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!
1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am LS Engine Swap and Suspension at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Part 3
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was running the original 180 horsepower Oldsmobile Continue reading “1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am LS Engine Swap and Suspension at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Part 3”
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!
V8 RADIO PODCAST:
This clean 1979 Pontiac Trans Am came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of some major performance upgrades. The car was born with an anemic Oldsmobile 403 V8 engine coupled to a 3 speed automatic transmission. We did an initial dyno run to find it only made 168 horsepower at the rear wheels, which might have been okay for 1979, but definitely not cool for today. The answer to this problem lies in the form of a Edelbrock supercharged Chevrolet performance LS3 V8 backed by a 6-speed T56 Magnum transmission.
The Trans Am is going to receive a new Roadster Shop chassis for better stiffness and handling. The E Force supercharger relies on an upgraded camshaft from Comp Cams, and is capable of making over 800 horsepower running on E85 fuel. We will be sharing complete build and final dyno videos of this car once the transformation is complete.
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278
#transam #supercharged #ls3transam #roadstershop
The black and gold late 1970s Pontiac Trans AM SEs are some of the most recognizable American performance cars of all time. Of course, being the star of a huge Hollywood action film didn’t hurt, but these late 2nd gen Firebird Trans Ams had strong performance to match their movie star good looks.
Continue reading “1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE Upgrades and Maintenance at V8 Speed & Resto Shop”
1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455 HO – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 371
Picture if you will, you’re 25 years old, gasoline is .40 / gallon, you just bought Continue reading “1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455 HO – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 371”
Greens | Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 365
Green Car Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGV8X9X8baVihipuGJlzvCjrJDqICe6Ka
Our friend Kermit The Frog once said “it’s not easy being green”, but if you’re one of Continue reading “Greens | Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 365”
1970 and 1971 Plymouth Cudas – Which is the best? Muscle Car Of The Week Episode #355
Cuda playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGV8X9X8baVjES7r17KGMgCs1sdIewVOu
By 1970, the Barracuda received a major Continue reading “1970 and 1971 Plymouth Cudas – Which is the best? Muscle Car Of The Week Episode #355”
Top 10 Traits of Ford Muscle – Muscle Car Of The Week Episode #353
Today, we’re checking out 10 things that make Ford Muscle Cars the favorite of so many fans. Continue reading “Top 10 Traits of Ford Muscle – Muscle Car Of The Week Episode #353”
This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a 10th Anniversary car, and it is all original including the 403 cubic inch Oldsmobile V8. We’re performing some basic maintenance and upkeep on this cool silver bird including t-top seals and some new quarter bird decals. Follow along with all the progress here!
Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!
Continue reading “1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Upgrades at V8 Speed and Resto Shop”
