This custom-built stereo enclosure...
This custom-built stereo enclosure was fitted with a JVC CD/DVD player and there's a 7-inch DVD screen in the dash. The eight-speaker sound system is augmented with Infinity front speakers, tweeters, ARC audio subs, and a Rockford Fosgate 400-watt amp. A Fourth-Gen donated its floor console and e-brake to the cause.
Chassis
To complement the performance potential of the engine and the aggressive exterior appearance, Victor made chassis upgrades. All of the seams on the subframe and the body were finish-welded by Dave Cooper (Coarsegold, California), who also welded in Competition Engineering subframe connectors. Energy Suspension polyurethane body mount bushings were then installed with the subframe.
McGaughy's tubular upper control arms, QA1 Pro-Coil adjustable coilovers, and McGaughy's 2-inch-drop spindles lower the front end and correct the geometry for precise handling. A Hotchkis 1 1/8-inch front sway bar reduces body roll in the turns, and polyurethane bushings reduce deflection. A 2.5 turns-to-lock quick-ratio power-steering box allows Victor to make the most of the chassis refinements.
To drop the stance outback and improve handling, the stock multi-leaf springs were dearched 2 inches, and a Hotchkis 7/8-inch rear sway bar, polyurethane bushings, and Moroso shocks were installed.
A set of 11-inch disc brakes at the four corners ensures ample stopping power, and adding stick and a mean appearance are Centerline Dagger Series wheels, measuring 17x8 front and 18x9.5 rear, shod with Yokohama Street Performance 245/40ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 tires, respectively.
On The Road
Victor has put over 3,600 miles on his Firebird since its completion. "It's such a blast to drive," he says. "It runs, drives, and accelerates a lot like a modern car, but with old-school styling. It handles like its riding on rails--no body roll. I have taken real 25 mph corners at 60 with no problem. I built this car to go out and whup on Corvettes and Mustangs on the highway. At 5,300 rpm, it's turning around 140 mph with a little more room up top."
Conclusion
Given the results and with about six years and $48,000 invested, you'd think that Victor was finished modifying his drop-top Firebird. Not quite. "A TKO 600 five-speed is next," he says, "then I'll change the pulley to make 10 psi boost, add an oil cooler for the supercharger, and install a methanol-injection kit. These upgrades should make the engine produce about 550 flywheel horsepower and put over 400 hp to the ground.
"What I like most about my Pontiac is that I designed and built it. Take for example the supercharger brackets and pulley system. I had never done anything like that before.
"The best part is the response I receive from people. Pontiacs have always been a passion, and building one I think is one of the best ways to enjoy life."
I guess Victor just really loves the work.
Victor would like to thank Chip Fricker of Chip's Hot Rods & Harleys (in memoriam), Dustan Snider, Bill Fleming, Rick Struck, Joe Dame, Dave Cooper, Shaun Verrastro, Albert Biscaglio, Bobby Box, and Gerald Bressler.
 Here's what Victor's car looked...  Here's what Victor's car looked like when he bought it. |  Believe it or not, these door...  Believe it or not, these door panels are from a '98 Sebring. They've been modified to fit and now feature custom speaker mounts, theater lights, power window switches, shaved door handles, and striking embossed Firebird emblems.... |  The trunk was transformed...  The trunk was transformed with a black tweed carpet and upholstered panels, which not only match the style of the passenger compartment with an embossed Firebird logo, but also hide the battery. |