1999 Pontiac Trans Am - Bolt-On Boulevard Bruiser

Backing the formidable powerplant is the stock Tremec T56 six-speed transmission with an SLP- aluminum flywheel and McLoed RevLock II clutch, shifted with a Pro 5.0 shifter and a Hurst T-handle. Roll Control and nitrous are controlled with a single button on the handle, and a selector switch in the ashtray determines which is being used. The left position is for the Roll Control, the right is for the juice. From there, power is transferred through a custom driveshaft to a Moser 12-bolt rearend with 3.73 gears and posi-traction.

The chassis was also upgraded to control the abundance of power provided by the blown LS1. Hotchkis subframe connectors and a six-point rollcage by Wolf Racecraft keep the unibody from twisiting. Hotchkis also supplied the lowered coil springs, control arms, and panhard bar. A BMR torque arm was installed to replace the stock unit that was ripped out of its mounts by the supercharged powerplant. Stopping power is aided by Baer Racing EradiSpeed zinc-coated, slotted rotors, while the rolling stock consists of 18x8.5-inch Elite Barb wheels shod with Ventis 245/40ZR-18s all around.

Visual aspects weren't ignored. Noting that his Trans Am was being mistaken for similar-looking cars around town, Jason had Auto Body by Duie in Bordentown, New Jersey, repaint the Trans Am to eliminate any confusion over its identity. They covered the Bird's panels in DuPont Black with DuPont Chromalusion Absolute Purpleen flames. They change color as one walks around the car, adding motion and a very unique character to the Pontiac. Simply put, it's one car that's impossible to miss.

Jason added several upgrades inside as well. The three A/C vents in the center of the dash were filled with 21/16-inch diameter Auto Meter Z-Series gauges, which monitor boost, fuel pressure, and air/fuel ratio, by The Sound Source in Burlington, New Jersey. Nitrous tanks were installed after the rear seat was removed but not before the area was covered in matching leather by Al's Custom Interior in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Al's also covered the rollcage tubing in leather to match the rest of the interior--a subtle but classy touch. The stock Monsoon audio system was upgraded with a 10-inch, powered subwoofer, also by The Sound Source. It's almost loud enough to cover the roar of the engine--almost.

Jason is quick to mention those who helped him create the Trans Am of his dreams. Sutton's Speed Shop in Pemberton, New Jersey, installed the rearend, clutch, and Baer Racing rotors, as well as the complete exhaust system. East Coast Supercharging in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, sorted out the supercharger installation and replaced the fuel system after another shop messed up the job, going out of business shortly thereafter. "Those guys really worked out all the bugs," Jason explained.

HPP Editor Tom DeMauro spotted and photographed Jason's Trans Am at the 26th Annual High-Performance Pontiac Show and Go at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, and an interesting thing happened that day. When Jason's car was given an award for Best in Class, the announcer called out John Seger, his departed father's name, even though Jason's name was clearly printed on the tech card. "Of all the people who helped me get my Trans Am to where it is now, my dad's influence is what inspired me to get it done, Jason said. "He definitely had a hand in this one," bolt-ons and all.