At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we’re pumped to work on a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am that’s already a standout. With an LS3 engine and T56 6-speed manual transmission pumping out 485 rwhp on the dyno, this TA is a solid performer. The owner wants more power, and we’re delivering with an Edelbrock E-Force supercharger.
The customer’s plan? “I currently have an LS3/T56 6-speed manual transmission in my TA. The motor made 485 rwhp on a dyno. I would like to supercharge this motor. A low-profile blower is needed as I have the hood scoop attached to the hood, not much clearance.” We love the vision—this car’s LS3 swap and hood scoop setup are cool choices, and we’re excited to take it up a notch.
The Edelbrock E-Force is perfect here: low-profile for the tight clearance, yet powerful enough to transform this LS3. We’ll integrate it seamlessly, tuning everything for peak performance. The V8 team can’t wait to hear this TA roar with its new boost.
There’s talk of a paint job too—maybe 2022 GM Shadow Metallic with gold decals and 17″ x 9″ Yearone honeycombs in gold-bronze. If it happens, this weekend driver will look as fierce as it runs. Stay tuned for updates!
1976 Pontiac Trans Am Project Photo Gallery at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
The Ultimate Expression of Creativity and Craftsmanship
We’re extremely passionate about Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Customs, Trucks, and all kinds of unique and personalized vehicles here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. On this page, we share some ideas for expression cars… one-of-a-kind, bespoke and personalized custom creations reflecting the personality and performance desires of the owner. The examples on this page – penned by talented design partner Murray Komant – are all ready to build, or stand to inspire creative ideas of your own. Our dedicated team of talented craftsman are prepared to bring these machines to life. We invite you to embark on a personalized journey to make your ultimate hot rod or custom a reality!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label Experience – More Than A Car
Black Label customs appeal to a unique personality who is fueled by an exclusive experience. These elements are designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind journey, truly crafted around personal preferences, crafting a vehicle and experience that is impossible to duplicate and therefore the only one of its kind.
Loosely based on a 1932-1934 Ford roadster, this one combines elements of a high-end European sports car with traditional American Hot Rod. An all-steel, highly sculpted and elegant Hot Rod incorporating top-level elements designed to provide a stunning looking ride with hot performance, but with a refined personality.
This stunning 1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic 98 Coupe blends traditional Kustom touches blended with modern technology, comfort, and road feel. In this case, we already own the car and are ready to start the transformation for an individual looking to steal the show and then devour the miles on the wide open roads.
This awesome 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk concept features a lowered stance on a performance chassis, modern supercharged power, Halibrand-style wheels, and a great retro-themed color scheme. Look closely at the gold in the fins… there’s a lot going on in there! This project, penned by designer Murray Komant, is one of many bespoke Black Label concepts brewing at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
Custom International PickupCustom Dodge Power WagonCustom Chevrolet “Sport Cab”1959 Chevrolet Impala Chopped Flat Top1959 Dodge Saratoga CustomCustom High Performance Bentley
Watch this space for more cool designs, or click the link to contact us with your own ideas, we’d love to build your dream car!
A classic 1980 Corvette recently rolled into our shop, and we’re excited to breathe new life into this American sports car. The owner has a clear vision for the car, and we’re ready to bring it to life.
Interior Refresh
The interior is mostly complete, but it still needs a few finishing touches. We’ll install the remaining interior components, including a new tilt steering wheel and a reproduction radio.
Mechanical Upgrades
To enhance the Corvette’s performance, we’ll focus on the engine. A true dual exhaust system with headers will improve airflow and unleash the engine’s potential. We’ll also install a Holley Sniper 2 fuel injection system, along with a new fuel pump, ignition, and sensors. To further optimize performance, we may upgrade the heads, cam, and intake manifold.
To keep the engine running cool, we’ll consider installing a mechanical fan. Additionally, a more appropriate torque converter will help optimize power delivery.
Comprehensive Mechanical Inspection
Before diving into performance upgrades, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection of all mechanical systems, including the power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and brakes. We’ll replace any worn bushings or other components as needed to ensure a smooth and reliable ride.
We’re confident that this 1980 Corvette will emerge from our shop looking and running great. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!
We recently welcomed a 1972 Dodge Charger into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. This classic muscle car, once a beloved high school ride, is set to become its owner’s ultimate retirement cruiser. This cool Charger requires some TLC to reach its full potential.
The Owner’s Vision
The owner’s primary goals for the Charger are clear:
Complete the wiring and tuning: Ensuring the car runs smoothly and efficiently.
Install a custom console: Adding a modern touch with a touchscreen and other features.
Prepare for cross-country adventures: Making the Charger road-worthy for long-distance travel.
The owner’s emotional attachment to the car is evident. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of his youth and a companion for his golden years.
Our Approach
At V8 Speed and Resto, we’re committed to bringing the owner’s vision to life. Our team of skilled technicians will carefully address the wiring and tuning issues, ensuring the Charger runs like a dream. We’ll also collaborate with a custom interior specialist to create a console that blends modern amenities with the car’s classic charm.
Join Us on the Journey
We’re excited to share the progress of this restoration project with our community. Stay tuned for updates on the wiring, tuning, and custom console installation. We’ll also provide insights into the owner’s journey and his hopes for his beloved Charger.
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a true time capsule, boasting an incredibly low 12,000 miles on the odometer! The car is finished in a classic Cameo White with Carmine cloth upholstery and is powered by a 403ci V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Although it is in like-new shape, it came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for some mainteance and detial work.
Key Features and Options:
WS6 Special Performance Package: This package includes power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, a quick-ratio steering box, and a larger sway bar for enhanced handling.
Removable T-top Roof Panels: Enjoy the open-air driving experience with this convertible-like feature.
Shaker Hood: A classic Trans Am design element that adds a touch of aggression.
Power Steering, Power Windows, and Power Brakes: Enjoy modern conveniences even in a vintage car.
15-inch Snowflake Alloy Wheels: These iconic wheels are a signature feature of the Trans Am.
Delco Cassette Radio: A throwback to the era’s audio technology.
Air Conditioning: Stay cool and comfortable during hot summer days.
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a rare and desirable classic car, offering a blend of performance, style, and low mileage. If you’re a Trans Am enthusiast or collector, we welcome you to peruse this photo gallery and check it out for yourself!
1971 Buick Skylark: A Restoration Project in the Works
This cool 1971 Buick Skylark just arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and we’re all excited about bringing helping it along to the next level! The owner’s vision for his Skylark is to bring it back to its former glory, while maintaining its classic character.
The Restoration Plan
Larry’s wishlist for his Skylark is extensive, but the key goals include:
Engine Rebuilding: To address the low oil pressure and compression, the engine will undergo a complete rebuild. The goal is to restore the engine’s performance and reliability without turning it into a race-ready powerhouse.
Interior Restoration: The interior will receive a full makeover. This may include reupholstery, carpet replacement, and repairs to any damaged components.
Brake System Overhaul: To ensure safe and reliable braking, the entire brake system will be inspected and replaced as needed.
Stay Tuned For More Photos And Videos
We’ll be providing regular updates on the progress of this restoration project. Follow us on social media to stay informed and see how this 1971 Buick Skylark transforms.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a leading provider of classic car restoration and performance services. For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact us directly.
At V8 Speed & Resto Shop, restoring classic muscle cars is more than just a job; it’s a passion.
One day, a 1973 Plymouth Cuda rolled into the shop, its striking lines a bit dulled by time, and its once mighty 340 cubic inch V-8 engine showing signs of hard miles. This wasn’t going to be just any job. The owner wanted a complete underhood restoration—returning the engine bay and its components to their original glory, if not better.
The first task was removing the tired and greasy engine. It was a beast, but our team made quick work of it, carefully disconnecting all the hoses, wiring, and mounts. With the engine out and set aside, we got our first real look at the underhood area. Years of use had left it coated in grime and grease. The once-vibrant paint that matched the exterior of the car had faded badly, and rusty patches were beginning to creep into the corners of the bay.
After a thorough cleaning, the full extent of the rust and wear became apparent.
Thin, rusty spots were scattered across the engine bay, and the original factory paint was barely recognizable. On these Cudas, the factory had painted the engine bay the same color as the exterior, giving the car a seamless, clean look when it was new. However, years of heat and exposure had taken their toll. It was time for some serious TLC.
The team set to work on rust repair and patch panels. The thin spots were cut out and replaced with fresh metal, carefully welded and blended so that they looked as though the rust had never been there. Once the structural integrity was restored, attention turned to prepping the entire underhood area for a full repaint.
Every bracket, clip, and component that could be salvaged was restored. The alternator and power steering brackets, the coil mount, and even the little things like the battery tray were removed, degreased, sandblasted, and refinished. If a part couldn’t be saved, it was replaced with an exact reproduction to keep the original look intact.
Turning the corner
After the rust repairs, the next step was laying down the fresh paint. Using a premium-grade primer, the entire underhood area was prepped for color. Bodywork was performed in the same way it is on the outside of a show car. The paint mix was matched perfectly to the original exterior hue of the car. We carefully applied multiple coats of paint, making sure the surface was flawless. By the end, the inside of the engine bay gleamed with a mirror-like shine, looking even better than it had when it rolled out of the factory over 50 years ago.
Meanwhile, we had turned our attention to the 340 V-8 engine itself. Every gasket and seal had been replaced, the heads and block were inspected and cleaned, and the internal components were brought back to factory specs. Once the engine was fully restored mechanically, it was time to give it a fresh coat of paint. We mixed up the original light blue color that these engines came with from the factory. The soft hue contrasted beautifully against the vibrant underhood paint.
With the engine now looking brand new, it was time to reinstall it. Carefully, the engine was lowered back into its gleaming cradle. The freshly restored brackets, hoses, and components were meticulously connected, ensuring that everything functioned as perfectly as it looked. Wiring was rewrapped in factory-correct harnesses, and all connections were tested and rechecked.
No more “Open Hood Anxiety” for this ‘Cuda!
The result was outstanding. When you open the hood of the 1973 Cuda now, you’re greeted by a perfect fusion of restored originality and precision craftsmanship. The fresh engine bay is more immaculate than even the exterior of the car, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the care and effort poured into the restoration. The light blue engine, with its gleaming brackets and flawless components, sits proudly in its newly rejuvenated home, ready to roar back to life as though it had never aged a day.
The owner couldn’t have been happier, and the V8 Speed & Resto team? Well, we were already onto the next classic in need of a little love, knowing that nothing beats the feeling of breathing new life into a legend like this Plymouth Cuda.
Check out the complete underhood restoration photo gallery:
1969 Chevrolet Camaro With Surprise Under The Hood
This cool 1969 Chevrolet Camaro arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for a complete restoration, but we are intrigue with some of the unique elements found on this all-original car.
Stuff You Don’t See Every Day
This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a bit out of the ordinary for several reasons:
– The car is all-original – The exterior color is Butternut Yellow – The interior color is green
Striped For Style
This Camaro is wearing the code D69 stripes, which swoop over the wheel openings on the quarter panels and fenders, and it is also painted with the DX-1 hood and nose stripes. These wrap around the nose of the car and up the hood pointing to the windshield.
Under The Hood
Another interesting part of this ’69 Camaro is the all-original 250 cubic-inch 6 cylinder engine, coupled to an automatic transmission. While 6 cylinder Camaros were popular when new, it seems most were converted to various V8 engines over the years for better performance and more power. However, this one is slated to stay with the original inline 6 during the car’s restoration.
1969 Camaro Restoration Preview Video
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1969 Chevrolet Camaro With Surprise Under The Hood – Restoration Preview at V8 Speed and Resto
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✅ The Votes Are In! 1969 Chevrolet Camaro 6 Cylinder Restoration Part 2 at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
Let’s Make It New Again
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team is tasked with completely restoring this happy little Camaro, complete with a repaint, new interior, suspension, and whatever else it needs to be a great driving car once again.
Perhaps it will receive a more powerful LS3 V8 in the future.. time will tell.
What do you think about this cool old survivor? You can always reach us to restore your Classic or Muscle Car… or maybe even build a full-custom Pro Touring Camaro or Hot Rod!
V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street Red Bud, IL 62278 314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com
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!
