1977 Pontiac Firebird LS3 Swap Restomod 530hp Pro-Touring Beast V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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!

Shelby Cobra vs Corvette at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Revving their engines in a battle for supremacy, the Shelby Cobra and the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette stand as legendary icons of automotive performance. On one side, the Shelby Cobra, a snarling beast born to conquer the tracks. Its lightweight frame, monstrous 427 Ford power, and thunderous roar make it a force to be reckoned with. Every stomp of the throttle sends shivers down the spine, propelling you into an adrenaline-fueled frenzy. On the other side, the Chevrolet Corvette, a sleek and powerful machine that balances elegance and brute strength. Its refined engineering, superb handling for the day, and iconic style create a harmonious symphony of performance. It grips the road like a predator, delivering thrills with every corner conquered. Both titans offer a smile-inducing driving experience, leaving you craving more. So, which would you choose in this battle of performance legends?

#ShelbyCobraVsCorvette #PerformanceProwess #AutomotiveTitans

V8 Speed and Resto Shop

1968 Oldsmobile 442 Pro Touring built by V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Adding Modern Performance And Handling To A Classic Envelope

This cool yellow 1968 Oldsmobile 442 looks great, but the owner wanted better handling, braking, and comfort, while adding more reliable power and a smoother shifting transmission to the car without sacrificing the classic look. The solution is the installation of at Roadster Shop chassis and an LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.

Restoring As Needed

This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 had been restored once, but we discovered some areas needing attention. We replaced the rusty dashboard and performed some floor pan repairs during the process. The goal was to perform the required tasks without re-restoring the entire car.

Upgrades With Drivability In Mind

The foundation is a Roadster Shop chassis, which is not only stiffer than the original GM chassis, but it also incorporates improved suspension geometry, stroger parts, and spring, shock, and steering technology over 50 years more advanced than the 1968 design. The end result is a car that drives phenomenally well while not losing the original 442 appearance.

LS3 + TKO = Way More Fun!

The nearly 500 HP all-aluminum LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKx 5-speed transmission is able to handle over 600 ft-lbs of torque and adds an overdrive 5th gear, all while capable of 7500+ RPM shifts. It is geared to match the rear axle ratio and power curve of the engine, so the hydraulically-clutched 5-speed adds to the fun while being easy to drive.

Follow The Build

The photos tell the story of how the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team transformed this Olds into a road car that the driver can enjoy all day long. Our team is very experienced in building these type of Pro-Touring Muscle Cars for those who put the emphasis on driving performance. What can we build for you? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to chat about your dream classic, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

THIS PROJECT FEATURES:

FRAME OFF RESTORATION

CUSTOM FIREWALL

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible Restoration at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

CUSTOM PAINT

A Trusted Companion Since 1973

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a mid-range car produced by General Motors for those seeking comfortable, reliable, and stylish vehicles. The Cutlass Supreme was the fanciest version of the Cutlass you could buy, and the 1971 convertible is one of 10,255 built that year.

The owner of this particular car purchased it in 1973 and has driven and enjoyed it ever since. However, over time, the car started to show its age, so he called the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to restore it.

Tearing Down To Build Back Up

The team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop began by media blasting the chassis to remove all the rust and corrosion, and then powder coated it in a black finish similar to the original paint. They also replaced the original suspension parts with tubular control arms and billet coil-over shocks from QA1.

The body was stripped in search of rust and damage, and any rust holes were repaired with new steel. The team also repaired the bottom of the door shell to replace some rust holes. Their mission was to use as much of the original GM steel as possible on this car to keep it as authentic as possible.

Renewing The Driveline

The original Olds 350 V8 engine was also given a refresh. The engine was disassembled, cleaned, measured, and remachined, and new rod and main bearings, pistons, rings, gaskets, and all new ARP hardware were installed. A COMP hydraulic roller camshaft conversion was installed, which not only added a cam profile designed to increase the engine’s torque output, but also uses roller lifters to reduce friction and the risk of the cam going flat. Once it was all assembled, the engine was topped with an aluminum intake manifold and a Holley Terminator X electronic fuel injection system for increased reliability.

Vibrant Green Once Again

The body was then painted in its original code 43 Lime Green Metallic color, and the team carefully re-mounted the body panels, making sure nothing got bumped or chipped in the process. Once installed, all the exterior surfaces were sanded once again in preparation for sealer and the color and clear application.

After a couple months of curing time, the paint team started the wetsanding and buffing process on the paint to further flatten the surface and bring out the gloss. The restored trim, lettering, and badges were then carefully installed.

New Upholstery And Bright Spoked Wheels

The interior was renewd, with the seats, door panels, rear side panels, dash pad, sun visors, carpet, and more being rebuilt or replaced. A new A/C system from Vintage Air was installed, and the dashboard and firewall were bodyworked and painted satin black.

The convertible top mechanism and hydraulics were also restored, and a new white convertible top was installed. The car also got a set of custom made chrome spoked wheels with white pinstriped tires.

The original gauges were restored and updated with LED lights, and a quartz conversion was installed to keep the original clock hands spinning smoothly. A Vintage Air control panel matches the original brushed aluminum design, and a Retro Sound radio provides modern tunes for the ride.

The car was finally finished and returned to the owner, who was thrilled with the results. The car is now in better-than-new condition, and the owner is excited to make new memories with it.

What Can We Restore For You?

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team stands ready to turn the clock back on whatever you drive, restoring it authentically or adding modern performance and convenience features as you wish. Contact the shop today to learn more.

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