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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Hammerhead is a heavily re-engineered 1973 Pontiac Trans Am built by father-and-son team Russell and Cavan Cameron through Horizon Motorsports. It pairs a twin-turbo, 400-cubic-inch LS-family V8 with a custom chassis and IndyCar-derived suspension and driveline parts. The often-repeated 2,000-hp figure is a reported build claim, not a published dyno result: HOT ROD instead lists estimated output of 1,800 hp.
What is Hammerhead?
Hammerhead began as a rusty Trans Am that had previously been drag-raced. It is better understood as a custom time-attack race car wearing a 1973 Firebird body than as a conventional restoration or a near-stock street build. HOT ROD reported that only the roof, upper rear quarters, cowl and VIN remained from the factory car; the chassis and much of the body were extensively altered for performance, cooling and aerodynamics. HOT ROD’s June 2024 feature provides the most detailed published specifications.
The project also grew out of a family collaboration. Russell brought experience from IndyCar and CART racing; Cavan’s high-school internship became a hands-on education in engineering and fabrication. The build gave Russell a way to pass along racing knowledge and components while Cavan learned skills that included using SolidWorks. Turn 14’s February 2024 profile describes the project’s origins and the father-son partnership.
How much power does Hammerhead make?
The sources report two different figures. HOT ROD lists estimated output of 1,800 hp at 8,500 rpm and 1,200 lb-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm. Turn 14, Engine Swap Depot and LS1Tech describe the build as a 2,000-hp car. The reviewed coverage does not provide an independent dyno result, so neither figure should be presented as a verified measurement; the 1,800-hp number is explicitly an estimate, while 2,000 hp is a reported claim.
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- Large Approx. 9.5” replicas
- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts, with opening doors and engine compartment on some models
- Full functioning steering Four- wheel suspension Adjustable seat backs on some models Detailed chassis with separate exhaust system
- Mounted on display stand for collectors
- Detailed die-cast precision model
The engine is a twin-turbo 400ci LS-family LSR V8 built by Late Model Engines. HOT ROD’s reported build sheet names a Concept Performance aluminum LSR block, Callies Magnum forged crankshaft, Diamond forged pistons, Total Seal rings, Clevite H-series bearings and an LME solid-roller cam. Induction and control components include an LME dual-throttle-body manifold, twin Garrett G35-900 turbochargers, Injector Dynamics ID1700 injectors and a MoTeC M150 engine-management system. The listed supporting equipment includes NGK spark plugs, a custom stainless exhaust and a Radium Engineering flex-fuel system.
What makes its engineering IndyCar-derived?
“IndyCar DNA” refers to more than the project’s inspiration: the car uses race-derived components and engineering influence. Russell’s racing background informed the design, while the front suspension draws on Reynard IndyCar hardware and the driveline uses a Reynard/Champ Car six-speed transaxle.
Rank #2
- Openable doors, and hood, steerable front wheels
- 1/24 scale measuring approx. 7.5x3x2.5 inches
- Made of diecast metal with plastic parts
- Fully assembled car model, not a building kit, not a RC car.
- Chassis: Custom DOM steel, with a reported 111-inch wheelbase and 82-inch track.
- Engine placement: Set back 28 inches from the original engine position; the seats were moved back eight inches.
- Front suspension: Reynard IndyCar double wishbones and uprights, Ohlins TT44 shocks and Hyperco springs.
- Rear suspension and driveline: A custom independent rear setup, Reynard/Champ Car six-speed transaxle, paddle shifting and a torque tube.
- Wheels, tires and brakes: Custom Forgeline TA3R wheels, Michelin racing slicks and eight-piston Brembo brakes.
HOT ROD reports a vehicle weight of 3,100 lb and a 47/53 weight distribution. These are published build specifications, not independently verified measurements. The figures and component descriptions above are attributed to the published build sheet rather than an independent inspection.
Was Hammerhead finished or proven on track?
In HOT ROD’s June 2024 account, Russell said the car had been driven on the street once, but still needed tuning and a shakedown before its intended time-attack testing. That is a snapshot of its status at the time, not confirmation of later completion. The sources cited here do not establish a completed dyno validation or competition run, so plans to test the car should not be mistaken for results.
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Rank #3
- [Product Size] 4.9×1.9×1.4 inches(1:36 scale). Package weight: Approx. 0.37 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- [Good Quality] Detailed interior and exterior trim, using high grade alloy die-cast into form.
- [Great Diecast Toy Car] Made of non-toxic paint spray, doesn’t contain harmful substances, protecting the safety of children greatly.
- [Funny Pull Back Car Model] Left and right doors can be opened. Place the car on the ground, press down on the body and pull it back, the car will move forward.
- [Awesome Toy for Kids] Sturdy body, fine workmanship. Suitable for collections, birthdays, Christmas and decorations. Great for kids, boys, girls and adults.
Why build a Trans Am this way?
Russell described the idea as combining available race-car parts with a Firebird Trans Am body and moving the engine rearward to create a track car. He called the goal a “low-cost track car” relative to IndyCar-level construction and materials—not an inexpensive or straightforward road-car conversion. The scale of the custom chassis, engine installation, suspension and body work makes clear how far the project went beyond a typical restoration.
The build is also notable for its setting: Russell told HOT ROD the team constructed it in one garage bay, using a lift. For Cavan, the work was an apprenticeship in practical problem-solving as well as fabrication; for Russell, it was an opportunity to share knowledge accumulated in racing.
Rank #4
- "Special Edition" Series die cast model car by Maisto.
- Dimensions approximately L-10.75, W-3.5, H-3 inches.
- Has opening hood and doors.
How to read the headline power claim
“2,000 hp” is a useful shorthand for how the build has been presented, but it is not the same as a documented dyno figure. HOT ROD’s 1,800-hp estimate and the 2,000-hp reports should remain distinct. Until a published test establishes otherwise, describe Hammerhead as a roughly 2,000-hp build by claim, with HOT ROD estimating 1,800 hp, rather than as a car proven to make 2,000 hp.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am T/A - 44650C/48 Greenlight Model Vehicle
- 1/64 scale Collectible Model movie car
- This is a 3" long model with some plastic parts
- Real Rubber Tires, Detailed Exterior, Metal Body And Chassis, Comes In A Blister Pack
- Manufactured by Greenlight - Hollywood Series
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