My 1983 Trans Am Build

[BowtieGuy]

Anybody interested in updates on the progress of my big project? It's a 1983 Pontiac Trans Am, red, with T-tops (no leaks, thank goodness!). I payed 800 bucks for it about two years ago which was honestly worth the American Racing rims it came with.

The general idea is a carbureted 383ci stroker with a roots type blower, not sure which kind yet. Iron block, aluminum heads, forged rotating assembly, solid roller cam, all the goodies. This will be backed up by a bulletproof T-5. Maybe dual clutch, haven't decided. I'm really hoping for near 500whp, but money will decide the final number.

The will be a weekend cruiser/street warrior, with full interior amenities. Power steering, door locks and windows, A/C, radio.

What do you guys think? I have some pics and such if anyone is interested.

[Milk 1027]

Go for it we're always welcoming of people's projects.

[TheClassicCarKid]

Throw up some pics : ) P
People like to see progress in projects here

[KILLER74Z28]

Originally Posted by BowtieGuy

Anybody interested in updates on the progress of my big project? It's a 1983 Pontiac Trans Am, red, with T-tops (no leaks, thank goodness!). I payed 800 bucks for it about two years ago which was honestly worth the American Racing rims it came with.

The general idea is a carbureted 383ci stroker with a roots type blower, not sure which kind yet. Iron block, aluminum heads, forged rotating assembly, solid roller cam, all the goodies. This will be backed up by a bulletproof T-5. Maybe dual clutch, haven't decided. I'm really hoping for near 500whp, but money will decide the final number.

The will be a weekend cruiser/street warrior, with full interior amenities. Power steering, door locks and windows, A/C, radio.

What do you guys think? I have some pics and such if anyone is interested.

Post them up...

[BowtieGuy]

When we brought it home. That trailer has SS wheels by the way, no idea where my dad got them.

Old Formula style hood. Haven't decided what to do with it.

Leak Free T-tops!

Ugly worn out interior. Going soon. Which of course means as money allows.

The EXTRA worn out 305. That engine bay is empty right now. I'm steadily assempling its new heart.

[Dave McFly]

Originally Posted by BowtieGuy

Old Formula style hood. Haven't decided what to do with it.

actually that is a Trans Am hood not the Formula hood, the differences are the TA hood actually was functional and the Forumula's was closed off. my dad had a 83 daytona 500 pace car edition T/A and it had the crossfire (ugh) V8 and the underside of the hood actually connected to the top of the engine and when air hit the windshield it would deflect it into the opening on the scoop on the outside of the hood and run air into the intake manifold and the dual throttlebodies and air cleaners insde the air cleaner cover.



his was like this but he did not have the wheelcovers on them he had the turbofin rims that were underneath the covers (same as KITT's wheels on knightrider but without the smaller 'bowling ball' hubcaps that were in the senter of the rims).

[porcupinekiller]

Looks like you've got your work cut out. Take your time and enjoy your project. It should be pretty mean when it's finished.

[BowtieGuy]

Here's hoping. I just recently picked up a used iron 350 block. Now I need to get my hands on that forged stroker assembly so I can send it off to a machine shop.

[Legend]

Good luck on the project and keep the updates coming!

[BowtieGuy]

Thanks guys. A lot of people ask me why I'm wasting my time on a third generation f-body. The main reason is because everybody else is busy with the other generations. The other reason is because I think third gen cars get a bad rap. In that day and age most cars were anemic. They still managed to look awesome and handle pretty well too. I'm just filling in the missing pieces the General left out.

[Jiu Jitsu Jon]

Needs the bird insignia on the hood.

[BowtieGuy]

Don't worry, it will. I'm thinking a bright red for the overall color and having my friend free hand the bird on the hood in metallic black. So I don't have to use a vinyl or decal that will be replaced down the road.

[Dave McFly]

Originally Posted by BowtieGuy

Thanks guys. A lot of people ask me why I'm wasting my time on a third generation f-body. The main reason is because everybody else is busy with the other generations. The other reason is because I think third gen cars get a bad rap. In that day and age most cars were anemic. They still managed to look awesome and handle pretty well too. I'm just filling in the missing pieces the General left out.

as much as I LOVE all the generations of the F car i have a special place in my heart for the 3rd gen. I had a 88 Camaro sport coupe V8 with the t tops. my dad had a 82 base coupe with the 'iron duke' inline 4 but with no cat converter a performance chip, this combined with the 5 speed manual and SLIGHTLY wider than stock wheels/tires it was surprisingly fast (at the time ). a 88 firebird v8 coupe with t tops and a 5 speed manual, the car had the 'snowflake' rims off of a late 70s trans am that looked killer on this car. and the aformentioned 83 daytona 500 trans am that was loaded and had cool but uncomfortable leather/suede Recaro seats.

[Jiu Jitsu Jon]

Originally Posted by BowtieGuy

Don't worry, it will. I'm thinking a bright red for the overall color and having my friend free hand the bird on the hood in metallic black. So I don't have to use a vinyl or decal that will be replaced down the road.

Someone in High Performance Pontiac magazine used a decal designed for a 2nd gen and modified it slightly to put on their 4th gen. It looked incredible. Have you thought about using the decal with black and gold colors? I think that would look sharp on a red car.