You can push a button to get closer to the Chiron power levels.
Pontiac’s Firebird Trans Am, a turbocharged 4.9 liter V8 engine with 210 horsepower (157 Kilowatts), was introduced in 1980. Although it was a decent engine, the turbo V8 engine was just as reliable as the weather in the mountains. Although we don’t know whether the Turbocharged Trans Am in the video is reliable, Smokey has absolutely no chance to catch the Bandit with its 1,000 horsepower (746 kW).
Technically, it is a 1979 Firebird Trans Am. It has been beautifully restored to an original Trans Am SE specification. It has period-correct, gold striping around the black exterior and a factory-accurate Firebird logo on the hood. It has the t-tops, shaker hood scoop, and a casual look would suggest it is a gorgeous example of a stock Trans Am. The trademark snowflake wheels look a little larger than they do on the Trans Am. A very close inspection would reveal that the car’s track width is wider. It’s 4 inches wider, but that would only be noticed by hardcore Pontiac fans.
However, everyone will be able to notice something new when they open the hood. A custom 7.0-liter engine is installed in place of the 6.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It’s a completely new engine that produces huge amounts of power. This Trans Am produces 1,000 horsepower on low boost, but if you push the button to activate boost controller, you will get 1,400 HP (1,044kW)). The rear tires are fed by a six-speed T56 manual. They look very bald in the video.
Curiously, the car’s owner claims that it is a daily driver. However, it can be driven quite easily if you keep it off boost. The car is equipped with sound deadening equipment to reduce noise. In keeping with the original theme, the exhaust system is as quiet as possible due to the massive engine. Other than the upgraded gauges and double-din stereo, the interior is mostly original. The air conditioning is there to cool the occupants and channel all that power.
Before Smokey & the Bandit made it a beloved ’70s pony car, the second-generation Trans Am was already well-loved. While the crazy power of this restomod is impressive, it is even more impressive for its meticulous attention to maintaining its stock appearance. This is a return to Buford T. Justice and the Bandit, with a little more whistle. We believe the Bandit would do just fine.