This massive mill inhales through a K&N air filter and filtering lid, a 750-cfm Barry Grant Demon carburetor, and an Edelbrock Torker II intake manifold. The ignition system consists of an MSD Pro-Billet distributor, 6AL box, remote coil, plug wires, and alternator, and Bosch spark plugs. Total timing is set at 38 degrees. Spent gases are expelled via 1.75-inch-diameter, four-tube Doug's headers and a 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust system-all of which is Jet-Hot-coated.
The suspension contains myriad Global West components aimed at increasing the GTO's road manners. A set of heavy-duty Bilstein shocks dampen road irregularities, while Baer's four-wheel disc-brake kit (11-inch front, 11.35-inch rear) hauls the GTO down from highway speeds. A set of billet-aluminum Smoothie wheels from Boyd's-17x8-inches up front with 4.5-inch backspacing and 17x9.5-inches out back with 4.75-inch backspacing and a 0.50-inch spacer-are on BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires in 245/45ZR17 and 275/55ZR17, respectively.
Doug says classic styling is what drew him to this GTO. "I addressed all of its weaknesses and basically have a modern vehicle with '67 styling," he tells HPP. "I built it to cruise and not necessarily race, so it hasn't been on a track yet. I even added air conditioning so I could drive it on hot and humid days. And the new suspension makes it ride and handle like a modern musclecar."
Slotted-and-drilled rotors...
Slotted-and-drilled rotors and aluminum calipers from Baer Brake Systems and the 1.25-inch diameter stabilizer bar from Global West provide peace of mind when diving into a corner.
When asked what he likes best about his GTO, Doug simply replies, "The raw power." He then adds, "The engine is a beast, and it has power on demand. With the overdrive transmission, it'll happily cruise along at 25 or 105 mph. It's just a blast to drive!" Doug also reveals that he is currently replacing the GTO's original seats with black-leather power units from a late-model GTO for even greater comfort, and he's considering a fuel-injection system and a six-speed manual transmission in the future.
If bigger is truly better, then the Tornello's GTO has far exceeded the lofty expectations set for it. The couple can stake claim to a beautiful car that excels in a number of ways, giving them far more enjoyment than they bargained for. "I want to drive the GTO more now since it's so effortless and rewarding," Doug says. Well, if driving the GTO is reward for its outcome, then Paula and Doug have certainly earned the miles of happiness this Pontiac provides.
 As you can see by the undercarriage,...  As you can see by the undercarriage, this GTO is driven regularly. The front suspension features Global West tubular control arms and coil springs and Bilstein shocks. Global West's Del-A-Lum bushings are also utilized, and a rebuilt 14:1-constant-ratio steering box for a WS6 '79 Trans Am improves steering response. |  The rear braking system consists...  The rear braking system consists of Baer components similar to those used on the front. |  A complete Moser 12-bolt rear-axle...  A complete Moser 12-bolt rear-axle assembly, containing an Eaton limited-slip differential, 3.73 gears, aluminum differential cover, and heavy-duty axles, resides where the stock unit once did. It is supported by a set of Global West adjustable upper and lower tubular control arms and coil springs and Bilstein shocks. The large 1-inch Global West stabilizer bar keeps the GTO level in the turns. |