Project XTA Build - (SuperLow)
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Project XTA Build - (SuperLow) I'm going to start a build log here if you guys dont mind.
This is my regular car that I've had for about 6 years. It used to be my daily driver. I'll call him Blackie. (99 Trans Am)
Now I had planned to do lots of extensive mods to this car, but it snowballed to the point that I decided to build a whole new car and leave Blackie alone.
So I bought this one. This is my test mule/project car. I'll call him Whitey. (98 Trans Am)
List of mods planned:
1. Custom front suspension consisting of shorter aluminum spindles and new upper control arms. The shock towers will be completely removed.
2. Custom independant rear suspension with tubbed wheel wells. It will be a short arm/long arm independant rear suspension setup with a Ford 8.8 IRS diff. I may mount the trans in the rear as well.
3. Choptop. Lowered roofline with removable roof, cut down front windshield, and custom made side windows.
The goal is to be able to set the car down on the ground with the air suspension and have the total height be 38" or even less if possible.
Now if worst comes to worst, I'll just use Whitey as a testbed for certain mods which will then be transfered to Blackie. For instance, if I lose interest in Whitie, I can transfer the front suspension setup over to Blackie. If I build a new roof and side windows and get the front glass cut, then it should make things go real fast to give Blackie the chop top. You get my point?
This will be a slow build so please don't ask me if there are updates.
This is my regular car that I've had for about 6 years. It used to be my daily driver. I'll call him Blackie. (99 Trans Am)
Now I had planned to do lots of extensive mods to this car, but it snowballed to the point that I decided to build a whole new car and leave Blackie alone.
So I bought this one. This is my test mule/project car. I'll call him Whitey. (98 Trans Am)
List of mods planned:
1. Custom front suspension consisting of shorter aluminum spindles and new upper control arms. The shock towers will be completely removed.
2. Custom independant rear suspension with tubbed wheel wells. It will be a short arm/long arm independant rear suspension setup with a Ford 8.8 IRS diff. I may mount the trans in the rear as well.
3. Choptop. Lowered roofline with removable roof, cut down front windshield, and custom made side windows.
The goal is to be able to set the car down on the ground with the air suspension and have the total height be 38" or even less if possible.
Now if worst comes to worst, I'll just use Whitey as a testbed for certain mods which will then be transfered to Blackie. For instance, if I lose interest in Whitie, I can transfer the front suspension setup over to Blackie. If I build a new roof and side windows and get the front glass cut, then it should make things go real fast to give Blackie the chop top. You get my point?
This will be a slow build so please don't ask me if there are updates.
Last edited by JasonWW; Mar 19, 2009 at 02:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Here is a list of older links if your interested in certain portions of the build.
General thread of all the stuff I want to do
Figuring out a mid-engine design
Converting the stock unit body car to a space frame design
Short spindle conversion
Choptop info
Adding airbags
Radiator relocation
I've already done the front breather conversion.
Fixed projector HID conversion
I've been working on and off for a while on these. I now have all the parts.
General thread of all the stuff I want to do
Figuring out a mid-engine design
Converting the stock unit body car to a space frame design
Short spindle conversion
Choptop info
Adding airbags
Radiator relocation
I've already done the front breather conversion.
Fixed projector HID conversion
I've been working on and off for a while on these. I now have all the parts.
Last edited by JasonWW; Mar 19, 2009 at 01:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
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your neighbors must love you haha i live in a strick neighborhood and me being a grease monkey im allways making noise or toying with something and they hate me... im excited to see the finished project good luck man
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Plus it solves the exhaust routing problem.
Plus it would let me put some subwoofers up front for more accurate sound quality.
Plus it would just be cool.
A "proper" transmission would run me about $6k plus clutch and LS1 adapter. That's just too much in my opinion.
Last edited by JasonWW; Feb 21, 2009 at 02:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
There are cheaper mid-engine transmissions out there, but they can't handle much more than 300HP. I was trying to figure out a way to go mid-engine with a tough and cheap 4L80E or T-56. It will probably stay front engined, but I haven't given up on mid-engined, yet.
