The Ultimate 1979 Trans Am: Supercharged LS3 Performance with Award-Winning Style

With Detroit Speed suspension, Forgeline wheels, Michelin rubber, and a modern cockpit featuring Dakota Digital instrumentation, this Goodguys finalist is a true street machine masterpiece.

1979 Pontiac Trans Am Whipple-Supercharged LS3 Power

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am represents a thoughtful blend of classic second-generation F-body attitude and modern pro-touring performance. Built with an emphasis on both show-quality presentation and serious road capability, the car combines advanced suspension engineering, modern LS power, and refined custom detailing throughout. The result is a Trans Am that not only captures the aggressive presence of the late-’70s icon but elevates it with contemporary performance and craftsmanship—an approach that earned this build Street Machine Finalist honors at the Goodguys Columbus, Ohio event.

Build Highlights

    • Street Machine Finalist – Goodguys Columbus, Ohio

    • Whipple-supercharged LS3 powerplant

    • Bowler-prepared Tremec six-speed manual transmission

    • Detroit Speed front and rear suspension systems

    • Wilwood 13-inch disc brakes

    • Forgeline wheels (18×10 front / 18×13 rear) with Michelin performance tires

    • Custom Axalta metallic green finish with silver stripes and orange pinstriping

    • Dakota Digital instrumentation

    • ProCar performance seating

    • Restomod Air air-conditioning system

Detailed Features

Expand  Specs box below for detailed features

Specs

Powertrain

At the heart of this Trans Am is a Whipple-supercharged LS3, delivering modern muscle with the instant response and reliability expected from a contemporary performance platform. The engine is detailed with Clayton Machine Works valve covers and exhales through Detroit Speed headers, producing the kind of authoritative soundtrack that matches the car’s aggressive demeanor.

Power is managed through a Bowler Performance-prepared Tremec six-speed manual transmission, giving the driver precise control and the flexibility to enjoy both hard acceleration and relaxed highway cruising.


Chassis & Suspension

A complete transformation underneath begins with Detroit Speed front and rear suspension systems, providing a modern handling foundation for the classic F-body platform. The upgraded suspension geometry dramatically improves stability, responsiveness, and road feel, while 13-inch Wilwood disc brakes deliver confident, fade-resistant stopping power.

Out back, a 3.50:1-geared rearend strikes a well-balanced compromise between acceleration and drivability—perfectly suited for the six-speed transmission and boosted LS power.


Wheels & Stance

The Trans Am’s aggressive pro-touring stance is anchored by Forgeline wheels measuring 18×10 up front and a massive 18×13 in the rear, wrapped in high-performance Michelin rubber. The wide rear footprint emphasizes the car’s muscular proportions while providing the traction needed to harness the supercharged power under the hood.


Body & Fabrication

The classic lines of the second-generation Trans Am remain intact, but the execution reflects the meticulous attention to detail expected from a high-end custom build. Panel alignment, trim integration, and overall presentation showcase the level of craftsmanship that defines the work produced by MB Hot Rods of Mobile, Alabama.


Paint & Exterior Finish

The exterior is finished in a custom-mixed Axalta metallic green, a rich and sophisticated shade that shifts beautifully under changing light. The color is accented by silver stripes outlined with orange pinstriping, giving the car a unique identity while still honoring the bold graphic traditions associated with the Trans Am lineage. The result is a finish that feels both modern and unmistakably period-inspired.


Interior & Driver Environment

Inside, the cockpit blends comfort, technology, and performance cues. ProCar performance seats provide supportive seating, while Dakota Digital instrumentation delivers precise, modern readouts within a cleanly updated dash environment.

A Restomod Air air-conditioning system ensures the cabin remains comfortable regardless of driving conditions, making this Trans Am as enjoyable on long highway drives as it is on show fields or spirited back-road runs.

Whipple-Charged 1979 Pontiac Trans Am: A Goodguys Street Machine Finalist

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1979 Pontiac Trans Am Restomod Image Gallery

Bring Your Vision to Life

Ready to transform your classic car into a masterpiece? Reach out to MB Hot Rods today to discuss your project ideas and see how we can bring your dream to reality. Our team is eager to collaborate with you, ensuring every detail reflects your unique vision.