In the dash, Auto Meter nitrous...
In the dash, Auto Meter nitrous and fuel-pressure gauges keep Shane informed.
Taking full advantage of the bumpstick's specs are AFR CNC-ported cylinder heads, which feature 227cc intake runners, 56cc chambers, and 2.02/1.60 stainless steel valves, and flow more than 315 cfm on the intakes.
The impressive small-block is fed with a set of FMS 42-lb/hr injectors and a twin 58mm BBK throttle body breathing through a 90mm Granatelli LS1 MAF. An Aeromotive 800hp inline fuel pump in conjunction with an in-tank 255-lph pump is necessary to deliver the fuel.
When it was all said and done, Chad put his money where his mouth was, as his engine produced just over 600 naturally aspirated horses on the company's engine dyno with his tuning.
Inside, you won't find many...
Inside, you won't find many changes. A four-point rollbar with a crossbar secures Shane inside the Pontiac with a four-point harness system. Note the Hurst Pistol Grip and nitrous controls.
While the engine was being assembled, Shane and his father were hard at work on his 100 percent stock Firehawk in preparation for the influx of power. A Spec Stage 5 clutch sits ahead of the stock, Hurst-shifted T56 transmission.
Up front, a Spohn K-member and A-arms dramatically reduce weight over the factory stamped-steel pieces and increase strength, too. QA1 dual-adjustable shocks and springs replaced the Bilsteins. A set of Aerospace drag brakes were installed up front to trim down unsprung weight, and the rear suspension was given similar treatment with the installation of BMR drag bags, QA1 shocks with BMR springs, and Spohn lower control arms and torque arm.
Subtle exterior modifications...
Subtle exterior modifications include the installation of a Trans Am spoiler in favor of the Formula spoiler that is shared with the V-6 Firebird. The lack of a Trans Am ground-effects package gives this Bird a slippery shape. Even with 607 hp, the SLP "two-on-the-left" high-flow after-cat exhaust provides enough breathing room.
Surprisingly, the notoriously weak 10-bolt rearend was alive and kicking even after the abuse Shane had put it through. It was pulled out and replaced with a Moser 12-bolt featuring 4.10 gears and an Eaton Posi, which has a much greater power-holding ability. Shane kept the A/C system as well as the heater.
Once the engine was secured between the strut towers, the nitrous kit was upgraded to an Edelbrock wet system that was capable of 300 hp.
This power rocketed the Bird to 10.40 at 141 mph in the quarter-mile. The 1.6 60-foot has some room for improvement, but we're sure it has the potential for a 9-second pass given the trap speed. This wouldn't be possible without his custom set of Hole Shot Hole Star 15x10 rear wheels with red anodized centers mounted to Mickey Thompson 28x11.5x15 ET Street tires.
The hood has been refitted...
The hood has been refitted with 607hp decals in place of the original 315hp to indicate the new output.
It's safe to say "mission accomplished" when you take a look at Shane's Firehawk. The 315hp hood decals have been replaced with the more suitable 607hp callouts and are the only visible indication that might raise a few eyebrows. The original Firehawk wheels have been replaced with the newer design for street duty, and the rear spoiler has been exchanged with a Trans Am high-rise one.
Today, Shane races in a variety of classes at his local tracks, where he's required to run a "street" tire. The Firehawk's good looks and Golen power makes it a very quick Pontiac, one that Shane admits has been taken a bit over the top, preventing him from taking it out on the street as often as he likes--so much for gas mileage, huh? He's not afraid to put anyone in their place, though. Like we said, anything can be improved upon, and when it comes to drag racing, this Firehawk proves our point.