1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - LQ9 Swapped Restomod
This 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am brings the unmistakable attitude of a second-generation F-body together with modern LS-based performance, upgraded suspension, digital instrumentation, and a sharp Silver Metallic finish. Powered by a 6.0-liter LQ9 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this Trans Am has the look, sound, and drivability that make these cars so desirable - with the added benefit of modern fuel injection and upgraded hardware throughout.
Finished in Silver Metallic over a black vinyl interior, this Trans Am wears its classic Firebird identity proudly with a shaker hood, bold hood bird graphics, removable T-top roof panels, front and rear spoilers, painted mirror caps, and side-exit splitter-style exhaust outlets. The stance is right, the color combination is clean, and the overall presentation gives the car a great blend of vintage Pontiac style and updated street presence.
Highlights
1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
6.0L LQ9 V8 engine swap
Holley Terminator X EFI system
Four-speed automatic transmission
Limited-slip differential with 3.23 gears
Silver Metallic exterior
Black vinyl interior
Removable T-top roof panels
Shaker hood with Firebird graphics
17-inch snowflake-style wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tires
Lowered suspension
Tubular front control arms
Hotchkis springs
Aftermarket sway bars
Subframe connectors
PSC steering gear
Power four-wheel disc brakes
Drilled and slotted rotors
Long-tube headers
Dual exhaust with X-pipe
Borla ProXS mufflers
Cold Case aluminum radiator
Dual electric cooling fans
Dakota Digital instrumentation
Pioneer CD stereo and amplifier
Power windows
Exterior
The body has been refinished in Silver Metallic and gives this Trans Am a clean, aggressive, and slightly modernized look while still respecting the factory-era styling. The shaker hood is topped with Firebird graphics that immediately identify the car as a Trans Am, while the black, red, and gray decal package ties in perfectly with the silver paint.
The car also features removable T-top roof panels, a front spoiler, rear spoiler, painted mirrors, side-exit splitter-style exhaust outlets, and the unmistakable second-gen Firebird nose. It has the kind of presence that makes these cars stand out from across the parking lot.
Wheels & Stance
The stance is one of the strongest parts of this build. It rides on 17-inch snowflake-style alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tires, giving the car a period-correct appearance with a more modern footprint.
Underneath, the car has been upgraded with a lowered suspension, Hotchkis springs, aftermarket sway bars, tubular front control arms, rear lowering blocks, subframe connectors, and PSC steering gear. Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors help bring the car to a stop with confidence.
Interior
Inside, the Trans Am keeps the classic black interior look with black vinyl seating, matching door panels, a full-length center console, and an engine-turned dash fascia. The cockpit has the right vintage Pontiac feel, but with useful modern upgrades where they matter.
Dakota Digital instrumentation replaces the original gauge setup and provides a digital speedometer, tachometer, and auxiliary readouts. The car also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Pioneer CD stereo, amplifier, aftermarket speakers, power windows, and Firebird-branded floor mats.
Engine & Drivetrain
Power comes from a 6.0-liter LQ9 V8 that was reportedly installed in 2023. The engine is equipped with a Holley Terminator X EFI system, custom air intake, long-tube headers, ceramic-tipped ignition wires, a Cold Case aluminum radiator, and dual electric fans.
The LQ9 swap gives this Trans Am a major jump in performance and reliability compared to the original-era drivetrain, while still keeping the engine bay clean and purposeful. An oil change was completed in preparation for sale.
Power is sent through a four-speed automatic transmission to a limited-slip differential with 3.23:1 gears. The car also features a dual exhaust system with an X-pipe and Borla ProXS mufflers, giving it the sound and attitude a Trans Am should have.
The Drive
This Trans Am is built to be driven and enjoyed. The LQ9 V8 provides strong, modern power, the automatic transmission makes it easy to cruise, and the upgraded suspension gives the car a much more planted feel than a stock early-'80s F-body. The lowered stance, improved brakes, subframe connectors, and sway bar upgrades all work together to create a car that feels tighter and more capable while still retaining its vintage personality.
With classic second-gen Trans Am styling, T-tops, a shaker hood, LS-based power, Holley EFI, Dakota Digital gauges, and a properly upgraded chassis, this 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a sharp restomod that delivers the look of a classic Pontiac with the drivability and performance of a modern build.
