1979 Trans Am Reborn With Modern Muscle

Why the Trans Am Still Captivates

The second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am holds a special place with enthusiasts of every age. The car’s big-screen fame in the late 1970s gave it a lasting aura, even though stock performance rarely matched the attitude. Over time, many survivors faded as factory paint, vinyl, and urethane struggled with age.

Today, replacement parts and smarter upgrades make these cars shine again. Consequently, the restomod route has become a popular path. It preserves the look while adding power, safety, and comfort. In that spirit, owner Josh Kilgore commissioned SloPokes SpeedShop in Jasper, Tennessee, to reimagine his 1979 Trans Am. Moreover, shop manager Chris Tuders guided a six-month transformation that turned a tired icon into a reliable street machine.

Modern Underpinnings for Confident Handling

Underneath, the Trans Am looks as sharp as the body. SloPokes detailed the floorpans in glossy white, while the subframe and suspension received smooth black finishes. Up front, a complete QA1 system brings the car into the modern era. As a result, tubular control arms, adjustable coilovers, and a stout 1 3/8-inch anti-sway bar deliver crisp, predictable handling.

The steering keeps the original box layout for the right feel. However, every component is new for reliability. Out back, Detroit Speed leaf springs replace the stock units. In addition, QA1 shocks and a rear anti-sway bar keep the car planted. The original 10-bolt rear now carries a Moser aluminum cover, a Yukon differential, and 3.73 gears for strong launches and relaxed cruising.

Braking power rises dramatically. A carbon-fiber booster and billet master cylinder from Master Power Brakes feed stainless lines and Wilwood discs. Furthermore, 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors pair with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Forgeline snowflake-inspired wheels preserve the Trans Am vibe, yet they scale up to 18 x 8 inches in front and 18 x 9.5 inches in back. Finally, Nitto NT555 G2 tires in 245/40R18 and 275/40R18 sizes add grip without spoiling the look.

LS3 Power With Old-School Attitude

For power, Josh chose a proven path. Instead of spending big to modernize a period Pontiac 400, he opted for a Chevrolet Performance LS3 crate engine. Out of the box, it delivers 525 horsepower from 376 cubic inches of all-aluminum efficiency. Meanwhile, a nodular iron crank, powdered-metal rods, and hypereutectic pistons set a stout foundation at 10.7:1 compression. L92-style heads with 68-cc chambers and generous valve sizes breathe freely.