Herb Adams, the father of the WS4 and 455-SD programs, kicked off the tuner car craze well before anyone recognized it. Starting with a wide array of over the- counter Pontiac parts, these cars could be upgraded with VSE parts, suspension enhancements, drive train updates, and wild and zany graphics. Many were intended to participate in IROC road racing (Trans Am series) and only added to the Trans Am following. These optional updates enhance the very capable performance of the Trans Am, morphing it into the ultimate - Firebird-America - the Fire-Am!
This car features an updated 1971 Pontiac YF 455 power plant (7.7 Litre) fitted with #96 ported heads, Roller Rockers, ARP Fasteners, cam package, Edelbrock Intake with a Holley 750, and Ram Air III exhaust manifolds tied to an X-piped stainless steel dual exhaust system with factory splitters. Power brakes and steering, coupled with a new 4 core radiator, keeps things running. A new gas tank, sending unit, brake and fuel lines, and all new gold anodized drilled/slotted rotors adds to the driving experience. The engine ends up at 469cubes (7.7 litres) with an estimated 500+ lb. ft. torque.
Running gear includes a stout TH-350, 3,100 stall convertor, and the GM 10 bolt 8.5” rear end sporting 3.73:1 gears with Safe-T-Track differential. The lowered suspension is hung on a powder-coated sub-frame and benefits from everything new to include HD urethane bushings, shocks, lowering springs, oversized VSE performance sway bars with spherical end links, sub-frame connectors, and a full complement of production tags. A detailed driveshaft transmits power all the way down to the iconic yet modernized 17 x 9 Pontiac
Snowflake wheels wrapped with B. F. Goodrich G-Force tires. The exterior features a bare metal respray in Starlight Black. The undercarriage features correct red oxide primer with a complement of details on the drive train and installed components. The Fire-Am graphics - created by John Schinella - (who designed the original Screaming Chicken!) adorn the exterior, making it stand out among the sea of SE Trans Ams. The all new deluxe interior features the optional high-end Hobnail black cloth seats, VSE Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Hurst Dual Gate His/Hers shifter, headliner, AM/FM radio, new door panels, carpet, new console with electric windows, and modernized Air Conditioning. Documentation includes several vintage car magazines, PHS documents, receipts, and digital pictures.
