Image Source: Schwartz Performance

It’s unfortunate that second-generation Camaro and Firebirds are often overlooked due to the popularity of first generation models.

However, the gents over at Schwartz Performance out of Woodstock, Illinois saw the potential in this second-generation ’81 Firebird Trans Am, and they’ve created one badass restomod from it.

The story behind this second-gen Trams Am is pretty simple. Start with a rough ’81 Trans Am, throw a ton of go-fast and look-good parts at it, and you get 1,000-plus horsepower to the rear-wheels. But how did they get there? Schwartz Performance started from the ground up with a brand-new G Machine bolt-on full-length frame that the company offers. Complimenting the new frame and ensuring the new pro-touring car can handle, is a complete RideTech triple-adjustable coil-over suspension, a full set of Baer Extreme-Plus 14-inch 6-piston brakes both front and rear, and a set of Forgeline TA3P wheels and Michelin Pilot PS2 tires on all four corners.

Transferring all this Trans Am’s new-found power comes from a Bowler Performance built 4L85E 8-speed automatic transmission, paired with a custom-fabricated aluminum driveshaft. A Winters Performance 9-inch aluminum center housing and 9-inch center section house the all-new Wavetrac differential (with 3.70 rear-gears) and Moser Engineering full-floating hubs and axles.

We think is safe to say this LS9 swapped ’81 Trans Am has it all. The looks, the handling, and most of all, the performance. Check out the rest of the build sheet on Schwartz Performance’s website here where you’ll find more details on the engine, transmission, and interior combination.