Skip to content

1977 Trans Am with a 530 hp LS3 V8

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

The owner of this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am wanted improved performance and handling. So they turned to Kevin Oeste’s company V8 Speed & Resto for their expertise in upgrading classic muscle cars.

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

The project started with removing the carbureted V8 and automatic transmission. In their place V8 Speed & Resto swapped a 376 ci LS3 V8 built by BluePrint Engines capable of 530 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque and a Gearstar 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission. Both are controlled by a Holley Terminator X.

LS3 V8 and 4L70 automatic transmission going into a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

LS3 V8 with shaker scoop in the engine bay of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

V8 Speed & Resto wanted the LS3 compact in the engine bay so they opted for a Holley mid-mount accessory system and Hooker iron exhaust manifolds. They fabricated a custom bracket to retain the shaker scoop which is now non-functional. The exhaust sound is accentuated by new stainless steel piping.

LS3 V8 with shaker scoop in the engine bay of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

custom bracket to mount shaker scoop on a LS3 V8

upgraded rear leaf spring suspension on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

After sorting the powertrain, V8 Speed & Resto began upgrading the suspension. The front received Global West tubular upper and lower control arms, Borgeson steering box, upgraded sway bar, and a set of adjustable coilovers. In the back they installed lowering leaf springs and upgraded sway bar.

upgraded tubular front suspension on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

1977 Pontiac Trans Am with a LS3 V8

The factory front brakes were tossed for a set of Wilwood six-piston brakes. V8 Speed & Resto rebuilt the rear drum brakes. Covering those are a set of Year One Snowflake 17-inch wheels wearing Nitto NT555 tires.

Wilwood six-piston brake on a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Year One Snowflake wheel on 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Source: V8TV

1 thought on “1977 Trans Am with a 530 hp LS3 V8”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Engine Swap Depot

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading