Herb Adams former Engineer for Pontiac developed those back in the 70's to go on his Fire-am cars he sold them through a line of parts VSE. He made simple adjustments that yielded fantastic results. Proving his know how he modified a T/A drove it to Daytona, competed in the 24hr race. Great video, well done.
Thank you! I'm actually a fan of people like Herb Adams, Smokey Yunick and the like. They created the cars, and the hobby I like so much. Herb drove that Trans Am to the race and ran it competitively thru the night before it broke the nose on the crank. The only part GM said he was not allowed to have forged in the Super Duty 455. Thanks for the comments.
I got to meet Herb at Road Atlanta, He and his son were showing the Contessa car he created. NPD in Ocala has a Fire Am in the collection. His son and another guy made a new Pro-touring style Fire Am there is a video of it on here on youtube. ua-cam.com/video/miyVaLD1kcs/v-deo.html
first time hearing of this product. Really interested in upgrading my 81 T/A 305 sbc Spec Ed with this product now. Great instructional video. Appreciate it👍
There are loads of mods that you may or may not feel when they are completed. This one, I just couldn't believe how much better it felt. Of course that depends on how rigid your particular car is to start. Mine would sag the front end when I put it on a lift.....no longer!
Thank you so much for posting this video...very instructive! I've done business with Dave at PTFB on leaf springs, subframe connectors and an awesome drop base air cleaner (for those of you who have a high rise intake manifold). He is a great guy to work with and he is very knowledgeable. I may have to do this mod....I just hate having to remove the hood! Lol
Giuseppe Verdi thanks for the comment! You are right. Dave is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I promise this mod will make more difference than any other chassis mod. Don’t sweat the hood, just borrow another set of hands.
I put these PTFB Pro G Braces on my '78, they have transformed the ride of the car, totally agree with what he says in this video. Great video by the way Garage Clinic, keep them coming.
I know it’s an old comment but was wondering if you had solid body bushings? It says on PTFB website they’re needed and I have newer, but not solid. Thanks
Very nice trans am you have there! Thank you for the vidéo, however i’m not shure about having a mix of solid mount and rubber mount on the sub frame? I think an aluminium bushing set would be a good option with this kit.
Ok, now I want these for my old shoe. :) ‘74 Firebird Formula 400 Perhaps a follow-up video, showing some detail on clearances? I’m wondering if I’ll be able to clear the PB booster and the AC. I know you’ve got PB but my master cylinder and booster are the Corvette style (rear disc conversion).
Thanks for the comment. Yep, I had already changed my M/C and booster to the '81 smaller, lighter booster for 4 wheel disc and there's plenty of clearance. Also, when swapping out the engine, I pulled it straight out with Ram Air manifolds still attached without removing the G-braces. I have not reinstalled my a/c yet, but I understand there are no issues there either. I'd stick with arch supports for the old shoes!
@@thegarageclinic3161 good to hear that it should fit. Of course if I change my original A6 AC compressor to the smaller (lighter!) type like you'd see with Vintage Air, that would also help. My PB booster and MC are different from yours - do an image search on C3 Corvette Brake Booster and you should see what I have. Basically, the booster diameter is smaller, but OTOH it is thicker/deeper, so the MC sits further forward. GREAT video - I did not know about G braces previously. P.S. do my subframe connectors serve as arch supports? :)
That is about the only thing I have not seen I'm ordering tomarow. I'm just finishing up my chassis on my 1978 S/E car I did a full heidts suspension did there front sub frame. And there rear 4 link set up. I heard u mention u wanted to make the back of ur car handle like the front well I will tell u I helped my neighbor put the 4 link set up on his 1978 z/28 it is nothing short of amazing with a all iron small block it holds the same lateral g force as a c5 z06 he races it competitively he drives it on the street alot it does decent on coil overs but during his off season he switches to his air ride and it's amazing. I don't know we're u live I live near Cincinnati if u consider the system and I live close would love to help a fellow t/a lover.
I've run a length of 1/8 inch steel under the lip as a bit of a 'washer'. Looks better having the braces over the top rather than that mild steel blank.
You can ABSOLUTELY use your compressor with these. It'll be tight. I've had it off at that time and have a since decided to go more RACECAR than STREETCAR
I wonder if this will clear the factory turbo on my '81 TA? What brand of subframe connectors do you have? There are so many to choose from, it's hard finding the best designed.
It will. My car HAD a/c so they fit fine around the a/c evaporator case. As far as the compressor is concerned (I had removed mine) that would be a non-issue.
@@thegarageclinic3161 Could I bother you to measure the stud diameter for the large and small buckles? I can only find them up to 3/4 and Dave’s response time is very, very delayed or non existent. I’d imagine he wouldn’t give me that info anyway. I appreciate your time and response.
@@thegarageclinic3161 Herb Adams (Father of the Trans Am) is the engineer you were speaking of who wanted these cars to have them when they were being built.
Dave Barron the ProTouring FBody adjustable G-braces were designed to work with air-con. I have not reinstalled my compressor yet so i do not have first hand experience. I have heard that it’s a tight fit, but it works. These braces were something the original engineers wanted but could not have due to costs involved. They made a MASSIVE difference on my car. Thanks for the comment!
Ultimately I did. And had a devil of a time doing it because the braces were on and the subframe connectors were welded. Really should have done it at the beginning.
@@thegarageclinic3161do the solid body bushings make the ride rougher? I want the ride to be decent and not too harsh or noisy. Im going for a weekend warrior type of setup not race car.
@@thegarageclinic3161im trying to completely redo the shot suspension of my 76 trans am, but i dont know which parts to get. Im so getting this brace.
I haven't reinstalled the a/c yet but there is room. On an original car the install would be much harder based on the underwood clutter, but they have been used that way, just not on my car.
Herb Adams former Engineer for Pontiac developed those back in the 70's to go on his Fire-am cars he sold them through a line of parts VSE. He made simple adjustments that yielded fantastic results. Proving his know how he modified a T/A drove it to Daytona, competed in the 24hr race. Great video, well done.
Thank you! I'm actually a fan of people like Herb Adams, Smokey Yunick and the like. They created the cars, and the hobby I like so much. Herb drove that Trans Am to the race and ran it competitively thru the night before it broke the nose on the crank. The only part GM said he was not allowed to have forged in the Super Duty 455. Thanks for the comments.
I got to meet Herb at Road Atlanta, He and his son were showing the Contessa car he created. NPD in Ocala has a Fire Am in the collection. His son and another guy made a new Pro-touring style Fire Am there is a video of it on here on youtube. ua-cam.com/video/miyVaLD1kcs/v-deo.html
fantastic video, you have absolutely convinced me to install these on my 78
Thanks for the comment. I promise you'll feel the difference!
first time hearing of this product. Really interested in upgrading my 81 T/A 305 sbc Spec Ed with this product now. Great instructional video. Appreciate it👍
There are loads of mods that you may or may not feel when they are completed. This one, I just couldn't believe how much better it felt. Of course that depends on how rigid your particular car is to start. Mine would sag the front end when I put it on a lift.....no longer!
Thank you very much Rusty for the really nice video
My pleasure!
A great video I'm gonna put these on my 79..
Herb had alot of stuff for F bods back in the day....I almost bought a set of these from him
They sure work!
Very nice video I have the regular braces from ptfb The difference was amazing solid product.
Thanks Ricky! The braces really do change the dynamics of the car. Say hi to Lucy!
I'll be doing this to two 2nd-Gen Firebirds. Thanks! I still have much to learn, but will apply it all.
Enjoy the process as much as the project. You'll love these braces. Hopefully you can do a before -and- after drive!
Thank you so much for posting this video...very instructive! I've done business with Dave at PTFB on leaf springs, subframe connectors and an awesome drop base air cleaner (for those of you who have a high rise intake manifold). He is a great guy to work with and he is very knowledgeable. I may have to do this mod....I just hate having to remove the hood! Lol
Giuseppe Verdi thanks for the comment! You are right. Dave is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I promise this mod will make more difference than any other chassis mod. Don’t sweat the hood, just borrow another set of hands.
Thank you. Subscribed.
I put these PTFB Pro G Braces on my '78, they have transformed the ride of the car, totally agree with what he says in this video. Great video by the way Garage Clinic, keep them coming.
Paul Sillwood thank you
I know it’s an old comment but was wondering if you had solid body bushings? It says on PTFB website they’re needed and I have newer, but not solid. Thanks
@@goodbonezz1289 No I don't have solid bushings on my car, I've got some, but never fitted them.
Topnotch vid....and great product...
Thank you!
You really need a set of ratcheting wrenches to make your time in the garage A LOT easier..
lets says I need a larger selection. Just didn't have those big ones. I'll take a set if you're offering;-)
Nice Video Rusty
Robert P Magnuson thank you sir. Everyone says 3 minute videos are what everyone wants. Wondered if anyone would watch a longer one.
The Garage Clinic Rusty you were very informative on the video the Length was fine now make another one for the rear of the car...
Very nice trans am you have there! Thank you for the vidéo, however i’m not shure about having a mix of solid mount and rubber mount on the sub frame? I think an aluminium bushing set would be a good option with this kit.
Probably a good point and would be an adjustment to be made in the future. Early on never really expected to get this deep and had NO bushings!
Ok, now I want these for my old shoe. :) ‘74 Firebird Formula 400
Perhaps a follow-up video, showing some detail on clearances? I’m wondering if I’ll be able to clear the PB booster and the AC. I know you’ve got PB but my master cylinder and booster are the Corvette style (rear disc conversion).
Thanks for the comment. Yep, I had already changed my M/C and booster to the '81 smaller, lighter booster for 4 wheel disc and there's plenty of clearance. Also, when swapping out the engine, I pulled it straight out with Ram Air manifolds still attached without removing the G-braces. I have not reinstalled my a/c yet, but I understand there are no issues there either.
I'd stick with arch supports for the old shoes!
@@thegarageclinic3161 good to hear that it should fit. Of course if I change my original A6 AC compressor to the smaller (lighter!) type like you'd see with Vintage Air, that would also help. My PB booster and MC are different from yours - do an image search on C3 Corvette Brake Booster and you should see what I have. Basically, the booster diameter is smaller, but OTOH it is thicker/deeper, so the MC sits further forward. GREAT video - I did not know about G braces previously. P.S. do my subframe connectors serve as arch supports? :)
Do you need to have solid body bushings? What’s your opinion?
That is about the only thing I have not seen I'm ordering tomarow. I'm just finishing up my chassis on my 1978 S/E car I did a full heidts suspension did there front sub frame. And there rear 4 link set up. I heard u mention u wanted to make the back of ur car handle like the front well I will tell u I helped my neighbor put the 4 link set up on his 1978 z/28 it is nothing short of amazing with a all iron small block it holds the same lateral g force as a c5 z06 he races it competitively he drives it on the street alot it does decent on coil overs but during his off season he switches to his air ride and it's amazing. I don't know we're u live I live near Cincinnati if u consider the system and I live close would love to help a fellow t/a lover.
Steve Pilkington you’ll love the difference, I promise. Hit me back when they’re installed. Let me know what you think!
Steve Pilkington I’m going to autocross this one this season. I’ll see after that. Thanks for the offer!
looks much better going under the firewall lip.
I've run a length of 1/8 inch steel under the lip as a bit of a 'washer'. Looks better having the braces over the top rather than that mild steel blank.
I see your AC compressor is missing in the video. Do these braces need that space? Could you retain the AC if you wanted to?
You can ABSOLUTELY use your compressor with these. It'll be tight. I've had it off at that time and have a since decided to go more RACECAR than STREETCAR
I wonder if this will clear the factory turbo on my '81 TA? What brand of subframe connectors do you have? There are so many to choose from, it's hard finding the best designed.
Thanks for the comment. Call Dave at ProTouring Fbody. He has adjustable bars. Sorry, I have no experience with them on the turbo cars.
Great video, thank you so much. I definitely wanna get these. Do you know if it will fit with the factory air conditioning?
It will. My car HAD a/c so they fit fine around the a/c evaporator case. As far as the compressor is concerned (I had removed mine) that would be a non-issue.
@@thegarageclinic3161 Thank you! Gonna order them right now then haha. Thank you for replying. Have a great day brother!
@@andypenaflor3480 Tell Dave "Rusty sent ya"! hahahaha
Where can I find these. Seems the links to the company are down
Question on spark plugs reach, how is the obstruction? lot harder or still manageable to reach them?
I haven't pulled them since I installed the braces but it does not appear to make it any more difficult.
I’m a little late to the party but anyone know if these would work Hotchkis control arms?
they will work regardless of the control arms. The attach on the inboard bolt that holds the control arm
I want some for my 1980 T/A, but I don't think it'll clear my turbo down pipe.
Call Dave at ProTouring Fbody. He'll know.
Reroute the downpipe, speak to Joe at TTA Performance.
Any chance you can tell me the diameter of the Jack screw turnbuckles? I want to turn my standard ones into pro/adjustable.
I don't have that info but I'd recommend speaking to Pro-Touring Fbody
@@thegarageclinic3161 Could I bother you to measure the stud diameter for the large and small buckles? I can only find them up to 3/4 and Dave’s response time is very, very delayed or non existent. I’d imagine he wouldn’t give me that info anyway. I appreciate your time and response.
What did you use for a master cylinder? was it an easy swap?
Used a 1981 Trans Am MC for WS6 4 wheel disc brakes. Much lighter than the original one.
Is Herb Adams getting residuals off this ? I almost bought one of his braces back in the day for my 81 bird
Not sure if he is from the braces but I'll gladly give him all the money I didn't get paid to do the video!!
@@thegarageclinic3161 Herb Adams (Father of the Trans Am) is the engineer you were speaking of who wanted these cars to have them when they were being built.
Interesting, first time I have heard / seen anything about this, makes a lot of since. Any issues with air-con or other obstructions?
Dave Barron the ProTouring FBody adjustable G-braces were designed to work with air-con. I have not reinstalled my compressor yet so i do not have first hand experience. I have heard that it’s a tight fit, but it works.
These braces were something the original engineers wanted but could not have due to costs involved.
They made a MASSIVE difference on my car.
Thanks for the comment!
Yes, I just got the wifes 77 out for the summer, and this makes a lot of sense, thanks.
Do this, and I promise you you'll love the difference in the car. Makes it feel 30 years newer.
What control arms are those ??
Sorry I didn't see this until now. The uppers are the adjustable SPC control arms. I've since changed the lowers to the PTFB boxed LCA.
Where do you buy this product.....
Call Dave at Pro-Touring Fbody. (847) 594-9021
It says solid body bushings required did you install them?
Ultimately I did. And had a devil of a time doing it because the braces were on and the subframe connectors were welded. Really should have done it at the beginning.
Okay awesome thanks good to know 🤘
@@thegarageclinic3161do the solid body bushings make the ride rougher?
I want the ride to be decent and not too harsh or noisy. Im going for a weekend warrior type of setup not race car.
@@thegarageclinic3161im trying to completely redo the shot suspension of my 76 trans am, but i dont know which parts to get. Im so getting this brace.
@@thomasjefferson6334 the solid body bushings have absolutely NO, NADA, ZERO effect on the ride of the vehicle.
Notice no ac and incorrect engine. Good luck installing it on a real ta with factory installed moter. No thanks for my 1979!👎
I haven't reinstalled the a/c yet but there is room. On an original car the install would be much harder based on the underwood clutter, but they have been used that way, just not on my car.
@@thegarageclinic3161 yes my ta has all the wonderful california smog junk in it 😒 really sucks!! Love the product thoe 👌🙂