Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002 - Lingenfelter's take on a fifth-gen Trans Am

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/pontiac-firebird-1967-2002/202085d1255900486-lingenfelters-take-fifth-gen-trans-am-lingenfelter_trans_am.jpg

I like the styling as shown in clay form found in a photo in the December 2009 issue of Hot Rod Magazine (Roddin' at Random p. 12). I was, however, disappointed that they didn't stick with a late-model powerplant (especially since that is what Lingenfelter is known for). I would assume that the donor Camaro was a V6 car making the 455 Poncho-based aluminum powerplant an easier choice....thoughts? Post 'em up!

The car will be on display at the SEMA show in Vegas, so finished pics should start surfacing on the web in a few weeks. If the response is good, they're going to start building them.

Updated 10/30/09:
The finished version featured on Car & Driver's website....a link to 40+ photos of the car can be found further down in this thread.

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/news/car/09q4/lingenfelter_455_t_a_concept-auto_shows/gallery/lingenfelter_455_t_2fa_concept_photo_14/2963603-1-eng-US/lingenfelter_455_t_a_concept_21_cd_gallery.jpghttp ://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/news/car/09q4/lingenfelter_455_t_a_concept-auto_shows/gallery/lingenfelter_455_t_2fa_concept_photo_1/2963416-1-eng-US/lingenfelter_455_t_a_concept_1_cd_gallery.jpg

very nice. im all for keeping it a real pontiac motor. i also like that if these are built, you can have your choice of TAs.....the late 70s look with the phoenix, or the 70-73 look with lingenfelter.

I got a chub goin. I can't wait to see a final product!

I like that! However, I'd also rather stick with a modern powerplant rather than a throwback to older technology that certainly won’t meet the current standards for longevity, emissions or fuel economy. Stick an LS7 in mine.

Is there a link to the Hot Rod article?

I like that! However, I'd also rather stick with a modern powerplant rather than a throwback to older technology that certainly won’t meet the current standards for longevity, emissions or fuel economy. Stick an LS7 in mine.

Is there a link to the Hot Rod article?

That could just be for the prototype. I'm sure if they do produce it it will come with a LS3 or higher.

Stick an LS7 in mine.

If you build it, they will come. I would have bought the Camaro if that had that option. You put it in a T/A....OMG!!!!! Sign me up!

ls7... The old motors are ok for a race only car or hotrod but with all this technology why wouldn't they use it.
It would be cool if they just sold the conversion body panels. You could swap them out like the corvette guys do with the wide body z06 stuff.

That looks really good

I wonder how much they would cost if they do start making them

I like that! However, I'd also rather stick with a modern powerplant rather than a throwback to older technology that certainly won’t meet the current standards for longevity, emissions or fuel economy. Stick an LS7 in mine.

Is there a link to the Hot Rod article?

I'd love to see a 455 CID LS7 based fuel injected motor. can you say SD-455? :D

i thought pontiac was xtinct after 2010? aint they on the government motors chopping block

^^ close but they already shut down. i believe pontiac dealers are just getting rid of the last ones. it was a sad day when i heard that

i thought pontiac was xtinct after 2010? aint they on the government motors chopping block

they are shut down... It wouldn't be Gm doing this kit. Lingenfelter is a company.

^^ close but they already shut down. i believe pontiac dealers are just getting rid of the last ones. it was a sad day when i heard that

I know hey just when the bring out the G8 and now it's gone.

^^ close but they already shut down. i believe pontiac dealers are just getting rid of the last ones. it was a sad day when i heard that

thats the info i got from a Pontiac dealer about a month agao at a car show. once the inventory is gone, the signs come down. :mad:

I would love to see the final version, that car looks great.

Not bad at all.

Not feeling it honestly. The new Camaro styling has a hint of retro, it's not full blown retro like the Mustang. That front, to me, is too retro for the rest of the car. I'm they'll change the rear section (judging by the wing) to so I'll reserve judgement for the final product, but the Camaro is still a win over that in my book.

It will be interesting to see what they do to the sides.

10 camaro > that T/A. like trust said, TOO much retro. give it just a hin and then go forward.

Not feeling it honestly. The new Camaro styling has a hint of retro, it's not full blown retro like the Mustang. That front, to me, is too retro for the rest of the car. I'm they'll change the rear section (judging by the wing) to so I'll reserve judgement for the final product, but the Camaro is still a win over that in my book.

It will be interesting to see what they do to the sides.

I'm with you...but didn't want to be the first to say it.

I think the new Camaro is just about the gayest, ugly car I've ever seen GM put out. Its horrible. Especially the entire rear end.

Making it into a Trans Am....hilarious. Why doesn't Lingenfelter use our current style Trans Am's and make some body changes? They could make a T/A look mean as hell.

.

Why not make it look like a 69 firebird or trans am? The camaro is based off of a 69 camaro, not a second gen. They set themselves up for failure everytime they try to make it look like a second gen.

Why not make it look like a 69 firebird or trans am? The camaro is based off of a 69 camaro, not a second gen. They set themselves up for failure everytime they try to make it look like a second gen.

Lingenfelter has been tanking over the past few years anyway.....hardly hear anything about them anymore.


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Why the hell was my thread moved to General Maintenance & Repairs? I want it back in the Pontiac Firebird Forum!

i think it is hideous.

So far not too bad , I like the 70-73 style much better than the 77 anyways . At least Lingenfelter actually took an effort to make the car look right , light years ahead of that Kevin Morgan designed car !:barf:

I really like it, but here are some things I hope they address/change:

1) Make the front bumper a little less bulky.
2) Change the side mirrors to something else.
3) Have the area under the doors flare out a bit like the front bumper's chin.

I like that! However, I'd also rather stick with a modern powerplant rather than a throwback to older technology that certainly won’t meet the current standards for longevity, emissions or fuel economy. Stick an LS7 in mine.

Is there a link to the Hot Rod article?

This IS an LSx based vehicle. It is a custom RHS aluminum engine block. The specs are as follows:
- 455 cubic inch displacement
- 4.155" bore with Diamond pistons
- 11.5:1 compression ratio
- 4.200" stroke Lunati forged crankshaft
- LPE CNC ported and polished LS7 cylinder heads
- LSx FAST 102mm intake manifold
- 655 horspower/ 610 lbs-ft of torque

Check the December issue of Hot Rod Magazine for pictures and information on this new concept vehicle from Lingenfelter. The Lingenfelter 2010 Camaro LTA will be at the SEMA show in Las Vegas November 3 – 6. This custom car has the classic 71 Trans Am interior / exterior theme.

The Camaro LTA is powered by a LS based 655 horsepower Lingenfelter 455 CID engine, Corsa exhaust, custom honeycomb wheels & Nitto tires.

Possible plans are to offer these for sale in the future as a production vehicle if we get enough positive response.

http://www.lingenfelter.com/Forum/455TA2_900.jpg
http://www.lingenfelter.com/Forum/455TAB2_900.jpg

Are those the wheels it will debut with? If so.......:barf:

Outside of that, it looks GREAT!

I'm not feeling the wheels either, but I'm really excited/interested in this. I think if the side mirrors and wheels were changed, this would be really really cool.

You might take inspiration from Lamborghini's gorgeous honeycomb wheels when putting wheels on this bad boy.

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335/Callaway-C8/IMG_7727.jpg

The car also needs to be lowered 2 inches from the stock ride height of a 5th gen Camaro. I hate how high up these cars are.

the rear end looks amazing!!! :drool:

Too bad GM couldn't have sold these in mass quantity. Now only a few lucky individuals will be able to own such an awesome car.

I wouldnt change a thing on the Lingenfelter design.:hail: Good job guys.

that car's ugly as balls. at least it's got a nice motor. i like the sides but the front end and the wheels kill it. it sure better go fast :D

Why not make it look like a 69 firebird or trans am? The camaro is based off of a 69 camaro, not a second gen. They set themselves up for failure everytime they try to make it look like a second gen.

because IMO, when most people think of a retro trans am, they don't think of a 69. they think of a 70-73 or maybe even 70-81 but not a 69. the 69 T/A while good looking wasn't as in your face as the 70's T/A was.

This IS an LSx based vehicle. It is a custom RHS aluminum engine block. The specs are as follows:
- 455 cubic inch displacement
- 4.155" bore with Diamond pistons
- 11.5:1 compression ratio
- 4.200" stroke Lunati forged crankshaft
- LPE CNC ported and polished LS7 cylinder heads
- LSx FAST 102mm intake manifold
- 655 horspower/ 610 lbs-ft of torque

That's good to hear! The way the blurb in Hot Rod reads, it's a Pontiac engine. Maybe I misinterpreted the article.

I want that T/A ! looks like this one has been done right ! I have always wanted a 70 T/A white & blue but that in black would look sweet too , just as long as they don`t put that out of date 79-81 gold bird on the hood I`ll think it will be fine , nice job Lingenfelter !

Well, one for sure...the new camaro SS is $36-38K loaded, I woul dimagine this 4000 lb turd will probably be another $50K or so...I would be real surprised if this package would run less than $85K

I looked at a new Camaro today...I like the interior and thats it...it looks like a 400lb tank...and it is! Looks like a fucking trailblazer...had it next to a Z06...no comparison. The 2005+ Mustang is a MUCH better looking car, and the 3900 lb GT500 at least has balls, and can be easily cranked up to 700+ hp and much much more with a Hellion kit. Hell, even the new Challenger looks much better, but that thing is a slow tank.

I think GM tanked the new Camaro...too heavy, too tall, too wide, blah.

This IS an LSx based vehicle. It is a custom RHS aluminum engine block. The specs are as follows:
- 455 cubic inch displacement
- 4.155" bore with Diamond pistons
- 11.5:1 compression ratio
- 4.200" stroke Lunati forged crankshaft
- LPE CNC ported and polished LS7 cylinder heads
- LSx FAST 102mm intake manifold
- 655 horspower/ 610 lbs-ft of torque

Ryan i got a few q's for you.

Did you guys check into licensing information with GM. Wth Pontiac being dead do you think they would sell you the rights? I think i speak for everyone when i say its going to be UBER LAME having to register these cars as Camaros. I'll take one how i can get one, im just saying, dream scenario you know?


Interior-will this car get a custom interior? Or another dressed up Camaro dash like that other concept. Cause i gotta say, it would be worth an extra few grand at least to me, to have a different interior. Like all of the other 4 generations, the Fire bird always had a better interior and you guys totally have an opportunity to improve on the design. I am studying to be a car designer and i know you don't need any help, but i would 100% volunteer my time and services, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it would be KILLER on my resume and in my portfolio!!!! I personally think a throwback to the 72 bird would be appropriate to accommodate the exterior! And you gotta give it a real NAV system, and HID projectors. Please bring it to the 21st century! Something GM refuses to do.



Wheels- will there be options? Cause those do nothing for me.

The body design is pretty good, although I woud have preferred a bandit edition. I am quite happy with the motor specs that was done right. Sorry, but the wheels are hideous! I don't like honeycombs at all, such a b!tch to clean. How about something like a Z06 wheel? I do agree, registering it as a camaro would suck b@lls. I just hope the price isn't outrageous!

Wow, those might be the the 2nd ugliest rims I have ever seen....talk about rice a roni. They kind of remind me of something you would use to core an apple, or the little catch thing on a sink drain.

The first ugliest I've seen can never be beat, it was some custom gold rims on an Expedition that were made to look like $100 bills were flying around the rims.

Yep, I don't care for the wheels. Those Lambo wheels are great!

Ryan, tell us more about the engine. Is it Lingenfelter built? Are the heads the GM OTC LSX-LS7 six bolt heads? Will you offer the complete engine alone?

Other than the puketastic wheels, this thing is sexy. MUCH more badass than the other conversion designed by Kevin Morgan.

Ditch the wheels & it will be pretty darn nice. If I had unlimited funds & more room in the garage I might consider it..haha

Fellas, the wheels are patterned after early second-gen Firebird wheels. Here is an example of them that I found on Yahoo...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2941918049_36a6b11a07.jpg

Just because it is retro doesn't make it a good thing. I stand by my statement.

Those wheels are probably why there are not many 70's Firebirds floating around...YUCK!

The honey comb is a signature design feature of almost every Pontiac and was made famous buy the 70-73 wheels. Where do you think your honey comb tail lights came from?

The honey comb is a signature design feature of almost every Pontiac and was made famous buy the 70-73 wheels. Where do you think your honey comb tail lights came from?

Not everyone shares are feelings on the wheels....I think they look great.

I'd enjoy seeing on the streets with a SD-455. Even if an iron block LSx no matter what the wheels are.

The honey comb is a signature design feature of almost every Pontiac and was made famous buy the 70-73 wheels. Where do you think your honey comb tail lights came from?

Truthfully, it is not that I don't like the design. I just don't want to clean them...pain in the @ss! My honeycomb lights are easy as h3ll to clean! hahhaah:engarde:

Not feeling it at all. The early second gen front on a 2010 looks silly. If you're gonna build a TA you need to take some of Pontiac's latest styling cues, mainly the front grille & work from there mixing around ideas from past TA's. Why does everyone feel the need to do a shaker look? The Ram Air of the WS6's probably made the TA more than any other gen & gave it the aggressive look that set it apart from the rest. ASC did the best job overall with their sketches other than the hideous early second gen front end. I know the point is retro, but the only thing that Chevy took from the first gen Camaro was the basic body design & grille design. They didn't literally steal the front end from the first gen like these companies do with the TA.

If anything they should use that early second gen grille design as a starting point for the retro look but use the current Pontiac grille design like they used on the G8 & use a different more current headlight design & a Ram Air hood that run's from the cowl all of the way to the front of the hood with openings that match up to the upper grille width.

i seen some sweet gold rims on a T/A in a mag at the zone that looked like enlarged wheels of the bandit T/A

i seen some sweet gold rims on a T/A in a mag at the zone that looked like enlarged wheels of the bandit T/A

Year One wheels

I spoke to Nathan from lingenfelter at the lsx shootout and he showed me what the final version looked like (picture), i think it looks great, i dont really like the honeycomb wheels either. My dad had a 70 T/A but it had the "rally wheels" which look more like torque thrusts and would look even better on that car IMO. The engine is great too, i just wish i could afford it, lol.

The new Mustang looks like the original. The new Challenger looks like the original. Both cars are more refined. The new Camaro looks nothing like the original. Too many straight lines, not enough swoopy curves. The tail is flat out ugly. The doors are too tall. The dash & gauge layout sucks. If anything, the nose is OK at best.

While I do like the early second gen Firebird nose, it looks silly on the new Camaro. I’m not digging the little shaker top as it won’t be functional. Like fake scoops on a hood, why bother?

As far as I’m concerned, the 98-02 Firebird was the best looking one. Sexy, curvy, it looked like a Corvette. Sure, it had some mechanical drawbacks, not enough power, transmissions and rears that blew up when you added power, etc.

The new Camaro will suffer from some of these issues also. The transmission has already shown to be the weak link, the rear will also start having problems when the power is upped. Such are the pitfalls when we soup up cars.

I’d prefer a later forth-gen over the new Camaro or the Lingenfelter Camaro LTA.

I mean no ill will toward the good folks at Lingenfelter. I ordered the heads and intake for my Monte Carlo directly from John himself like in 1986.

The new Mustang looks like the original. The new Challenger looks like the original. Both cars are more refined. The new Camaro looks nothing like the original. Too many straight lines, not enough swoopy curves. The tail is flat out ugly. The doors are too tall. The dash & gauge layout sucks. If anything, the nose is OK at best.



agreed. it seems like there is no choice when they do this but to go back to the old original ones, but why not evolve from the latest- with the fourth gens, why do every single one of this "remakes" or brought back from the dead muscle cars, such as the chargers, gtos, camaros, challengers, mustangs, etc - all have to come from the old versions? don't get me wrong, damn beautiful originals. but its like youre going back to the beginning instead of evolving.

All I want is a 4th gen T/A, brand spanking new with an LS-7, 12 bolt rear end and a bulletproof tranny......that is allot less modification than making a whole new model. But if it could be built under $40k from the dealer, I'd buy one. If not that is the route Im going when my motor dies.

it looks good. but to me it seems like it just doesnt flow right. The front and rear end looks rounded with curves which looks awesome but then the top of it is sharp. The sharpness of the top looks good with the camaros because the front and rear end has a sharp and aggressive look to them.... if that makes any sense. lol

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/09q4/lingenfelter_445_t_a_concept-auto_shows

Not bad, but it could use some different wheels...snowflakes maybe :D

Ok, a finished product. I have to say, it looks better than the clay model they were showing a couple weeks ago. I like the rear end, with the exception of the lights, looks a little plain. The front looks better than I originally thought. The engine specs are awesome. I still hate the rims with a passion. Would I buy it? If I could afford it.......

some different wheels and that car would be pretty bad ass. Add some SOM paint and that car would be the shizzzzzzznit

Looks much better then the other photos posted... Altho like previously stated it could use some different rims... nice tho!

I gotta say I'm not a fan of the way the front looks :/

I want one in Brewster Green, ..., or Black with gold honeycombs & some minimal gold trim.

I like it, ..., :thumb:

I like it too....way better than the Kevin Morgan version.

I like the back end of this car but the kevin morgan front is nicer to me.

I'd love to see another production trans am....