1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am LS Engine Swap and Suspension at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Part 3

[@V8TV]

Have a question? You can reach the V8 Speed & Resto shop at v8speedshop.com/contact to discuss upgrading your classic or muscle car!

[@pal54321]

great work

[@V8TV]

@@pal54321 Thank you!

[@IrishOhionan]

Talk about the best of both worlds, modern drive train with that classic car look.

[@SteveMcCarthy33]

Great build! Your professional and intellectual approach to custom building is a refreshing change from the normal spanner-throwing over-hyped drama on TV. Well done.

[@mariozamprogno1654]

Holy crap kudos to the fab team that is absolutely gorgeous and functional

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

That’s 100% my dream car. So very well done! Absolutely beautiful.

[@redrum2188]

True Respect for your Professionalism and how you all conduct yourselves in addition to the overall level of attention to details.

[@V8TV]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@rferguson3719]

Wow they absolutely knocked it out of the park with that solution for the functional hood shaker intake

[@V8TV]

Thank you!

[@searaydrivingguy]

I own an 1981 turbo factory Y84 bandit trans am 84000 original miles t top black on black has the original paint and decals original interior original exhaust even original windshield even the clock still works full number matching was sitting 20 years in a garage before i bought it 3 years ago its driver shape still looks great and is in good condition i am happy with the way it runs what i love about it its an untouched factory built car that was never taken apart the suspension is awesome for its age and it handles good i was 8 years old when smokey and bandit came out i been in love with trans am bandit edition all my life it a true 39 year old survivor that will never be restored there is something about an all original car i just love

[@endall39]

So very cool, especially making the "shaker" functional! You really ought to do performance testing at the end of a build like this. Would LOVE to know 0-60, 1/4 mile, top speed, slalom, etc. Great series!

[@The_Gallowglass]

Yeah, I don't like facades. It should function not just look cool.

[@jorgejefferson8251]

That airbox is trick AF, nice job.

[@dogleg]

For most of my generation....that's THE dream car. Great job, guys.

[@V8TV]

Thank you sir!

[@SeanGarratt]

Had a 71 Firebird, 73 Formula and a 78 TA. Had to sell the 78 during the great recession, broke my heart. If I win the lottery I'll find a 70-73 formula and have you do an LS swap. For now guess i'm stuck with my Altima. Amazing work. You guys are artists.

[@MasonBills]

having owned a 78 firebird, selling it, an a year later buying a 79 camaro, the firebird will always have my heart.

[@michaelyork4554]

I sadly sold my '79 in '89 because I could foresee all these changes and upgrades needed to be done. The floor pans are the Achilles heel of the uni body cars, but your resto of this classic is utter perfection. My favorite car looking and running like it should have from the factory. Very Nice Shaker Scoop Mod.

[@V8TV]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@ar2043]

What an awesome job on that air intake Plenum. PHENOMENAL!!!

[@ironmanedgar455]

You guys should sell those air boxes, I've always had that in mind for mine

[@mrcrowley109]

100% they should, I'd buy immediately

[@Brian.8272]

wow, i love the whole project from start to finish!

[@V8TV]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@jeffreynolds3848]

You just can’t beat a gen 2 TransAm of any form coming toward you in 2019, can you...?!

[@ronpollockdrywall]

I had a 76 Trans Am with a 400...my fav car i owned to this day.

[@XXTROB]

Amazing fabrication on the shaker intake! Wow!

[@rustyshackleford2627]

I feel the same way make that baby shake, she’s absolutely totally beautiful and awesome !!!

[@dougb3740]

Love the car!! I wish I still had my old 1979 TransAm.

[@jrod264winmag]

Same '78

[@dougb3740]

I like the front end of the 78 better than the 79.

[@2nd2nun41]

@@dougb3740 I had a 79 Trans Am,

[@ozone5100]

Just found your videos. Awesome job on the engine swap! I had a '79 T/A Black and Gold back in 83. So wish I had never sold it. You guys have a new fan. Subscribed today. Will be enjoying watching your work and the cars in the coming new year. Thanks for the memories! Happy New Year from NC.

[@V8TV]

Thank you so much! We appreciate the kind words. Sounds like you had fun with your '79! Happy New Year from the midwest!

[@sargentthiccboi9333]

I’m thinking about getting one. It’s a beautiful car

[@catfishcorner7116]

Damm that air box was soo dope and functional too! Merry Christmas Kevin to you and your crew!🐟

[@shannonbunch1003]

Hey Kevin, hope you and the rest of your team have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.... Look forward to all the new projects you guys tackle in 2020

[@bennyb6071]

Outstanding workmanship

[@V8TV]

Thank you very much!

[@Amarillobymorning777]

Looks and sounds fantastic

[@V8TV]

Thank you! It drives that was as well!

[@TakuroSpirit77]

I didn't see them installed or hear them mentioned, but with all the suspension and power upgrades a set of subframe connectors should be a must. Especially since you were already replacing the floor pan, it would have been the perfect time to weld some in to stiffen up the car.

[@PhillipB1972]

Great job. Have a '79 Firebird too and would love to get this work done. Unfortunately a bit far to travel being from Ireland!

[@gdawwg1125]

That air box must have upped the budget big time I love these cars , g’day from stralya

[@clemmahabir]

You wish they had LS back in the day in these cars!!

[@jamesm9766]

Kickass fab work on the air box

[@erinfreize]

Merry Christmas!! Looks like a great driver. I'm sure the owner is thrilled!

[@paulletchworth8127]

Awesome job!!!!!!

[@V8TV]

Thanks Paul!

[@garykeenan3724]

Awesome build really like it!!!

[@V8TV]

Glad to hear it!

[@joseduranjr3152]

I love that!! This is what a Trans Am should be like!! I did wonder where the rubber hose was that helped drain water from the shaker below the hood!!! Fierce!

[@V8TV]

+Jose Duran Jr thanks Jose!

[@sergeserge4341]

Парни у вас золотые руки, лайк.

[@V8TV]

Спасибо!

[@gglen2141]

Hey Kevin. Ron Swanson called, he wants his voice back.:)

[@markcrawford8876]

Beautiful car, R&D, on this Resto is, spot on. I got 40k right now cash? If not I'm fittin to start throwin rocks at my C5 and Blown Choo Choo Elky. Very very small rocks, but still rocks!

[@jwrice743]

Impressive work!

[@V8TV]

Thanks John!

[@geoffm3031]

My favorite year Trans Am besides the 70. Custom fab intake to retain the shaker hood scoop is beautiful but I very very labor intensive to mention pricy that's why I plan to learn how to weld.

[@JBsC6]

What a beauty! Great job

[@V8TV]

Thank you!

[@Eremon1]

Beautiful work and car.

[@stephenalishaso]

That's a awesome trans am

[@donfregin8668]

Well done I’m in the middle of a project like that with my 70 formula would love to see some one fab a functional base plate for that ram air

[@TheWolfMatt]

Love your guys builds, especially when you do a 2nd Gen Firebird. These video's are making me want to do a modern modification to my 78 Firebird Formula L/E. It also has the Olds 403 under the hood and is in desperate need of a better powerplant.

[@V8TV]

The Olds 403 is a solid engine, and generally very reliable, but there are easier ways to make power for sure. Thanks for the feedback!

[@TheWolfMatt]

@@V8TV I've gone through my Olds 403 with a nice Crane cam, ported Olds 350 heads, 10.4:1 compression flat top summit racing pistons, forged rods, hooker headers, MSD Ignition, Edelbrock Carb & Intake combo for the 403. The webbed block can only take so much till it decides to go so I decided to pull it and the TH350 it was mated to. That was almost 10 years ago now and has been sitting in the corner of my garage. Been looking for a 17-21 ZL1 to pick up as a junker/parts car to take all of it's components to stuff under the hood/chassis of my 78 Formula. Should be a fun build to say the least. You guys have any experience in swapping chassis components like the IRS from a 6th gen Camaro into a 2nd gen?

[@V8TV]

@@TheWolfMatt Great question! The 6th gen IRS is an interesting piece. We've not swapped one in, but the considerations would be the overall width, and the mounting points to the body. That cradle seems to have a pretty wide "footprint" to the body, so expect some mods to the rear tub / floor of the car to accommodate. Those are generally geared numerically low (like 2.85:1) so a swap would be in order there unless you grabbed the transmission as well. One of the big challenges would be the rear exhaust, there's not much room to snake around something like that. A modern Zl1 is about 600 lbs heavier than a late 70s F-body, so some spring rate tweaking might be in order to get a good balance. A custom driveshaft would be needed, but you could use a take-out as a start. Keep us posted if you make the swap, it would be cool to see!

[@TheWolfMatt]

@@V8TV I do plan on doing a custom roll cage similar to the one used in the BAN III done by Year One. However, if the 6th gen rear IRS is too difficult to install without too much to change/mod then I can always get the PRO-G independent rear suspension - Heidts IRC-202. Only setback is its almost 12k in price. Just about as much as the salvaged car I'm looking at.

[@cozythunder1]

I need one of those air boxes!! awesome!

[@jhutch1470]

You did great work and it looks fantastic. I know you had customer needs but I believe that air box will hold a lot of engine heat and could use a much larger air filter. It may be choking some power.

[@V8TV]

Hey great question! Actually, the system works very well, and we're only seeing about a 10° above ambient temperature air intake temperature while driving. The airbox is aluminum which does well with heat rejection, and it is sitting above the original composite or plastic air intake, so the short trip from the functional shaker intake opening across the top of the intake manifold does not seem to be long enough to add significant heat to the air intake charge. Thanks for the kind words! We might do a follow up video on this topic. Thanks for the idea!

[@jhutch1470]

@@V8TV Thank you for the noticing that I was being nice. What a great answer. I was trying to show nothing but respect.

[@V8TV]

@@jhutch1470 Of course! We always appreciate questions and comments from fellow enthusiasts, especially when they are not full of anger and ignorance. Thanks again for the comment, always happy to hear from you!

[@davewoodmancy4596]

It is very obvious that your shop does extraordinary work. If I still had a muscle car I would seriously consider sending it to you if I still lived in Central Illinois. Dallas is quite more distance then Peoria is

[@V8TV]

Thanks Dave! That is a concern many people have, but we offer some excellent transportation options for distance customers. We work on cars from all over the world.

[@bradcallaghan8099]

Beautiful car but body panel gaps and alignment are poor. Look at 5:59 in the video. The hood is both high and misaligned. I am not sure if the shop did any body work and paint because this is their first video I have seen. Would have been good to provide links to part 1 and 2.

[@V8TV]

+Brad Callaghan No bodywork or paint work was done on this one up to this point, outside of the new floor and firewall. You'll find links to the first 2 parts in the video description. Thanks!

[@hughmackellar7941]

Very nice.

[@TLCHobbies]

I really want a 77 build like this. T-top, black, LS swap, modern suspension, and be able to daily it. I really wonder how much it would cost to build one.

[@V8TV]

It's a great driver, for sure. You're welcome to give us a buzz and we can answer your questions!

[@TLCHobbies]

@@V8TV When I have a reasonable saved up, hopefully soon!

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Beautiful car.

[@V8TV]

Thanks!

[@alansnyder4462]

I owned a ‘79 TA almost identical to this one, won’t bore anyone with the minor differences. I traded it in for a new ‘83 (yes, I’m old). Long story short, as I now approach 60 years old, I often think of all the muscle cars I used to own and if given the choice of being able to have one back and further, to be able to modify it, which one would it be and what would I have done? I was so surprised to stumble onto this video which is almost like someone perfectly read my mind as to exactly everything I would want done to the car I would choose; I mean everything, right down to the functional shaker hood mods. I can only say this, great job guys...and maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to be able to get another ‘79 and $ permitting, bring it to you guys to do the same.

[@lonnymoses845]

Love it. Only wish I had kept mine.😢

[@texaslawdawg1902]

Retiring soon. I have you on my short list to build an LS3 equipped SE clone.

[@V8TV]

We'd be happy to help! That would be an awesome car.

[@estpst]

very nice

[@charleshenson4183]

I love what you guys have done with this car & I'm also glad my 2nd gens a turbo car. No shaker to worry about. Just drop in a boosted LS & it's good.

[@louisgreenberg5384]

love you guys

[@V8TV]

Thank you for that!

[@mikecronis]

TransAm restoration done right! Really well thought-out. Nicely done, sirs. No final dyno numbers though? I'm suspecting 390 RWHP? Lateral-g's probably went up from 0.81g to 0.90g I bet.

[@V8TV]

Thank you Mike for the kind words! We may dyno this one at a later date. It does handle MUCH better for sure... new seats are next! Thanks again!

[@kenbourekas420]

Please tell me you are going to upgrade the rear end and axles shafts

[@louisgreenberg5384]

love the intake can you make them up and the cost without paint

[@ryanbrown3177]

How much we looking at for an LS swap on a 77 or 78 Trans Am? Preferably keeping the shaker as well. Maybe a bigger cam with more lope and headers. As well as a suspension upgrade and 4 wheel disc Brembo or Willwood Brakes. Just a rough ballpark. $20,000+ ?

[@V8TV]

Hi Ryan, the first thing we do is tabulate the big parts list. Engine, transmission, fuel system, suspension upgrades, brakes... you can be pushing 15-20k just in parts. We're happy to chat with you about your car if you want to give us a call at the shop, 314.783.8325. Thanks!

[@willmills1370]

Do as much work as you can to save on labor. Consider even taking the engine out if it's a swap, you won't need it but will save on more labor expenses. Though it might pose a problem with transportation for some if it needs to drive onto a trailer. Something to think about.

[@mattspontiacta]

Awesome work and very talented skill set applied to this build. Only thing that didn’t work for me was the huge air box to mount the shaker. Just to big and boxy of a design. The Year One Ban 3 Trans Am LS is a better deign. Very nice build overall. Beautiful Trans Am

[@CrankAddict]

Instead of that airbox, I would have used holley's intake manifold for a carb conversion. It would have simplified the whole process, and saved a lot of work converting to efi.

[@V8TV]

We looked at doing that, but the 4-barrel LS intakes are all pretty tall - like over 7 inches. Coupled with the height of the throttle body and air filter, we were out of room under the hood with the shaker.

[@myclassiccarstory]

You guys did an awesome job on this car! How much would you charge someone just to make that custom air box if they were wanting to do a similar setup?

[@V8TV]

Hey thanks for the kind words! The air box is a cool part, but because of the fact that LS engines and mounts put them in different places under the hood, we really need the car in our shop to make the box. Beyond that, they are each created custom for each car, basically time + materials.

[@Appalachistan_store]

Shouldve put some long tube headers on it. Plus that one guy sounds alot like Ron Swanson. 🤣

[@niogonzalez9681]

I have the same car with an ls3 need that air cleaner box do you fabricat to sell

[@janamo70]

how does the original rear axle hold up with 500 hp?

[@V8TV]

So far, so good!

[@l2azorback]

Should have frenched a Pontiac symbol into the nose of the air cleaner!!

[@V8TV]

We had 3-D printed one, but we were trying to replicate the red "foil" appearance of the Arrow. Might still add this. Good thought.

[@mistermusik]

That looks like an awesome job. I always liked that Firebird T/A body, and I love that front fascia. Do you guys work on off-road/overlanding/rock-crawling builds?

[@V8TV]

Thanks for kind words! We do work on off road rides as well... we have a video series on a '72 Bronco 5.0 Coyote build coming soon, along with some Jeep Gladiator mods as well. What do you have?

[@papolaboy]

Dream on!!!

[@mjhayes5570]

Do you guys sell the air box conversion kit for the ls swap? If so how can I obtain one?

[@jak101alansari]

Hi. Do you have the same kit available? If it is yes can you please share with me the shortcut link so i can order it. As i have same project and my customer want it very badly please assist

[@richardthomas7255]

Crown on hood didnt line up! Time for a readjustment, maybe a shim?

[@V8TV]

Yes Richard, we did not do any of the bodywork or paint on this one. Perhaps a repaint is in the car's future where we'd make all the panels fit precisely. Thanks for the feedback.

[@richardthomas7255]

Hey guys thanks for the quick reply, once owned a Trans Am 6.6 pearlescent White, with the screamin chicken black gray and white. 57 year old gear head from Michigan. looks like the start of something great keep up the good work, kudos

[@V8TV]

@@richardthomas7255 Wow, that sounds like a stunning car! Thanks for the kind words, always happy to meet a fellow enthusiast. Have a great day Richard, and thanks again!

[@richardthomas7255]

Likewise ,always a pleasure to talk to another Gear Head like myself

[@richardthomas7255]

Especially when it comes to badass trans am's

[@Hugeroost]

Hey did yall ever get any numbers on this build. What a badass ride though, that dude spent a shytload of money too i bet

[@TreyNova]

This guy spend every bit of 30k lol

[@johnperales5431]

do you guys build the air intakes for this LS swap?

[@V8TV]

Hi John, we did build this one. We can do custom intakes like this if we have the car in our shop so that we know it all fits and functions properly. Thanks for asking!

[@HD-nm1iv]

Interesting I have a 79 Z28 I'm doing the same thing

[@jrod264winmag]

It's not that bad me and my buddy did an LS 3 '76 Camaro

[@shannonshepard5047]

Sweet!!

[@BEVO_vs_The_World]

I wonder how much extra heat soaked air that’s sucking in as a result of being fed by an aluminum air box sitting on top of a hot engine? It’s a very clean looking design none the less.... 👍

[@V8TV]

Hey great question! Actually, the system works very well, and we're only seeing about a 10° above ambient temperature air intake temperature while driving. The airbox is aluminum which does well with heat rejection, and it is sitting above the original composite or plastic air intake, so the short trip from the functional shaker intake opening across the top of the intake manifold does not seem to be long enough to add significant heat to the air intake charge. Thanks for the kind words! We might do a follow up video on this topic. Thanks for the idea!

[@BEVO_vs_The_World]

V8TV that’s a good point, the intake should act as a good heat shield. Metal is typically a good method of energy transfer so it made me curious if you would see the same impact with increased heat transfer. Thank you for responding!

[@V8TV]

Sure thing, again, great question. Thanks for asking!

[@markim5087]

I think it’s missing something it needs a decal or a cool airbrushed bird ,just something to break up the color ,I think it might of even looked cooler in Pontiac blue ..just something,maybe be make it look like a 77-78 trans am from end lol..

[@bermudarailway]

How many miles to the gallon ?

[@xbgtfella]

Cable ties on upper radiator hose look tacky considering the masive effort thrown at the engine install.

[@dodododes]

how much all this work with materials cost ?

[@markim5087]

The factory scoop never was a open design it was fake ???? It got cool air from the inner fender well.. Also I’m pretty sure it had a larger surface area... While that looks pretty cool I’d like to see the difference between that I take and the typical intake everyone else uses as the larger cone filter sucking cool air forced from the fender well may work better but either way it’s cool ..nice job

[@awesomedude65]

I subscribed, never heard of this channel....

[@V8TV]

+Awesome Dude thanks, and welcome!

[@MyMGBJourney]

Holy cow that air box is Amazing! How much did that cost the customer?? And how much total time did it take your team?

[@V8TV]

While we don't publicly discuss the financial aspects of our customer's projects, we'd be happy to chat with you about some details if you wish. You can reach us at 314.783.8325 or online at www.v8speeshop.com/contact. Thanks!

[@Superado2006]

@@V8TV Translation... it cost way more then we want to say publically!

[@artmosley3337]

I’d say it cost about $60k for the modifications.. $10k on paint(at least) another $5k on new 17” Snowflake wheals, another $2k on tires… so about $80k if you bring your own car.. ohhh forgot brakes, $10k 😂😂😂😂

[@mikehargrove4356]

I miss my 79 that I swapped in a 70 455..........

[@ntme9]

Why the ls3 and not the ls7?

[@V8TV]

The LS7 brings a different level of complexity with the dry-sump oiling system. You could convert it to a traditional wet-sump, but the LS7 was beyond the needs for this owner, and the cost is about double. Good question.

[@ntme9]

@@V8TV gotcha thanks

[@willmills1370]

My thoughts too as I wanted one until doing research and seeing all this. Good question.

[@cdizzle99z]

Could it be done with modern traction control

[@V8TV]

Great question. We believe the Holley Dominator ECU could control traction with the right hardware.

[@caspar0777]

Why not a nice Butler Pontiac engine intead a Chevy? Pontiac has to be equiped with a Pontiac engine...

[@willmills1370]

I imagine the cost of their 400 ci I was shopping today and they want $14k and up just for one in a crate. smh

[@aaronvargas2550]

How much did it cost overall?

[@stevesands7778]

Every time I hear about one of these swaps there's never any total cost listed. Probably because you could easily update the original drivetrain for a lot less without destroying the pedigree of a classic car. These are rich guy builds for people who like the classic design but can't be bothered driving a classic car the way it was intended.

[@paulletchworth8127]

Needs p255/60r/15’s on it fill the fender gaps , car would look so much better

[@SGTJDerek]

I want a "70-73 Formula done like this with a manual.

[@vassa1972]

I want one please and thank you

[@naitch1761]

WOW!

[@Musclman78TA1]

I find it odd droping a LS. Engine in 2nd Gen when u got Butler Perf..Nothing beats a sound of a Big Block Carb Pontiac.

[@scotmandel6699]

Its called drivability and reliability. Not hard to understand.

[@Musclman78TA1]

@@scotmandel6699 i understand someone like you depends on AAA all the time and has no clue of simplest Mechanics..

[@scotmandel6699]

@@Musclman78TA1 so you don't understand that simple concept. Just as I thought. And I have never used AAA. Next time try having a legitimate response instead of trying to insult me.

[@udeserveitenterprise1166]

Can you guys make me a shaker air box

[@tehpanuychikon168]

Wow! 😍

[@casino8857]

So nobody thought about how hot that intake is gonna get under there....

[@V8TV]

We sure did, and the system works very well. We're only seeing about a 10° above ambient temperature air intake temperature while driving. The air box is aluminum which does well with heat rejection, and it is sitting above the original composite or plastic air intake, so the short trip from the functional shaker intake opening across the top of the intake manifold does not seem to be long enough to add significant heat to the fresh air intake charge. Thanks for the feedback.