY, SO THOSE CAN JUST BE CLIPPED. THEN THE TIE RODS CAN BE PERSUADED OUT OF THE WAY.
(TOMMY)>> SWAY BAR LINKS ARE GOING BY BY AS WELL. SO INSTEAD OF STRUGGLING TO LOOSEN THEM UP, IT'S THE OLD HOT WRENCH. THEN THE SWAP BAR DROPS OUT.
(JOE)>> THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS UNBOLTED FIRST.
THEN THE TWO BOTTOM BOLTS CAN BE LOOSENED, ALLOW YOU
TO REMOVE THE SHOCK. THE SPINDLE IS HELD ON WITH A COUPLE OF PINNED CASTLE NUTS. NOW BE CAREFUL. THIS THING CONTAINS THE ENERGY OF THAT FRONT SPRING. USING A JACK TO HOLD THE BOTTOM CONTROL ARM UP WHILE YOU REMOVE THE NUT IS A GOOD WAY TO KEEP
THAT SPRING IN CHECK. THEN YOU CAN LET THE JACK DOWN AND REMOVE THE SPRING, BUT LIKE I SAID, USE CAUTION.
(TOMMY)>> WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY, THE SPINDLE CAN COME OFF. A COUPLE OF BOLTS HOLD THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON AS WELL AS A COUPLE MORE WHICH HOLD ON THE LOWER ONE.
(JOE)>> YOU'VE SEEN US INSTALL TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS MANY TIMES BEFORE, AND WELL IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHY IT'S SIMPLE. IT OFFSETS THE STOCK SUSPENSION GEOMETRY AND PROVIDES FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE HANDLING. AND HELPS YOU CARVE THOSE CORNERS A LOT EASIER.
(TOMMY)>> SOMEHOW JOE MANAGED TO GET THE LESS GREASY JOB OF INSTALLING THE SHINY NEW PARTS. WHEN IT COMES TO HOW HARD YOU WANT TO RUN THESE BOLTS DOWN, YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE PRETTY DARN TIGHT.
(JOE)>> NOW READY FOR COIL OVERS, AND HERE'S A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU. IF YOU PUT A LITTLE LOCTITE ANTISEIZE ON THIS ADJUSTER IT WON'T GAUL UP WHEN YOU'RE READY TO USE IT. SEE IF THIS THING WILL PULL UP.
TO GET THESE COIL OVER SHOCKS ON WE'LL HAVE TO CHEAT A BIT USING A NUT AND WASHER TO HOLD THE TOP IN PLACE.
(TOMMY)>> HERE, LET ME HELP YOU JOE.
(JOE)>> THEN WE'LL GET THE TWO BOTTOM BOLTS SECURED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. HERE WE GO.
AND USING A SCREW JACK WE CAN LOAD UP THE SUSPENSION, ALLOWING US TO REMOVED THE TEMPORARY NUT AND WASHER ON TOP. THEN INSERT THE PROPER RUBBER GROMMET AND WASHER. NOW HOW MUCH DO YOU TIGHTEN DOWN THIS SHOCK NUT? WELL YOU WANT TO SQUISH DOWN THIS RUBBER GROMMET UNTIL IT'S FLUSH WITH THIS WASHER AND NO MORE.
THAT'S ABOUT ENOUGH. NOW FOR THE JAMB NUT.
NOW THANKS TO TOMMY, AND THE BEAD BLASTER, AND SOME PAINT, THE SPINDLE LOOKS BRAND NEW.
(TOMMY)>> WE ALSO USED OUR OLD SCREW JACK TRICK TO BRING THE SPINDLE UP WHERE IT CAN BE BOLTED TO THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS. BUT IF YOUR CAR'S ON THE GROUND, A FLOOR JACK DOES THE JOB JUST AS WELL.
(JOE)>> WHEN YOU UPGRADE YOUR SUSPENSION LIKE THIS, IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO REMOVE THE OLD ORIGINAL STEERING COMPONENTS AND INSTALL SOME NEW ONES LIKE
THESE WE GOT FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM. OTHERWISE IT'S KINDA LIKE TRYING TO PLAY BASKETBALL IN WORN OUT COWBOY BOOTS.
(TOMMY)>> AND ONCE THE CAR HITS THE ROAD, YOU'VE GOT TO COME BACK AND TIGHTEN EVERYTHING UP AGAIN BECAUSE IT WILL SETTLE IN DURING THE FIRST RUN.
(ANNOUNCER)>> WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE ONE CRUCIAL STEP BEFORE YOU USE A SET OF BRAND NEW BRAKES? WE'LL SHOW YOU IN JUST A FEW. DETROIT MUSCLE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.
(JOE)>> HEY WE'RE BACK AFTER UPGRADING THE FRONT SUSPENSION ON THIS OLD RED BIRD. AND WELL SINCE WE ALSO ADDED SOME EXTRA HORSEPOWER, WE
NEED SOME BETTER BINDERS TO BRING IT TO A HALT. WE'LL START WITH A SET OF EBC'S SPORT ROTORS. NOW THESE THINGS HAVE SLOTS TO KEEP THE PADS COOLER AND HELP THEM WEAR EVENLY. THESE DIMPLES, WELL THEY'RE ALL ABOUT DEGASING THE ROTORS. SOME SAFETY KLEEN BRAKE CLEANER WILL HELP US CLEAN OUR NEW ROTORS, INSURING THAT THERE AREN'T ANY UNWANTED SUBSTANCES THAT COULD COMPROMISE OUR BRAKES. WE'RE ALSO USING EBC'S YELLOW STUFF PADS, WHICH ARE IDEAL FOR SERIOUS STREET AND TRACK USE. THEY'RE MADE WITH A HIGH FRICTION FORMULA, AND THE RED BREAK IN SURFACES, WELL THEY'LL MAKE SURE WE GET SAFE INSTANT BRAKING AS SOON AS WE INSTALL THEM.
(TOMMY)>> THESE EBC PADS WORK WITH OUR FACTORY CALIPERS, WHICH WE'VE CLEANED UP AND PAINTED WITH CAST IRON COLORED PAINT.
(JOE)>> NOW SOME OF THESE CARS DID COME WITH FOUR WHEEL DISCS, BUT OURS CAME WITH DRUMS IN THE REAR. HOWEVER WE'VE GOT A LITTLE TRICK FOR THAT, AND YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.
(TOMMY)>> HEY JOE, YOU GOT THAT OLD LINE OFF?
(JOE)>> YEAH, CHECK IT OUT, MORE CRACKS THAN YOU'D FIND AT A PLUMBERS CONVENTION.
(TOMMY)>> WELL YOU GUYS, YOU WANT TO REPLACE THE RUBBER BRAKE LINES ON THESE THINGS CAUSE THEY'RE CONSIDERED A CONSUMABLE PART. YOU'VE GOT TO THINK OF THEM AS LIKE A SET OF TIRES.
THEY JUST WEAR OUT, CRACK, AND YOU DON'T WANT TO REPLACE ONE OF THEM, BECAUSE IF ONE'S BAD, THEY'RE ALL BAD.
(JOE)>> AND THAT'S WHY TOMMY IS GONNA REPLACE ALL OF THEM WITH THESE WE GOT FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM.
(TOMMY)>> SOUNDS LIKE I GOT THE SHORT END OF THE STICK ON THAT ONE.
(JOE)>> I DON'T KNOW. GOOD DAY TODAY, AND I GUESS NEXT TIME WE'LL JUMP ON THE REAR OF THIS CAR, BRAKES AND SUCH, AND OH, SHOW YOU THAT LITTLE TRICK WE TALKED ABOUT.
(TOMMY)>> THAT'S IT, GET OUT OF THE WAY, GET OUT OF THE WAY, JEEZ!
(JOE)>> YOU KNOW THERE'S NOTHING LIKE VARIETY, EVEN IN YOUR CAR'S EXHAUST NOTE. THIS ELECTRIC EXHAUST CUTOUT KIT FROM DOUG'S ALLOWS YOU TO CONVERT TO WIDE OPEN EXHAUST WITH THE
FLICK OF A SWITCH. IN ADDITION TO THE PIPES YOU GET A PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
STAINLESS STEEL DRIVE MECHANISMS THAT STAY SEALED SO THEY'RE LEAK PROOF OPEN OR SHUT.
ALSO YOU GET THE WIRING HARNESS, TOGGLE
SWITCH, AND FUSES. THEY'RE SOLD SEPARATELY OR AS A KIT WITH PRICES THAT VARY ACCORDING TO APPLICATION.
(TOMMY)>> FOR YOUR NEXT CARBURETOR SWAP YOU CAN GET GREAT THROTTLE RESPONSE AND STREET PERFORMANCE IN THIS BOLT AND GO PACKAGE. IT'S A 750 CFM CARB WITH VACUUM SECONDARIES FROM SUMMIT RACING.
IT'S GOT AN ALL ALUMINUM LEAK FREE DESIGN, AND EACH ONE IS FLOW TESTED TO RUN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. IT'S GOT A TUMBLE POLISHED BODY AND BLACK ANODIZED TRIM FOR SOME GOOD LOOKS, AND A GOOD PRICE TOO, $286 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> SAY IF YOU'RE DRESSING UP THE INTERIOR OF YOUR FIRST GEN CAMARO, OF COURSE YOU WANT SOME NICE DOOR PANELS. THIS STANDARD SERIES FROM TMI FITS COUPES, CONVERTIBLES, AND PROBABLY YOUR BUDGET. THEY'RE MADE WITH ORIGINAL FACTORY MATERIALS AND COME IN A VARIETY OF ORIGINAL COLORS. PLUS THEY'RE GUARANTEED FOR QUALITY, FIT, AND FINISH. YOU CAN FINISH OFF YOUR CAMARO'S DOORS FOR ABOUT $95 BUCKS. WELL WE JUST FINISHED OFF ANOTHER DETROIT MUSCLE, SEE YOU NEXT TIME.
I LIKE THAT NEW SOUND!
Show Full Transcript
(JOE)>> OUR FIRST PROJECT MEANS THAT WE'RE GONNA BE KICKING BANDIT STYLE WITH THIS 1978 PONTIAC TRANS AM. WE BOUGHT IT FROM A LADY WHO'S HAD IT SINCE THE MID '80'S. THEN SLAPPED IT ON THE CHASSIS DYNO WITH SOME HELP FROM OUR SISTER SHOW ENGINE POWER. ALL THAT WE COULD SQUEEZE OUT OF IT WAS A MONSTROUS 152 HORSEPOWER. WELL THAT'S NOT GONNA WORK.
(TOMMY)>> SO THEN WE GOT THE PONTIAC POWERED GURUS FROM BUTLER PERFORMANCE TO HELP US BUILD UP A PONTIAC 455 INTO A 550 HORSEPOWER STROKER THAT'LL ROAST THE TIRES PLUM OFF THIS BIRD.
(JOE)>> THE GRAND IDEA HERE IS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC BLACK AND GOLD SPECIAL EDITION TRANS AMS THAT WE ALL REMEMBER, AND THEN GIVE OURS AWAY TO ONE OF YOU GUYS. OF COURSE A LOT OF THE INSPIRATION COMES FROM THAT BURT REYNOLDS CLASSIC SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. HOPEFULLY WE WON'T HAVE ANY COUNTY MOUNTIES CHASING US
WHEN THIS THING'S DONE. WELL RIGHT NOW WE'RE AT KIND OF AN IMPASSE. WE'VE GOT THAT BIG BAD STROKER MOTOR READY TO DROP INTO ITS NEW HOME. HOWEVER THAT 150 HORSE DOG IS STILL SITTING IN ITS PLACE.
(TOMMY)>> THE PLAN IS TO SNATCH THIS OLD MOTOR OUT SO WE CAN SPRUCE UP A BIT, CLEAN AND PAINT ALL UNDER HERE BEFORE WE DROP IN THAT NEW ENGINE.
(JOE)>> IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, NO THIS ISN'T THE ORIGINAL ENGINE FROM THIS CAR. IT CAME FROM AN EARLIER MODEL T/A. SO KEEPING THE NUMBERS MATCHING ENGINE, WELL THAT'S A NO GO SINCE IT'S ALREADY GONE.
(TOMMY)>> SO FIRST THINGS FIRST, WE'VE GOT
TO GET THIS HOOD OFF.
(JOE)>> THERE ARE FEW THINGS IN LIFE MORE TITILLATING THAN TRYING TO CONTORT YOUR BODY AROUND A HOOD WHILE DOING MAJOR ENGINE SURGERY. SO I THINK WE'LL GO AHEAD AND LOSE OURS FOR THIS SWAP. THE LITTLE BIRD'S HEAVY.
(TOMMY)>> DON'T FORGET TO DRAIN THE RADIATOR INTO A PAN BEFORE YOU PULL THE LOWER HOSE. THAT WAY YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF A PRETTY BIG MESS.
(JOE)>> WHAT HE JUST SAID ABOUT AVOIDING A MESS, THERE WE GO, WELL SO MUCH FOR THAT.
(TOMMY)>> WE KNOW THAT THE OLD EXHAUST IS GOING AWAY
FOR GOOD, SO NO NEED TO STRUGGLE WHEN A RECIPROCATING SAW MAKES SHORT WORK OF REMOVING IT.
(JOE)>> LETS SEE IF I CAN GET THIS OLD DRIVESHAFT GOING. YOU KNOW WE'RE USING A LIFT TO GET ALL THIS STUFF OUT FROM UNDERNEATH, BUT IF YOU'RE DOING THIS AT HOME, DON'T FORGET WITHOUT THE DRIVESHAFT THE THING'S GONNA WANNA ROLL. GET READY FOR THE ROLL. THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS CAN COME OUT NEXT AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER BOLTS.
WE'RE REMOVING THE OLD TRANS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ENGINE. SO STUFF LIKE THAT AND THE SPEEDO CABLE WILL NEED TO BE DISCONNECTED.
(TOMMY)>> OF COURSE YOU CAN'T FORGET THE TRANNY LINKAGE.
LET IT DOWN. IF YOU'RE TACKLING AN ENGINE SWAP FOR THE FIRST TIME, SAFETY SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CONCERN.
USE A CHERRY PICKER RATED TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT. THIS TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DUMP FLUID ALL
OVER THE FLOOR FOR US. SO TRY AS WE MIGHT TO CATCH IT, WE'VE GOT ANOTHER MESS TO CLEAN UP.
(JOE)>> WELL AFTER SOME ADDITIONAL EXHAUST TRIMMING FOR CLEARANCE, WELL SHE'S PRETTY WELL READY TO COME OUT.
(TOMMY)>> IF IT GETS TO BE TOO MUCH LET ME KNOW. I'LL GIVE YOU A BREAK, I'M NOT GONNA DO IT. WHAT YOU HUFFIN AND A PUFFIN FOR?
(JOE)>> I'M GONNA BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN.
(TOMMY)>> ALRIGHT, GO AHEAD JOE. FUNNY THING ABOUT AN OLD GREASY ENGINE IS THAT IT LEAVES A GREASY OLD MESS THAT'S GOT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THAT'S HER!
(JOE)>> ALRIGHT, WE'VE GOT SCRAPERS. WHAT'S THIS THING FOR YOU, YOU GONNA SYPHON SOME GAS OUT?
(TOMMY)>> WELL IT DOES KINDA WORK AS A TENNESSEE CREDIT CARD TOO, BUT I'M GONNA USE THIS LITTLE PIECE OF HOSE AS A DEVICE, WELL TO KEEP WATER OUT OF THE GEARBOX.
(JOE)>> HEY THAT'S PRETTY SMART. WELL I'M GONNA SCRAPE SOME OF THE GUNK OFF THIS ENGINE CRADLE BEFORE WE GIVE THIS THING A BATH, OR BEFORE YOU DO.
(TOMMY)>> WE'RE SIMPLY GONNA PUSH THIS HOSE ONTO THE RETURN AND THEN TAKE IT AND LOOP IT BACK AROUND TO THE FACTORY POWER STEERING HOSE. THAT KEEPS ANY WATER, MOISTURE, SOLVENT, OR CLEANER OUT OF THAT GEARBOX, KEEPS FROM MESSING IT UP.
(JOE)>> IT'S A DIRTY JOB BUT LIKE THEY SAY, SOMEBODY'S GOT TO DO IT. SOME OF THIS GUNK HAS LIKELY BEEN HERE FOR BETTER THAN 30 YEARS.
(TOMMY)>> IS IT TIME FOR LUNCH?
(JOE)>> I THINK IT'S TIME FOR MOVING THIS THING OUTSIDE.
(TOMMY)>> ALRIGHT, I GUESS WE CAN DO THAT BEFORE WE GO TO LUNCH.
(JOE)>> YES!
(TOMMY)>> WE'RE READY TO SPRAY ON SOME CLEANER. WE GOT SOME DEGREASER FROM SAFETY KLEEN.
WE'RE GONNA HOSE THIS STUFF ON, LET IT SET, GO GRAB A BITE TO EAT, COME BACK AND SEE WHAT WE GOT.
IF YOU'VE GOT ACCESS TO A POWER WASHER, IT'LL SAVE YOU A BOAT LOAD OF TIME OVER A BRUSH AND BUCKET. AND YOU CAN RENT THEM PRETTY CHEAPLY TOO. WELL WE GOT EVERYTHING TAPED UP, CLEANED UP, AND READY TO START DOING SOME SPRAYING. WE'RE GONNA PUT ON SOME DUPLICOLOR SPRAY ENAMEL, GIVE OUR ENGINE BAY A MAKEOVER.
(JOE)>> NOW THIS IS ENGINE ENAMEL, AND EVEN THOUGH WE'RE NOT REALLY SPRAYING THE ENGINE, THIS STUFF IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE TEMPERATURES AND CHEMICAL ELEMENTS THAT LIVE UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR.
(ANNOUNCER)>> STICK AROUND AND GET THE SKINNY ON THE MYSTICAL, MAGICAL INNER WORKINGS OF TORQUE CONVERTERS. THEN WE'LL SHOW YOU A SNAPPY WAY TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL CROSS MEMBER INCOMPATIBILITIES AS WELL AS A COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL.
(JOE)>> LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT THIS OLD PONTIAC WRAPPED AND READY FOR A LITTLE PERSONALITY, HUH?
(TOMMY)>> OH YEAH, WE'RE GONNA SPRAY ON A GOOD BIT OF IT.
(JOE)>> WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO FIRST?
(TOMMY)>> WELL I'M GONNA SPRAY ON SOME OF THIS PRIMER TO GIVE MYSELF A GOOD, EVEN CANVAS TO START WITH, AND I MIGHT EVEN LET YOU START PAINTING SOME.
(JOE)>> PONTIAC BLUE I HOPE?
(TOMMY)>> OH YEAH, NOT NONE OF THAT FORD STUFF THAT YOU LIKE. THE PRIMER THAT WE'RE USING IS DUPLICOLOR'S ENGINE ENAMEL PRIMER.
THE REASON THAT YOU WANT TO TRY TO HAVE A UNIFORM CANVAS FOR YOUR PAINT IS THAT THE COLOR'S OF THE COMPONENTS THEMSELVES CAN EFFECT THE COLOR OF THE PAINT THAT GOES OVER THE TOP OF IT. AND SPRAYING ALL OF THEM THE SAME SHADE OF PRIMER NOT ONLY PREPS THE SURFACE, BUT IT MAKES EVERYTHING THE SAME HUE, INSURING THAT YOUR TOP COAT WILL HAVE A CONSISTENT LOOK.
(JOE)>> DUPLICOLOR ALSO OFFERS THAT ICONIC PONTIAC BLUE IN THEIR ENGINE ENAMEL LINE UP. AND ONCE THE MASKING IS REMOVED, WELL YOU CAN SEE IT LOOKS PRETTY DARN GOOD ON OUR STROKER.
WELL HERE'S WHAT WE'RE MATING UP TO THAT BEAUTIFUL BLUE ENGINE. IT'S A 700 RFOUR STREET FIGHTER FROM TCI, TOUGH ENOUGH TO HANDLE 750 HORSEPOWER. IT'S AN AUTOMATIC WITH OVERDRIVE FOR COMFORTABLE CRUISING ON THE INTERSTATE. NOW THE TCI TORQUE CONVERTER IS BUILT FOR MORE LOW AND MID RANGE POWER, AND IT HAS A 2,400 RPM STALL TO COMPLIMENT THAT CAM IN OUR 474. YOU KNOW TORQUE CONVERTERS ARE OFTEN A MYSTERIOUS AND CONFUSING PART IN THE DRIVETRAIN. AND IF THAT'S THE CASE FOR YOU, WATCH THIS, IT MIGHT HELP. TORQUE CONVERTERS ARE BUILT WITH ONE THING IN MIND, TRANSFERRING POWER FROM YOUR ENGINE TO AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT DOES THIS BY TURNING AN IMPELLER WITH A SERIES OF
VEINS ATTACHED TO IT. WHEN THE ENGINE REACHES THE CONVERTER'S STALL SPEED, THE FLUID INSIDE THE UNIT IS FORCED TOWARD THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSING BY CENTRIFUGAL FORCE. THE FLUID WILL THEN BEGIN TO SPIN A TURBINE, WHICH IS SPLINED INTO THE TRANSMISSION'S INPUT SHAFT. THE STALL OF THE CONVERTER SIMPLY REFERS TO THE RPM'S REQUIRED TO BEGIN FORCING MOVEMENT OF THE TURBINE.
HIGHER STALL CONVERTERS ARE TYPICALLY EMPLOYED IN MORE PERFORMANCE ORIENTED APPLICATIONS. WHERE AS STOCK STYLE SETUPS WILL OFTEN EMPLOY
LOWER STALL UNITS. NOW SINCE THE RFOUR IS BASICALLY A CHEVY TRANSMISSION, WE NEED THIS ADAPTER PLATE TO MAKE IT WORK WITH OUR 474. IT'S ALL PART OF A KIT THAT INCLUDES A LINKAGE BRACKET, TB CABLE, TRANS COOLER HARDWARE, AND EVEN ALL THE TRANNY FLUID YOU'LL NEED.
(TOMMY)>> EASY DOES IT, OH DAMN, STOP. OKAY, COME UP JUST A SMIDGE. WITH OUR ADAPTER PLATE BOLTED ONTO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND THE FLEX PLATE IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> UP A LITTLE BIT, THERE IT IS, PERFECT.
(TOMMY)>> THE POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION CAN BE JOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY.
(JOE)>> THEN WE'LL WORK ON PLUGGING THE NEWLYWEDS INTO THEIR APPROPRIATE HOME IN OUR TRANS AM. EASY DOES IT, WE DON'T WANT TO SCRATCH UP OUR NICELY PAINTED ENGINE OR CAR. [ wrench spinning ]
(JOE)>> IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG BEFORE WE START TO REALIZE THAT, WELL THE FACTORY CROSS MEMBER IS HANGING US UP.
TRY AS WE MIGHT, IT'S NOT GONNA ALLOW US TO PROPERLY POSITION THE TRANSMISSION.
(TOMMY)>> THAT'S NO BIG DEAL. A FEW BOLTS AND SOME HAMMER TAPS AND THE OLD CROSS MEMBER IS OUT OF THE WAY. THEN THE ENGINE CAN SEAT ONTO ITS MOUNTS. I'LL TELL YOU WHAT MAN, THAT'S A PRETTY LITTLE
MOTOR SITTING IN THERE.
(JOE)>> YEAH, I THINK IT LOOKS JUST FINE, IT LOOKS RIGHT AT HOME.
(ANNOUNCER)>> KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED AND WE'LL GO THROUGH THE DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY OF OUR FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE COIL OVER UPGRADE THAT IMPROVES YOUR HANDLING ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SWAP WE'RE DOING ON THIS OLD BIRD.
(TOMMY)>> WELL WE JUST ABOUT GOT OUR TRANSMISSION BOLTED UP. WE RUN INTO A LITTLE SNAG, OUR STOCK CROSS MEMBER WOULDN'T BOLT INTO PLACE RUNNING THIS 700 RFOUR. BUT THAT'S NO BIGGIE BECAUSE WE GOT THIS XFACTOR
CROSS MEMBER FROM AMERICAN POWERTRAIN. THE XFACTOR IS AN ALUMINUM HIGHLY MODULAR PIECE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO RUN A HUGE COMBINATION OF DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS WHILE BEING BOTH STRONG AND LIGHT WEIGHT. NOW THE FACTORY RUBBER MOUNT WAS NEVER REALLY DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE POWER THAT WE'RE GONNA HAVE IN OUR TRANS AM. SO WE GOT THIS PRETTY LITTLE JEWEL HERE THAT WE GOT FROM PROTHANE. AND I'LL TELL YOU, IT'S GONNA HANDLE ALL THE ABUSE THAT WE COULD EVER THROW AT IT.
(JOE)>> WELL NATURALLY WE WANT THAT THING TO DRIVE AS GOOD AS IT RUNS. SO HERE'S AN UPGRADE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION ALL FROM CLASSIC PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS.
BEGINNING WITH A STIFFER INCH AND A QUARTER SWAY BAR, SOME OF THEIR TUBULAR UPPER AND CONTROL ARMS, AND A SET
OF SINGLE ADJUSTABLE COIL=OVER SHOCKS. THESE THINGS BY THE WAY WILL LOWER THE RIDE HEIGHT ABOUT AN INCH TO TWO INCHES. SO LET THE SUSPENSION TEARDOWN BEGIN. STOCK CALIPERS ARE FIRST TO GO, AND WE'RE GONNA REPLACE THE RUBBER BRAKE LINES ANYWAY, SO THOSE CAN JUST BE CLIPPED. THEN THE TIE RODS CAN BE PERSUADED OUT OF THE WAY.
(TOMMY)>> SWAY BAR LINKS ARE GOING BY BY AS WELL. SO INSTEAD OF STRUGGLING TO LOOSEN THEM UP, IT'S THE OLD HOT WRENCH. THEN THE SWAP BAR DROPS OUT.
(JOE)>> THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS UNBOLTED FIRST.
THEN THE TWO BOTTOM BOLTS CAN BE LOOSENED, ALLOW YOU
TO REMOVE THE SHOCK. THE SPINDLE IS HELD ON WITH A COUPLE OF PINNED CASTLE NUTS. NOW BE CAREFUL. THIS THING CONTAINS THE ENERGY OF THAT FRONT SPRING. USING A JACK TO HOLD THE BOTTOM CONTROL ARM UP WHILE YOU REMOVE THE NUT IS A GOOD WAY TO KEEP
THAT SPRING IN CHECK. THEN YOU CAN LET THE JACK DOWN AND REMOVE THE SPRING, BUT LIKE I SAID, USE CAUTION.
(TOMMY)>> WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY, THE SPINDLE CAN COME OFF. A COUPLE OF BOLTS HOLD THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON AS WELL AS A COUPLE MORE WHICH HOLD ON THE LOWER ONE.
(JOE)>> YOU'VE SEEN US INSTALL TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS MANY TIMES BEFORE, AND WELL IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHY IT'S SIMPLE. IT OFFSETS THE STOCK SUSPENSION GEOMETRY AND PROVIDES FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE HANDLING. AND HELPS YOU CARVE THOSE CORNERS A LOT EASIER.
(TOMMY)>> SOMEHOW JOE MANAGED TO GET THE LESS GREASY JOB OF INSTALLING THE SHINY NEW PARTS. WHEN IT COMES TO HOW HARD YOU WANT TO RUN THESE BOLTS DOWN, YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE PRETTY DARN TIGHT.
(JOE)>> NOW READY FOR COIL OVERS, AND HERE'S A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU. IF YOU PUT A LITTLE LOCTITE ANTISEIZE ON THIS ADJUSTER IT WON'T GAUL UP WHEN YOU'RE READY TO USE IT. SEE IF THIS THING WILL PULL UP.
TO GET THESE COIL OVER SHOCKS ON WE'LL HAVE TO CHEAT A BIT USING A NUT AND WASHER TO HOLD THE TOP IN PLACE.
(TOMMY)>> HERE, LET ME HELP YOU JOE.
(JOE)>> THEN WE'LL GET THE TWO BOTTOM BOLTS SECURED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. HERE WE GO.
AND USING A SCREW JACK WE CAN LOAD UP THE SUSPENSION, ALLOWING US TO REMOVED THE TEMPORARY NUT AND WASHER ON TOP. THEN INSERT THE PROPER RUBBER GROMMET AND WASHER. NOW HOW MUCH DO YOU TIGHTEN DOWN THIS SHOCK NUT? WELL YOU WANT TO SQUISH DOWN THIS RUBBER GROMMET UNTIL IT'S FLUSH WITH THIS WASHER AND NO MORE.
THAT'S ABOUT ENOUGH. NOW FOR THE JAMB NUT.
NOW THANKS TO TOMMY, AND THE BEAD BLASTER, AND SOME PAINT, THE SPINDLE LOOKS BRAND NEW.
(TOMMY)>> WE ALSO USED OUR OLD SCREW JACK TRICK TO BRING THE SPINDLE UP WHERE IT CAN BE BOLTED TO THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS. BUT IF YOUR CAR'S ON THE GROUND, A FLOOR JACK DOES THE JOB JUST AS WELL.
(JOE)>> WHEN YOU UPGRADE YOUR SUSPENSION LIKE THIS, IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO REMOVE THE OLD ORIGINAL STEERING COMPONENTS AND INSTALL SOME NEW ONES LIKE
THESE WE GOT FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM. OTHERWISE IT'S KINDA LIKE TRYING TO PLAY BASKETBALL IN WORN OUT COWBOY BOOTS.
(TOMMY)>> AND ONCE THE CAR HITS THE ROAD, YOU'VE GOT TO COME BACK AND TIGHTEN EVERYTHING UP AGAIN BECAUSE IT WILL SETTLE IN DURING THE FIRST RUN.
(ANNOUNCER)>> WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE ONE CRUCIAL STEP BEFORE YOU USE A SET OF BRAND NEW BRAKES? WE'LL SHOW YOU IN JUST A FEW. DETROIT MUSCLE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.
(JOE)>> HEY WE'RE BACK AFTER UPGRADING THE FRONT SUSPENSION ON THIS OLD RED BIRD. AND WELL SINCE WE ALSO ADDED SOME EXTRA HORSEPOWER, WE
NEED SOME BETTER BINDERS TO BRING IT TO A HALT. WE'LL START WITH A SET OF EBC'S SPORT ROTORS. NOW THESE THINGS HAVE SLOTS TO KEEP THE PADS COOLER AND HELP THEM WEAR EVENLY. THESE DIMPLES, WELL THEY'RE ALL ABOUT DEGASING THE ROTORS. SOME SAFETY KLEEN BRAKE CLEANER WILL HELP US CLEAN OUR NEW ROTORS, INSURING THAT THERE AREN'T ANY UNWANTED SUBSTANCES THAT COULD COMPROMISE OUR BRAKES. WE'RE ALSO USING EBC'S YELLOW STUFF PADS, WHICH ARE IDEAL FOR SERIOUS STREET AND TRACK USE. THEY'RE MADE WITH A HIGH FRICTION FORMULA, AND THE RED BREAK IN SURFACES, WELL THEY'LL MAKE SURE WE GET SAFE INSTANT BRAKING AS SOON AS WE INSTALL THEM.
(TOMMY)>> THESE EBC PADS WORK WITH OUR FACTORY CALIPERS, WHICH WE'VE CLEANED UP AND PAINTED WITH CAST IRON COLORED PAINT.
(JOE)>> NOW SOME OF THESE CARS DID COME WITH FOUR WHEEL DISCS, BUT OURS CAME WITH DRUMS IN THE REAR. HOWEVER WE'VE GOT A LITTLE TRICK FOR THAT, AND YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.
(TOMMY)>> HEY JOE, YOU GOT THAT OLD LINE OFF?
(JOE)>> YEAH, CHECK IT OUT, MORE CRACKS THAN YOU'D FIND AT A PLUMBERS CONVENTION.
(TOMMY)>> WELL YOU GUYS, YOU WANT TO REPLACE THE RUBBER BRAKE LINES ON THESE THINGS CAUSE THEY'RE CONSIDERED A CONSUMABLE PART. YOU'VE GOT TO THINK OF THEM AS LIKE A SET OF TIRES.
THEY JUST WEAR OUT, CRACK, AND YOU DON'T WANT TO REPLACE ONE OF THEM, BECAUSE IF ONE'S BAD, THEY'RE ALL BAD.
(JOE)>> AND THAT'S WHY TOMMY IS GONNA REPLACE ALL OF THEM WITH THESE WE GOT FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM.
(TOMMY)>> SOUNDS LIKE I GOT THE SHORT END OF THE STICK ON THAT ONE.
(JOE)>> I DON'T KNOW. GOOD DAY TODAY, AND I GUESS NEXT TIME WE'LL JUMP ON THE REAR OF THIS CAR, BRAKES AND SUCH, AND OH, SHOW YOU THAT LITTLE TRICK WE TALKED ABOUT.
(TOMMY)>> THAT'S IT, GET OUT OF THE WAY, GET OUT OF THE WAY, JEEZ!
(JOE)>> YOU KNOW THERE'S NOTHING LIKE VARIETY, EVEN IN YOUR CAR'S EXHAUST NOTE. THIS ELECTRIC EXHAUST CUTOUT KIT FROM DOUG'S ALLOWS YOU TO CONVERT TO WIDE OPEN EXHAUST WITH THE
FLICK OF A SWITCH. IN ADDITION TO THE PIPES YOU GET A PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
STAINLESS STEEL DRIVE MECHANISMS THAT STAY SEALED SO THEY'RE LEAK PROOF OPEN OR SHUT.
ALSO YOU GET THE WIRING HARNESS, TOGGLE
SWITCH, AND FUSES. THEY'RE SOLD SEPARATELY OR AS A KIT WITH PRICES THAT VARY ACCORDING TO APPLICATION.
(TOMMY)>> FOR YOUR NEXT CARBURETOR SWAP YOU CAN GET GREAT THROTTLE RESPONSE AND STREET PERFORMANCE IN THIS BOLT AND GO PACKAGE. IT'S A 750 CFM CARB WITH VACUUM SECONDARIES FROM SUMMIT RACING.
IT'S GOT AN ALL ALUMINUM LEAK FREE DESIGN, AND EACH ONE IS FLOW TESTED TO RUN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. IT'S GOT A TUMBLE POLISHED BODY AND BLACK ANODIZED TRIM FOR SOME GOOD LOOKS, AND A GOOD PRICE TOO, $286 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> SAY IF YOU'RE DRESSING UP THE INTERIOR OF YOUR FIRST GEN CAMARO, OF COURSE YOU WANT SOME NICE DOOR PANELS. THIS STANDARD SERIES FROM TMI FITS COUPES, CONVERTIBLES, AND PROBABLY YOUR BUDGET. THEY'RE MADE WITH ORIGINAL FACTORY MATERIALS AND COME IN A VARIETY OF ORIGINAL COLORS. PLUS THEY'RE GUARANTEED FOR QUALITY, FIT, AND FINISH. YOU CAN FINISH OFF YOUR CAMARO'S DOORS FOR ABOUT $95 BUCKS. WELL WE JUST FINISHED OFF ANOTHER DETROIT MUSCLE, SEE YOU NEXT TIME.
I LIKE THAT NEW SOUND!