Open Menu
Open Menu
 ::

1977 Trans Am with a 530 hp LS3 V8

Published in engineswapdepot.com

The owner of this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am wanted improved performance and handling. So they turned to Kevin Oeste’s company V8 Speed & Resto for their expertise in upgrading muscle cars.

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

The project started with removing the carbureted V8 and automatic transmission. In their place V8 Speed & Resto swapped a 376 ci LS3 V8 built by BluePrint Engines capable of 530 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque and a Gearstar 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission. Both are controlled by a Holley Terminator X.

LS3 V8 and 4L70 automatic transmission going into a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

LS3 V8 with shaker scoop in the engine bay of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

V8 Speed & Resto wanted the LS3 compact in the engine bay so they opted for a Holley mid-mount accessory system and Hooker iron exhaust manifolds. They fabricated a custom bracket to retain the shaker scoop which is now non-functional. The exhaust sound is accentuated by new stainless steel piping.

LS3 V8 with shaker scoop in the engine bay of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

custom bracket to mount shaker scoop on a LS3 V8

upgraded rear leaf spring suspension on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

After sorting the powertrain, V8 Speed & Resto began upgrading the suspension. The front received Global West tubular upper and lower control arms, Borgeson steering box, upgraded sway bar, and a set of adjustable coilovers. In the back they installed lowering leaf springs and upgraded sway bar.

upgraded tubular front suspension on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

The factory front brakes were tossed for a set of Wilwood six-piston brakes. V8 Speed & Resto rebuilt the rear drum brakes. Covering those are a set of Year One Snowflake 17-inch wheels wearing Nitto NT555 tires.

Wilwood six-piston brake on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Year One Snowflake wheel on 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Source: V8TV

Source Related Items from Catalogue Show Related Tags firebird, Engineswapdepot