new from PA

**stew215** · 12-11-2009, 04:40 PM

Hey guys... i am new to the board and soon to be the ls1 family. this tuesday i will be buying a 1999 trans am ....in your opinion what is the first thing i should do/modify on the car? the only thing the previous owner changed was exhaust.

**Y2KPewterSS** · 12-11-2009, 04:49 PM

Welcome to the site

The first thing I would personally do, add sub frame connectors. Its not a glamorous mod, but it strengthens the frame and stops a lot of issues from happening before they occur.

The typical first LS1 mods are an aftermarket induction lid, headers, LS6 intake for the 1998-2000 models, and a stall converter if its an automatic tranny. If its an auto tranny, the stall is the most beneficial mod of the ones I listed.

I would change all the fluids and take care of basic stuff, oil/filter, plugs/wires, air filter, fuel filter etc. before you get into modding it. Good luck with it

**stew215** · 12-11-2009, 05:09 PM

it is an auto

, the connectors sound like a very good idea . i did not think of that .... whats a good company to go with?

**Y2KPewterSS** · 12-11-2009, 05:15 PM

You won't be frowning about it being an auto once you put a converter in there

BMR or UMI both make quality sub frame connectors.

**stew215** · 12-11-2009, 05:26 PM

ok... thank you.... right now a converter will be hard to do, working full time and going to school. pretty much no time hahah... but it will be done in the future

**KahanaReef** · 12-11-2009, 05:34 PM

Welcome to LS1.com

**pajeff02** · 12-11-2009, 05:49 PM

Welcome to the site! I agree with Y2K -- after a lid, I added SFC's and then installed a catback. Both UMI and BMR make good stuff -- for what it is worth, UMI is based in PA.

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 12-11-2009, 06:12 PM

Welcome to the Circus!!!!

**KahanaReef** · 12-11-2009, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by FORD RECOVERY EXPERT

Welcome to the Circus!!!!

Heh... Good one

**stew215** · 12-11-2009, 07:20 PM

thanks guys..... are cracked door panels a common problem in trans ams?

**Y2KPewterSS** · 12-11-2009, 07:23 PM

Yes, thats a fairly common issue with the TAs.

**KahanaReef** · 12-11-2009, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by stew215

thanks guys..... are cracked door panels a common problem in trans ams?

That's what I hear.

**stew215** · 12-11-2009, 07:47 PM

ook... the passenger panel in the car im buying has a small crack starting. the guy told me it was common but i thought he was just giving me crap so i would buy it.... well it worked

**pajeff02** · 12-12-2009, 03:33 AM

Here's a good article on repairing the problem: http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...air/index.html

***doberman 152*** · 12-12-2009, 04:39 AM

Welcome to the site

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-12-2009, 04:46 AM

Welcome to the site. If you plan on buying those sub-frame connectors from either BMR or UMI, look into our site sponsors. They have some really great deals on stuff, and usually offer free shipping!