When it's time for a change, you have to make a decision. John Wargo picked up this 1968 Pontiac Firebird because it was a clean car, but he wasn’t a big fan of the Pro Street suspension and style of the car. After studying the large wheel tubs, Wargo had an idea. Follow along as Pro Street turns Pro Touring at The Custom Shop .
“It’s a 1968 pro street/pro touring Firebird.” Wargo reports. “It was set up originally for drag racing. I converted it over to more of a show car. A little bit of the new style ‘Hot Wheel look,’ so to say, with the big huge Wheels tucking up under the rear fenders.”
Although there are lots of cool tricks on this Firebird, but the Wheels and Tires are the first thing you notice. The car was wearing a set of 33 by 21.50 drag Tires which Wargo quickly swapped out for the largest street wheel and low-profile rubber he could shove in the wheel tubs. Now the car rolls on BF Goodrich G-Force TA’s, 305/50/20’s in the rear on 20” by 11 inch wide American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels.
“The car had been set up with a pro street big tire look so it was relatively easy to convert to the big wheel style it has today. The wheel tub work was done when we got the car, um, we basically measured everything up for what was on there and then took the measurements and then appropriately made the wheel and tire combination that is on there now to give it the look that it has.” Wargo adds.
The rear suspension consists of a chrome 4 link system with coil over springs and shocks for adjustability. Wargo adjusted them all the way down for a slippery low stance. The front suspension is stock except for a set of Firestone airbags and an onboard compressor, so they can easily adjust the ride height. The front Wheels are 17”x 8” Torque Thrust II’s.
The Original Pontiac motor blew up back in the pro street days but John installed a suitable replacement.
“It’s got a GM 502 crate motor in it which is around 500 horsepower. Definitely plenty of motor for the Tires that are on it now.” Wargo says.
The interior leans more towards the street rod style than a restored muscle car, with cut-down upholstered leather seats and a huge Alpine audio system.
“Its pretty fun to watch people because typically you don’t see a Firebird done like this… you stand out there by yourself where everybody else has got 40 Camaros there and you’re the only Firebird rolling in with a whole new style and new look also.”
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