We’re completing some upgrades and restoration tasks on this 400-powered 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. This Sterling Silver 1977 Trans Am has been in our customer’s family since new and often driven over the years. Today, it’s in for a mechanical, interior, and body and paint restoration. We thought we’d share an update as we build the car in our latest “What are you in for” video series where we share in-process projects from around the shop!
Original-family owned cars like this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am are special heirlooms for sure. Our customer was just 3 years old when his family went to their local Pontiac dealer and picked out this silver over red ‘77 TA, and it’s been in the family ever since. In fact, the story goes that our customer picked the color as a little kid! The car is powered by the Pontiac 400 V8, a more desirable engine than the California-spec Oldsmobile 403 alternative.
Today, it is showing over 170,000 miles on the odometer, which is great news… the car has been driven and enjoyed over all these years! However, that also means it suffered some wear and tear, despite the owner’s Father carefully performing maintenance on the car. Once in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, our team removed the Pontiac 400 engine for rebuilding, and upgraded it with a COMP roller cam conversion for a bit more power and longevity. The engine cleaned and machined, and was fitted with all new bearings, rings, and other wear items.
The subframe was removed and media blasted, and the suspension system was upgraded with tubular control arms from Global West and Bilstein shock absorbers. SSBC disc brakes are an improvement over stock.
The 1977 Trans Am had some rust issues, so the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team repaired rust in the quarter panels, doors, fenders, dash, and trunk floor with new sheet metal. The car will receive a fresh coat of the original Sterling Silver color, along with a host of fresh restoration parts from YearOne to make the car look new on the inside and out. You’ll find the photos, videos, and podcasts about the car below!
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