You gotta love a passion project build. This 1973 Pontiac Grand Am was pieced together by an enthusiast with an eye for detail and the intention to drive, throwing down with a 600-horsepower LS7 V8 and a variety of upgrades to make it not only look fantastic, but feel good rolling down the road.
The owner initially fell in love with the Pontiac Grand Am as a kid, around 8 or 9 years old. Fast forward a few decades, and after spotting this particular example up for sale, he instantly knew he had to have it.
At first, the owner wanted to keep it factory, which it was for about 10 years. Later, though, the owner got the itch for customization, and decided to take the plunge and upgrade with a Pro Touring-style build.
Impressively, the owner did all the work himself, with the exception of the paint and some of the chassis work. The paint was done by Cambra Speed Shop in Orange, California, which also handled some of the chassis fabrication work.
This Pontiac Grand Am rides on a boxed frame with custom four-link coilovers in the rear and a Global West upgrade in front. The suspension spec includes double-adjustable QA1 coilovers, while a set of Wilwood brakes throws the anchor.
Under the hood, this Pontiac Grand Am runs an LS7 V8 engine, which looks super clean in the engine bay. The motor was upgraded with a set of Brodix ported heads, an MSD Atomic intake, Holley fuel rails, and various GM electronic components. The headers were done by Chads Customs, which route to 3-inch piping and a set of Borla mufflers. There’s also a custom side exit exhaust located just behind the rear tires. Output is rated at 600 horsepower when it’s all said and done.
The ‘eight connects to a six-speed T56 manual transmission and 3.73 gears. The wheels are by Modulare, sized at 19 inches by 11 inches in the rear and wrapped in a 305 tires from Nitto. Interestingly, the cabin sport seats from a 2011 Honda CR-Z, although recovered, while the center console was swapped with that of a 2012 Dodge Challenger to accommodate the new T56 six-speed.
Check out the full build in the video below:
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Pontiac Grand Am news, Pontiac news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I saw this Grand Am at the OPGI car show. It’s just how I would build it. Please give me the first right of refusal when so inclined.
My father had a Grand AM when I was much younger. He ordered it with the manual and the 455. Factory sent it with a different rear as my father said they weren’t supposed to pair the 455 with the manual. Unfortunately, the car caught fire one day on a camping trip when the battery tray failed due to PA corrosion. My father always talked that the top end speed was north of 150mph as a result of the different rear end. Not many people remember the early 70’s Grand AM. Thanks for the article.