***COTM third_shift|studios: "the Phoenix Risen"***

**0rion** · 09-30-2007, 09:30 PM

It's an honor to be an Ls1 sponsor and now to be Car of the Month makes it even more honorable. Consider this biography a thanks to the members who voted for me and also those who have supported my emblem design efforts through the years. It's a real thrill to place my mark on the ls1 world like this.

My love for the Firebird TransAm started when I was 16 years old. I was working for my brother's landscaping company, mowing yards. I went to pack up the trailer and looked up to see a Torch Red 1998 ws.6 driving toward me. It was the first time I'd ever seen a new Firebird and my jaw bounced off the ground! The car was love at first sight so it became one of my life goals to achieve; I must own a Firebird.

Once I graduated from art/design school in Pittsburgh, I moved to Cincinnati where I began my career for an advertising agency. At the time, I was driving an 01 cavalier but realized with a full time career, I could finally make my dream car a reality! So I bought my first TransAm. A beautiful Navy Blue Metallic 2000 ws.6. I owned the car for 3 years before it's untimely demise in March, 2007: an unfortunate accident rendered me emtpy and barren. I missed that car so much, I NEEDED another adrenaline boost–nothing around me mattered, my wedding, my job, a house, nothing would fill the void that losing "the Batmobile" created.

It took months to find, I was searching "vehicles for sale" sections on here and 'tech as well as AutoTrader. I don't think an hour of any day passed by without me combing through sites to find new listings. I starting thinking about getting a Vette, but knew that insurance and monthly payments would be difficult especially with a wedding in the near future as well as a house to follow. Plus a Vette isn't a ws.6. The bold curves and prowling demeanor of a ws.6 can't be topped. I would consider Bullrun on Spike TV a major catalyst during my search. Mike Alsop's inspirational ws.6 beat one task after the next-I wanted my next TransAm to be that capable. So I made contact with Mike, and made a handshake-deal "you build me up a TransAm and i'll build you a website." A long time passed and Alsop's group just couldn't find a good build car to start from without exceeding the budget cap. It was aggrevating, to say the least. I just wanted something at this point of time....

Out of the ashes of torment I found a new lust; B L A C K. Seductive...ominous...evil...nothing is more intimidating or classy than a jet black ws.6. I did, one last "AutoTrader search" before I called Alsop to agree on the car they found and there it was, just 20 miles from my house-a sleek, black on black ws.6. I called the dealer and said "is that car still there?" they said, "yes!" So I took a look at it; the car was worked on...lowered...tuned...LOUD! It was the solution to my craving. Dubbed "the Phoenix Risen," is my current 2000 triple black M6 ws.666 [a slick play on words, and a more fitting title as my ongoing suspension mods make it more "Sick and Twisted"]. Current modifications are:

17" ZR1 Grandsports
Eibach Pro Kit
Suspension Techniques 35mm Solid Front Sway Bar
J&M Double Adjustable Panhard Bar
J&M 2-Point Tubular Subframe Connectors
UMI Tubular Lower Control Arms
UMI Bolt-in LCA Relocation Brackets
SLP Lid w/ K&N filter
Hedman Headers
Custom Y-Pipe
Corsa Pro Cat Back with polished tips
Dyno Tuned

**0rion** · 09-30-2007, 09:30 PM

congrats TSS on COTM and a great story.

**FuhBreezeE** · 09-30-2007, 09:33 PM

WOW, if you're allowed to run for COTM again.....then that 2nd pic will win for sure!

**ATCharming** · 09-30-2007, 09:34 PM

y dont i see it on the homepage

**0rion** · 09-30-2007, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by ATCharming

y dont i see it on the homepage

he still has to put it up on the home page. I don't have access to do that.

**ATCharming** · 09-30-2007, 09:35 PM

oh yea haha. i forgot hes gotta put his own car up there lol

**Blitzed** · 09-30-2007, 09:37 PM

Awesome pics and really sexy ride!

**Jays00ss** · 10-01-2007, 01:21 AM

congrats, Very nice ride and wonderful pics for your Bio!!!

**blue02Z** · 10-01-2007, 04:31 AM

SSSEEEEXXXXXYYYYYY!!!!!

kudos

**BIG D's SS** · 10-01-2007, 04:49 AM

Congrats. That is a good looking car.

**third_shift|studios** · 10-01-2007, 04:50 AM

thanks guys!!!! glad you dig the ride and story!

**SSwt00SS** · 10-01-2007, 06:57 AM

congrats, TSS!!!

i remember the 'death'...

now that you've gone BLACK, you'll never go back...

**greatwhiteZ28** · 10-01-2007, 04:50 PM

well i admit the best car won!!!, just try to give me a chance next month haa,

and great bio, but i loved that pic with the city in the back of your car the best, nice job

**michaelinchains** · 10-01-2007, 06:19 PM

looks good TSS

ill keep an eye out for ya cruisin the streets in cincy

**third_shift|studios** · 10-02-2007, 05:00 AM

on the home page now

**Emily** · 10-02-2007, 06:41 AM

Beautiful.

**djvaly** · 10-02-2007, 08:14 AM

gorgeous TA

**third_shift|studios** · 10-02-2007, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Emily

Beautiful.

Originally Posted by djvaly

gorgeous TA

THANKS TEAM!

**ATCharming** · 10-02-2007, 12:32 PM

our homepage now looks badass. no offense to the other guy, i just like seeing a t.a. there

**KyleLs1** · 10-02-2007, 01:49 PM

TSS you know the saying:
Once you go Black... We don't want you back

jk man, that car is the sex and i'm glad you found one to replace the batmobile!

That last pic with the city background is my new desktop!

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