This awesome Cougar blurs the lines between luxury and street brawler!
There are times when you don’t really want to stand out in a crowd… instead, working your way through the masses undetected, but knowing you’ve got the goods to leave the pack in your dust. This super clean 1969 Mercury Cougar is the perfect ride for times like those.
Continue reading “1969 Mercury Cougar 428 Super Cobra Jet 4-Speed Drag Pack: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 380”
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!
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
Looking for a Classic, Muscle Car, or Corvette of your own? Click an orange button link below to see what’s for sale all across the USA on a variety of automotive for sale sites like Craigslist, eBay, and others all in one place!
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Click an orange button link above to see what’s for sale across the USA on a variety of automotive for sale sites like Craigslist, eBay, and others all in one place! Just click the button of the car you’re looking for, then click the blue “Open All” button to see the results!
We’re happy to help you procure your car should you find one to purchase, contact us for more info!
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”
Some cars transcend their status as mere vehicles to become time capsules filled with memories, connections, and legacies. That’s the case with this remarkable 1977 Pontiac Trans Am—a family treasure lovingly restored by the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
When Joe’s dad walked into the dealership in 1977, he wasn’t looking for a typical muscle car. The black-and-gold Trans Am with its flamboyant hood bird may have been popular, but he wanted something different. Together with his young son, Joe, they chose a platinum silver exterior and firethorn red interior—an understated yet dramatic combination.
The family’s personal touch didn’t stop with the color. They opted to leave off the hood bird, creating a sleek and unique look that reflected their individuality. Over the years, this car became a canvas for their creativity and practicality, adding layers of history and personality that set it apart from others.
This Trans Am was more than just a car to Joe’s family; it was part of their everyday lives. It was the reliable daily driver that accompanied family road trips, special moments, and milestones. Over decades, it racked up over 170,000 miles, becoming a symbol of the family’s shared experiences.
By the time the Trans Am reached V8 Speed and Resto Shop, time and heavy use had taken their toll. The paint was faded, rust had crept into several areas, and the engine was tired. What began as an engine rebuild quickly evolved into a comprehensive restoration designed to honor its history while ensuring its future. The original Pontiac 400 V8 engine was carefully disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt to factory specifications, with some modern upgrades for performance and reliability.
The Owner Says:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding is the best word to describe this team. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a large team of car enthusiasts that are well versed in building, repairing, restoring and/or improving your car. I was extremely happy with the outstanding work that they did on the restoration of my family heirloom. They listened to what I wanted, provided input, guidance and kept me up to date with every step – even though I am 800 miles away, If you are interested in restoring your car the right way, then this is where you need to take your car! – JS
The platinum silver paint, though iconic, had faded over the years. Rust issues—particularly in the floorboards near the sunroof drainage system—required extensive attention. Following meticulous metalwork, the body was primed for paint. A two-stage process with base coat and clear coat brought the platinum silver finish back to life, surpassing factory quality while preserving the car’s original look.
To modernize the car’s handling without sacrificing its character, the suspension was upgraded with Global West tubular control arms and Bilstein shocks.
The original wheels were replaced with 17-inch snowflake wheels—an homage to the car’s heritage. These larger wheels allowed for improved braking and tire options while maintaining the Trans Am’s classic aesthetic.
The firethorn red interior, a defining feature of the car, was carefully restored to its original splendor. Seats were reupholstered, carpeting was replaced, and the dash trim was refinished to match its factory appearance.
One of the most challenging aspects of the restoration was the sunroof. Though it had caused rust issues, it was a beloved feature that the family insisted on keeping. To address this, the team crafted a custom fiberglass headliner and upholstered it in matching red fabric.
What truly sets this restoration apart is the attention to the family’s personal touches. Features like the Bronco third brake light, drilled-out shaker scoop, flat-black fender vents, and aftermarket sunroof were retained, honoring the family’s creativity and history with the car.
These elements transformed the restoration into a deeply personal project, ensuring the car retained its unique identity while being prepared for the road ahead.
To celebrate its rebirth, the Trans Am made its public debut at Firebird Fest, where it stood proudly among other classic Firebirds. Joe shared its story with fellow enthusiasts, recounting how it had been a part of his life since childhood.
This 1977 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of family bonds, a rolling scrapbook of memories, and a testament to the power of preserving history. The restoration wasn’t just about rebuilding an engine or repainting a body—it was about honoring a family’s legacy while preparing the car for the next chapter.
At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we’re proud to have played a role in this incredible journey. If you have a classic car with its own story, we’d love to help bring it back to life, preserving what makes it special while restoring it to its full potential.
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”
