The Legendary 20th Anniversary 1989 Trans Am: A Pace Car with Power to Match
There are cars, and then there are icons – and the 1989 Pontiac Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition is one that sits high on that list. A product of automotive passion, history, and innovation, this Trans Am not only celebrates Pontiac’s muscle legacy but also carries the spirit of the 73rd Indy 500 Pace Car with pride.
The original 20th Anniversary Trans Am was no ordinary production car. With only 1,555 units made, It came from the factory already boasting a turbocharged 3.8L V6, borrowed from the Buick Grand National GNX. But for this special project, we decided to take things to another level, turning an already rare machine into a true powerhouse. Here's a look at the journey of this incredible car, clocking in at only 31,500 original miles when it came to us.
Engine Upgrade: Turbocharged Transformation
The original engine setup was impressive, but we wanted more power, performance, and reliability. That’s where Nicken’s Performance stepped in with their expertise.
New Engine: A 3.8L stroker single turbo engine meticulously built by Nicken’s.
The Waiting Game:The build faced delays during COVID, including waiting over a year for a custom camshaft. While it tested our patience, the result was more than worth it.
Boost Control: The turbo system ensures this Trans Am not only roars but pulls hard with smooth, efficient power delivery.
Engine Upgrade: A Turbocharged Transformation
The original engine setup was impressive, but we wanted more power, performance, and reliability. That’s whereNickens Performancestepped in with their expertise.
New Engine: A 3.8L stroker single turbo engine meticulously built by Nickens.
The Waiting Game:The build faced delays during COVID, including waiting over a year for a custom camshaft. While it tested our patience, the result was more than worth it.
Boost Control: The turbo system ensures this Trans Am not only roars but pulls hard with smooth, efficient power delivery.
Fuel and Electronics: Bringing Technology into the Classic Era
To ensure modern performance without losing the car’s soul, we installed a Holley EFI system that seamlessly integrates with the factory gauges. This allowed us to retain the classic dash’s original charm while giving the driver precise, real-time control over the engine’s behavior.
Fuel Pump Upgrade: We replaced the stock pump to handle the increased fuel demands of the new turbo system.
Holley EFI Magic: The new system not only provides superior fuel management but also enhances reliability for high-performance driving without the hiccups of older technology.
Custom Fabrication: Air Intake Box & Tube
One of our favorite aspects of this build is the hand-fabricated air intake box and tube We created just for this project. We wanted it to be functional but also visually striking – a custom part that reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail we put into every build.
The intake system maximizes airflow to the turbo, ensuring peak performance while looking right at home under the hood. It’s a perfect blend of modern engineering and classic aesthetics, a hallmark of what we aim for in every build.
Preserving the Legacy with a Modern Touch
This 1989 Trans Am isn't just a beautiful piece of history – it’s now a beast that performs as well as it looks. With only **31,500 original miles** on the odometer, we made sure this upgrade honors its legacy while injecting new life under the hood. This isn't just a collector's item – it’s a car begging to hit the road and show the world what it's made of.
If you’re a fan of cars that celebrate history but aren’t afraid to embrace modern performance, this build stands as a tribute to both the past and the future. There’s nothing like seeing this iconic Pace Car dress in action, turbo singing, and gauges dancing to the rhythm of the road.
https://youtube.com/shorts/irUyDxThrAs?si=hdYVDAXcy_jNl-JT
Stay tuned for more builds like this one in our newsletter, and don’t forget to share your stories if you spot this beast on the road!
