2002 GMMG BLACKBIRD

For the first time in many years, a performance-oriented dealer is taking the already potent Trans Am being delivered by the factory, modifying it for better performance and more style, and offering it to enthusiasts who prefer their 'Bird a bit more spicy than normally offered. The dealership, Carl Black Pontiac in Kennesaw, Georgia, is well known throughout the southeastern United States for moving large numbers of performance Pontiacs. They sold around 80 Ram Air cars last year alone, along with a healthy number of Firehawks and standard V8 F-cars. Their special model is known as the Black Bird.

Starting Life as a Ram air T/A (unless the customer would prefer a color that's not available in Ram Air form, in which case they convert a standard T/a), Black Birds are transported to the shops of GMMG, Inc. GMMG specializes in building hot F-bodies and they worked together with Carl Black Pontiac to design and build the Black Bird package. Power is addressed first - as it should be with any serious performance car. Black Bird engines are treated to intake system and exhaust system modifications to aid in breathing. While the exact nature of the mods is closely held secret, u can tell by looking at the new, less restrictive carbon-fiber airbox lid. After the breathing mods, the computer is tweaked to optimize the package and ensure that the correct amounts of spark timing and fuel are added at the proper time. Black Birds also recieve a special chambered catback exhaust system that further reduces backpressure and adds a terrific growl to the car.

The result of this tweaking is an engine rated at 380hp, which is a healthy 55-horse increase over the standard Ram Air car's 325. The modifications to the engine and computer are extensive enough to require recertifying the engine for emissions legality, a lengthy and expensive process that's been the primary reason dealer-modified cars have vanished since the early 1970's. But the Black Bird has passed all its federal tests and retains the factory powertrain warranty while making the extra power. The suspension system has also undergone some changes-most notably the substitution of Eibach lowering springs in place of the originals.

The Eibachs lower the car about 1-1/2 inches, which adds a great deal to the overall look of the car. The remainder of the suspension is standard WS6 fare, a tribute to Pontiac's superb engineering. The wheels and brakes also get some attention. The factory rotors are replaced with "dimpled" units from GMMG. This improves the appearance while increasing brake efficiency by providing an area for brake-pad dust and gasses to escape. The use of dimples also reduces chances of stress cracks forming, which is a common problem on rotors that are drilled completely through.

The wheels used on the Black Bird are 17x9.5 American Racing Torq-Thrust Ds. The centers of the wheels are painted charcoal metallic, and the overall nostalgic look is certainly reminiscent of the first musclecar era. Body modifications are few but noticeable. Readily apparent are the bold charcoal metallic stripes on the hood, complete with "380 HP" callouts on the front of the scoops. If you got it, let 'em know. Black Birds also get special emblems on the nose and both front fenders, and the Trans Am scripts on each door are deleted.

Inside the car are more changes. One of the first things noticed is the gauges, which now sport a cool metallic silver face. The tachometer has a large firebird, in black of course, screened on its face. The factory shifter is replaced with a much more positive-feeling Hurst unit, with a large, black shifter ball that's inscribed with the six-speed shift pattern. All Black Birds, by the way, are six-speeds.

For 2002 there are 2 more Special Edition Black Birds. The "Year One Edition Black Bird" and the "380hp Anniversary Edition Black Bird" both available through Carl Black Pontiac.