With such high-horsepower goals, the stock GM computer system was removed, and in its place lies a F.A.S.T. XFI computer optioned with a 3-bar MAP sensor setup for speed-density operation. A complete Aeromotive fuel system, featuring an EFI Pro-Series pump, fuel filter, and boost-referenced, return-style fuel-pressure regulator, uses -10 and -8 Russell braided lines to flow fuel to a set of Aeromotive billet fuel rails. Massive MSD 96-lb/hr injectors squirt fuel into the hungry cylinders after receiving the pressurized air via the blower and an Arizona Speed and Marine twin 58mm throttle body.
An ATI Super Damper quells the engine harmonics, while spark duties are accounted for with a suite of MSD electronics featuring a small-block Chevrolet MSD Pro-Billet distributor, crank-trigger ignition, Digital-6 Plus programmable ignition box, and Blaster 3 coil. Keeping the Bird cool is a Be Cool aluminum water pump with a 160-degree thermostat and Mezeire electric water pump.
In order to provide the exhaust flow necessary for the extreme horsepower potential of the car, a custom set of headers were fabricated by Minette Enterprises and feature 2-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors. The headers were Jet-Hot coated, as was the custom 3-inch, dual exhaust that features an X-pipe, twin Dynomax bullet mufflers, and a set of Mecham exhaust tips. Only a hint of the auditory growl is felt at idle, but when the engine starts revving up, the whine of the supercharger is drowned out by the cacophonous sound emanating from the bullet mufflers.
Power is applied through the LT1's original T56, six-speed transmission that features upgraded Viper internals courtesy of a max-effort build by Chris Jennings. A McLeod dual-disc clutch and flywheel apply the power through a carbon fiber driveshaft back to a Strange 12-bolt rearend equipped with an Auburn posi unit, 3.73 gears, and an LPW rearend cover brace.
Suspension and Wheels - In order to handle the tremendous power of the engine package, the subframe-based Bird needed significant chassis and suspension upgrades. After researching the market, a ladder-bar rear-suspension setup was purchased from Southside Machine, and when combined with the Southside weld-in subframe connectors, it eliminated the stock torque arm and upper-control arms, providing a suspension ready for drag racing. Wolfe Race Craft rear springs with adjustable upper spring mounts and a custom-made Minette Enterprises adjustable panhard bar featuring spherical rod ends were fitted, while suspension dampening is courtesy of QA1 12-way adjustable shocks.
To lighten the front end and provide adequate room for the blower and exhaust, a PA Racing lightweight K-member is employed with a set of Global West upper control arms and PA Racing tubular lower control arms. A QA1 coilover kit that includes 12-way adjustable shocks is used.
Tying the suspension together is a custom-made six-point, chrome-moly rollbar from RPM that features swing-out bars and an innovative design to retain maximum interior space for the driver. The stock rear seats remain, with rollbar passageways expertly created by The Shop, a Lewisville, Texas-based upholstery shop.
To provide the proper stance for this lowered beauty, it rolls on custom-ordered Forgeline alloy wheels that measure 18x10 in front and 18x1111/42 inches in the rear. Out back, the street tires are ZR-rated Michelin Pilot Sports measuring 335/30/18, while Yokohama AVS Sports checking in at 275/35/18 are up front.
A stock '95 T/A master cylinder works in conjunction with massive Brembo four-piston calipers in front, featuring slotted and cross-drilled 14-inch rotors and Brembo pads. In the rear are stock GM calipers with Baer EradiSpeed rotors that are slotted and cross-drilled and Hawk HPS pads. Earl's stainless, braided brake hoses ensure maximum line pressure is achieved, adequate to stop this flashy missile in a microsecond.
Wild Paint & Body - The stock-bodied Comp T/A was taken to DuSold Designs in Lewisville, Texas, where Bret consulted on the customization that he envisioned. First up was a conversion of the front end of the car to the sleeker looking '98-'02 style. All new GM parts were ordered including fenders, front valance, headlight covers, and a WS6 hood. The updated panels were seamlessly integrated, and a Mecham rear spoiler was prepped and fitted to the rear end, along with a set of newer-style honeycomb taillights. Once the body was expertly fitted by Steve DuSold, the basic color scheme and graphics package was agreed upon with Mike DuSold, and the car was disassembled and readied for paint.
After some minor bodywork, the entire body was sanded with 400-grit paper. It was then shot with House of Kolor Orion Silver urethane paint customized with metalflake on the lower half and black with Kameleon Pearl on the hood, roof, and rear decklid. A total of six basecoats were shot with wet-sanding between each. After the basecoat, sealer was applied, and the arduous process of creating the graphics package began.
A full complement of Auto Meter gauges resides in the dash, while APC bucket seats, a Sparco steering wheel, and a custom Real Performance Motorsports (RPM) six-point rollbar keep the driver comfortable and safe. Factory A/C and cruise control still work. The F.A.S.T. XFI fuel-injection computer is hidden up under the dash on the passenger side, and a communication cable resides under the Comp T/A embroidered floor mat, awaiting another mating session with Mr. Laptop. There's even a pushbutton engine-start switch in the former lighter location. |
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APC Super Sport Racing buckets covered in a combination of carbon-fiber silver with ebony suede inserts provide a sporting and comfortable driving position. |
A Griffin intercooler measuring 26x4x14 was expertly integrated by RPM in front of the Be-Cool aluminum radiator that is supplemented by a ProCharger C5-specification electric fan. A massive 311/42-inch blower outlet and 3-inch blower tubing throughout the engine compartment created severe packaging issues. Note the super-size blow-off valve. |
A ProCharger D1X supercharger is neatly tucked under the front end where it huffs up to 23 psi of compressed air into the much-modified LT1. Take a gander at the trick ATI super damper and MSD crank-trigger ignition. |