LS1-Powered 1973 Pontiac Firebird Gets Super Smooth Makeover: Track Time Tuesday
Clean 1973 Pontiac Firebird has been thrust into the upper echelon of restomods following a painstaking redo.
There are more than a few LS-powered restomods out there in the world, for a variety of obviously reasons – that particular powerplant is readily available, enjoys tremendous aftermarket support, and it’s a generally reliable engine that can generate pretty much as much power as you want – and your wallet allows. However, these restomods also vary greatly in quality, though this amazing 1973 Pontiac Firebird built by the folks at All Speed Customs lies firmly in the upper echelon of those rankings.
That process started when APC stripped this 1973 Pontiac Firebird down to bare metal and gave it new replacement panels from Auto Metal Direct, along with a full-blown rotisserie redo. It was a tedious process, as we can see in the photos, but one that was clearly worth the effort, investment, and time, because the all-black result is quite stunning to look at. The interior is an equally nice place to be, thanks to custom-wrapped Corbeau seats, Dakota Digital gauges, a Pioneer sound system, a Vintage Air A/C setup, and an Ididit steering column.
Power for this slick Firebird comes from GM’s tried-and-true 5.7-liter LS1 V8 that has been treated to a larger Competition Cams camshaft, with a resulting output of 500 horsepower. The modern mill is mated to a Tremec T6060 Magnum six-speed manual transmission, which sends power back to a Moser 12-bolt rear end stuffed with 3.55 gears.
To help get that power to the ground effectively and provide more modern ride quality and handling, APC then installed a complete Strongarm coilover suspension system from RideTech, along with a four-link rear setup. Stopping power comes from a set of Wilwood brakes with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston units in the rear.
That proven list of upgrades is just what this 1973 Pontiac Firebird needed to achieve the next level of automotive customization, and the results, well they speak for themselves. This is a fine-looking and tasteful machine that goes as good as it looks, and we can’t imagine that anyone wouldn’t love to have it in their own garage.
Photos: All Speed Customs
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