Pontiac Macho Trans Am 1978, Estados Unidos

Pontiac Macho Trans Am 1978, Estados Unidos
Motor : 400 CI
Exterior : Branco e Azul
Interior : Azul
Fotografia

HIGHLIGHTS

• No. 87 of 204 produced in 1978
• Mecham Design letter of authenticity
• Original build sheet
• 400 CI engine
• Automatic transmission
• WS6 performance package
• Power steering
• Power brakes
• Factory air conditioning
• Power windows
• 3.23 positraction rear axle
• F41 suspension
• Tilt steering column
• 8 inch cast aluminum snowflake wheels

Fonte : https://www.mecum.com/lots/DA0917-293772/1978-pontiac-macho-trans-am/

The history of the Macho Trans Am dates back to 1977 when two brothers, Dennis and Kyle Mecham, sons of a Phoenix area Pontiac dealer decided to begin modifying Firebirds to restore some of the missing performance brought about by the addition of more and more emissions equipment on factory cars. The brothers began by adding turbochargers in 1977. In 1978 203 Macho TAs would come out of the DKM shop. A W72/L78 engine was used as a baseline, the carb and ignition were modified and a set of Hooker headers and twin catalytic converters were added for a net 50bhp gain. An optional turbo-charger could also be added for a 7psi boost. Interestingly, the TAs were all sold as used cars. This was required because Federal law prohibited any modifications to the emissions system on a new car. The dealership, Mecham Pontiac, sold the new cars to Mecham Performance. The modifications were performed and the cars were then sold to the public. They had virtually no miles on them and had no tags but were sold as a used car because the had already been titled by Mecham Performance.

Production continued in 1979 where both the 400 and 403 versions of the Trans Am received the modifications required for a Macho Trans Am. DKM performed several other modifications including modifying the hood scoop to make it functional. Suspensions were also modified by adding Koni shocks, front springs retempered for rake and re-calibrated geometry. Visual appearance was also changed. Macho options included Recaro or Scheel seats, Fosgate stereo, different wheels and tires, fiberglass hood and the new paint scheme that varied by color. Every Macho TA also received a production number

1979 also saw the release of a very limited run of a new offering from DKM, the DKM Tallon Super Tourer. This Firebird could be ordered with a turbo-charged 400 or a normally aspirated 350 Chevy. The Tallon received fiberglass fenders, hood, rear quarters and bolt-on air dam. American Specialty wheels with 50 series tires were installed. Hooker headers, a 5-speed Doug Nash tranny, Koni shocks and the WS6 package were also added. At significant additional cost ($7600) a Traco-built Chevy 350 rated at 460bhp could be installed.

DKMs efforts continued through the '80s with the MR MSE TAs (Mecham Racing Motor Sports Edition) which were produced from 1982 to 1986. In 1997 Dennis was approached by a Macho fan and owner about producing a new Mecham TA. After some initial discussions the decision was made to produce a few cars and that effort continued throughout the 2002 model year. A Mecham T/A and a Mecham Formula were both offered.