From Radio Prize to Road Warrior: Eric Esselman's LS-Swapped 1985 Trans Am
Most project cars don’t begin with a phone call from a radio station, but that’s exactly how Eric Esselman’s Trans Am journey kicked off. Decades ago, his mom won a brand-new 1985 Pontiac Trans Am in a local radio contest—a bright red, T-top, pop-up headlight icon of the ’80s. Eventually passed down to Eric when he was in college, the car became more than a hand-me-down, it became a blank canvas. Rather than keep it stock or let it sit, Eric set out to build something truly special: a modernized, street-driven muscle car that blends retro vibes with LS-powered performance.
Modern Muscle Under the Hood
To bring his vision to life, Eric performed a major heart transplant on the Trans Am, swapping the tired original engine for a modern powerhouse. Under the hood now is a 6.0-liter Chevy LQ4 V8 equipped with a performance Brian Tooley Racing camshaft and an LS3 intake manifold for better flow. Eric added Speed Engineering long-tube headers and a custom exhaust to help the engine breathe better. A custom cold-air intake brings in cooler air for improved performance.
Backing up the new V8 is a durable 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle the LS engine's power. Fitting this larger transmission into the Trans Am wasn’t easy, but QA1’s newly released torque arm crossmember supports the drivetrain and properly mounts the factory suspension. The result? A Trans Am built to go anywhere, do anything, and remain reliable. 
Built to Handle
Eric overhauled his Trans Am’s suspension using QA1’s 3rd-gen F-body handling package to handle the car's power and big tires. The front features QA1 Proma Star struts with high-travel springs, while the rear has double adjustable coil-overs. The result is a car with a tunable stance and damping, offering street comfort or cornering performance.
The stock rear suspension was replaced with QA1’s torque arm and trailing arms, improving strength and eliminating wheel-hop. The torque arm allows for pinion angle adjustments, reducing axle wrap during hard launches.
To control body motion, QA1 sway bars and subframe braces were added. A 1.250” front sway bar reduces body roll, while a 0.875” bar in the back keeps the ride smooth. The front sway bar is bent to maximize tire clearance, and a QA1 “Wonder Bar” strut tower brace ties the front subframe together, eliminating nose flex.
Finally, a QA1 bump-steer kit ensures consistent steering through suspension travel. With new front brakes, wide tires, and lightweight wheels, Eric’s Trans Am corners flat and predictable. Every aspect of the suspension – from damping to pinion angle – is adjustable, turning the classic Pontiac into a modern muscle car. 
Retro Meets Modern Inside
Eric refreshed the interior with a pair of Braum Elite V2 bucket seats for better support during spirited drives, along with bold red, harness-style seat belts that add both safety and a splash of color. The classic Pontiac dash and gauges remain, but he discreetly integrated an modern head unit, providing Bluetooth connectivity and navigation without disrupting the ’80s aesthetic. The result is a cockpit that’s equal parts 1980s nostalgia and modern convenience. 
Family Legacy and Inspiration
What started as a lucky prize has grown into something far more meaningful for Eric. Every wrench turned on the Trans Am carries a bit of family history – it was his mom’s prize that became his passion project. The DIY journey, from wrestling a big V8 into place to fine-tuning the suspension in his garage, taught Eric the value of perseverance and creativity. Now, when he fires up the rumbling engine and takes the car for a spin, he’s driving a tribute to both his mother’s gift and his own hard work.
The Trans Am has also gained attention beyond Eric’s garage. At local shows and cruise nights, people are drawn to its retro looks and 4” exhaust. And when they hear the backstory – a car won on the radio and reborn in a home garage – it never fails to put a smile on their faces.
Eric documented the entire build on his YouTube channel, EssMotorsports, where viewers watched the stock ’85 Trans Am transform into a modern performer. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many third-gen Firebird/Camaro owners and young DIY builders have told Eric that his project inspired them to tackle their own builds. In a car world often dominated by supercars and high-dollar restorations, this humble Trans Am stands out as a relatable labor of love. 
Reflections on the Road Ahead
Today, Eric’s Trans Am is everything he envisioned – a fun, fast car that proudly wears its history. It’s still the same 1985 Pontiac his mom won years ago, but now with a modern heart, agile handling, and personal touches throughout. For Eric, the car’s value isn’t measured in show trophies – it’s in the memories made and the people inspired along the way. Every cruise is a reminder of how far the Trans Am has come, from radio-contest prize to head-turning restomod roaring down the highway. As he looks to the future, Eric plans to keep refining and enjoying the Trans Am for years to come. 
