Welcome to my website dedicated to my latest pro-touring/conversion project. I am putting a GM LS1 engine into my 1978 SE TransAm - often referred to as the Bandit since it was the car used in the movie Smokey and The Bandit. For those wondering if it's a "real Bandit", the short answer is "no". Pontiac never made a Bandit version of the car. However there was a small shop in New Jersey that licensed the Bandit name and made customized versions of the SE T/A. You can find more information about this on Hitman's TransAm site. And for those that get hopping mad that I call mine a Bandit ... well, I'd just like to say: take a deep breath - people know the car from the movie and that's how most people refer to it. In addition to the drivetrain conversion, I'm doing an extensive re-work of the suspension and brakes. Despite the extensive changes, I'm attempting to keep it looking as close to 100% stock as possible. The result should be 21st century performance with 70's muscle car styling. I've got an extensive number of photos, with more to come. They aren't organized and documented as well as I'd like yet, but I'll keep working on that. Here's the gallery: 1978 T/A Restoration Gallery I'll also be updating the site with information on all of the parts I'm putting in and the reasons I chose those particular parts. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the wonderful people on the following forums. Great people and a huge help. Of course they also are responsible for the exponentially-increasing budget, but I can't complain too much because the car is going to be awesome when it's finally done!
Comments/questions? You can e-mail "dwc @ ls1bandit.com" (I'm trying to at least limit the spam e-mail harvesting ...) |