Believe it or Not, This Plain Jane Trans Am is Targeting Sevens
A trio of friends at 309 Street Cars have participated at numerous drag-and-drive events, and now two of the three friends are stepping up to build new rides for 2024 and beyond.
We featured Mike Chenoweth’s Superbird clone last week, and now we’re getting details about Jay Friedrich’s new build, a second-generation Trans Am. It might look factory now but there are some awfully big plans ahead.
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“309 Street Cars started from three longtime friends who build and race their cars together,” said Jay. “Everything is done in house, from chassis builds to engines and wiring.”
With that focus in mind, Jay started looking at his own personal car and what he wanted to accomplish with his 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle.
“The Chevelle didn't make a good drag-and-drive car,” Jay admitted. “The big block with the ProCharger is really loud, and the car sat too low with the large exhaust for street use.”
So, Jay started the search for a replacement, and discovered a clean 1978 Pontiac Trans Am.
“We’re starting with a 70,000-mile Martinique Blue WS6-optioned car I bought as a roller,” he said. “I have always loved the second-generation look, and was planning on a Camaro, but this came available and I think it will be more unique than just another Camaro.”
The blank canvas was blasted and cleaned up before work began, which will include a chassis for deep single-digit passes. The engine combination will be backed by a Turbo 400 three-speed transmission, and use a Smith Racecraft front subframe for less weight but increased strength and room.
“The car will have a 25.x chassis built in house, and powered by a LS-based engine with a single 88-millimeter turbo,” said Jay. “We’ll use Holley EFI, and of course Vintage A/C as a drag-and-drive car.”
The Trans Am will see drag-and-drive action, as well as in a local small tire street car series, the Central Illinois Street Car Shootouts. As far as the Chevelle goes, Jay isn’t sure what its future will hold.
“I am undecided to sell it or park it,” Jay said, citing he’s owned the car since 1986.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of 309 Street Cars.
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