Mods
5.3l LM7, 4l60e, psi conversions harness and computer, hooker mounts, manifolds and exhaust, truck FEAD, dorman intake manifold, holley oil pan, shortened factory driveshaft, gto quick ratio steering box, 3.55 rear gears with posi, KYB gas adjust shocks, Hotchkis TVS stage 1 suspension, power brakes, 99 trans am front brakes, 97 s10 2wd rear disk brakes, 99 trans am radiator and cooling fans, factory gauges work with swap, factory style gas tank with internal fuel pump, original mariner Turquoise paint, original interior except for carpet and radio. 2004 17” GTO wheels
Build story
The tempest has been in my family since new, my great great aunt was the first owner, she passed away in 2000. My grandfather inherited her estate and in the garage hidden under tons of dust was the Pontiac. 14 year old me was then given the car and my grandfather and I made her run under her own power for the first time in a decade. I drove the car around a few times before I joined the navy and she went into long storage. After 8 years in the navy, the tempest was awoken from her slumber. The factory OHC 6 and ST200 2 speed trans were not happy and blew every seal and leaked every fluid on the garage floor. After a drunken eBay experience I ended up with a 5.3l LM7 of unknown origin for $300. A 4l60e was also acquired off of eBay. Money was tight and was spent sparingly, the suspension, exhaust and harness were the most expensive parts. Everything else was Researched extensively and done as inexpensive as possible. The brakes came from local junkyards and a hotrod magazine article. The wheels were craigslist finds, most of the replacement parts came from rockauto and were the economy option. Less than $10,000 has been spent on the car so far. The whole car with the exception of the rear gear and posi install and driveshaft were done by my uncle and myself in his two car garage over a month. 9,000 trouble free miles, 1 hot rod power tour, my ride home from my wedding and my sons ride home from the hospital after his birth.