It is fair to say that by 1980, cars that had previously been performance icons were shadows of their former selves. Compliance with safety regulations added weight, while tighter emission regulations left many previously potent V8s able to do little more than convert fuel into noise. However, a band of dedicated enthusiasts have set out to right these automotive wrongs, and this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am perfectly embodies that approach. Its engine bay now houses a 400ci V8 that should give this pony car the performance it deserves. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this classic.
Pontiac was undoubtedly marking time when it released the 1980 Trans Am. It knew that its replacement was waiting in the wings to be unveiled for the 1982 model year, and saw little value in splashing cash on upgrades that would be consigned to the pages of automotive history in a short time. The first owner ordered this Trans Am in Nightwatch Blue, and the lack of chips and marks on prone surfaces like the nose suggests it may have received at least a partial cosmetic restoration. There are no significant imperfections, and the paint holds an impressive shine. Rust was often a problem with these classics, but the seller assures us that this gem is a rock-solid classic that won’t cause its new owner sleepless nights. The decals are crisp, the wheels and glass are in excellent condition, and this Pontiac will score points with many, courtesy of the glass T-Top.
I guess it is time to get down to business and uncover what sets this 1980 Trans Am apart from mere mortals. Pontiac wasn’t alone in its struggle to recapture engine power that was lost to emission regulations, but with fuel injection and electronic engine management not an option at that point, it was always an uphill battle. The most potent option available in 1980 was the turbocharged 301ci V8, producing 210hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Lumbered with a three-sped automatic when a manual transmission would have been a better option for extracting the best from that motor, the Trans Am could not muster a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. Sadly, that was the best of the bunch, because the news only grew worse from there. However, the seller took the bull by the horns with our feature car, consigning its original powerplant to a dusty corner of the workshop. So, what to fill the empty space with? Hmm, how about a 400ci Ram Air III V8? This motor features a few additional upgrades to the intake, camshaft, and exhaust. In stock form, it would have churned out 345hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. It sends the power to a Posi rear end via a three-speed Turbo 350 auto, meaning that we can forget asthmatic 16-second ETs because this baby should comfortably occupy 14-second territory. The car presents well, but this monster motor proves that it is more than a pretty face. The seller indicates that it runs and drives extremely well, making it ready to plaster a mile-wide smile on the buyer’s face every time they floor the gas.
If I am harsh, I am willing to state that this Trans Am’s interior doesn’t reach the same standard as the rest of the vehicle. There aren’t any horrendous problems, and it is undeniably serviceable. However, the front seatcovers exhibit the typical wear and discoloring found inside these classics with age and use. The wheel exhibits wear, and the carpet doesn’t fit properly on the passenger side. However, none of these issues are insurmountable, and most will be cheap and easy to address. The factory radio has left the building in favor of a CD player, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. I believe that it once featured air conditioning, but it appears that most of the engine bay components are gone. There are still enough creature comforts to satisfy most, with the buyer receiving power windows, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a rear defogger.
I admit that while I prefer my classics unmolested, the lure of the additional power offered by this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am is almost irresistible. It should provide the level of performance that befits the badge and would command respect from enthusiasts, regardless of their brand allegiance. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on Craigslist in West Haven, Connecticut. They set their price at $27,000, raising the question of whether that figure is justified. Modified vehicles always write their own rules, but recent sales results suggest you would struggle to find an unmolested example that is this tidy and perform the transformation for the asking price. Therefore, the seller’s expectations appear realistic. It has been on the market for around one week, but are you tempted to pounce before someone beats you to the punch? I won’t blame you if you do.
Well it’s heading in the right direction, the motor swap was a first thing on the to do list, but it’s not in the 27k ballpark just yet, re finishing the interior and replacing the A/C components and having it work will push it up to the mid twenties without argument, totally justified at that point
Too bad about the t-tops and automatic!
OK, I will admit that this one is interesting. The motor is, of course the best thing about it. These things were absolute pigs stock, but that Ram Air powerplant ought to cure that nicely. That being said, it is still overpriced. The interior definitely needs some help, and the automatic is a non-starter in my opinion. Get the price down to the early 20s and they may have themselves something that would make someone happy.