1978 Pontiac Trans Am Upgrades at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Upgrading An Icon

While the ’78 TA is already a legend—thanks in no small part to a certain black-and-gold movie car—we aren’t just looking to recreate the past. We’re looking to outrun it. Our goal for this build is a “Pro-Touring” road car: keeping that iconic 70s muscle aesthetic while injecting it with modern handling, reliability, and serious stopping power.

“Before and After” Spec Sheet – 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Category	Original Specs (As Received)	Project Build Upgrades	Featured Manufacturers
Engine	6.6L 400ci V8	LS 530 HP Crate Engine	Blueprint Engines
Induction	Carbureted (Rochester 4-Barrel)	Fuel Injection (EFI) with GM Engine Controller	GM / Holley
Transmission	Turbo 350 (3-Speed Auto)	4L70E Modern 4-Speed Automatic	GM
Shifter	Stock Floor Shifter	Master Conversion Kit (for 4-speed auto)	Shiftworks
Front Suspension	OEM Stamped Steel Arms/Coils	Tubular Upper/Lower Control Arms & Double Adjustable Coilovers	Global West
Rear Suspension	Stock Leaf Springs	2″ Drop Leaf Springs & Heavy Duty Urethane Shackles	Detroit Speed
Front Brakes	Factory Disc (Single Piston)	6-Piston Calipers with 12″ Rotors	Wilwood
Rear Brakes	Factory Drum Brakes	Electronic Parking Brake & Multi-Piston Disc Kit	Wilwood
Brake Booster	Vacuum Power Assist	Hydraulic Brake Assist (Hydroboost)	Hydratech
Steering	Factory Power Steering Box	Borgeson Quick-Ratio Steering Box	Borgeson
Rear End	GM 10-Bolt (Stock Gears)	3.42 Ratio TruTrac (30 Spline Axles)	Quick Performance
Wheels	15″ Snowflake Wheels	17×9″ Gold Snowflake Aluminum Wheels	YearOne
Tires	P255/60R15 BF Goodrich	275/40-ZR17 Performance Radials	Nitto
Gauges	Factory Analog Gauges	RTX Electronic Gauge System	Dakota Digital
Climate Control	Factory A/C & Heat	Gen V Electronic Evaporator Kit	Vintage Air
Electrical	1978 OEM Wiring Harness	Complete American Autowire Harness	American Autowire

Let’s Build Your Dream Ride

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.