Jose's "TempTAtion" 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
This project started out as my reliable but worse-for-wear daily driver suffering some rust issues on the T-tops, cowl, rear quarters, under the trunk cover. I had rebuilt the 1972 455 (out of a Bonneville) with 6X heads years earlier but hadn't racked up a lot of mileage, so it was only removed for detailing this time during this extensive restoration and customizing job done in 2005-6.
The mild custom details are grill removal, bumpers smoothing; side marker, mirrors and door handles eliminated and smoothed (power windows roll down by remote). House of Kolor® Kandy Tangerine (KBC08) base coat over silver metallic sealer was painted by the owner at home and then a pin-up of model Vida Guerra was airbrushed on the trunk lid. Other airbrush graphics are the 455 shaker call-outs and the black phoenix on the hood.
The black and white interior features '00 Camaro white leather buckets, rears covered to match. The other interior parts are covered in synthetic black suede. Interior work: Got-U-Covered, Taylors, SC.
Backing the massive torque of the Pontiac 455 is a built 4L60 automatic (4-spd overdrive) assembled and installed by Cal Gillenwater at Anderson Automatics in Anderson, SC. With the 2.73 rear axle ratio, first gear now has the torque multiplication of a 3.33 geared car and a final drive ratio of 1.9! So, at 1500 rpm the car travels at 62mph. 2000 rpm = 83 mph. It runs smooth at highway speeds with a noticeable decrease in NVH (engineering acronym for noise/vibration/harshness). Theoret ically, given enough power to overcome air resistance this combination of overdrive transmission and tall gearing has over 200 mph capability at only 5000 rpm! Bonneville here we come!
A good online calculator for mph in different gears and transmissions:
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html
The suspension rides a bit stiff with lowering springs up front and composite leaf springs in the rear. The leaf springs drop about forty pounds from the car! Subframe connectors eliminate body flex and the entire front suspension has been returned to like-new condition with Moog components and new fast-ratio steering box. Take the car for a fast run through mountain twisty roads and the harshness disappears, replaced with amazing grip and control. Up hill blasts rolling upon a wave of torque, flying from curve to curve, and you'll know this machine is in its element and why Trans Ams became legendary.
Page 1: Most recent pics of car and its original airbrush artwork
Page 2: The restoration process
Page 3: Car shows and events
Birds of a feather... My brother's 1989 TTA: Buick 3.8L turbo and quicker to 60.
Update August 25, 2009. I had the R.A.R.E. reproduction ram air exhaust manifolds put on to replace the factory log style and gained 30rwhp. Now the exhaust is 2.5" from the exhaust manifolds all the way to the tips. Perspective: A 1970 Pontiac Trans Am RAIV 400 did 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, also. Time is with BF Goodrich Radial TAs and slow 60' time of 2.31s. I'll keep working on this and post updated times.
