1978 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

V8 Speed & Resto in Red Bud, Illinois was tasked with upgrading the performance in this 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The company performed an engine swap and paired that with a modern drivetrain and suspension.

The Trans Am’s new heart is a 6.2 L LS3 V8 crate motor capable of 525 hp (386 kW) and 486 lb-ft (658 Nm) of torque. The motor features a nodular iron crank, aluminum pistons, L92-style heads, and Holley mid-mount accessory kit. A set of Hooker cast iron manifolds route exhaust through stainless steel tubing. Behind the motor is a 4L70 four-speed automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end with a limited-slip differential.

V8 Speed & Resto improved the car’s handling with Global West control arms and coilovers and a Borgeson power steering box. Between the subframes are Global West connectors. The rear suspension features Detroit Speed leaf-springs. They replaced the factory brakes with Wilwood six-piston calipers with 12-inch drilled/slotted rotors on each corner.

Covering the brakes are a set of YearOne Snowflake-style 17×9-inch wheels wearing Nitto tires. V8 Speed & Resto sells an adapter called the “Shaker Maker” which retains the Shaker hood scoop with a LSx V8.

V8 Speed & Resto retained the red interior but added a Vintage Air AC system to keep the occupants comfortable. The 4L70 transmission is controlled by a Shiftworks shifter while Dakota Digital RTX gauges display information from the LS3 V8.

Source: V8 Speed & Resto