I Fixed The Engine On My 1000 HP Turbo Trans Am But It's Still Very Broken! Can You Figure This Out?

[@khalidedros743]

I must say, Peter is the happiest person I have ever seen. The man always has a smile. Cannot picture him angry or upset. Stay that way Peter. People like that are rare these days❤️

[@aaronbritt2025]

The aluminum pan may have warped when you welded the bung. Do you have a spare block? Get a new pan and weld a new bung but bolt the pan to a block with no gasket before you do. Also, stitch weld the bung so you don't put a bunch of heat into the pan. The puff of smoke could be the turbo oil drain backing up. When you shut the car off, the oil doesn't drain fast enough and a small amount backs up and since there's no positive pressure on the compressor side of the seal, it leaks into the compressor housing. It doesn't smoke when it's running because there's positive pressure in the compressor housing. I know you said the drain only needs to be lower than the turbo, but I've seen issues with oil backing up due to the feed being pressurized. It's possible for oil to feed into the turbo faster than gravity can drain it. Whatever it is... It's in the turbo, not the engine. Of course, I could be completely wrong on both, but just spit-balling based on my own personal experience.

[@vinny6_9]

once the engine shuts off, there is no longer oil coming from the feed, so the drain just drains into the pan. i don't see how it would back up and overflow into the compressor housing. there was no evidence of oil on the compressor side. he never showed the piping, but i highly doubt that's it. that turbo looked pretty healthy.

[@johnwardale6010]

Agree. The 15-20 minute is MAX temp as it heat-soaks, then after an hour, cools and gravity drains.

[@bean99a]

Love how this channel actually talks and explains things about all of the cars he works on, amazing channel, great job Alex, and Peter seems like a stand up dude you guys work great together! Keep it up legit street cars! And deffinaly the Trans Am is bad ass! Throw the t-56 back in it and record it for us!

[@aaronmontoya2518]

That's because this is a car guy making KZbin videos and not a KZbinr making car videos.

[@bean99a]

Been subed since way before he quit his "real" job, and it's still the same great content!

[@ColeSpolaric]

I think the oil leak around the pan is warpage caused by welding that oil port onto it.

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

full agree thats my thought too!

[@billymanilli]

I don't.

[@nicholasvinen]

I think the welded corner is warped and pressing on the block/gasket so it seals properly. The rest will not seat, there a slight gap or less pressure, hence the leak. That's just a guess but it matches the symptoms.

[@skmetal7]

I wonder if that location is also an issue, the turbo might be backing up with oil. He should have it enter the side of the oil pan.

[@TheOldMachines]

Flatten it on a piece of granite or glass

[@thagerdorn2009]

I absolutely love this car. I'm a Camaro guy, but I love the birds too. I absolutely love the way you built it and kept it looking original inside and out and you didn't hack it or do anything to ruin it. This car is a perfectly built street car that has working ac and a stereo and ttops. Just awesome man. Never get rid of it no matter what.

[@nicholasvinen]

I'm a Ford guy and I think it's cool too. My car also looks almost factory stock from the outside and the interior changes are all hidden. The only clue is the larger exhaust tips...

[@77yogurt]

@@nicholasvinen what car do you have? I'd love to get a mental image of your Ford. (I almost said hotrod instead of Ford.....I'm so glad I didn't!!)

[@kylemcweeny878]

I think the trans am is hideous. Way to busy. And a turbo ls is so played out. But back when Alex built it it was new stuff and he was pioneering on a budget which is very admirable. Also just so i don't sound like a total hater the wheels the white with black leather... all his mods are very tasteful and make the car look much better. Its definitely a legit street car. But its butt ugly lol

[@77yogurt]

@@kylemcweeny878 OK, fair enough. 👍🏻

[@KevinJHutchison]

Peter is a great addition to the channel. As always, well done.

[@ilcooldj]

couldn't agree more

[@byron1dagg80]

Alex you are easily the most entreating automotive youtuber out there, its always a pleasure watching your videos

[@leonarddaneman810]

Just an all around great guy. Easy going, smart, industrious . . . mechanical, hard worker, personable, . . . am I gushing?

[@byron1dagg80]

@@leonarddaneman810 you forgot handsome

[@leonarddaneman810]

@@byron1dagg80 I was 'gushing' without being 'gay' . . . okay? Alex is just a great guy, was probably a great boss, even though very young for his position . . . Peter is also great.

[@jasonw7497]

@@byron1dagg80 I knew you were gay from the first comment.

[@catch22frubert]

Now pull apart the rest of the cold side and hot side and check the intercooler and charge pipes for extra oil inside. It will tell you if there was any extra oil blowing past the turbo when hot. Also make sure you have enough crank case ventilation. Too much crank case pressure could blow oil back into the intake side of the intake system.

[@themanthemyththelegend1392]

This!

[@chris-gh4cd]

Peter just needs to tap the oil pan with his hammer a few times, should be leak free afterwards

[@JirafaWood]

We need merch with a hammer on it.

[@craigmorgan4676]

Hammers don't work for everything, man!😮🤯🤔🤯🤯😱😱🤯😮

[@decafam3410]

*while driving - obviously won't work unless in motion, that's on page 2 of the directions

[@pkt1213]

@@craigmorgan4676 you are obviously a man who doesn't own the right hammer. 😀

[@danielseelye6005]

Pete'll Fix It! 🔨👷

[@RichRusso4218]

Let it get to temp with the turbo off and the turbo feed capped. Let it sit and see if it does it after the 15 minute window. Will let you know internal or turbo problem. Also let me know if you need DSM parts. I am located in CT and have quite a lot of stuff.

[@nickbarber7831]

Good call. That would confirm turbo issue

[@kylemcweeny878]

Eliminate possibilities.

[@joecrancher2008]

Great suggestion

[@Stang773]

I'm with you on the oil puff being the turbo leaking. My Audi TT did the same thing and would only do it when it was warmed up. The clearances open up when the turbo warms up. Plus theres no oil in the turbo on a cold start. It all drains back into the oil pan. If it was a manual it would probably do it when you shifted gears. For the oil leak take the pan off and throw the gasket away and use RTV on it. Hey if it good enough for Mercedes. On that note, WHY HAVENT YOU CHANGED THE RADIO YET?? lol You cant be a legit street car without having bluetooth.

[@josteinbrekke4343]

Peters reaction literally made my day watching this, pure enjoyment!

[@DrSchroty]

This video resonates so deeply with me! Not only was the WS6 also my high school dream car, but I also have your same "LSC" philosophy with my with my ATS-V. A 10-second daily driver (winter too!). Hopefully our cars will find each other on the Kennedy, Addams or the Edens some day soon!

[@javiermedina6437]

I know what you mean when you say , " you cant punch it on a turn , only a strait away ". Scary shit . I have a 2002 4th gen camaro. It came with an ls6 block and a ls6 intake. Love your Trans AM. Wish my car sounded just like it. Wow Wee.

[@alexhayman7262]

Are you running a catch can? New build with high pressure could be recycling oil through the pcv and buning it once cycled through.

[@Duckswag87]

You can tell how much you love the car by how you were able to notice such a small plume of smoke that happens so infrequently. I can relate, I can instantly tell a difference or feel a difference in my cars

[@jfv65]

I think it could be the thrust bearing + oil seal (probably looks a bit like a mini piston ring) on the turbo axel in the bearing block of the turbo. That's where the exhaust gasses might pull some hot thin oil into the turbine housing and out the exhaust.

[@frjhracing]

expanding on that, the "sweet spot" temperature thing could be because of different thermal expansion rates. When "cold" it holds due to thick oil and non-expanded casing/seals/etc. When "hot", you have fully expanded shaft/seals/casing. The in-between may be when the turbine housing is outpacing the shaft /oil seal + the already running temp oil viscosity.

[@adamb5343]

I agree. Also didn't see a restrictor in the oil feed line, that would overpressure the seal and make the problem worse.

[@chevyracerzx6]

Hmm. Well this is my troubleshooting brain thinking about this blue smoke issue. A few questions. What is the block made of, cast iron, aluminum, or billet? If there a sleeved cylinder? Are they all sleeved and if so what is the sleeve made of compared to the block? What material are the piston rings made of? What was the clearance between cylinder wall and piston rings? Could there be an anomaly in one cylinder of oil getting past a ring only after it heats up and the oil gets less viscous from a full heat cycle? Maybe the cylinder wall expands just enough to let oil get past a ring during these conditions only? Definitely curious to figure this one out. I might be completely off track but I remember my uncle who used to race sprint cars not liking the idea of using sleeved blocks, but that was before the LS engines came out and sleeving in drag applications was common.

[@frjhracing]

@@chevyracerzx6 What you're suggesting would be if it smoked while running. It's odd for blowby to induce oil burn on start -up - hence why valve seals were already ruled out. Blow by would also host a lot of other notable problems with a boosted/ 1000hp application - such as noticeable pressure out of the valve covers as well as oil washing/dilution with gas pushing through the rings. The only other way of oil getting in the top end on startup would be through the turbo. Either by it seeping into the compressor housing, burning in turbine housing as suggested by the OP comment, or by oil return problems.

[@77yogurt]

God DAYUM y'alls a bunch of real thinkers!! Hat's off to ya!!

[@bendino13ify]

Awesome, the TA was one of main reasons I began following you, hopefully one day I can bring my 2000 Arctic White Ws6 m6 out that way from Iowa. Can’t wait to see the rebuild.

[@QuidproMoto]

I would say the oil seal on the turbo is most likely. Have them look carefully at the seals if you send it in. If they are double lipped seals I would guess the inner lip is cut. Can’t wait for the update on the new turbo!

[@ferrumignis]

Turbochargers don't use lip seals, they wouldn't last five minutes with the heat and RPM. Instead they use labyrinth seals.

[@vinny6_9]

20 likes (as of this post) on the "rubber seals" in a turbo... c'mon, people! most oil burning issues in a turbo system come from inadequate drains, not "seals" which are actually like piston rings...

[@haggskidoo]

I'm agreeing with a couple of the replies about the turbo. But also double check your PVC valve system too. I'm sure you've upgraded it when added the turbo. Years ago my stock 02 Yukon XL Denali 6.0 had that problem, found a bulletin on that issue. I put a new pvc valve in & that cured it. BTW Love your content, I've been watching your channel for a few years now & really enjoy your videos. I'm a Chicago area automotive nut too all GM!! Keep up the great work.

[@mickehoe]

Love the passion for a car you’ve had so long. My rally car is something similar in that I bought it new 22 years ago as my wife’s daily car. There isn’t a original bit in it today with 3 times the horse power etc. you really get to know the car. I know every nut and bolt. Loving the videos.

[@boxerdog5979]

best part of the video, looking at how you have your equilizer set up on the stereo. Exactly how I had mine back in the day. Made me smile.

[@Engineerd3d]

It sounds PCV related to me. Hot spot in the engine causes some vapors to condense? Although most boosted guys remove PCV and vent to atmosphere. Interesting car.

[@jonathanolvera9793]

I love the return of the Trans Am I am slowly working on my 01 Firebird and it great to see someone with as much love as I have for the Old Birds.

[@SeeLifeBro]

My friend had a black on black WS6 in high school and it's always been my dream car. It's the reason I got a Grand Am GT in high school so I could pretend I was driving a "real Pontiac", which it was not, but it did have those cool orange dash lights. 😆One day I hope I can get into a WS6, in the meantime I'll live through Alex 🤣

[@doctordoom1337]

My story is not unlike yours. In 2007 (my first year of college) I bought my '02 SS Camaro with 22k miles on it by saving money working during high school. The car is pewter with a 6 speed trans. In the past 15 years I've only put an additional 22k miles on it and have garage kept it the entire time. I still have the factory wheels and Goodyear tires put away as I bought z06 reproductions not long after the car. I've modded it, naturally. I don't plan on ever getting rid of it. Unfortunately, my hydraulic slave cylinder and master cylinder have gone out and the clutch now sticks to the floor after being depressed. Haven't had the opportunity to fix it or drive it in over a year. Seeing your TA gives me the motivation to get my mint condition SS back on the road one day soon.

[@starkyslp16]

Great job as always. You have quickly become one of my favorites to watch with fun cars, entertaining personality from you and guests, and sharing tons of knowledge. Keep it up!

[@michaelm3381]

I have no idea on the puff of smoke, but I love your TA. I've owned fourth gen Firebirds for 20 years and absolutely love them. Always a great day when you post a new video on this car.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Ok people why is it puffing blue smoke? What do you think about the oil leak too?

[@rajeshcharan2803]

Turbo seal

[@snipersteve378]

Do you have a oil catch can? Time for new turbo seals

[@TubeBrowser2]

@@rajeshcharan2803 agree. Oil control rings, stem seals or turbo seal. Possible odd egr issue or catch can reflux. added....oil control ring gap directly open to compression ring gap possible. I would run it as is and deal later if it gets worse.

[@christophersparkman]

Oil leak is due to warped oil pan when you welded that bung.

[@dohcivic91]

Leave turbo off, remove y pipe to headers, start engine and let it warm up, than let it sit like you said for 10-15 mins, than watch the exhaust come out of both banks and see which side the smoke comes from. It will narrow it down for you if its just one side. If no smoke than it was the turbo.

[@PaulAmlin]

You can’t fake that kind of joy! Love the laughter and giant grins. Very cool car, sir. If you’d like, I’m only 3 hours away and promise to drive it for you if you store it here.

[@pineapplestudios9257]

I’m thinking that the puff of smoke could be happening because when the oil completely warms up, it gets thinner and it can leak through more places… maybe once it’s warm it takes 15-20 minutes to leak into a certain spot and then when you start it back up in that time frame it will burn it but if you don’t start it up In That time frame (start too soon) it will not have leaked yet or (start too long after) it’s not as easy to burn the oil because it’s not all clumped up in one spot or the engine isn’t still hot enough to burn the oil as easily… only thing I can think of!

[@enemy2921]

I love how thorough Alex can be with his cars! There are times he picks up on things that often go unnoticed, and it really shows with the quality of his cars!

[@enemy2921]

Also Alex if you ever want to take in an inexperienced deck hand, give me a call! Hahah

[@HappyPower]

The Trans Am Is so beautiful, great video as always!

[@FreakinJeepGarage]

I am a Trans Am guy myself. I kind of wish mine was turbo'd. Mine is just an LS1/6 speed with a cam and heads. It does however induce similar smiles on the faces of everyone in the seats. These are what modern classics should do. Produce smiles, memories, and conversations almost everywhere it goes. I bought mine to be fun on Friday and to startle people in the parking lot. I went for the 6 speed as it is a dying breed of us out there that can row through the gears. Awesome Video, Thanks for the reminder. I am going to start it up when i get home, just to scare the neighbors and rattle some windows. 😉

[@freddmeee2498]

Glad to see some T/A content again Alex. That turbo and torque convertor combo builds torque like a locomotive..LOL.

[@paulantony4598]

The Phoenix returns..👌👍👏 Hope the issue gets sorted & the car becomes as close to 100% fixed as possible...

[@flipperdoktornab]

Hi! I have owned a 1999 Trans Am WS6. Nice car👍😍 Greetings from Sweden🇸🇪

[@crazyd1377]

Go back and watch the part right b4 you did the burnout and you will see a slight bit of smoke when you get into boost. Check and see if you are getting a bit of blow by. It could be crankcase pressure building up under boost. This is why you always run a catch can on boosted applications. It help prevent that from happening.

[@michaelallen2501]

Detroit Speed offers a sick upgraded rack for these cars now. I plan on going that route.

[@chrisn625]

I have had a similar issue on a W201 2.3 engine where it puffed a little smoke only after sitting for like 30min after being completely warmed up. Issue turned out to be a tiny failure on the head gasket. Coolant made the smoke. If it was started warm, it didnt have time to seep into the combustion chamber. - No smoke If it was left to cool down completely overnight, the coolant either evaporated through the valves or got its way past the rings - No smoke If it was warm and left for about 30 -40 min, just enough coolant would be present in the combustion chamber for a tiny puff of smoke(And sometimes a little irregular idle for a second or 2

[@bhcamaro2002]

Good to see the car back on the channel! I'm sure you'll get it dialed in

[@RMT1980]

Glad to see the T/A return! Still love those cars. I remember always getting smoked in my fox body by the WS6's and SS Camaro's.

[@kevintaylor1928]

Loved this video bro, especially Peter's big smile on his face when he got to ride in it! LOL

[@BoostnFD]

My money is the front main seal (oil leak) They need to be centered with the HB before they’re tightened down to 18ft#. I used amazons cheap dye kit when I put too much positive pressure in my crankcase 🫠. Rear main was a PITA on 4 jack stands. 👍 on the oil less. Heard good things. Looking at two CTR3081E-5858. Good luck with the build y’all!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

By 4:39 I'm putting my money on one question: After welding on that pan, did you straightedge all mounting points on it? As to the smoke... where in the intake/combustion/exhaust cycle could a source of oil drain in after being heated because the oil was now thin enough to reach that area whereupon gravity takes over and pulls it into the cycle?

[@kylemcweeny878]

I think your on to something 🤔

[@aphil4581]

A cracked oil ring, crushed valve seal or excessive valve guide wear or crack. Turbo oil seals do weird things too. My son and I had a couple of GN's I used to race.

[@standyourground9973]

@@aphil4581 Nope, oil isn’t properly draining

[@adambahnsen4577]

I'm right there with ya on 20+ years of ownership. I've had my 87 Cutlass Ciera S coupe since March 17, 1998. Bought her when I was 16. I know her in and out. She still looks great too. Only one like it in NW OH, hell, maybe all of OH, lol.

[@nikchappee7306]

I just bought my first TA!!! It's almost impossible to beat the looks! The oil smoke is most likely the turbo or the PCV system when it cools the oil puddles up, and then gets sucked up when the engine spins up.

[@blackbird74able]

Disconnect the PCV and see if resolves the smoke issue. You can also measure your crankcase preesure/vacuum under boost as well to see how much blowby is building up in the crankcase as well. There are a lot of articles of people installing crankcase vacuum pumps to scavenge the excessive gasses and add horsepower as well.

[@michaelbolton1090]

It sounds like a turbo seal. Do you let your car idle before shutting it off? You can burn oil on the bearing which allows the oil to enter the turbine housing. It could explain the timing. If you start I right up after shutting it off, the oil doesn't have time to burn enough to make it leak. Wait too long and the oil dries up/ isn't hot enough to smoke. Hit it right in that sweet spot and the oil that seaped past burns. Just a guess. Not uncommon on vehicles that don't get idled down to let the oil cool before shut off.

[@apatterson1773]

I'd replace the oil pan to start. Especially since you welded that bung on there and all the heat the motor is generating could cause a slight warping of the pan! Also as for the RTV they make a high temp which I'm guessing you used but they also make a oil resistant one as well thats better oil pans! Just food for thought bro! Keep up the great work🔥

[@greebuh]

My turbo civic did the oil thing, turned out to be a seized ring in the ringland. After it warmed up and after a bit of a cool down before a more warm start would let enough heat in the piston to expand the ringland enough to release the ring. Then no more smoke. But I rebuilt in with new pistons and permanently fixed it.

[@caddyzig]

The Trans Am is so awesome! Glad it’s back on the channel. (And I’d vote for the CTS-V wagon, hands down.)

[@Muddymikey]

Love 4th Gen TAs. Want to get a 30th Anniversary when I retire. Has to be a 6 speed manual. Would settle for a Trans Am Firehawk. On your car I think the issue is the turbocharger seals.

[@davidm.d.hyskell8983]

Absolutely LOVED the return of the TA! Keep it coming!!

[@louisesmith7551]

Make sure you put a location device on those scooters that way you can find them once they get taken! Its not if it's when!!

[@cameronobrien7303]

I’ve been waiting for this car to come back for quite some time Alex. As a 4th gen owner, this is the car that made me subscribe.

[@jamespepper2541]

This car still looks better than any of the new dodges!! Sweet Ride!!! 😎👍 RS6

[@jeffboyer8214]

I have worked in my driveway on my back for decades working vehicles. But I have slowly started to take care just work on my own vehicles if I can & if not it goes to a local shop now. Be safe

[@dubzstylerc9580]

I would try checking the PCV system for your puff of smoke problems, because of the period of time that you describe when it happens I think the car goes into cold start for about a minute before it realises it doesn’t need to , and if the PCV system is playing up crankcase pressure would’ve pushed oil into The inlet manifold to be burnt off rather than burning off excess fuel vapour, basically check the one-way valves and make sure they’re all working

[@ColeC700]

breakup when coming into boost can also be spark blowout. i know a lot of higher hp cars use brisk silver plugs which are frequently changed every 3k miles or so the gap starts to widen and you start experiencing blowout. some bigger turbo builds will use stage 2 cooler plugs with a 0.025 gap to or pro mods using down to a .015 gap which is really incredible!

[@slimeplayz164]

Love to see the trans am getting more recognition

[@mikeshanks1266]

It's nice to see the O.G. legit street car on the channel! Keep up the good work!

[@TheSTeWMaN29]

My all time favorite, the only car on my dream list, thanks for this video

[@darrylg7600]

Guides. The smoke is instantaneous. Only need one or two on the loose side. Btw I worked on the turbo Buicks when they were new. Old GM tech here.

[@claytoncoolidge992]

I had a similar issue with an sbc non turbo years ago. As odd as it sounds it ended up being a ring issue most likely ring gap though I didn't dig Into it and 1000% confirm it. The engine was originally built and ran in a dirt track car so I had big gaps. Between heats and what not upon start up it would give a nice puff of oil smoke and then be fine nothing on hot or cold starts. I didn't time it to the precision that you have Alex but the approximate time is within the 15-30min range. The best thought that was collectively figured is that on either side of that window the oil didn't have time to puddle or was draining back below the rings before startup after sitting for a little bit. And would correlate to the temp being tight gap when hot but with the difference between the metals in expansion rates was getting big enough in that window that it was noticable smoke. Doesn't take much for a good puff of smoke but that's what I came to the conclusion of

[@artmanson666]

Such a badass car. I love those trans-ams! Such a beautiful car.

[@repentnow1720]

Alex (FYI) RE: time mark 21:10 - I put in an aftermarket solid mount (replacing my Bird's "rag joint") after replacing my steering rack too. Like yours, my car's rag joint looked perfect, but WOW (!) that solid mount made a big difference. It is worth considering if you still are unhappy after you replace the steering rack and it was very cost effective. : )

[@bipolarBoys]

Its just the EGR, No problem. my junk to volvo t4 drank 4 liters of 10w 50 before i changed to 10w 30. check your oil viscosity

[@chassegallerie2910]

I'm a car guy, but not a mechanic guy (I tried, but I failed), so I'd love to be able to give you an idea about the issue, but I can't. That said, I can say I love your T/A and love the idea of modding it, while keeping it street worthy.

[@OatesSteve]

RETURN OF THE CL 65 AMG PLEASE, Alex I’ve been watching you since day one, absolutely love you and your channel, please please can you at least speak about the CL 65 once in a blue moon. The E 55 AMG and the CL 65 AMG have been Instrumental videos and helped me so much on my ABC work on my SL 55 AMG designo. Keep up the good work love all your videos, CL 65 AMG, CL 65 AMG PLEASE PLEASE.

[@steved7057]

Possible crankcase ventilation issue? Crankcase pressure usually blows out the weakest seal say the oil pan gasket or often the valve covers. And the rising vapers could be the cause of the smoke left long enough the droplets stick on and as a film and not really getting burnt and still fresh may not be risen to the intake or wherever there getting to cause the smoke. Dunno. Just a thought. I've seen some weird stuff in the diesel world. Typically if it's the turbo you will see oil residue on the cold side discharge and the inlet will be clean. Or on the hot side discharge. Hot side leakage is pretty much out of the question tho as the smoke is immediately on start up. The immediate smoke would be from oil vapors getting trapped somewhere weather could still be valve stems tho.

[@GPP1.8T20v]

If you have forged Pistons normally they seal up once warm . If cold oil could slip thru until pistons heat up

[@4th_Gen_Hawk]

Your trans am is super clean.. my trans am also has a bit of play on the steering wheel.

[@alfredotovar8984]

If it’s not something with the turbo, I’m thinking a seal in the engine isn’t working properly, or it’s gotta be something with the PCV system if you see a lot of buildup even for boost you might need an air pump or something to pull more vacuum, but something is making the oil puddle up somewhere when it warms up and the oil can circulate, and when the car shuts off and starts again it’ll take in that little bit of oil and burn it right away

[@alfredotovar8984]

My Mom has a Suburban 5.3L and the same thing happened, no smoke except on startup, but it was blue so I suspected the PCV system and sure enough both valve covers were FILTHY, after a good cleaning and a new valve it never did it again 🙏🏼 hope this helps to anyone reading this

[@TiptronicSS]

Woaw, this car is LegitStreetCar of LegitStreetcar, the channel, meanwhile the teammascot. It deserves only the best of the best for sure! How did a rearwheel drive ever get 9 second times with full interior? 😅 I can only say, bravo! 😄

[@dohc247]

Ring gap. When it cools from hot, it has enough ring gap to give that initial puff on warm start. 2cents Love your work!

[@adamrog6327]

Love this car and the trim this was one of my teenage dream car thanks for bring it back on the channel

[@nickoD509]

I'd go with the Cadillac. IF you could look down the valves to confirm the seals? Camera or remove the intake? Maybe even looking down the cylinders or look up at the valves with the telescopic camera?

[@jestah7251]

I had a similar issue, only known to me because i know my car so well. My issues where with the rings, heating and cooling causing a small amount of gap and causing a tiny amount of blow -by under the right ( or wrong ) conditions, depending which way you look at it. When i rebuilt the ls years later used a bigger ring gap and never had the issue again ( also boosted Ls) I don't think it's anything to worry about personally. Just my experience

[@matterantimatter1]

as for the oil leak sounds like your getting positive pressure in the crankcase , due to weak rings ,hopefully its just a warped pan, or maybe an anomaly with the turbo giving excessive boast at start up

[@thomasgibbs5865]

I think your puff of smoke is the shaft seal between the high and low side of the turbo. Temperature expansion just in that range. Maybe a brass surface? So it will expand and contract faster than the housing?

[@dimitrig3739]

I feel like I know so little about this car. Maybe from before I found your channel. Excited to learn about it.

[@DeepPowTherapy]

hell yeah, trans am is back. the first reason i subbed to this channel. pump for the merch too!

[@aphil4581]

It's the turbo oil seals making the smoke and fowling the plugs too. Cheep plugs should last 20,000 miles. The rings may be worn from the heat of the turbo and or there gummed up with burnt up oil. Do a leak down test. Check all your valve to guide and valve lock/retainer to seal clearances. Guides can get small cracks too. Your getting a lot of blow by to break the pan gasket seal. I might put a turbo in my 98 T/A 427 CID ls3 solid roller but I get no traction with it as is on the street with 28" Hoosier DDR2's. The rings are gapped for a turbo or N20 for a sticky track but I can't decide.

[@itsarnie4344]

Pcv system isn’t working correctly and pressure builds up in the block (oil leak around the bottom panel)so when it is cooling down(time passes) oil gets into the return pipe. The smoke only appears when it’s still hot inside so the oil can burn off immediately after starting. Only my humble opinion. 2001-2008 Volvo t5 has similar issues

[@josephbragg1162]

I had one of these Trans Ams. The last ones they made in 2003 with the 10 speck posi traction and build in sub woofer with CD changer but I had custom foldable hard top they made for me at the factory for an additional $6,000. Mine was black with white leather interior. So so beautiful. It cost me $50,000 @ around $600 a month payments. I eventually sold it in 2015 for $25,000 to a doctor who's a collector of Trans Ams'. Sometimes I wish I still had it but I drive trucks mostly now. I have a 96 Chevy 5.7L Silverado that I have performance tuned to get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway, no joke. My brother is a mechanic and he helped me and it runs better than when they were new. I almost have all the upgrades done and it's 95% restored. I'm not selling it because it's my baby.

[@kentdavies1988]

Sweet car I remember seeing it around the neighborhood. I went to Ebinger with Ornella. So great to see local people successful and happy. Awesome channel I just subscribed. I sold my IROC-Z several years ago but this makes me want to get something to work on again. All the best, Kent Davies

[@charliel2967]

AP, congratulations on 750k subs. Your 3/4 there. C’mon people, a million is doable. Can’t wait to see it happen. Keep up the good work AP

[@joethompson2102]

Your oil return is backing up. It needs to be a smooth transition to the oil pan. That fitting making an “L” into the pan is causing it. When you shut it off, it backs up and the oil seal in the turbo leaks.

[@tracymckinley5919]

You're so right about the lift! I just put one in my garage. Do I need it? No. Does it make life SO much easier? Hell yes! I can't pick between the wagons! My wife has a 2014 allroad which is awesome, so I want to say RS6. I have a GL450 which is awesome too, so I want to also say E63. Can I have both?!

[@JackShubunkin]

Hi Alex My focus ST 5 pot used to do the same. Nothing from cold and only certain times when warmed up and left. It was valve seals after all

[@cbarr0288]

Yes it could be a turbo seal failure. I had a similar puff of smoke at boost onset. I rebuilt the turbo and the smoke was gone. That was journal bearing though as I understand it , with ball bearings the center cartridge is just replaced.

[@TheSam10pate]

i know its not the usual video for you but a video on the history of your trans am would be awesome! keep up the good work man, love the videos.

[@andrewmcdonald6108]

Love your content Alex, and I don't fix cars, nor do i want to, but your content and delivery is very entertaining, something I look forward to on a Sunday morning here in Australia. Pete is a great addition.

[@miketodd185]

I still to this day can’t believe that GM kept Buick and deleted Pontiac… Still in Shock!!!! I only drove Trans-Ams once I got my drivers license till they stopped making them… I miss my Fire Chickens !!! 👊🏼💯💙

[@michaelm3381]

Buy another bird! I love my Firebirds.

[@bobbywomac313]

Change the passenger side valve cover the PCV valve is built into it and gets clogged up and make smoke come out the tailpipe at operating temperatures, I guarantee that's what it is I had that issue a few times on a couple different LS

[@gizmothewytchdoktor1049]

if not v.s.seals and not rings...i would have to go with residual oil in the ring lands. something that will come to light when a thinner oil is used in a high performance engine. to add...make sure the cc ventilation system is up to par with it's ability to purge the engine.

[@aaronbritt2025]

I miss F-Bodies. My roommate had a Turbo SS with a built 6.0 block and a TH400. We used to go F with liter bikes on the highway. I've personally owned 4 F-bodies including a 3rd gen, two LS1 4th gens and my favorite... a '97 WS6. My WS6 would get 30 mpg on the highway in 6th at 65 mph and that was with a 3.73 rear end.

[@shtopfl5247]

I can't remember an episode solely about the TA , very nice to see you giving love to your OG legit streetcar 😊👍🏻

[@bheckner]

Ditch all the air bags at this point. Worth a few grand and weight reduction. Car is definitely cool. Few yrs ago fella on hwy all motor 572 breaks loose at 70 pitches sideways ish n gone. Never seen a turbo do that. Raw power.