In April 2006, Loren and his Trans Am attended the Southern Trans Am Regional Show (S.T.A.R.S.) in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. There the car received Best In Class and Best Of Show honors. That August, the pair traveled north to visit Artie, and the trio then attended the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio.
"We were immediately placed into the Super Street class and thought we would show well. The car was parked at the end of our row and attracted tons of attention. We met a lot of people and saw many fine cars," says Loren.
"The awards ceremony was full of anticipation," he recalls. "When our class' winners were announced, my name wasn't called. I wasn't really disappointed since the winning cars were all very deserving. I was more concerned for Artie. It's just a hobby for me, but it's a living to him. A few minutes later, they announced the Best Of Show award, and to my shock and surprise, they called my name! Artie and I walked up together to accept the huge trophy. I was really happy for him. It was just a great moment."
"It is understated and true to the original design," Loren says of his Trans Am. "It's modernized, driver-friendly, and really performs beyond my expectations. The total combination has 'instant on'-type power, and the car really is as it should be-it's perfect."
Loren offers a word of advice to anyone with similar expectations. "A successful project requires fluid and seamless communication between the builder and owner. You both have to be on the same page and know that even successful projects can be frustrating at times. I really give Artie a great amount of credit. He stayed focused even though we had a lot going on in our personal lives. Over those 17 months, we came out with more than a car-we have a friendship that will last for years."
Though the Trans Am's modifications are far from irreversible, some may wonder why Loren modified a vehicle that could today bring at least four times its '01 purchase price if concourse-restored-and then spent well beyond that to create what's shown here. The answer lies in the fact that Loren and Artie regard this Pontiac as much more than a typical '70 1/2 Trans Am-it symbolizes the dreams of its owner and the vision of its builder, both of which are priceless to them. If Loren could at all look upon this beautiful Trans Am as an investment, the dividends it's paid so far are sheer enjoyment and a lasting friendship. And that sounds like the yield this investor was after.
The original R/A-III was replaced...
The original R/A-III was replaced by a fuel-injected, 462ci engine featuring four-bolt main caps, Edelbrock cylinder heads, a Tomahawk intake manifold, a roller camshaft, tubular headers, and a 3-inch exhaust. It generates 417 hp at the rear wheels. A '76 Trans Am single-snorkel, air-cleaner base is used to mount the Shaker atop the throttle body. Artie removed the air-intake snorkel from the air-filter base and welded the hole shut for a cleaner look. The engine compartment was painted with base/clear PPG black with added flattener.
A March serpentine-conversion...
A March serpentine-conversion kit drives the accessories, including the Sanden 508 air-conditioning compressor, which is charged with R-134A. The braided stainless A/C lines were handmade by Philipp. An electric-fan kit from Flex-a-lite and a custom-made aluminum radiator from Raceware in New Britain, Pennsylvania, handle engine cooling. Enterprise Machine in Scranton fabricated the radiator-mounting brackets, its aluminum cover, and the internal fuel-tank baffles, while the ignition system is compromised of ACCEL components.
Philipp modified a universal...
Philipp modified a universal Chevrolet ACCEL speed-density-based, DFI engine-management system to fit the Trans Am. The kit features a 1,000-cfm throttle body and 36-pound fuel injectors. Enterprise Machine drilled the Tomahawk's injector bosses and fabricated the fuel rails. A Holley electric fuel pump is mounted inline and pressurizes the fuel system, which is regulated to 40 psi. Artie fashioned the black spacer on the throttle body to ensure the Shaker scoop sits at the correct height.
White overlays from Duranged...
White overlays from Duranged Design of Salt Lake City, Utah, were applied over the Trans Am's otherwise-original gauges.
The original 12-bolt rear...
The original 12-bolt rear end and limited-slip differential remain, but its axles have been upgraded to Moser units. Richmond 3.08:1 gears were added to better utilize the transmission's deep First-gear ratio. Koni adjustable shocks and Global West's leaf springs dampen road imperfections. The original 0.875-inch-diameter stabilizer bar was eliminated per Global West's recommendation to improve traction when exiting a turn under throttle.
The front suspension consists...
The front suspension consists of the original 1.25-inch-diameter stabilizer bar, Global West coil springs, Koni adjustable shocks, and a 14:1-constant-ratio WS6 steering box from a late Second-Gen Firebird. Rubber bushings are utilized throughout the suspension to maintain ride quality. Raceware also supplied the Wilwood front and rear disc-brake kits.