GMHTP Project Thunderchicken lives or dies?????

well not to bore you to death with my life story, but i do need suggestions and advise. Here's what happened:

2003: acquired TC from Hunkins, made improvements, !smog, big cam, better exhaust...made it in the 10s, proceed to drive it like its meant to be driven for 7 yrs with only minor work and maintenance...the MTI/Lingenfelter motor ran like a top.

2010: LTX Shootout, had a great time, tired valve springs, finished off spec 3 clutch

2011: Mods begin again...slippery slope yielding total engine build. Bought complete Advanced Induction topend ($5000). "buddy" and his machine shop mis-measured deck height, and questionable tuning ate head gaskets (after i tore apart and assembled whole motor myself) on dyno and cracked a piston. Left at shop and had them totally rebuild it...$10,000 later i make 5 passes on the car before it eats gaskets again. This time it put oil in the combustion chamber rather than water like the first time

2012: Sat it out...no more fun money and purely pissed off at the whole thing. Passed up several opps to sell all the nice stuff and do a "free" LSX swap in favor of staying LT1.

2013: Got off the couch, so to speak, and decided to get something going. Contacted Ai, they don't have a motor guy in house or the time for that kind of work...i say that because i got in a shop war the first time. Ai's stuff at another shop that didn't get along with each other...me in the middle. Would have been ideal if Ai could do it since its a truck load of their stuff.

so...not going back to last tuner. No offense but all roads lead to tuning issues that killed the motor the second time, plus paying them the big bucks and their "professionally" assembled motor dying less than 100 miles later. Everyone blamed each other on why it died while i sat there writing checks.

I vowed not to get back into LTX unless i did the EFI Connection PCM conversion. NOBODY in the SE wants or needs to do 93 chip tuning anymore or i'd use what i have and get it tuned w/ the chip.

HELP!!!! The car shouldn't be just sitting here. Anyone know anybody that is doing 93 chip LT1's anymore? I'd love to do the EFI Connection thing but can't get it all together at the same shop plus it can get $$. The few shops that have love for LT1s look at the 93 like its satan itself. I have no problem putting it all in the car and wiring it up, but after what i've been through i'm leaving the motor to an expert.

I'm not opposed to shipping it somewhere. At the end of the day i have my callies clad 4.040" shortblock that needs balancing to my SRP pistons (diamonds are not in good shape after some detonation), the Ai topend that just needs cleaned up, and somebody to spec the shortblock, dissasemble, check, inspect, spec volumes etc, whatever machine work, then reassemble w/ the EFI connection stuff or as is w/ a competent 93 chip tuner involved.

Any recommendations appreciated! Trying to get back in the game but the dead end streets are really getting tiresome. And note, this is not nearly an endless budget...that has been done. This time i'm using the parts i have. Willing to buy gaskets etc, use my own stuff, and pay a competent engine and tuning person for their expertise. Small budget overall this time.

ideas, reply or email bigalforsyth@gmail.com


http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...ps4f24b95a.jpg

gotta make it livee.......if you were closer to RI id say bring it all over and I'd fix it and put it together with you, we got an excellent machineshop 30 min from me that i have a great relationship with.......hes been building top fuel and truck pulling motors for years

Alan if you can't find someone local, give Fonse Performance in Erial NJ a call. He build my motor, Call911's motor, and BlackbirdWS6's motor. All three fairly big HP forced induction LT1's that are proving themselves over the years now. If you call them up speak to Al Junior. He'll set you straight.

Don't even question going with the 93 chip. Too difficult to find someone to tune, and the tune will be too limited too. The 24X is the way to go IMO. More versatility and better overall tunability too.

I'm sorry to hear about the persisting troubles you've had. I know we've talked at length via email and I still am just amazed that issue after issue cropped up like that.

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Originally Posted by quik95lt1

gotta make it livee.......if you were closer to RI id say bring it all over and I'd fix it and put it together with you, we got an excellent machineshop 30 min from me that i have a great relationship with.......hes been building top fuel and truck pulling motors for years

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thanks, you should know!

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Originally Posted by Fastbird

Alan if you can't find someone local, give Fonse Performance in Erial NJ a call. He build my motor, Call911's motor, and BlackbirdWS6's motor. All three fairly big HP forced induction LT1's that are proving themselves over the years now. If you call them up speak to Al Junior. He'll set you straight.

Don't even question going with the 93 chip. Too difficult to find someone to tune, and the tune will be too limited too. The 24X is the way to go IMO. More versatility and better overall tunability too.

I'm sorry to hear about the persisting troubles you've had. I know we've talked at length via email and I still am just amazed that issue after issue cropped up like that.

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yep, this should be a lesson to guys looking at the face of more-power greed. When i dissasembled that motor...after all those miles and all that track time, it was perfect. The balance, durability, perfect bores, etc. shouldn't have been messed with. I should have done what i set out to do and put the new topend on it, did the EFI conversion and left the bottomend alone.

but yeah, i'm generally a blessed and lucky guy, but since loading the car on the trailer in 2010 at Beech Bend...nothing has gone right and its baffling to me.

Probably not much help but the car has too much history to die. I have two videos of it on my phone right now.

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Originally Posted by Badbird_96

Probably not much help but the car has too much history to die. I have two videos of it on my phone right now.

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arguably these kinds of comments have been whats motivated me to get something going, so yes, it matters.
thanks

Your welcome man. Your car inspired me to want to build my cars. I stumbled upon those videos when I first got my formula in 08. I've had them saved every since. To me that car is the stuff of legend.

Ever considered going carburated?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Alan, something to consider. Crate the motor back off to Lingenfelter. I KNOW they know and can rebuild it. No questions about quality, no questions about durability, no questions about quality. Given the history of the car, I think even if they don't mainstream Gen II stuff anymore, they'd still do the motor back up for you.

Where are you located at.

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Originally Posted by Fastbird

Alan, something to consider. Crate the motor back off to Lingenfelter. I KNOW they know and can rebuild it. No questions about quality, no questions about durability, no questions about quality. Given the history of the car, I think even if they don't mainstream Gen II stuff anymore, they'd still do the motor back up for you.

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i may look into that...but will say i approached MTI (did one of the motors)and they're so far past LTX they couldn't hang up the phone fast enough. I wonder if LPE is the same. Inundated with LSX stuff.

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Originally Posted by chile

Where are you located at.

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I'm directly between Atlanta GA and Chattanooga TN on I-75 (north Georgia)

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Originally Posted by alan

i may look into that...but will say i approached MTI (did one of the motors)and they're so far past LTX they couldn't hang up the phone fast enough. I wonder if LPE is the same. Inundated with LSX stuff.

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Having been behind the scenes at LPE back in June last year, I can safely say that they didn't have an LTx in the shop. But.....you never know without asking. They might jump at a chance to save Thunderchicken and put her back on the road.

I can't offer much help, but I have a clean, fresh .040 over block, that has been clearenced for a stroker, if you happen to need it. It hasn't really been decked, It only had .008 taken off ,just to clean up the surface. It's up in Dahlonega, if you need it.

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Originally Posted by alan

I'm directly between Atlanta GA and Chattanooga TN on I-75 (north Georgia)

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I never knew you were that close to me lol

Alan, there's a machine shop near me that not only did my engine but another members here. He has done 80% of the engines in our local index series including 3-4 other LT1's. He owns a 7 second 1st gen camaro and has done work on several pro mod engines. He does all machine work including balancing in house. If you've followed Hot Rod's drag week you've probably heard of him. His name is Todd Maschmeier, he owns Maschmeier Performance Enginering. His number is 816-six eight two-6946. Just let him know Josh told you to call, or his SN is 89cig on yellowbullet.

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Originally Posted by NuckinFutz93

I can't offer much help, but I have a clean, fresh .040 over block, that has been clearenced for a stroker, if you happen to need it. It hasn't really been decked, It only had .008 taken off ,just to clean up the surface. It's up in Dahlonega, if you need it.

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hey thanks...i've just assumed my block was fine but nice to have a plan!

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Originally Posted by Badbird_96

I never knew you were that close to me lol

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don't know where in AL you are but i've spent a lot of time at Alabama International Dragway through the years!

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Originally Posted by 96LT1355Z28

Alan, there's a machine shop near me that not only did my engine but another members here. He has done 80% of the engines in our local index series including 3-4 other LT1's. He owns a 7 second 1st gen camaro and has done work on several pro mod engines. He does all machine work including balancing in house. If you've followed Hot Rod's drag week you've probably heard of him. His name is Todd Maschmeier, he owns Maschmeier Performance Enginering. His number is 816-six eight two-6946. Just let him know Josh told you to call, or his SN is 89cig on yellowbullet.

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great info...and you motor is very similar to mine w/ size, Ai, M6, TFS, etc. I've seen his name more than once!

Check your email.

it would be a sad day if the thunderchicken was ever reborn with any thing other then a proper LTx....i still remember the first vid i saw of it years ago and thought to my self "i want my car to be like that"....so in a round about way, i guess its you cars fault i have dumped almost $30k in a 20 year old car :D

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Originally Posted by CamaroZGuy

i have dumped almost $30k in a 20 year old car :D

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LOL 30k, post the number after you've owned 10 more years. These things are an addiction, and this addiction love money.

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Originally Posted by MEAN LT1

Check your email.

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got it. Great info if i don't go through with the LS1 PCM conversion. Will respond shortly.

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Originally Posted by CamaroZGuy

it would be a sad day if the thunderchicken was ever reborn with any thing other then a proper LTx....i still remember the first vid i saw of it years ago and thought to my self "i want my car to be like that"....so in a round about way, i guess its you cars fault i have dumped almost $30k in a 20 year old car :D

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glad i could help! There was at least that much in mine BEFORE burning $10,000 in 2011 for nothing! Actually went backwards after spending that much as i could at least go run 11.10s as it was. Now its resting in my basement doing nothing! The car will live again. I plan on holding on to it forever and do whatever it takes. An LT1 without an opti or chip is everything i want!

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Originally Posted by NuckinFutz93

LOL 30k, post the number after you've owned 10 more years. These things are an addiction, and this addiction love money.

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no joke

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Originally Posted by alan

got it. Great info if i don't go through with the LS1 PCM conversion. Will respond shortly.


glad i could help! There was at least that much in mine BEFORE burning $10,000 in 2011 for nothing! Actually went backwards after spending that much as i could at least go run 11.10s as it was. Now its resting in my basement doing nothing! The car will live again. I plan on holding on to it forever and do whatever it takes. An LT1 without an opti or chip is everything i want!


no joke

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if u have any questions on stuff dont hesistate to PM me i can walk you thru whatever you need and want to check.......ive done alot of AI stuff also so i can answer ?'s on that too

Alan, I will do some checking ThunderChicken needs to be running now. I hope to see you again at the shootout.

here's my update:
i've spoken to several great people via phone and email. Have several options for motor build, several options for tuning, several options for EFI 24x conversion, but only one that has seemed excited about all of it under one roof. I talked to Alvin at PCM of NC (old PCM4LESS) yesterday and they've done several LT1 EFI 24x conversions and can get the machine work and motor assembly done down the road at Gable Racing, all in Mooresville, NC which is just a few hours from me. Going to talk to a few more folks as i'm not rushing into anything. Plus i've got to get my budget together and some housekeeping items w/ the car before going under the knife again.

After lots of research and questioning, it seems i really don't have a choice but to do the 24x conversion. You OBDII LTX guys...maybe not, but i've got to get rid of this PROM chip PCM and getting rid of the opti is a side benefit. As a side note, i even made the effort to buy up all the stuff (burner, laptop, chips, etc) to make this work, but its just old and not reliable. Time to upgrade. Hey at least its still an LT1 right?

Exactly. Good to hear it will be getting fixed.

Good to hear! Have you thought about going with an OBDI pcm? Or doing like Mike (Quik95Z), Ed Wright, and others have done........ FAST pcm/ crank trigger using a dummy opti as a distributor?

Alan if u get time call me. I think I can help. 859-398-9933. Frank

Didn't know you post here, I'm another dude who has watched TC videos drooling all over the keyboard! Bring it back man!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngcjKBTF24M

Hey Alan, I figured this might help you with your MOTIVATION.... your car has ALOT of fans, and it just keeps growing.

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...0&notif_t=like

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Originally Posted by 96LT1355Z28

Good to hear! Have you thought about going with an OBDI pcm? Or doing like Mike (Quik95Z), Ed Wright, and others have done........ FAST pcm/ crank trigger using a dummy opti as a distributor?

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i think you meant OBDII as i'm already OBDI which is part of the problem. I've thought about FAST but decided if im doing a conversion i'd like the LS PCM and coils as i've got many guys close to me (Shon w/ Herron Performance, Jeff and Charles at v8muscle.net, Chris w/ Hunter Performance Solutions) that can easily handle the tuning with that setup. chip is just a thing of the past.

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Originally Posted by hvyss

Alan if u get time call me. I think I can help. 859-398-9933. Frank

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i've got you in my phone book already! Will ring you up this weekend. As always, thanks Frank. You're always a motivator.

[QUOTE=rdx;272922]Didn't know you post here, I'm another dude who has watched TC videos drooling all over the keyboard! Bring it back man!
QUOTE]
lets just say i've purposely been away for the last year, but always read more than i post. Total frustration... What really stinks is i had wanted to go forced induction but all that money is gone now with nothing to show for it...well that's not exactly true, i've got a great bottom end and a great Ai topend, just got to get it together and not detonate and chew up head gaskets and get away from the 93 PCM.

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Originally Posted by popo8

Hey Alan, I figured this might help you with your MOTIVATION.... your car has ALOT of fans, and it just keeps growing.

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...0&notif_t=like

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you know, you guys are great. There's no doubt at all i'd be driving the car w/ a budget 6.0 LQ9 by now if it hadn't been for the motivation here. Thanks for the support!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHF80ytTAwk

this is the video that made me get a F-body and chose a firebird formula

the sound is just ..... damn

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Originally Posted by zooguy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHF80ytTAwk

this is the video that made me get a F-body and chose a firebird formula

the sound is just ..... damn

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man...thats a blast from the past! Jeff Goodell took that video after having the new cam put in and cruising to his church car show. At that time it had Pacesetter Longtubes, ORY, Hooker catback and had electric cutout in the I pipe. Although that did sound good...should have heard it w/ the stepped race headers, true duals w/ single chamber flowmasters...just before it died! Good times. Thanks for posting that. I try to chime in on youtube from time to time because that vid gets a lot of views and tons of questions.

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Originally Posted by alan

i think you meant OBDII as i'm already OBDI which is part of the problem. I've thought about FAST but decided if im doing a conversion i'd like the LS PCM and coils as i've got many guys close to me (Shon w/ Herron Performance, Jeff and Charles at v8muscle.net, Chris w/ Hunter Performance Solutions) that can easily handle the tuning with that setup. chip is just a thing of the past

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I was referring to the 94-95 PCM's that are OBDI without a chip. I'm going to switch from ODBII to OBDI just for more options for dataloging and tunning adjustments, still uses my OBDII dataport. Sounds like you've got a good plan rolling though!

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Originally Posted by 96LT1355Z28

I was referring to the 94-95 PCM's that are OBDI without a chip. I'm going to switch from ODBII to OBDI just for more options for dataloging and tunning adjustments, still uses my OBDII dataport. Sounds like you've got a good plan rolling though!

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Oh yeah, i forgot the OBDI lived through 95 without the chip. 10-4

as far as plan i'm still looking at option. $ can accomplish any plan, just got to see what i can do.

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Originally Posted by alan

Oh yeah, i forgot the OBDI lived through 95 without the chip. 10-4

as far as plan i'm still looking at option. $ can accomplish any plan, just got to see what i can do.

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Just let me us know how we can help. Have you started the build yet?

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Originally Posted by MEAN LT1

Just let me us know how we can help. Have you started the build yet?

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Not near starting. Just gotta decide what and when

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Originally Posted by zooguy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHF80ytTAwk

this is the video that made me get a F-body and chose a firebird formula

the sound is just ..... damn

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I have this one and the one in the garage where its idling and the cutout is opened on my phone lol.

Alvin was the first name, that came to mind for your tuning problem. He's been in the bizz for 20yrs, at least. Id trust him with my setup. Im sure he'd set you up with an engine guy. He wouldn't steer you wrong.

VERY glad to see you didn't give up on this setup. I swore I saw a "for sale" for your drivetrain, yrs ago. But Im glad its gone, and that you didn't sell :)

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Originally Posted by Nut

Alvin was the first name, that came to mind for your tuning problem. He's been in the bizz for 20yrs, at least. Id trust him with my setup. Im sure he'd set you up with an engine guy. He wouldn't steer you wrong.

VERY glad to see you didn't give up on this setup. I swore I saw a "for sale" for your drivetrain, yrs ago. But Im glad its gone, and that you didn't sell :)

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He's had some good advise already. Looking like i'm leaning to getting motor right and running on the chip and opti until times are better...then may move on with the 24x conversion.

You did see a for sale sign and i had it all sold 3x's over but backed out. I backed out really because of encouragement from several guys here.

I have some stuff leftover for my 93. I'll look for next time I'm at the shop, see what all I have left. I know I have a few custom chips for a 93, You're welcome to see if any will work for you. I went ODBII on my car, so I have no need for the prom stuff.

Alan we will get U running and back at this year's shootout come hell or high water!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hail: