ENGINE & EXHAUST
Starting with a Chevy 383 Stroker, we replaced the original dual-quad fuel system with a Holley Hi-Ram electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, designed specifically for classic small-block Chevy engines. This upgrade enhances performance, reliability, and drivability while providing a foundation for future modifications, including custom porting or forced induction. The setup features a cast-aluminum, LS-style Hi-Ram intake manifold, Holley EFI fuel rails, and a Holley Terminator X Max engine management system, bringing modern fuel delivery and tuning capabilities to this classic powerplant.
Beyond the EFI conversion, we completely refreshed the engine's appearance with new paint, valve covers, and carefully selected details to complement the Spirit's custom engine bay. Packaging the small-block Chevy within the AMC chassis presented its own challenges, leading us to fabricate custom headers specifically designed for the available space.
To complete the powertrain, we fabricated a custom 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system, featuring hand-built components and V-band connections. The result is a combination of classic American V8 power, modern technology, and custom craftsmanship that brings our pro-touring vision to life.
STANCE & BRAKES
One of the most distinctive features of our 1983 AMC Spirit AMX is its aggressive stance, combining classic American muscle with modern pro-touring styling. With its factory-inspired wheel flares, carefully selected wheels, and lowered ride height, the Spirit has a unique presence that sets it apart from the crowd. Our goal was to create a vehicle that captures attention while leaving people wondering exactly what they're looking at.
Achieving this stance required a complete overhaul of the factory suspension. Up front, we installed a custom tubular K-member fabricated by Brandon T Fabrication, paired with tubular control arms and QA1 coilovers. This setup replaces the original suspension components, improving adjustability, handling, and overall performance while creating additional clearance within the engine bay.
In the rear, we eliminated the factory leaf springs in favor of a custom-fabricated four-link suspension system with QA1 coilovers, paired with a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear axle. This transformation provides improved suspension geometry, adjustability, and the aggressive stance we envisioned from the beginning. To complement the suspension upgrades, we replaced the original rear drum brakes with Wilwood disc brakes, bringing modern stopping power to match the Spirit's updated performance capabilities.
TRANSMISSION
To harness the power of the Chevy 383 Stroker, we installed a custom Gearstar-built GM 4L60E, a high-performance four-speed overdrive transmission built for strength and reliability. Gearstar custom-builds each unit with upgraded internals, ensuring smooth shifts and durability under high power.
This 4L60E features top-tier components, including Raybestos Stage 1 frictions and steels, a high-capacity upgraded pump assembly, a heavy-duty hardened sun shell, and a reinforced input drum. It also includes a Transgo Reprogramming Shift Kit with Shift Command which enhances shift precision, uses a Corvette servo, high-energy wide bands, and a .500 boost valve to improve performance. The electronics and wiring are all brand-new, including updated solenoids, a manifold pressure switch, and an electronic speed sensor. All of this goodness is paired with a custom billet torque converter. This transmission is built to handle aggressive driving while maintaining street-friendly drivability.
BODY & PAINT
One of the most significant transformations of our 1983 AMC Spirit AMX was the extensive bodywork and custom paint that brought our vision to life. Our goal was to preserve the Spirit's unique AMC heritage while incorporating modern design elements, refined body lines, and a show-quality finish.
Starting with a complete rotisserie restoration, we stripped the car down to its bare shell, repairing decades of wear, previous modifications, and imperfections. Extensive metal fabrication included replacing the rear quarter panel, shaving the rear side marker lights, smoothing the firewall, removing the factory shock towers, and fabricating custom engine bay panels. We also refined the panel gaps, modified the hood, and incorporated a custom steel front splitter to complement the factory AMX wheel flares and aggressive pro-touring stance.
With the incredible support of Surventis Coatings (Formerly BASF Refinish) and Glasurit, we brought the body to life using the Glasurit 100 Line waterborne paint system. Working alongside the talented team at the Surventis Technical Center, we developed our own custom color, "MR Black Cherry." This deep, dark metallic finish transforms with the lighting, revealing rich red and burgundy tones with hints of blue in direct sunlight. Paired with carefully selected satin black and gloss gunmetal accents, the finish emphasizes the Spirit's distinctive body lines while maintaining the stealthy appearance we envisioned.
Every detail was carefully considered, from the refinished underbody and painted interior surfaces to the final color sanding and polishing. The result is a finish that reflects countless hours of preparation, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. What was once a worn-out race car has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind show car, blending classic AMC styling with modern automotive design.
LIGHTING
Lighting played an important role in modernizing our 1983 AMC Spirit AMX while preserving its unmistakable classic styling. Our goal was to incorporate modern LED technology with custom details that complement the Spirit's aggressive, stealthy appearance without taking away from its original character.
Up front, we partnered with Dapper Lighting to upgrade the factory headlights with a combination of 4x6 LED Halo Headlights and Billet 4x6 Intake Lights with integrated halos. This unique setup provides improved visibility and a distinctive front-end appearance while maintaining the classic four-headlight design. We also redesigned the factory side marker lights, eliminating the rear quarter panel markers entirely for a cleaner, uninterrupted body line. The front markers were custom fabricated using smoked acrylic with integrated LED lighting, creating a sleek, modern appearance that blends seamlessly into the bodywork.
At the rear, we transformed the original taillights with custom-molded smoked lenses and LED lighting, retaining the Spirit's recognizable taillight design while giving it a refined, contemporary look. From the custom LED lighting to the smoked lenses and subtle details, every modification was designed to enhance the Spirit's character. The result is a modernized lighting system that blends seamlessly with the car's classic AMC heritage and custom pro-touring design.
