How would your ideal Trans Am look and perform?
Would it look like the iconic 1978 Pontiac that still turns heads on every cruise? Absolutely. But what if, the second you slid behind the wheel, it felt completely reborn—modern power surging at your command, razor-sharp handling that hugs every curve, brakes that bite with confidence, a ride so smooth you could cross the country without fatigue, and an exhaust note that sings just loud enough to make you grin without drowning out the music? No compromises, no headaches, just pure, reliable fun every single time you turn the key.
That’s exactly what we create at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
We don’t guess. We start by listening—really listening—to what you want from your driving experience. Is it all-out power? Telepathic steering and corner-carving grip? Bulletproof braking? Plush comfort for long hauls? That perfect sound level that turns heads without the drone? Once we know your vision, we engineer an entire package where every single component is chosen and tuned to work together like a finely choreographed symphony. No bolt-on bandaids. No mismatched parts fighting each other. Just a cohesive machine built to deliver the exact thrill you’ve been dreaming about.
We start by listening closely to what you want from your driving experience—power, handling, braking, comfort, sound—then design every system to work together perfectly.
Here’s how we brought that vision to life on this ’78 Trans Am:
Under the hood sits a GM LS3 making 525 hp, paired with a 4L70 automatic and Holley Terminator X EFI. A custom “Shaker Maker” bracket keeps the original shaker scoop looking factory while feeding cool air. Modern cooling, Vintage Air A/C, and a tidy Holley mid-mount accessory drive keep everything reliable and cool.
Braking and steering got a major upgrade: hydraulic assist with Wilwood discs and a quicker-ratio Borgeson box for precise feel and strong stopping power. Global West tubular control arms, coilovers, and Delrin bushings up front, plus Detroit Speed leaf springs and subframe connectors, deliver a planted ride that corners beautifully yet stays comfortable.
Exhaust flows through Hooker manifolds into MagnaFlow mufflers—great sound with minimal drone. A Quick Performance limited-slip 10-bolt rear puts power down cleanly on Nitto-shod 17×9 YearOne Snowflake wheels.
Inside, the classic dash hides Dakota Digital gauges, a RetroSound Bluetooth radio, and Vintage Air controls that look right at home.
The result? A car that starts easily, cruises comfortably, steers and stops with modern precision, and makes you smile every time you push it.
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we don’t just bolt on parts—we listen to your dreams and build them into a cohesive, high-performance machine you’ll love for years.
So, what would YOUR ideal Muscle Car, Classic, Custom, or Hot Rod be like?
Tell us. Whether it’s this exact ’78, another classic, a hot rod, or something completely custom, we’re ready to make it happen. Contact us anytime at v8speedshop.com and let’s build the Trans Am you’ve always wanted—together. Can’t wait to get started. See you in the shop!
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.
V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP
314.783.8325
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Build Photo Gallery
