Is a Tubular Cross Member Really Worth It? | Trans Am LTX Swap Ep. 2

[@Vaino_Hotti]

Just a nice round THOUSAND HORSEPOWER, nothing too wild

[@lsxmatt]

Exactly 😂

[@chevyon37s]

1000hp is the new 500hp.

[@Silver99_YT]

"Turbo...ssssss...." 🤣🤣🤣

[@carltonfortune6846]

Total Budget Built. I have a lq4 bolted right up to my 700r4 carbureted. MSD LS series. No oe cpu at all.

[@jeromeirving4770]

If you have a little give in your budget. I recommend doing the DSE quadralink set up and it removes the torque arm. And allows better rear end geometry

[@Brooklyn-bn5go]

Matt, I'm glad you are going to use a 4L70E, I will be using a 65 behind a 500hp NA 6.0 many people advise against it. However, the right parts and a properly built 4L60, 65, and 70E will live in a light car and reasonable HP.

[@carltonfortune6846]

1986 trans am too Original 700r4.....2003 lq4 Carburetor

[@swappedoutZ71]

I am running a 4l60 in a 500hp crew cab 4x4 been holding up about a year or so. I floor it every single day. Performabuilt trans and FTI converter 💪

[@marcbrazzers]

Hey Matt, those front k-member triangle braces are super important for the steering box mounting point (where it bolts to the frame) to not crack or warp under steering (even moderately racey steering can cause them to crack due to the larger 16x8 wheels on the IROCs and TRANS AMs in the later years.. GM did this btw as a bandaid fix, along with the "wonder bar" brace). You might want to fab up some sort of bracing or find a way to weld on two tabs to the k-member to be able to re-bolt them up. This isn't a plug at all for UMI but back in the day when they were developing theirs, on TGO I had suggested to them to find a way to get their k-member model to have a provision for this, and they did. Maybe you could check out their design for some ideas on how to mount up yours. Good luck!

[@lsxmatt]

Thanks for the heads up, I’m actually going to put a wonder bar on it. I no longer have the braces on my Camaro and I’ve been running that with a wonder bar and 275’s for years.

[@marcbrazzers]

@@lsxmatt Yeah I think the most important factor here is the wonder bar to tie it all together. Worst case if you get a crack you're a solid welder and can take care of fixing that in no time :P

[@stvmassacre]

Love the 80's theme music along the video.

[@rockroll9513]

4L70e will be fine. Get someone to rebuild it properly and make sure they vacuum test the valve body. Replacethe 3-4 capsule in the case. Use a sonnax boost valve with an O-ring inside the pump. Be sure to go with a beast sunshell. Be sure to fix the TCC pwm valve in the valve body by reaming it and installing a sonnax valve or Fitz-all TCC valve. Be sure to put in a 8 stack friction 3-4 or go with something like Raybestos GPZ. Get a Sonnax performance shift kit. Input and output shafts can handle plenty of power as long as it's in a car and not a heavy truck. Be sure to properly space the converter on the pump/flex plate and use shims if needed.

[@compa_choo]

We had the same problem with my brothers 3rd gen. Then a mounting point was cross threaded, it was a long day full of frustration and hackery

[@J2A61]

FYI I’m using a HawksMotorSport 4l60 conversion cross member that fits perfectly for the 6L80 plan to add a mount to the same cross member for the torque arm relocation it should work perfectly with the space available

[@mic599]

Hey! Love your videos! I bought a 1987 Camaro LT T-top 2.8 a year ago. I just bought a 5.3. My plan is to follow your videos for a reference. I want to do the job as much as possible myself before I see a mechanic.

[@fuelairspark2061]

Man, the cinematic shots are gonna have to be something I implement. I agree, it is a very slippery slope once you decide to do the K-member. It's also a bitch to do it by yourself. I have the Spohn K-member and BMR Control Arms and I'd stay away from Spohn at this point due to engine mount issues. I'm located closeby in Jersey and I'd love to help out at a track day, or even help film. Thanks for being an inspiration and posting the content that you do.

[@tomgray7049]

Great year. I also love the 82 to 86 cause of Knight Rider :)

[@J2A61]

Minus the AC Compressor and vacuum pump there is no need for extra room to do a GenV swap at all

[@GoGoGarage]

Nice, I'm looking into the 4L80E any bigger I would have to modify my transmission tunnel.

[@ApStryker2]

I can say these videos and the camaro videos are extremely helpful. I have an 87' IROC w/ the 5.0 and for sometime now I've been wanting to swap it. Especially since it's having head gasket issues now. I thinking of going w/ a 5.3 to get my feet wet w/ a car that actually has some power. Thank you for teaching me so much!

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

scrap together $5000 BARE minimum for engine trans+ rebuild/fuel system,cooling,wiring ecm etc.make a list accounting for every single thing you need to do and gather it all. easiest way to do it is get a wrecked LS camaro/firebird and take tons of pictures and be very methodical and thorough. and make sure you have lots of room,lots of patience,lots of tools and plenty of money.if you estimate $3000,have $6000.always count on costing twice as much and taking twice as long. watching youtube videos can be ridiculously misleading,every video you see of someone doing something is usually 20-30 hours of work ,lots of busted knuckles,doing things multiple times,broken parts,things that don't fit or cooperate then all that footage is carefully edited into a 15-20 minute video making it all seem really easy.it isn't easy,it isn't fast and it absolutely is not cheap.the worst part about it is after that massive cost your vehicle hasn't gone up in value to anyone but you,as long as that doesnt matter go crazy.good old vortec 350 sbc is much,much cheaper and can make gobs of power.

[@Sutliff01]

Love the videos man keep it the great work makes me want to get my 86 trans am running

[@TripleSix223]

Were those stock springs you removed or lowering springs? My Firebird had no motor in it when I removed my springs this way and she lifted right off of the blocks. Luckily didn’t lose her!

[@rdpeach]

I miss pontiac, trying to get a 97 SSEI on the road, finally got the floors and rockers done on the Rustyville, uploaded some vids if anyone likes the Bonneville! Always loved the 80s trans ams, buddy of mine had an 87 just like the one in the vid back in the day, he was king shit with that thing

[@fireblaster5181]

I have a 4l80e in my 86 firebird. Just had to order a new crossmember from holly to make it fit properly.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

thats the cool part of having a welder and doing some fabbing

[@davebarron5939]

When I stripped my 1 ton van for my swap of its 6.0 and 4L80E I found the 80E was huge and crazy heavy. Looking forward to this build, especially what space improvements you get with new K member.

[@alanshepard1561]

What van? Im wanting to do that swap with my 82 G30.

[@davebarron5939]

@@alanshepard1561 2004 chevy 3500 express 2X4.

[@HardNorthOutdoors]

i love the 80s music to go with the 80s car !

[@m1a1hm]

Great video dude!! Can't wait to see the motor dropped in.

[@slick4401]

I just subscribed notifications and all! Keep them videos coming, Matt. Terrific stuff.

[@gordj3398]

Sorry if this has come up and I missed it, I'm curious about the trans gear swap that narrows the 1-2 shift ratio. Ive read mixed review on its value. I've really grown to appreciate your site. Thanks for sharing.

[@big_mc]

I hope you are planning a walk through of the 4L70 rebuild.

[@meatman3042]

Great video ! Will you have to run sub frame connectors with having t tops ?

[@captainsledge7554]

Dang... swapping from crossmembers is alot easier in my video games... The k member saves on weight, and stiffens up the front end alot too. U notice it once the cars together it seems. Or atleast the spohn i had on my old camaro seemed to add strength. I also had a strut tower bar tho

[@johnhenry267]

That tubular k member and suspension is much more rigid than the stock set up. It should handle like it is on rails depending on what kind of springs/shock set up you go with along with a strut tower brace.

[@charlesedwards6550]

Really dig that tubular set up! What are your plans for any kind of connector/stiffener for this car?

[@lsxmatt]

Its going to be getting frame connectors for sure.

[@evanhooper1]

Do you know the torque specs for factory K-member and A-Arms?

[@gregcouse8080]

What are you using as a ECU to control the trans and engine? The L83 computer is for a 6L80 or 8L80 I believe. Or are you going with another holley ecu?

[@GMLSX]

Are you planing for a dry sump system? And while I'm at typing: Is the front track width 20mm wider or did the custom spindels compensate for that?

[@jth1987leb]

I think you should take out the steering box and put in a rack and pinion.

[@davemccarthy8782]

I use spoon and I didn't have any problem they line right up easy

[@mcblackhawk4244]

Have you ordered anything for the trans am off of hawks motorsports?

[@KyleP133]

This is four years ago, how do you feel about this thing now? You ever worry about welds failing on bumps?

[@lsxmatt]

Never got installed, the crossmember wouldn’t fit my engine swap.

[@FireballMullet]

Great video! I kept my stock kmember but 30 lbs is pretty good!

[@Turbogto_guy]

Get with me when you decide to upgrade the trans. I have a recipe to hold the power you want. You can do it yourself. I’ve built several that hold big power. My 5.3 is now on 20-22lbs of boost in a 3800lb Gto. It hasn’t skipped a beat. Part of the success is still using some of the tq management. You must use it on the shifts. Do not put a transgo shift kit in it either. There’s a much better way of doing it than using their stuff. I’ve caused myself problems using their stuff. We need to exchange email addresses so I can tell you want you need to do to it on your first go round.

[@lsxmatt]

Thanks I was planning on following Sonnax’s stage 3 build, basically using all their upgraded hard parts. My email is [e-mail]

[@carltonfortune6846]

What’s up people I need good advice I have this same car (except I have no trunk release button or keys 🤦🏾‍♂️.) Carbureted. It runs I drove it a few miles any suggestions? Thinking of sniper efi. My carb is trash.

[@LTJohn]

I can't wait to see this awesome sleeper running!!! 😎👍🦅

[@davebarron5939]

One other thing that dawned on me, does the new K member move the wheels out? Eliminating the need for spacers and creative hubs etc? Thanks.

[@lsxmatt]

I’m pretty sure it keeps everything the same

[@sidwalker6902]

Epidemic sound, how fitting.

[@camaromike82]

Will you have to swap out a f-body 60e tailpiece on the 70e to mount a trq arm?

[@lsxmatt]

Yea I already picked one up

[@theproofgiver007]

Can you take the oil pan off with a tubular k memeber?

[@nitrous07me]

What brand of jack stands are you using?🤔

[@luisenriquez5259]

Little degreaser and power wash woulda took fifteen minutes Matt... just saying. Good stuff as always👍🏽👍🏽

[@aphil4581]

Yeah bmr says over 40lbs savings on just the one main part and its really only 35lbs less with all the parts they want to sell you. Thanks for the proof not worth it unless its free! I find the stock unit better for swapping engines in and out! Just drop and swap.

[@chriswiseman5143]

What are the chances those crossmember bolts didn't cross thread when you pulled it over with the impact? Hopefully it never needs to come out!

[@lsxmatt]

The nuts in the frame sit in there loose so they slid over a little when I put the bolts in. They went in easy.

[@bdubberz]

If you do go for that high of HP you shoild support the frame and do mods. The bodies on these things twist like a mf'r.

[@Outsource206]

It's so much to learn ...

[@vandettabuilds6641]

Excellent video!!!

[@stormwickham1675]

😂😂😂💀 Turbo "ssssssssss" Also what socket did you use on the shocks? I need to get the stock 153,000 mile ones off my 86 Z28.

[@pigrond]

nice progress

[@vflrockytop]

I bet the guy that sent you that was like "it was really that fucking simple to make it fit... goddammit"

[@laiky71]

I'm curious to see what you think about strength of the tubular vs the factory in terms of chassis rigidity, handling (looks spindly), and drive train. I have always been skeptical about these units

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

you can be skeptical all you want,they have been thrown in 1000s of ls swapped third gens.like anything there is the occasional snag but they are actually stronger than the factory k--member.you have to think like an engineer and not like an old timer,lots of thought,time and engineering went into these parts.they didn't just weld tubes randomly together then cross their fingers.....theres a reason we have hawks,umi,detroit speed,bmr,spohn etc and they are forced to deliver quality and be competitive.

[@laiky71]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 Thanks for that condescending and pointless answer. "Having been thrown in 1000s of thirdgens" is hardly a litmus test or "engineering". This particular unit didn't fit properly on 2 different cars. I will continue to be skeptical when my time and money are at stake.

[@juanmena4676]

Did you just purchase the engine from a junkyard?

[@rafalkowalski5062]

W8ting for next movie!

[@neilbrown82]

Why not get a 4l80e... they will actually hold up especially if you're on a budget

[@lsxmatt]

Didn’t care for the lethargic first gear and I wanted to keep the torque arm on the trans. If I was building a drag car an 80e would be my choice.

[@neilbrown82]

@@lsxmatt I'd say with the right gears a converter first gear is no issue in an 80 just seems like you have to spend a lot of money to match the strength of an 80 and all the other transmissions

[@laiky71]

Wait until you tell everyone that you are keeping the 7.5 10 bolt.......................J/K that will probably break when you put this thing in drive for the first time.

[@420architecMindNDesign]

"sss" pay attention

[@travisabrahamson5092]

Why a 4l70 and not a 4l80 ?

[@ipdjbt]

Did you even watch the video?

[@Sutliff01]

J Maxey evidently not

[@james10739]

6l80e would be cool

[@danconlan8735]

Sweet!

[@gobzillagaming1277]

Supa speed trans am with the 5.3

[@jaydubb71]

Who are you going to get to beef the trans up when the time comes?

[@lsxmatt]

This guy 👈

[@jaydubb71]

@@lsxmatt I REALLY would like to put a 4L60/65/70E in my 3rd gen when I do the LS Swap. Shooting for big HP. I know Performabuilt and RPM build units that can take 1000+ HP. I REALLY don't want to put an 4L80E in it and have to run a BMR weld-in crossmember. Nor do I want to beat up my trans tunnel. I could build my own 60E with all of the good parts also. I have an 80E now but it might get sold...

[@camaromike82]

LOL @ "ssss"

[@markmcintosh6968]

Hey Viewer, can you send me one !!

[@mrphiscal]

1000 hp on the trans am. That a nice goals. No way you can call it a sleeper at the power level. (Plus you a get a good KZbin followers)

[@salihalomar160]

Hello from Kuwait

[@RatdogDRB]

Why "promise" to have a balance of Tahoe videos and not a steady diet of F-Body... and then nothing but F-body? If it's going to be steady F-body with the occasional Tahoe bone thrown in, so be it... just don't promise one thing and do another.

[@lsxmatt]

Thats the plan but I’m waiting on a part for the tahoe. I ordered one thing but turns out it was only half of what I needed.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

enjoy the content,dont dictate the content,ok hommes?