This 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was initially delivered to Mecham Pontiac in Glendale, Arizona, and is #140 of a reported 202 “Macho” Trans Ams that were modified by Dennis and Kyle Mecham for the model year. At some point prior to the seller’s 2013 acquisition, the L78 V8 was modified by Butler Performance to displace 468ci. Components include a revised crankshaft, a COMP Cams camshaft, Ross Racing pistons, and Eagle H-beam rods. Shifting is through a Tremec five-speed manual transmission that sends power to an Eaton differential via an Inland Empire driveshaft. The exhaust system incorporates Hooker headers, a Pypes X-pipe, and Borla mufflers; the braking system has been fitted with Baer one-piece calipers, two-piece rotors, a Detroit Speed master cylinder, and a Wilwood proportioning valve; and suspension components include QA1 dampers and Global West springs. Finished in Starlight Black with red accents, the car has a color-coordinated interior with bolstered front bucket seats, a short-throw shifter, and an aftermarket sound system. This Macho Trans Am is now offered with DKM documentation, PHS documentation, a seller-provided list of modifications, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The car is finished in Starlight Black with red trim. Details include Macho T/A and 140 DKM graphics, a shaker hood, a Pontiac windshield banner, and quad exhaust outlets. Noted flaws include paint chips, dings, and cracked weatherstripping.

Three-piece 18″ powder-coated ROH wheels are mounted with 245/45 front and 285/40 rear Toyo Proxes tires. The car was equipped from the factory with power steering and the WS6 Special Performance Package, and modifications to the steering, suspension, and braking systems include the following:

• BAER 6S one-piece aluminum brake calipers
• 14″ 2-piece rotors
• 10″ dual-diaphragm Detroit Speed brake booster
• Wilwood brake proportioning valve
• Detroit Speed master cylinder
• Global West tubular upper and lower control arms
• QA1 adjustable front coil-overs
• QA1 adjustable rear shocks
• Global West 500-lb springs
• Global West reverse-eye rear leaf springs
• Del-A-Lum bushings
• Hotchkis Sport Suspension front sway bar
• Revised power steering gearbox

A leak in the braking system was discovered while preparing the car for sale. The seller notes that the leak has not been diagnosed and recommends that the car be transported rather than driven.

Red leather upholstery with black inserts covers the bolstered front bucket seats, and black Trans Am logos are embroidered on the headrests. Cabin appointments include power windows and locks, air conditioning, a short-throw shifter, and a Pioneer head unit linked to aftermarket speakers.

A Macho T/A plaque found on the center console identifies this vehicle as #140 built for the 1978 model year.

The Formula steering wheel wears a DKM center cap and fronts a 100-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and a fuel-level gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 57k miles, approximately 300 of which were added under current ownership.

The seller reports that the L78 V8 engine was modified by Butler Performance under prior ownership to displace 468ci and that the following components have been fitted:

• 4.250-stroke forged crankshaft
• Ross Racing forged aluminum pistons
• Eagle H-beam rods
• Moly piston rings
• COMP Cams camshaft
• COMP Cams lifters and springs
• Stainless roller rockers
• Stainless valves
• Bronze guides
• Rochester Quadra-Jet carburetor rebuilt by Carb Junkies
• HEI ignition coil
• Four-core aluminum radiator
• Hooker Super Comp headers
• Flowmaster 3″ ball and flange collectors
• Pypes X-pipe
• Borla mufflers

The engine stamping is shown above.

A Tremec five-speed manual transmission has been installed, and an Inland Empire driveshaft is linked to a rear end with an Eaton differential and a 3.73:1 gear set. Other components reported by the seller include a Centerforce clutch and throwout bearing as well as Moser 30-spline axles.

Documentation from Mecham Design Performance dated August 13, 2010, notes that the car is a 1978 DKM Macho T/A.

Pontiac Historic Services documentation is also included in the sale.

The car is currently registered as Planned Non-Operational in California. The seller states that the car cannot pass a California emissions test, therefore it cannot be sold to an in-state private party buyer.