Each L69 featured an aluminum intake manifold, a 204/206-degree duration at 0.050 cam with 0.404/0.415 lift, and iron heads with 1.84/1.50-inch valves. The 84cc combustion chambers used in conjunction with cast flat-top pistons result in a compression ratio of 9.5:1. A nodular-iron, 3.48-inch-stroke crank, steel rods, and a 3.74-inch-bore iron-block comprise the bottom end. A 2.75-inch exhaust system that employed the Corvette's catalytic converter frees up a some more ponies for the L69.
Parasitic loss was reduced with the addition of a lightweight flywheel and an electric cooling fan. Dave added an Edelbrock 3-inch after-cat exhaust with original-style tips for a boost in power and sound.
Showing Off
Dave was extremely proud to own such an excellent example of the '84 Trans Am and wanted to show it off. He started attending local shows in 1992 and competed in his first national event in 1993-the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio. His first year produced a Second Place trophy, enticing him to return the following year where he took home a First Place in Stock class. From then on, the T/A was sitting in the show area every year, usually taking one of the top three spots.
To change things up a bit, Dave had an additional set of T-tops etched with birds, so that he could be competitive in the Light Modified class. "We have stayed in Second and Third Place, but First just hasn't happened yet." He also started going to the Ames Performance Pontiac Tri-Power Nationals and has taken First or Second Place each time he has competed there.
Dave had the T-Tops etched...
Dave had the T-Tops etched with "screaming chickens," allowing him to compete in Light Modified class.
The black and gray interior...
The black and gray interior is in excellent condition. With comprehensive instrumentation and a thickly padded steering wheel, the driver's needs were well-attended. A padded bolster was added to the drivers side of the console so the right knee wouldn't rest on the hard plastic.
Just like Pontiac convertibles...
Just like Pontiac convertibles of the past, the Third-Gens used door wedges to help reduce rattles brought on by the diminished stiffness of the structure from the addition of the t-tops. This wedge on the door jamb mated with
This isn't a garage queen, either. Dave tries to drive it to every show that he can, and it now has over 47,000 miles on it. For the first time ever, he trailered the car to the 2008 Trans Am Nationals. "I didn't know what to do! There wasn't anything to clean up, so I just cleaned the trunk. Do I have the cleaning bug or what?" he says in jest.
Even with all of his success, it's more than just winning trophies for Dave. "The friends that my wife Sandy and I have made from showing our Bird have been great. We've become friends with people from all across the country who we would have never met and become close to if it wasn't for this Pontiac."
Dave has been inspired by his Trans Am, and it means more to him than just the bits and pieces that make it up. "My Trans Am has lifted my spirits and I thoroughly enjoy driving it every chance I can. With my disability, it hurts to climb in and out of the car, but it's all worth it once I'm inside."
It's great to hear stories like Dave's where the meaning of a car is much deeper once you look below the surface. We feel he has a lot to be proud of and wish him continued success as he competes in shows across the U.S.
...this one on the door when...
...this one on the door when it was closed.
Considering that Dave drives...
Considering that Dave drives this Trans Am on the street as often as he does, the Bird is extremely clean underneath. Hats off to his attention to detail.
While this Trans Am is extremely...
While this Trans Am is extremely close to stock, an Edelbrock exhaust system with stock-style tips sits behind the rear bumper.