The Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile is a CSR2 Event Car of Season 190. Obviously, the Pontiac is one of the faster cars in Tier 5.
Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile SPecifications
In the world of custom cars and hot rods, Chris Ryan and his shop, Ryan’s Rod & Kustom, have earned a reputation for crafting timeless and traditional-style customs that captivate automotive enthusiasts. From classic Cadillacs to candy-colored Continentals, Chris Ryan’s creative vision has consistently delivered exceptional vehicles. However, it’s his audacious and jaw-dropping 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that has earned the nickname “Mullet Missile” – a tribute to an era of raw power, iconic style, and an unmistakable spirit. In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of the Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile and the passion behind its creation.
A Nostalgic Journey
Chris Ryan’s journey with the Mullet Missile begins with a heartfelt confession: he is a product of the ’80s. Along with his buddies, he sported the infamous mullet hairstyle, influenced by the cinematic legend of “Smokey & the Bandit.” They were all smitten by the charisma of the Trans Am, but financial constraints made it a distant dream. Fast forward to the present, Chris decided to embark on a quest to bring his dream to life, albeit with the goal of creating something “relatively inexpensive.” Yet, as a creative professional, Chris couldn’t resist the allure of pushing the boundaries and ended up with the awe-inspiring Mullet Missile.
The Heart of the Beast
Underneath the sleek exterior of the Mullet Missile lies an impressive array of performance enhancements that breathe new life into this iconic ’78 Trans Am. To ensure impeccable handling and ride quality, Chris turned to RideTech for a Tru Turn front suspension and a four-link rear setup, supporting the Currie 9-inch rearend. The Trans Am also benefits from the stopping power of four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes and precise steering via a Borgeson steering box. To add a unique touch to the car’s stance, Mike Curtis handcrafted one-off 18×10- and 19×12-inch wheels, giving the Mullet Missile its distinctive character.
Beneath the hood, the Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile packs a punch with a 6.0-liter LS engine from Bouchard Racing. This engine, beautifully detailed in bright red paint, delivers potent performance, further enhanced by Holley Sniper EFI on an Edelbrock intake. The powertrain boasts a Billet Specialties accessory drive system, while an MSD ignition system ensures reliable performance. Power is seamlessly transferred to the wheels through a 4L80E transmission, translating the engine’s power into exhilarating speed.
Aesthetic Brilliance
The Mullet Missile’s captivating exterior is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Chris Ryan and his team at Ryan’s Rod & Kustom. Every body line of the car has been sharpened and refined, breathing new life into the classic Trans Am design. Custom steel spoilers and flares replace the original fiberglass and plastic components, giving the car a more aggressive and contemporary appearance. The bumpers were narrowed and tucked, the rear quarter panels reshaped, and custom extended rocker panels added to create a harmonious and powerful look.
Notable exterior features include the use of Nissan GTR door handles and the striking Axalta silver finish that graces the car’s surface. The iconic bird emblem on the hood is a true work of art, hand-painted by Jeremy Senor and featuring hand-turned silver leaf details.
Details Matter
The Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile is a car that lives up to its name in every aspect, including its attention to detail. Custom aluminum grilles from Alumicraft house round projector headlights, giving the Trans Am a unique and captivating front end. Collaborating with Fesler Built and Pilkington glass, Chris incorporated a flush-mount windshield and back glass, adding a modern touch to the car’s design.
Inside the Mullet Missile, Chuck Hanna and his team at Hot Rod Interiors have created a luxurious and inviting cabin space. Red Relicate leather wraps nearly every surface, accentuated by hand-sewn white stitching, creating a harmonious blend of style and comfort. The custom-wrapped LeCarra steering wheel, Dakota Digital gauges, Lokar shifter, and a host of one-off details add a sense of modernity to the cabin.
Conclusion
The Mullet Missile, Chris Ryan’s 1978 Pontiac Trans Am, is a remarkable fusion of nostalgia, power, and artistry. It represents a journey back to an era of mullets, muscle cars, and cinematic legends, all reimagined with contemporary performance and style. This iconic creation is a testament to the passion and dedication that defines the world of custom cars, and it’s a reminder that dreams, even those rooted in ’80s nostalgia, can become a reality with the right combination of vision and craftsmanship. The Mullet Missile is more than a car; it’s a symbol of the enduring spirit of automotive enthusiasts, where classic meets contemporary in a stunning embrace of power and style.
More about the Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile
The CSR2 Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile
The 5 purple star Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile can fit 135 Fusion parts. So far nothing special. The Mullet Missile should run 6.653s. To sum up, the Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile is one of the faster Cars in Tier 5.
| Event Car | Season 190 |
Pontiac Ryans Rod & Kustom Firebird Trans Am Mullet Missile tune and shift pattern
| Ryans Rod & Kustom Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 'Mullet Missile' |  |
|---|---|
| Tier | 5 |
| NOS | 188 / 4.0 |
| Transmission | 2.27 |
| Tires | 52 / 48 |
| Wining shift pattern | Start at 4800rpm, 14mph 2nd and NOS, 5700rpm 3rd, 8100rpm 4th |
| Time | 6.653 |
