 Once complete, each of the...  Once complete, each of the air lines is routed along the lower swing arms and up on top of the transaxle. The supplied T-fitting and clamps are used to join the two air lines in a central location. BMR reps recommend mounting the Schrader valve on the center bolt for the rear valance. Rather than installing the valve under the car, the owner specified that it should be located in the trunk to allow for easier access. The remaining section of hose is double-checked to make sure that there is sufficient length to get into the trunk, and then is attached and clamped off. |  Next, the T-fitting is secured...  Next, the T-fitting is secured to the frame with zip ties. Note that the air bag lines are secured closely to the factory fuel lines. |  The spare tire cover is removed...  The spare tire cover is removed and the seven clips that attach the rear trunk liner to the fuel tank mounting bracket are carefully extracted using a trim tool to allow the rear liner to be taken out of the trunk. |
 After carefully examining...  After carefully examining the trunk for access holes to the body, it was determined that there was a rubber grommet within inches of the placement of the T-fitting underneath the car. The air line was run through the rubber grommet and the entire length of the remaining hose was pulled into the trunk. |  It just so happens that the...  It just so happens that the topmost support on the fuel tank mounting bracket provides an excellent mounting location for the valve. A 11/48-inch pilot hole is drilled followed by a 51/416-inch hole. |  After routing the air line...  After routing the air line along the frame rails of the fuel tank mounting bracket, a hose clamp is used to secure the Schrader valve to the line. The Schrader valve is then slipped through the hole, the washers and jam nuts are placed on the valve, tand hen tightened to the mounting bracket with a 13mm socket and wrench. Finally, the trunk is cleaned up, and the spare tire cover is installed, followed by the rear trunk liner. In order to allow access to the Schrader valve, a small piece of the trunk liner will be trimmed. |
Conclusion
Following installation, air was pumped into the bags and the system was tested for leaks. BMR reps recommend running 8-10 pounds of air minimum and adjusting accordingly to provide just enough pressure to keep the tires from coming in contact with the rear fenders. After a few adjustments, 10 pounds was dialed in and the GTO was taken out for street testing.
Bob told HPP, "The ride characteristics of the GTO with the drag bags set at 10 psi are all but indistinguishable from the ride before installing the bags. What the bags do provide is the ability to run larger tires without resorting to rolling your inner fender well.
"The stock tires would spin on launch and then on the 1-2 shift very easily, especially after the custom dyno tune from Real Performance Motorsports. As soon as the Mickey Thompson Tires were installed, it was a totally different story. The tires just flat-hooked and went, without any spinning either at launch or on the 1-2 shift. I am looking forward to getting the tires tested at the track and finding the optimal launch point with the drag radials.
A comprehensive strip test of the M/T ET Street Radials vs. the stock tires is forthcoming. As an added bonus, the same M/T tires will be tested on a solid-axle Fourth-Gen Firebird. Stay tuned as both sets of stock tires and drag radials will be obliterated as necessary.
Supplies Required:
Pry bar
Cutting tool
(Hacksaw, Sawzall, cut-off wheel)
Metric socket set
Metric wrenches
Torque wrench
Drill and Drill Bits
Pole Jack