Auto Meter boost and pyrometer...
Auto Meter boost and pyrometer gauges keep tabs on the engine and complement the upgraded white-faced gauges in the dash. A Crane TRC 2 (timing retard control) is mounted beneath them.
Handling And Braking
Enhancements extend to the chassis as well. The factory deCarbon front struts and rear shocks and springs were replaced with parts from KYB. Sway bars from BMR measuring 32mm front and 21mm rear were installed to greatly reduce body roll and increase stability in the corners. Underneath the hood is an Edelbrock strut tower brace to reduce flex and strut deflection.
Out back, the factory 7½-inch rearend is supported by a Lakewood Panhard bar, Metco lower control arms, and an Edelbrock torque arm. The only improvement made to the Torsen posi 10-bolt has been 3.73 Richmond gears. Centerline Sunray II wheels and Nitto rubber were added for their performance and good looks. To slow down the F-Body, slotted replacement rotors and Extreme Performance pads from Power Stop were implemented.
Tucked out of sight is a Vortech...
Tucked out of sight is a Vortech S-Trim centrifugal supercharger pushing 8 psi of boost into the 383ci LT1, which features AFR heads, a Crane cam, a BBK throttle body, and 50-lb-hr injectors. An Optima Yellow top battery and Stinger alternator supply reliable power for the upgraded audio system and high-output engine.
Body And Paint
After the boys at Pete Moore Chevrolet were done creating the monster, they suggested that Neal finish the job at Rodney Rosentiel's Paint & Body, also located in Pensacola. There was a similar paint job that he saw in a magazine that he really loved and was told Rodney could handle the task. Neal also wanted to go for a more aggressive look and sourced a fiberglass Ram Air hood from Harwood.
Two coats of PPG NCP 271 primer and four coats of PPG basecoat/clearcoat in black were applied over the factory red. This was followed up with 1,000-grit wet-sanding and 3M professional polish. The final result was a two-tone black on red paint scheme that's subtle, yet beautiful. Neal didn't want something too "in-your-face" and feels Rodney achieved this goal nicely.
Centerline Sunray II wheels...
Centerline Sunray II wheels measure 17x9 inches up front and 17x9.5 out back, and wear Nitto NT555 245/45ZR17 and NT555R 275/40ZR17 tires, respectively.
Conclusion
Since completion, Neal has been taking his T/A to as many shows as he can. The blend of performance and style has brought the Bird a lot of respect and a handful of trophies from local shows and S.T.A.R.S. He drives his Poncho whenever weather and fuel prices permit, and he wants to keep it forever. "As of this year, I'm officially a father," Neal says. Most of my money will be spent on my daughter now, and I hope that one day Sarah will go for a ride when she's old enough." Now that Neal has a family of his own, this supercharged T/A makes one hell of a "family car."