1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Daytona Pace Car
Vehicle Description
This is a rare 1981 Turbo Trans Am Daytona Pace Car. Garage kept all of its life.
Serious bidders only. Don't bid if you don't intend to buy it. I will contact the winner.
1981 was the only year 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.
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 dash crack. Console is fine. Seats are in good shape for their age. The Recaro headrest mesh needs to be replaced.
It drives fine. Suspension and steering is surprisingly responsive for its age. I would plan on replacing bushings and joints eventually.
It's essentially original except the front headlights, an electric radiator fan, and the 4-speed 2004r transmission.
It's in amazing condition for a 44-year-old car that never had any attempt at restoration. It looks like it was repainted maybe 20 years ago and could be made to shine with some buffing and 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 without the turbo.
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 that are included in the sale.
- 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
See the invoice in the photos. Joseph is great.ttaperformance@gmail.com. He has how-to videos for all the work to be done on their web site. https://ttaperformance.com/
All the parts come with the car. See the shop manuals included. It's project-ready. You will need a muffler guy to restore the exhaust system to factory original and fabricate the exhaust manifold turbo intake crossover pipe. TTA Performance can help.
You may need a new engine wiring harness available from firebirdcentral.com as you restore the turbo operation with the original carb. Maybe $200. I also recommend new Turbo indicator lights in 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 disconnection 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, which is the reserve.
It will be a lot of fun for the next owner with a garage and some time and a little money.
You can request to come see the car or you can request a video meeting.Come out and see it in Mckinney TX 75071. Contact me for the address.
Bidding in an Ebay auction is a binding contract. A $500 deposit is required with 24 hours of winning the auction or it goes to the next highest bidder. Within 3 days please communicate your plan to pay the balance due and get the car.
I have clear Texas vehicle title.
Let me know your questions.
