1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

In the collector car world, late '70s and early '80s Trans Ams haven't gained quite as much traction as late '60s and early '70s Trans Ams. And while that's a bit unfortunate, it also creates a unique market for folks who really invest in the cars. Think about it, finding a super nice early '80s Trans Am can be challenging. But, when you do find a gem, it's usually a well done classic that was someone's labor of love. That's precisely the story with this fully restored, LS3-powered pro-touring resto-mod. Combining 525 horsepower with stealthy aesthetics, upgraded convenience, an upgraded driveline and a full Detroit Speed suspension, this Poncho certainly has the performance to back up its outstanding looks. Are you a Trans Am enthusiast who's searching for a cool F2 that you can literally purchase and drive straight to the show? We've got the car for you!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Not too long ago, this T-toped coupe was the beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration. Glossy yet menacing, that freshening sports a rich coat of Starlight Black 2-stage which was detailed with intricate Screamin' Chicken decals and a familiar “TRANS AM” callout. And today, this handsome Poncho walks a fine line between tastefully contemporary and traditionally flamboyant. At the front of the car's fastback profile, an aggressive dual-port grille founds simple parking lamps beneath a prominent arrowhead and boxy LED headlights. At the top of those lights, a broad hood centers a “T/A-6 6” branded scoop in front of tinted glass that's framed in color-keyed stainless. At the sides of that trim, polished door handles add a little pizzazz while stylish vents and painted mirrors perfectly complement requisite wheel spoilers. And at the back of the car, a contoured wing frames body-width LED taillights.

ENGINE

Take a look under the long hood and you'll find 6.2 liters of small block fury! Officially known as the Chevrolet Performance LS376/525, that sweet crate engine twists respectable 10.7 to 1 compression into 525 horsepower and 475 lb./ft. of everyday torque. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it revs to 6,600 RPM and regularly achieves over 20 MPG! Up top, a custom air tube and Spectre filter element funnel wind in to a GM throttle body and familiar composite intake. That air marries fuel in rectangular-port L92-style heads, which make excellent use of high-rate springs. A nodular crank, powdered connecting rods and hypereutectic pistons compress that volatile union. A racing-inspired ASA cam maximizes intake efficiency through better breathing. Speaking of breathing, the spirited mill funnels spent gases through $2,800 worth of Detroit Speed headers. A Be Cool radiator fronts two SPAL cooling fans. A Kwik Performance serpentine drive spins a modern alternator opposite a modern AC compressor. And everything communicates well thanks to customized Chevrolet Performance wiring harnesses. Aesthetically, the Satin Black engine bay is detailed with a smoothed firewall, aftermarket fender braces and trick hood supports. And items like stainless fluid lines, GM plug wires and heavy duty brake components convey a distinct sense of well-thought performance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this slick, second-generation Trans Am, solid floorpans reflect solid restoration. Behind the Chevrolet Performance small block, a Chevrolet Performance 4L65E 4-speed spins power to a 10-bolt third member that's fitted with a Truetrac differential, 3.73 gears and Currie 31-spline axles. That pumpkin rides Detroit Speed leafs, which, narrowed two inches, provide a 3-inch drop. Those springs float between widened wheel tubs and Detroit Speed shocks. Opposite those shocks, a Detroit Speed front-clip centers power rack-and-pinion steering between tubular control arms and modern coil-overs. At the center of that chassis, custom, coated exhaust stacks a 3-inch crossover in front of coated SpinTech mufflers, heat wrapped tail pipes and 2.5-inch side-splitter tips. Outside those pipes, fresh stainless lines cinch gold-detailed Baer 6S calipers, 6-piston up front and 4-piston out back, on a combination of 13 and 14-inch drilled and slotted rotors. That roster of proven hardware rolls on billet Year One Snowflakes, which twist 275/35ZR18 Nitto Invos in front of 295/35ZR18 Nitto Invos. And everything, from this Pontiac's stainless fuel lines to its stainless Rick's tank, appears to be in good, road-ready condition.

INTERIOR

Open this coupe's mile-wide doors and you'll find a fully restored interior that blends seamlessly with the car's monochromatic paint! Custom leather and suede wraps PROCAR Rally buckets in front of factory buckets that are finished with PROCAR Rally foam. Between those seats, a custom, full-length console founds switches for power windows, power door locks, the car's ignition and an electric parking brake in front of two cupholders and a factory shifter. At the top of that console, a customized dash hangs sporty Auto Meter telemetry above Vintage Air climate control. That dash, seat and console trifecta is framed in pliable door panels and fade-free carpet that's protected by custom mats. In front of the driver, a polished steering wheel spins a leather rim around a tilting column. Convenience items include a rearview camera and a Viper alarm system that's complete with proximity alert. And the tunes keep playing thanks to JVC touchscreen audio, which is belted through a 5-channel, 1,000-watt JL Audio amp, a 10-inch, custom-enclosed JL Audio sub and various JL Audio speakers.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• Basic specs
• An invoice for recent service
• Instructions for the car's Bluetooth hardware

Lovingly constructed second-generation Trans Ams are much rarer than they should be. But that doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines and watch a select few enthusiasts have all the fun. Featuring LS power, Detroit Speed athleticism and plenty of old school Motor City swagger, this F2 is set to provide one lucky owner with years of great memories. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte for more information!

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SUMMARY

• The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
• 6.2 liter Chevrolet Performance LS376 V8 / 525 horsepower
• Chevrolet Performance 4L65E 4-speed automatic transmission
• Vintage Air conditioning
• Customized leather and suede interior / Modern audio system
• Detroit Speed suspension / 18-inch Year One Snowflake Wheels
• 10-bolt rear axle / Truetrac differential / 3.73 gears
• Baer 4-wheel power disc brakes
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Starlight Black paint