Today’s “Which Would You Rather” – Pontiac Firebird Edition

Posted on by V8 Staff

Two different birds of the same feather?

Not only are these two Pontiac Firebirds opposites in color they are opposite ends of the same spectrum in many ways. In the foreground, we see an all original 1981 Pontiac, Trans Am Turbo featuring the 301 in.³ V8 and small turbo charger. In the background, we see a 1973 Firebird Trans Am, originally sporting a 455 V8 topped with a 4-barrel carb. The foreground was an attempt to boost power and economy, while the background ‘bird boasts the biggest Pontiac V8 ever put in one of these cars, and rides on a Roadster Shop SPEC Chassis. Which would you prefer? Would you leave the turbo car stock, or would you add modern power and bigger turbo for insane performance? We like all kinds of Firebirds here in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop performance aviary and are happy to build one for you!

#Firebird #TransAm #Pontiac #Bandit #TurboTransAm #V8SpeedAndRestoShop #V8SpeedShop

1981 Pontiac Trans AM Turbo Upgrades

Posted on by V8 Staff

Adding some great modern upgrades to a Pontiac Turbo Trans AM without losing the DNA of the car.

1978 Pontiac Trans Am Fuel Injection Overdrive Upgrades at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop more like a lame duck than a bird of fire, so our team went to work adding new rear gears, a 2004R overdrive transmission, a roller cam from COMP Cams, and a FAST EZ-2.0 EFI system for better driving manners. The Pontiac 400 engine even received an unexpected refresh along the way. It’s not often to see a Pontiac 400 fuel injected engine, but this car keeps the Poncho power with modern touches.

We sell these parts and can install them on your classic or muscle car, just contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to talk to our technicians or to schedule your upgrades, transportation services are available.

Some of the parts used in this upgrade:

F.A.S.T. – EZ EFI 2.0 Fuel Injection System
Royal Purple – Max ATF and Max Tuff Synthetic Assembly Lube
B & M – Converter Lock-up Controller
Tanks Inc – Fuel Tank, HP Fuel Pump and Sending Unit
Shiftworks – Shifter Conversion Kit
COMP Cams – Roller Cam, Roller Lifters, Push Rods and Roller Rockers
Eastwood – High Temp Ceramic Engine Paint
K&N – Air Filter

1977 Pontiac Trans Am Restomod Revival at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

Adding some “Bad” to the Bandit!

Calling all Trans Am fans! Buckle up, because V8 Speed and Resto Shop is taking a classic 1977 Firebird and turning it into a pro-touring monster. This isn’t your average T-Top Trans Am – it’s a non-T-Top model that’s about to receive a complete overhaul.

Take A Ride In This 1977 Pontiac LS3 Trans Am Video!

530 Horsepower Heart Transplant

The centerpiece of this transformation is a brand new LS3 V8 engine. This beast pumps out a whopping 530 horsepower, a far cry from the original engine’s output. To handle all that extra power, the shop is also installing a 4L70E overdrive transmission.

Straightening The Curves

But it’s not just about straight-line speed. V8 Speed and Resto knows that a pro-touring car needs to handle corners like a dream. That’s why they’re outfitting this Trans Am with a Global West suspension system. This upgrade will ensure precise handling and confidence-inspiring grip. YearOne 17″ wheels complete the look for any Trans Am!

Comfort is also important, even for a car built for performance. The shop isn’t forgetting about everyday usability. They’re installing a Vintage Air A/C system to keep things cool on those hot summer days.

To keep the driver informed, the classic instrument cluster is being replaced with a modern Dakota Digital gauge setup. This will provide all the essential information in a clear and stylish way.

Follow Along as we complete the transformation of this Trans Am and set it free on the open road!

Pro Touring Pontiac Trans Am Independent Rear Suspension Detroit Speed Subframe Full Build Preview

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This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is transforming into a high-end Pro Touring car at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Power comes from a Chevrolet Performance LS3 V8, and it is installed in a Detroit Speed hydroformed front subframe. It’s backed by a Tremec T-56 6-speed manual transmission, sending power back to a fully independent rear suspension IRS system from Heidts.

The Trans Am is a full build at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and was stripped to bare steel before being sprayed in a protective epoxy primer. The body had minimal rust, so it is in the test fit stage in this video. Subscribe to be updated on the progress of this car as we do all the mechanical upgrades, body and paint, complete interior, and tuning.

#transam #protouring #independent #v8speedshop

V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com

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Sparks Are Flying

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Metal melts and sparks fly as Tim repairs panels on a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. A lot of labor and love goes into the bodywork of our restorations; knowing this is the most important part of the process…the foundation.

#v8speedandresto #transam #quality #fabrication #v8speedshop #musclecars #restoration

Paint Booth Secrets on the Silver Trans Am, Firebird Fest, Broken Bolts, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

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Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke chat about a sweet 1977 Pontiac Trans Am coming together in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and some of the steps the paint team take to make these cars stand tall. They also preview the 2022 Firebird Fest! Later, Kevin shares some tips on extracting a bolt he broke on his 1970 Buick, and of course, there’s automotive trivia and more on this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast! Subscribe so you don’t miss the next riveting show!

V8 Radio Podcast

Paint Booth Secrets on the Silver Trans Am, Firebird Fest, Broken Bolts, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

00:00 / 1:01:38

2021 PRI Show, Building a 775 Hp LT5 10-Speed 1969 Camaro, Modernizing a Trans Am, Tools, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

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The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show is a hot topic on this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, and our hosts Mike Clarke and Kevin Oeste review the racing trade show and scheme up a plan for next year. Next up is a chat about a Pro-Touring 1969 Chevrolet Camaro coming together at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, complete with a 775 HP LT5 engine hooked to a 10 speed automatic transmission. This one is going to be a handful! They also cover a modernized 1978 Pontiac Trans Am and a whole new way to look after the car, and wrap it all up with some tool talk. And there is also Automotive Trivia, along with a few laughs and other nonsense, on the latest episode of the V8 Radio Podcast!

The Performance Racing Industry Show (PRI) Website

Click to see the 1969 Camaro LT5 10 Speed Photo Gallery

Check out the Toolbox Widget

V8 Radio Podcast

2021 PRI Show, Building a 775 Hp LT5 10-Speed 1969 Camaro, Modernizing a Trans Am, Tools, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

00:00 / 1:15:55

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

Posted on by V8 Staff

This super-clean 1978 Pontiac Trans Am came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop as a new purchase for the owner. He wanted our crew to inspect the car, make any needed repairs, and upgrade it with a Vintage Air A/C system and a Holley Terminator X electronic fuel injection system. We also performed some other maintenance items, and replaced some worn-out components so that it is ready to fly!