Latest news with #TransAm
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Engine Powered More Cars Than Any Other
GM's 3800 still has a huge following to this day, as it was a workhorse for the brand. For more than 30 years, starting in 1975, this reliable V6 powerplant was shoehorned under the hood of more than 25 million vehicles. That includes products ranging from boring sedans up to a turbocharged 20th Anniversary Pontiac Trans Am. While that's impressive, another GM engine handily beats the 3.8-liter V6 as the most produced engine of all time. Yep, it's the small-block Chevrolet. Chevy originally released the small-block in a 265 cubic inch displacement called "Turbo Fire" to power 1955 model year Corvettes and Bel Airs. Although its 180 horsepower output in top tune is lackluster by modern standards, it was a full 30 horsepower more than the outgoing "Blue Flame" inline-six Corvette engine. The small-block Chevy was produced with many different combinations of bore and stroke over its six decade lifespan, all the way up to a 400 cubic inch displacement for trucks and vans. Ironically, a 400 cubic inch small-block is actually larger than some so-called big-blocks, such as Chrysler's 383 or Chevy's own 396. However, the most well known iteration of the small-block is the 350, or 5.7-liter in metric terms. If you've been in the car hobby for any reasonable amount of time, the chances are that you've interacted with a 350-powered vehicle on some level. In fact, some sources call it "America's favorite V8." Read more: These V6 Engines Put The LS1 V8 To Shame By 1997, the writing was on the wall for the venerable small-block Chevy. That's the year when the first LS-based V8 engine debuted in the brand-new fifth-generation Corvette C5, sarcastically reviewed here by Mr. Regular. There's a bit of friendly debate among enthusiasts as to whether LS motors are truly considered part of the small-block Chevy family or a separate entity. Besides obvious differences like the lack of a conventional distributor, the LS even has a different firing order than its predecessors. For the record, General Motors says that the LS is a continuation of the small-block lineup. However, the fact remains that the LS shares very little in common with the first- and second-generation small-block V8, which was fully phased out of production vehicles by the end of 2002. More than 100 million small-block Chevys engines have been produced so far, plus it continues to be offered to this day in "crate engine" form. Like its sibling, the 3.8-liter V6, the small-block Chevy powered a wide array of vehicles from GM's assembly line. That includes Corvettes, Camaros, pickup trucks, and grocery-getter sedans and wagons. What's more, many of those engines went on to live a second life after their original host vehicles went to the crusher. Small-block Chevys have been swapped into all manner of vehicles including Jeeps and Ford hot rods from the 1930s, heck, there's even a Chevy-powered 1970 Porsche 911. In part, that's because of the tremendous aftermarket support and the seemingly limitless supply of repair and upgrade parts available. With over 100 million examples floating around, we wouldn't expect any less. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Forgotten Muscle Cars That Deserve a Comeback
Big engines. Bold looks. Burnout energy. You might not have forgotten them, but the industry sure has. If you came of age during the golden era of muscle, these cars probably live rent-free in your head. Maybe you drove one. Perhaps you dreamed of one. Either way, you remember. But if your entry point was Fast & Furious or modern machines, these names might not even register. Louder rivals overshadowed some. Others vanished with defunct brands. A few didn't stick around long enough to become household names. This isn't a list of total obscurities. Some are icons, but icons that the modern auto industry has left behind. No one's building a new Rebel Machine or Rallye 350. That's why we're here. We're not saying enthusiasts forgot them—we sure didn't. But the manufacturers did, and it's time they remembered. Here at Guessing Headlights, we know that defining a 'muscle car' is practically a contact sport. So let's set the record straight before the inbox fills up with Boomers and purists waving spec sheets: We define a muscle car as a two-door, rear-wheel-drive vehicle built for straight-line speed, featuring a large, torquey engine. Handling? Optional. Subtlety? Not required. If it made more noise than finesse, and more rubber smoke than lap records, it's on the table. This list isn't about splitting hairs. It's about bringing back the kind of cars that made people fall in love with driving in the first place, whether they were headline grabbers or weird side projects. T-tops, attitude, and a whole lot of Firebird energy. Let's be honest, this one barely qualifies as 'forgotten.' Smokey and the Bandit essentially transformed the Trans Am into a cultural icon. Around here, we've got one staffer who won't shut up about how cool T-tops were and how GM should've never let the Firebird go extinct. So really, we're including this one because if we didn't, we'd never hear the end of it. Still, it's been far too long since Pontiac gave us a new Trans Am. That bird deserves to fly again and not just as an aftermarket Camaro conversion. Why it's forgotten: It lived in the shadow of the Mustang and Camaro and faded with the decline of Pontiac itself. How we'd bring it back: A new Trans Am with a naturally aspirated V8, T-tops, a shaker hood, and retro Firebird graphics. Loud, fast, and unapologetically over the top. The sleeper that roared. With 510 lb-ft of torque and a luxury badge, the GSX was the muscle car equivalent of a linebacker in a tuxedo. It outperformed the competition while offering air conditioning and refinement. Why it's forgotten: Buick faded into soft-luxury territory and distanced itself from high-performance badges. How we'd bring it back: Rear-drive, V8-powered, and smooth as glass—think big torque with zero pretension. A muscle car that can wear a sports coat. Classy muscle with a chip on its shoulder. This Mustang cousin packed serious heat in Eliminator trim, with Boss 302 and 428 Cobra Jet options, yet it never got the spotlight. Why it's forgotten: Mercury faded from the scene, and the Cougar was always seen as a softer Mustang. How we'd bring it back: Build it off a Mustang GT chassis, give it its own attitude, and let it speak softly while carrying a really big V8. Pure American lunacy in red, white, and blue. A one-year-only riot with a 390 V8 and outrageous graphics. It looked like a parade float and hit like a freight train. Why it's forgotten: AMC's collapse took its legacy with it. How we'd bring it back: Loud colors, bold styling, and a 400+ hp engine with a 4-speed manual. Skip the touchscreen—give it a giant tach and a rowdy exhaust. Before the Charger took the spotlight, this was Dodge's muscle cruiser. The Magnum GT was big, brawny, and soaked in NASCAR swagger, with available 440-cubic-inch power. Why it's forgotten: It got lost in the malaise era and was overshadowed by newer Mopars. How we'd bring it back: Give it a two-door fastback body, retro aero nose, and the same powerplants that make Challengers so dangerous. This time, make it stick. Yellow paint, big noise, and zero chill. The Rallye 350 was flashy, affordable muscle with a unique look and a 310 hp small-block, without needing a big-block budget. Why it's forgotten: It only lasted a year and wasn't the fastest Olds around. How we'd bring it back: Body-colored bumpers, bright paint, and an LS-based V8 with a 4-speed manual. Loud in every way that counts. Lean, mean, and plenty quick. The Duster 340 used its featherweight size and small-block punch to become a street sleeper that didn't need flash to be fast. Why it's forgotten: Its compact roots and Plymouth's demise made it easy to overlook. How we'd bring it back: Lightweight, manual, and rear-drive. Give it a proper 340 tribute engine and keep the interior bare-bones. The less tech, the better. Big displacement, bigger attitude. Ford's dragstrip special packed 429 cubic inches of fury into a long, aggressive body built for quarter-mile dominance. Why it's forgotten: Too big for collectors and too rare for mainstream fame. How we'd bring it back: Fastback profile, 7-liter big-block revival, and retro Cobra graphics. Bring back the 'Cobra Jet' name with pride. Aero-tested, race-bred, and mostly forgotten. With NASCAR-inspired curves and V8 power, the Laguna S-3 looked ready for Talladega right off the showroom floor. Why it's forgotten: Born during the performance drop-off years and lost among Chevelle legends. How we'd bring it back: Retro aero body, wide stance, and an option for a 454 big-block. The kind of street car that could lap the competition—if you had the gas money. Compact car. Sinister name. Serious punch. The Dart-based Demon 340 was a budget-friendly, loud, and fast vehicle. It had all the essentials—plus devilish branding. Why it's forgotten: Overshadowed by the modern Hellcat Demon and its short original run. How we'd bring it back: Small, light, mean. Drop in a 392, give it a stick, and sell it cheap enough to scare the neighbors. Personal luxury, powered by brute force. These massive cruisers weren't sports cars, but with 460 cubic inches of Detroit iron, they had the muscle car swagger, just with more opera windows. Why it's forgotten: Too luxurious for muscle status, too heavy for drag bragging. How we'd bring it back: Take a Mustang GT chassis, stretch it, and load it with chrome and leather. Give it the biggest V8 in Ford's catalog and let it cruise in style. We not exactly a muscle car. But come on, just look at it. Is it a truck? A car? A street rod? All of the above? Whatever it is, it's cool. The SSR served up retro-styled fenders inspired by classic Chevy pickups, a power-retractable hardtop, and eventually a 6.0-liter V8 that actually made it haul. That's already two-thirds of a burnout recipe—the rest is just a heavy right foot. Sure, it was weird. But weird with style. Give it big tires, a proper manual, and an engine that snarls, and we'd be thrilled to take it out on a summer night—top down, music up, and playing Guessing Headlights as all the cool rides roll by. Why it's forgotten: It was too weird, too heavy, and ahead of its time. How we'd bring it back: Make it lighter, meaner, and give it an LS7 with a manual option. Turn it into the retro rod it always wanted to be—complete with a pickup bed. The golden era of muscle wasn't just about horsepower—it was about swagger. Big engines. Big looks. Big noise. These machines may not fit every purist's definition, but they embody the heart of what muscle cars meant: raw, thrilling, unmistakably American fun. No batteries. No fake engine noises. Just revs, rubber, and rear-wheel drive. Let's bring it all back.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Time Capsule: 7-Mile 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition Preserved Since New at Big Boy Toy Auction
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A remarkably preserved 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition, showing just 7 original miles, has emerged from decades of climate-controlled storage as one of the most significant untouched examples of Pontiac's muscle car legacy. Finished in silver with the iconic T-top roof, this limited-production Trans Am was originally delivered to Kitterman Motor Co. in Corydon, Indiana on March 28, 1979. Instead of heading to a customer, it was placed in the showroom—where it remained on static display for 32 years. The car became a local landmark, attracting enthusiasts and curious passersby alike as it sat untouched behind glass. When the dealership was liquidated in 2011, the car was relocated to a private, climate-controlled collection, where it has been meticulously maintained ever since. In the 46 years since it left the factory, it has accumulated just 6.9 actual miles, never having been registered for road use. This Trans Am is powered by the highly sought-after 400 cubic-inch Pontiac V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission—an increasingly rare combination for the final year of factory Pontiac big-block production. Additional features include air conditioning, power windows, power steering, and the full 10th Anniversary package, making it one of the most desirable Trans Ams ever produced. What sets this example apart even further is its complete documentation. Included are the original window sticker, delivery paperwork, dealer order acknowledgment, transport receipt, owner's manual, and more—forming a complete and unbroken pedigree. Now being offered for sale, this Trans Am represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a showroom-new 1970s muscle car icon. For collectors, it is more than a vehicle—it is a time capsule, perfectly preserved from the golden era of American performance. See it here. The ANNUAL SPRING BIG BOY TOY AUCTION takes place indoors on May 2nd and 3rd at the resort in French Lick Indiana. To consign, please contact Josh Settles at josh.s@ There will be 500+ lots for sale including classic cars and automobilia. Many vehicles are selling at NO RESERVE. Register to bid today! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Never get stranded with a dead battery — this compact jump starter is 50% off
Ever been on the side of the road with a kaput car battery? If that's a "yes," we don't need to tell you how amazing it is to have a jump starter in your car that can get you on your way. If that's a "no," we have an ounce of prevention from Amazon that you don't want to miss out on. It's the Avapow Car Jump Starter, and right now thanks to this Lightning deal you can get it for $66 with the on-page coupon, down from $130 — that's almost 50% off! Peace of mind when it comes to your car's battery is priceless, but what's really shocking about this jump starter is its price of just $66. That's almost 50% off, and among the lowest prices we've ever seen. Having a good lightweight jump starter in your trunk can be the difference between a minor annoyance and a full-blown bad day. With this jump starter, there's no waiting around for someone to rescue you. It can power up just about any vehicle — including ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers and boats — and it can charge all your devices with its USB ports. Why leave home without a power source like this one? And it's an all-in-one emergency kit. In addition to juicing up your car and devices, it also comes with a light that has three modes: SOS and strobe for emergency signals, and a flashlight to guide you when you need it. Over 2,300 shoppers say this jump starter is the way to go if you want something that's compact but effective. "If you are still using one of these super heavy, bulky ones … do yourself the favor and buy one of these lightweight, more powerful sidekicks," suggested a five-star fan. "They are such lifesavers with so much more power than those 20-pound tug-around boxes that don't have much power." "It saves you the hassle of having to flag down a stranger or walk around being ignored by people to ask for help," shared a satisfied customer. "I got this for my mother and it works perfectly." It can even bring back the dead, or so says a devoted Trans Am owner: "I was wary when I got the package," shared muscle car enthusiast. "This thing is tiny and lightweight. I have a '79 Trans Am with a 403 and dead-battery blues. This little thing turned her right over! Definitely getting one for all my cars." "Fantastic charger!" shared a final fan. "Used on boat to listen to music and get boat batteries back to full charge. No more worries when out on the boat!" Some buyers were not happy that the jump starter does not come with a charger. Said one: "The obvious problems: 1. No charger provided with purchase. 2. Cable battery attachment is far too short! In most cases, it comes fully or nearly full charge, but to recharge it you must get a universal charger. Who made that decision? Get by those two flaws and you are home free." This commenter agreed: "I was not impressed because of no charger included. I went back and checked and while nowhere did it say one way or another anything about a charger, I have never bought any battery-powered item that didn't come with a charger." Want to be extra prepared? Pair this jump starter with the Avapow tire inflator, and you'll be ready for anything — whether it's a dead battery or low tires. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Abandoned Pontiac Trans Am Discovered in Illinois Building After Owner's Death
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A forgotten piece of American muscle car history has resurfaced in Illinois — buried under years of dust and decay. A newly purchased commercial building in Illinois has revealed an unexpected and neglected tenant: a 1974 Pontiac Trans Am. The car, found stripped and abandoned inside the structure, was discovered by the building's new owner during his first walkthrough of the property. The muscle car, once a symbol of V8-powered American performance, was reportedly left behind by its previous owner, who passed away while reportedly owing more than $50,000 in storage fees. By the time the car was uncovered, it had been reduced to a near-empty shell. According to a listing for the vehicle, the Trans Am's engine and many major components had already been removed, leaving just a handful of interior parts — including a pair of front seats, a gear shifter, and the original steering wheel. Dash gauges were missing entirely, and rust had begun to take a firm hold of the classic bodywork. Despite its deteriorated state, the vehicle is now for sale — with an asking price of $1,000. Though not likely to be roadworthy again, the shell may serve as a donor for other restoration projects or as a unique piece for collectors seeking hard-to-find Trans Am body panels. The 1974 Pontiac Trans Am came during a high point in Firebird sales. That model year saw over 10,000 Trans Ams sold, and more than 73,000 Firebirds overall. With optional engines like the 455-cubic-inch V8 pushing out over 300 horsepower, these cars remain among the most iconic from the golden era of American muscle. Pontiac's final Firebird rolled off the line in 2002, and the brand itself was shuttered in 2010. This recent discovery offers a glimpse back at a storied chapter in Detroit's performance history — now reduced to a quiet, rusting relic in a Midwestern building.
