1971 Firebird with a LS7 V8

Deb Hall sent a 1971 Pontiac Firebird to Detroit Speed for a transformation. The company logged many hours working on the appearance and upgrading performance. The result is a pro-touring showpiece.

The company started by installing new steel quarter-panels, fenders, radiator core support and carbon fiber nose, hood, and trunk lid. Detroit Speed also added recessed door handles, fender vents, tucked rear bumper, and custom aluminum spoiler. The body is covered in PPG Tanzanite Blue Metallic paint with charcoal racing stripes.

In the engine bay Detroit Speed installed a naturally aspirated 7.0 L LS7 V8 producing 550 hp (410 kW) and 500+ lb-ft (677 Nm) of torque. Behind that is a Bowler T56 six-speed manual transmission and GearFX 9-inch rear end with a Truetrac limited-slip differential.

Detroit Speed improved the classic F-body’s handling using their Hydroformed front suspension, subframe connectors, and Quadralink four-link rear suspension. Each corner sports a JRI adjustable coilover and Baer disc brake. Up front are six-piston calipers and drilled/slotted rotors while the back are four-piston calipers and drilled/slotted rotors.

The interior also received a lot of work. A Momo steering wheel mounts on an Ididit tilt steering column. Behind that is are Classic Instrument gauges outlined by a carbon fiber insert. A four-point roll cage surrounds leather Recaro Sport seats with Schroth harnesses flanking a custom center console.

You can view many more photos of the project’s progress in Detroit Speed’s build album.

Source: Holley