1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am This exceptionally clean 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am combines classic second-generation F-body styling with modern LS performance and carefully selected upgrades. Finished in striking Nocturne Blue, this Trans Am presents beautifully, with straight body panels, smooth contours, crisp body lines, and well-aligned panel gaps. The paint has excellent depth and clarity, with a finish that reflects the care invested in this build. From the exterior presentation to the overall condition, this is a car that deserves a closer look.
The glass is clear and easy to see through, and the door and window seals were replaced during the restoration. The original interior remains in excellent condition, with a clean dash, reworked door panels, and carpets that show minimal wear. The upgraded Dakota Digital gauge system provides a clean, modern display of vehicle information. The combination preserves the character of the original Trans Am while adding a more contemporary feel where it counts.
Under the hood, you'll find a 6.2L L94 V8 sourced from a Cadillac Escalade, paired with an LS3-style intake and a Texas Speed 527SA camshaft and matching valvetrain upgrades. Otherwise, the engine remains stock, offering a thoughtful balance of modern GM engineering and performance-oriented character. The combination produces horsepower in the low-400 range, delivering strong, responsive acceleration without turning this Trans Am into an unnecessarily radical build. The engine management and fuel delivery retain a sensible, factory-based approach, while the supporting accessories have been swapped or upgraded to suit the vehicle and its LS-powered configuration.
Power is routed through a freshly built 4L60 automatic transmission rated for 800 horsepower, providing a substantial margin of capacity for the current engine combination. Out back, a brand-new 12-bolt rear end with 3.31 gears delivers a versatile final-drive ratio suited to both spirited acceleration and comfortable highway cruising. Together, these components create a well-rounded package that feels at home on back roads, around town, or covering miles on the open highway.
The exhaust adds plenty of personality, with a pronounced camshaft lope at idle and a more aggressive voice as the engine comes up through the revs. Electric exhaust cutouts let you choose between a more subdued cruising experience and a louder, more open exhaust note when you want to hear what this LS-powered Trans Am has to say.
The chassis has received equally thoughtful attention. A Pro Touring F-Body suspension system gives this classic Pontiac a modernized foundation for improved handling and road manners. The suspension was redone during the restoration, including replacement of the bushings, while the custom wheels complement the car's stance and performance-focused appearance. Power steering makes low-speed maneuvering easy, and the upgraded air-conditioning system blows cold, adding welcome comfort to a car built to be driven.
The attention to detail extends beneath the car, where the overall presentation reinforces the care invested in the restoration. This is more than a sharp-looking classic with a modern engine dropped into the bay. It is a thoughtfully assembled Trans Am featuring contemporary GM power, upgraded drivetrain components, modernized suspension, and the unmistakable styling that makes these late-1970s Pontiacs so recognizable.
If you've been looking for a second-generation Trans Am that blends vintage muscle-car appeal with modern V8 performance, this Nocturne Blue 1978 deserves your attention. With its 6.2L L94 powerplant, Texas Speed camshaft package, freshly built transmission, new 12-bolt rear end, and Pro Touring suspension, it offers an appealing combination of classic Pontiac character and modern driving enjoyment.
| Mon: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
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| Tue: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wed: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thu: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Fri: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sat: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sun: | Closed |