1980 Pontiac Trans Am with LS Power is Muscle Car Perfection

The Trans Am

The 1980 Pontiac Trans Am is a perfect encapsulation of the legend of classic American muscle, in this writer's opinion. Everything from the powerful proportions of the car, all the way down to the specially designed details on these cars screams power and exudes an undeniable cool factor.

Photos courtesy of Bring a Trailer

Modern Power

But as cool as these legendary muscle cars still are, automotive engineering and technology have far surpassed that of the 1980s. There is no question that an LS1 engine can reliably out-perform a carburated 301-ci V8 ant day of the week. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Enter LS1

In that light, the previous owner of this 1980 Trans Am decided to give this awesome machine a heart transplant. And what better source of power to replace the old motor than the ultra-popular choice of V8 swappers around the world, the LS1. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Putting the Power Down

Now powered by a much newer V8 sourced from what is said to be low-mile Camaro, this brute is ready to tear up some tarmac. The V8 is paired to a 4l60E automatic transmission.  

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Inside

The interior on this screamin' chicken needs a little bit of work, but it's not in too bad of a shape. Aside from a crack in the dash, the cabin looks pretty decent aesthetically. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Classic Muscle

The Trans Am features the legendary graphic on the shaker-style hood. It wears 15" snowflake wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich radial tires. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Maintenance

The car is reportedly up to date with its regular maintenance and service. The only significant issue with it is that the blower motor is currently not working. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Cool Cruiser

Paint and bodywork were done on this Pontiac over a decade ago. From the photos and the video, the car looks to be in pretty darn good shape. There are, of course, some minor wear on the paint as is expected from a car this age. 

The Trans Am did not meet its auction reserve on Bring a Trailer. The top bid was only $13,750.

>>Join the conversation about this LS-powered Trans Am right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

For help with service and maintenance of your car check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com.