Video: BLOWN ’72 GTO!

Classic vibes, Modern performance. This 408 LSX stroker powered 1972 Pontiac GTO Is Gunning For Vibe Of The Year.

One key to success with an automotive build is to start with good raw material, and this GTO was a nice driver when we drove it home from Illinois. Once the Pontiac was in the hands of ProtouringTexas.com. Our crew completely disassembled the drivetrain, suspension, interior, and wiring. The paint and body were in mostly original condition. With all components removed, fabrication began with fitting the massive Tremec Magnum F-series T56 transmission into the gto’s transmission tunnel. No easy task, but well worth the effort.

With the LSX/T56 combination fitted, a full compliment of suspension upgrades from Speedtech Performance were added, including double adjustable Viking shocks. This horsepower level requires the ability to slow everything down fast, thats why a set of Pro+ 6 piston caliper, 14 inch rotor stopping gear were used from Baer Brakes.

With everything installed we could move to exhaust, Hooker Black heart headers were first on the list to find a set of high quality header for the LSX. They sent the Black heart 68-72 A-body lsx swap header w/ 3 inch collector for a perfect fit. With delays and supply chain issues the last few months our order of Holley Blackheart exhaust was on back order.

That meant our next step was a quick call to Ticon industry’s for a truck load of prepped and ready to use mandrel bends, to complete a hand built stainless steel exhaust. The silver lining in this, is that we’ll be doing a direct comparison of fitment, sound and material quality to help you chose the right exhaust for your project.

Completing the drivetrain, we used a Holley Performance wet sump oil pan along with Holley’s lsx tall valve covers and a wiring harness and flashed factory pcm from PSI conversion.

The interior of this GTO features a compliment of factory options, including tilt steering wheel, dash trim, and wood grain automatic console that was modified for the fresh manual 6-speed shifter. Plus power steering, upgraded Kenwood Bluetooth radio, and air conditioning that’s updated with a Vintage Air system and beadrolled and smooth firewall.