1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit

$42,750

FOR SALE: 1973 Firebird Esprit, Resto-Mod. Pontiac 455 engine, but with FAST XFI Sportsman EFI and ignition control. Only 4,802 Trans Ams were built in 1973, and prices have gone nuts on the few that remain - now too valuable to modify, if you find one in decent shape. This car provides the SAME looks, more performance, and you can modify and enjoy it without worrying about ruining the "originality."

It is NOT original. It is NOT a show car. It is NOT perfect. It is NOT the fastest car on the road. But, it starts easily, it gets a LOT of attention, it runs on cheap gasoline, it is surprisingly comfortable to ride in, and it is probably a bit faster than most people expect.

The floorboards and trunk floor are in amazing condition. Video of the underside of the car at: https://youtu.be/B55i8PiRaSo?si=jz_jzWO3UgEmhQbk

455 engine with 66 heads ~8.4:1 compression ratio. 317hp/385tq at the wheels while running on 87 octane and breathing through the shaker scoop, DynoJet test reports to verify. THM 350 transmission, rebuilt last year by Jimmy Arabie, new TCI torque converter (~2000rpm stall). 3.08 posi rear. FAST XFI Sportsman EFI & ignition control, TanksInc EFI fuel tank with return line. 1.75 Tribal Tube tri-Y headers, modified for both better fitment and better sealing, feeding into custom 3 exhaust system with Borla ProXS mufflers (dyno test reports on the exhaust included). Keith Black mini-dome pistons on Scat H-beam connecting rods.

Previous owner had the Trans Am front clip installed. The nose is actually fiberglass. The paint job is, IMHO, driver quality. The paint is not going to win any shows, but looks great to 99% of the people who see it. The interior is mostly original, other than the headliner and Trans Am bits. The gauges are from New Vintage USA. This is actually the test car for their 2nd gen Firebird gauge package, and I have emails & photos to document this.

The front suspension was recently freshened up. New upper control arms and longer ball joints from Pro-Touring F-Body were installed, along with Bilstein drag gas shocks and new sway bar links. Tracks straight and rides very nicely. Wheels are the staggered 17 Year One Rally II wheels. I also have a set of 15x8 Wheel Vintiques Rally wheels with Mickey Thompson drag radials, for when you want to really hook up.

The air conditioning system works decently. It has been upgraded to R134a, Sanden compressor, parallel flow condenser, POA elimination valve. I believe the factory trap doors are not sealing effectively, as the air flow out of the vents is lower than Id like. A VintageAIr evaporator case would match up with the other components, and give a big boost to the airflow, I believe.

This has been my project/test car for about 8 years. Ive had fun with her, but have barely driven her over the last few years. There is barely 2,000 miles on the odometer of the new speedometer. She has fallen towards the bottom of my lists of interests, so it is time to sell.

Video of when car was last at track: https://youtu.be/XDyEwwVjFdY?si=_DEBi4YxaMQb2n9j
As seen in the video, that car has ran 13.1's at 103 to 104mph. That was with a stock torque converter, which has now been replaced by a converter that stalls about 600rpm higher. I've also learned to better tune the initial fuel enrichment of the EFI, along with adding the Bilstein "drag" shocks. Since the 1/4-mile track has closed I can't verify, but this is likely now a high-12 second car.

No trades. No financing. No 3rd party. No joy rides. Neither car nor title will leave my possession until funds have cleared my bank.

The car is located on the east side of Houston, about 35 minutes from Bush/IAH airport. If you are flying in to look at the car, I can pick you up with the car.

My preferred method of initial communication is via e-mail: 73Firebird@proton.me

I can provide numerous references from within the Pontiac Performance community.