1980 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM PACE CAR

Details

This car presents as well today as when it drove off the showroom floor almost 32 years ago. Under this Trans Am's turbo-specific hood you'll find an all-original YL-stamped and 301T-branded turbocharged Pontiac 301ci V8, which made substantially more twist than the mighty 6.6-liter it replaced while being significantly more efficient. Originally conceived as an economy offering, the Pontiac 301 was beefed up with a better block design, thicker gaskets, lower compression pistons, a mild

camshaft, a rolled fillet crank, a fully baffled oil pan, a unique single-plane intake and an electronic spark controller in preparation for a Garrett TBO-305 turbocharger. Once the turbo was installed, it created a waste-limited 9psi of boost and helped the reborn 301 achieve 236hp and a serious 345 ft/lbs of torque. Behind that blown engine, a stalwart, original Turbo Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to both the aforementioned GM 10-bolt rear end and standard WS6 handling package. Power flows to the pavement through pliable 225/70 white-letter Goodyear Polysteel radials mounted to exclusive 15' turbo-style, body-matched aluminum wheels that feature slick machined edges and pristine plastic center caps. The car's all-original, fully equipped Oyster interior features optional doeskin vinyl with hobnail cloth inserts, which create a sophisticated appearance that builds on the 1980 Trans Am's increasing list of luxury options. From the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection.