Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Pro Touring EFI LS3 V8 476 HP 6 Speed PS Ford 9" 3.70

SUMMARY

* Authentic V-code Trans Am / Restoration completed in 2015
* Fully rebuilt and thoroughly upgraded GM LS3 V8 / 476 dyno-proven horsepower
* Fully rebuilt Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission / LS7 hydraulic clutch
* Currie 9-inch rear axle / Detroit Locker differential / Strange 3.70 gears
* Black interior / MP3-compatible Antique Auto Radio
* GM power steering / Baer 4-wheel power disc brakes
* 18-inch Year One wheels
* Upgraded suspension
* Brewster Green paint / Phoenix Graphics decals
* Sale includes restoration photos

----------

Because their production was so low to begin with, early second generation Trans Ams are becoming increasingly hard to purchase. And when you throw in the fact that, for years, first generation cars got all the glory in the eyes of restorers, it complicates the search even more. Take a stroll through a bit of online inventory and generally you'll find either blue chip museum pieces that command high-dollar prices or rusted out basket cases in need of high-dollar restorations. Well Pontiac fans, today is your lucky day! RK Motors Charlotte is happy to feature this killer Brewster Green pro-tourer, which wraps a slick LS3, a tough Tremec 6-speed and a completely re-engineered chassis in a stunning restoration that was completed just weeks ago. If you're an avid Firebird enthusiast who's searching for that elusive, show-worthy F2 that'll immediately unlock years of carefree curve carving, here's your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Assembled at GM's fabled Norwood manufacturing facility in January of 1973, this authentic V-code Trans Am is fresh out of a ground-up, rotisserie restoration that was completed in the summer of 2015. That detailed rebuild was conducted on a solid fuselage that starts with original floors, progresses to original doors and original fenders, and terminates at an original hood, an original urethane nose and an original, re-chromed bumper. That impressive profile was finished in desirable Brewster Green 2-stage that's so deep it almost photographs as black. And that cool pigment was complemented with a sweet set of Phoenix Graphics call-outs that create some of the most iconic and desirable war paint in automotive history.

ENGINE

Twisting 430 horsepower into 424 lb./ft. of tire torching torque, GM's 6.2 liter LS3 is a technological testament to the incredible progression of cam-in-block engine design! GM Powertrain invested a great deal of time and research into getting the most out of the fourth generation of its legendary small block, and it definitely shows. Changes started with a 20% stronger casting, featuring an increased bore of 103.25mm. Focus was then shifted to flow efficiency, resulting in the use of rectangle-port heads and an all-new intake manifold. Factor in a new piston design, and injectors borrowed from the brutal LS7, and you get one very potent V8 that happily doubles as an everyday commuter.

This particular LS3, a 2011 motor that was completely rebuilt after its first 10K miles, breathes through an “LSX” branded shaker that rides on a big Edelbrock intake thanks to a Pro-Touring F-Body air cleaner base. That intake, capped with a 1300cfm Accel throttle body, feeds new GM heads that, in addition to being hand ported, were fitted with new GM lifters, a BTR Dual Spring Kit, chromoly pushrods, new GM rockers and new GM rocker covers. Below those heads, a custom-grind Comp cam spins inside a honed block that, in addition to being completely reassembled, was fitted with new bearings, new rings and high quality ARP rod bolts. That cam works in conjunction with reliable Edelbrock fuel rails, which are dressed in monochromatic AN fluid lines. That fuel gets lit thanks to relocated LS7 coils, which bridge the gap between a GM PCM, a Modern Vintage powertrain harness and familiar MSD Super Conductor plug wires. A beefy radiator makes good use of a large electric puller fan to cool that combustion. New GM accessory brackets spin a new GM water pump next to new GM power steering. And clean Stainless Works headers, finished with stainless fasteners and GM MLS gaskets, make quick work of spent gases. Aesthetically, the car's correctly spaced retro shaker setup is impressively complemented by light blue block skin. Items like a GM oil pump, a GM timing chain, a fresh Holley oil pan and a Custom-mount Tick Performance clutch cylinder ensure this Pontiac stays muscle car strong all day long. And it all boils down to 476 dyno-proven horsepower funneled through fat rear wheels.

DRIVETRAIN

The modern motor spins power to a tough Tremec T56 6-speed, which was sourced from a fourth generation F-Body and subjected to a $2,995 rebuild that was conducted by Finish Line Transmission. That gearbox uses an LS7 clutch and flywheel to twist torque through a heavy-duty DOM driveshaft that's fitted with Spicer 1350 U-joints. And those joints command a proven Currie 9-inch that's stuffed with a Detroit Locker differential, Strange 3.70 gears and heavy-duty axles. The great thing about the car's awesome driveline is: as with its cool shaker hood, thoughtful modifications were made to ensure an era-correct feel. The retrofitted transmission was married to a Cobra tailshaft and rear housing to ensure proper shifter location. A Zinc-coated, original-style fuel tank was fitted with EFI baffles and equipped with a new Aeromotive 340 internal pump. And 2.5-inch Pypes stainless crossflow exhaust makes good use of a correctly mounted muffler and original-style tips.

SUSPENSION

Speaking of keeping up appearances, this F2 fits in at any party, with uncut, Eastwood-coated floors reflecting years of solid preservation while a thoroughly modified chassis tells the story of thoughtful, well-planned restoration. At the front of the car's stellar drivetrain, powder-coated Pro-Touring F-Body control arms perfectly complement adjustable Viking coil-overs and a Pro-Touring F-Body sway bar that's fitted with spherical end links. Opposite that front-clip, the car's powder-coated pumpkin rides between Pro-Touring F-Body lowering springs and a second Pro-Touring F-Body sway bar. Turns come courtesy of GM-spec power steering. Stops are provided by big Baer calipers, which utilize 1979-model WS6 hydraulics to squeeze four drilled and slotted rotors. Everything rolls on 17-inch Year One honeycombs, which twist 255/45 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of 285/40 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs. And everything, from this Pontiac's bright stainless fluid lines to its powder-coated Pro-Touring F-Body subframe connectors, appears to be in good, road-ready condition.

INTERIOR

Open the mile-wide doors and you'll find a fully restored interior that blends seamlessly with the car's glossy green paint. Original Trans Am 'horse collar' seats are supple, firm and look every bit as nice as our pictures imply. Below those seats, professionally fit Auto Custom carpet founds Morris Classic Concepts seatbelts between a classy Hurst shifter and fresh sill plates. At the sides of that carpet, deluxe Parts Unlimited door panels feature an array of correct hardware. An original dash pad frames a Randy Combs-restored dash, which is finished with an MP3-compatible Antique Auto radio and correctly calibrated telemetry. That dash, seat and trim trifecta is capped by a pliable Parts Unlimited headliner, which flows to a fresh Parts Unlimited package tray. In front of the driver, a reproduction Formula steering wheel spins speed-drilled spokes around a tilting column. And behind the passengers, a painted trunk provides ample cargo space.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Miscellaneous factory literature
* Two vintage Owner's Manuals
* A Hurst emblem that was on the car's decklid prior to restoration
* Restoration photos
* Component paperwork for the car's Antique Automobile Radio
* A Hot Wheels die-cast

This highly desirable Trans Am is a pristine example of Pontiac's contribution to Detroit's first golden age of performance. This is the kind of car that you can take to the show on Saturday and drive to work on a sunny Monday morning. And with its proven drivetrain and top-notch restoration, it's set to provide one lucky owner with years of reliable cruising and great memories. If you're in the market for an old school classic that's the quintessential American muscle car, here it is. Grab it fast!