1981 Pontiac Trans Am Tubo
Vehicle Description
This is a very rare 1981 Turbo Trans Am Daytona Pace Car, one of approximately 800 survivors of 2000 made.
It was the only Trans Am with factory Recaro racing seats.
The draw-through turbo helped the 4.9L/301ci small block Pontiac V8 officially put out 200 HP and 340pound-feet, which in that regulatory environment was incredible at the time.
The EPA forced Pontiac to replace the 1979 400ci V8 for the 1980 Trans Am for better fuel economy and emissions, and to get similar horsepower Pontiac put turbo charger on a 301 small block that drew air through a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor. It was primitive by today's standards, but it's a great example of early GM turbo engineering. The 301 small block was the same one in the Pontiac Grand National.
I picked it up this year because it has no serious rust other than surface rust on the frame, no rust-through on the body panels, no major dents or obvious body work, no rust around the glass, no window leaks or T-top leaks.
The interior is all original and in amazing shape considering the age. No damage. No dash cracks. Console is fine. Carpet could be replaced but it's OK. Seats need some cleaning but they're OK except the cushions need to be re-stuffed with new foam. Back seat is fine. The Recaro headrest mesh needs to be replaced.
It drives fine. Suspension and steering is surprisingly responsive for its age. But I would plan on replacing bushings and joints eventually.
No previous attempt to make it a "resto-mod". It's essentially all original except the front headlights, an electric radiator fan, and the better 4-speed auto.
It's in amazing condition for a 44-year-old car that never had any attempt at restoration. It needs repainting. It looks like it was repainted maybe 20 years ago and could be made to shine with some clear coat.
I was going to make it a project car but then we decided to move, so the car has to go. Too bad because I bought $3k worth of parts.
The prior owner bought the car from a guy in Kansas, but then the turbo oil line failed and burned out the turbo, which is the most common turbo failure. So instead of replacing the turbo, he made it naturally aspirated by making a custom adaptor to put a Holley 4-barrel on top of the stock intake manifold, completely removing the turbo and all the intake and exhaust piping. It runs fine but makes 150HP at most.
He replaced the stock 3-speed auto with the 2004r 4-speed auto from a Grand National. It's a bolt-on replacement for the 3-speed on the 301 small block. It's wonderful because it drops the RPMs to less than 2000 RPM on the highway, instead of the stock 2800 at 70MPH. But I have the original 3-speed if someone wants to make it "pristine original".
To start the restoration back to factory turbo, I bought the following list of parts from Joseph Rinaldi at TTA Performance in Kenosha WI.
- Rebuilt Rochester 4-barrel carb
- Stage 3 turbo
- Stainless Steel Fuel Line
- Stainless turbo oil line
- Plenum Coolant Hose
- 180° Thermostat
- Turbo Gasket Set
- 2.5" Downpipe
- Manual Boost Controller
- Bolts kit
Joseph is great.ttaperformance@gmail.com
All the parts come with the car. It's project-ready. You will need a muffler guy to restore the exhaust system to factory original.
You will need a new engine wiring harness available from firebirdcentral.com modified it too much. Maybe $200. And new Turbo indicator lights on the hood bulge from TTA Performance.
The cruise control system electrical needs to be reconnected, including the speedometer cable. The wiper motor system electrical needs to be reconnected. They worked before disconnected according to the prior owner.
If I had stayed in the current house I would have spent the fall and winter putting on the new parts and restoring the turbo operation. Not sure if the motor has to be pulled to do it. I think it could be done with the motor in the car.
I'm asking to get back the money I have into the car, which is $18,000. I need $15,000. Compared to what restored examples are going for, it's not much.
It will be a lot of fun for the next owner with a garage and some time and a little money.
Let me know your questions. Come out and see me in Mckinney TX 75071.
