My Modified 73 Trans AM Project, Complete
 

I bought this 73 Espirit from a member of this forum about a year and a half ago out of Seattle. It was an incomplete 71 clone project. I ended up doing a complete resto, redoing most of the previous detail work, and in fact, having the paint reshot, this time in one shade of Lucerne Blue, instead of 5 different ones.

I know this may not be a popular on this forum, but I chose to go with a 455" LSX engine with Magnum T56 for my build. My business is predicated on everything LS, so it seemed like the logical choice FOR ME, as well as what I know best. The car made somewhere around 550RWHP on pump gas, and drives phenomenal relative to the power. Although this isnt a high dollar, or rare car to start with, as always, I try to use the use the "no cutting" approach when doing this type of powertrain conversion. The stock frame, and chassis is unaltered, and all the required conversion pieces are on the powertrain side, not the vehicle/chassis side.

I also wanted a traditional look under the hood, in fact, original appearing at a glance. I used a traditional carb style LSX intake, modified it for fuel injection, with a 4150 type throttle body. We made the spacer to put the ProTouring F-Body shaker base at an acceptable height and angle. I used "slider" conversion mounts to get the throttle body center line in the appropriate location. Valve covers are GM Performance Parts. The Magnum trans fit the stock tunnel fine. Because of the multiple shifter locating spots on the trans, the shifter comes through the factory 4 speed hole perfectly.

I used Kore3 C6 brakes all around. The rearend was previously rebuilt. Once it warms up here in Chicago, I plan on swapping out the lowering blocks with the same springs Norwood has, I think PT F-Body, and get the ride height perfected. YO 17" cast wheels.

The interior was black, now white. With the only alteration being the 3 point seat belts. We did not use the C/F nose as seen in some of the pics. It now has a Pypes crossflow muffler for added ground clearance.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...4984839&type=3

This is the favorite of my cars to drive.

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That looks really great!

Engine looks like it belongs.
What are you using for computer control?

:)

Nice looking car. Forgive my ignorance, but what is a 455 LSX?

Thanks guys. LS, meaning 1997-2013 engine style. We used an GMPP LSX block, bored and stroked it to make it 455 cubic inches.

John, stock 1999-2004 style GM PCM was used, with a custom engine/trans harness by Modern Vintage Systems. Simple 4 wire integration. We dyno tuned it here at the shop.

I like it. Congrats

nice work, Tom. I'm not usually one for a non-traditional (Pontiac) powerplant swap, but yours is very tastefully done. Bet it's a blast to drive.

thank you guys, I really appreciate it.

Awesome car. Engine looks like it belongs. A nice blend of vintage and modern ;)

Wow! I like it as well! Looks awesome! Bet it runs good!

Love the paint scheme and 17" rims. I went to the POCI Co-Vention last year and was really shocked that only ONE car showed up with the new YO 17" Rally IIs. It was a pro-toured 1969 Custom S that was just awesome.

Agree, very tastefully done. Now I have to walk out to the garage and look at my stalled project.

Really e'fen nice.
Nice work.

I've had the pleasure of seeing this one close up. Tom is an incredible craftsman and his innovation is spectacular. The car is every bit as nice as it looks and may I add its really and I mean really fast.

Like others I tend to stay on the original side of things but that car ROCKS! Very nicely done and well thought out!

Very tastefully done,,,great to see more pro-touring TA interpretations... The car is beautiful....

Very nice!

W o W !

Great attention on the engine getting that look to it.
Fantastic job all the way around.

Thanks again guys, I appreciate it.

Very nice. Must be a blast to drive.

Beautiful car, the LSX looks right at home.

Any video or sound clips in the future would be nice:burnout:

He means a burnout! :D

Yes, very cool!!!!

Two thumbs up (more if I had them)!

On the dyno:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=yA1PYDURDEE

Idling before the muffler change:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=AED5kCcerGg

Is the Vid on the chassis dyno with the Pypes Race Pro muffler?

No, that is still Flowmaster.

So do you own Speed Inc ? Or was the car built by Speed Inc?

I have a few camaro buddies who had quite a lot of work done by Speed Inc.

The TA Clone looks stellar ! Great job. Hope to see you around chicagoland this summer at some cruises or shows. ;)

I own.

absolutely gorgeous car!!! hope you get a discount on tires :)

I see the '73 seats, this looks more 71-72 "ish" though. I do like this car, has "factory flavor" Does your fan shroud cover the whole rear of the radiator?
I tend to use the "bolt on rule" myself, and love what you have done!!
Another Esprit is FINE FORM!! Grats!
EDIT: I have had lots of trouble with the small exhaust bolts on LS heads.. thoughts, solutions??

Yeah, 73 seats, the car had deluxe, so i had the foam already. I didnt use the plastic deluxe backs, figuring I could easily add those later if I wanted to.

Regarding LS header bolts, we install A LOT of headers, and we always try to use factory bolts. They are longer than most aftermarket, and have thread locker on them. We will use aftermarket on occasion, but normally only when they are as long as factory. Almost never have any "loosening up" issues. If you are having leaking issues, make sure you use GM, or another brand MLS gaskets.

Post more pics of that car! Been trying to find good pics of blue 70-73s with those honeys. What tire size(s)?
Very nicely done machine. Congrats to all involved.

275/40/17 NItto 05's, and 05R's in the back.

That is an amazing and beautiful build. Congrats~!

Wow! That car is sweet. Nice job.

My, that thing sure lines up nice! Gorgeous car!!

Thanks guys!

Very sweet! Beautiful blend of old and new!

Love it!!! Very Cool

Two more thumbs up from me!!

Very well done car top to bottom!

As much as I love our Pontiac V8's, this build was done in great taste! Congrats on finishing it! And it looks stunning!