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Sunday, February 05, 2012
  1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
 
 

...continued from page 3

The latest changes to this car (spring 2006) have been the addition of a Fuddle Racing 2800 9.5" lockup torque converter and a BMR strut tower brace. Both have been a welcome addition and while the positive results from the strut tower brace were felt immediately, the torque converter will require some more fine tuning to my custom prom.

A recent track day after the torque converter install netted some interesting results. I noticed that with the BFG Drag radials (275/60/15) that I had previously gained 2-3 tenths with over my normal street tires were actually hurting performance this time around. My car now seems to need more gearing with this new torque converter.

I also noticed that playing with the fuel pressure and timing seemed to result in faster ET and higher MPH. I did not have my chip burning equipment with me that day to make any corrections to the tune, but I will be heading back to the track in the coming weeks to tweak the most out of the tune, hopefully resulting in the best times yet.

This torque converter has really changed the entire dynamics of the car. The tune I was running was optimal, but is less so now. I never thought the torque converter would require such different timing and fuel maps from the 1800 stall I had before. Something new learned each step of the way!

I also purchased a set of March under drive pulleys and a 52MM throttle body with an airfoil. They are on my bench waiting to be installed. Each one should be good for another 1/10 each!

Overall this car has been a pleasure to own and work on. Everything I have done has resulted in a greater car overall. This GTA is now up to 2006 standards for performance cars, and is on its way to becoming a classic.

Featured car specifications
Year 1989
Make Pontiac
Model Trans AM GTA
Engine 5.7 Litre
Heads Stock Vortec heads with GMPP 1.6 RRs and screw-in studs

Transmission

700R4 with custom shift kit be HP Performance

Differential Borg Warner 9 bolt
Gears 3.23:1
Torque Converter 2800 Fuddle Street Performance 9.5"
Ignition Stock
Cam Stock
Induction SLP CAI, SLP Runners, SDPC Vortec TPI Base
Injectors 24 lbs Ford SVO
Exhaust Edelbrock T.E.S. Shortys, 3" Dynomax IPipe, SS Muffler
Suspension KYB Struts/Shocks, Boxed stock components
Chip DIY Custom tune (HOB Racing)

 

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Here's a small video from a track day.

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