1978 Pontiac Trans Am

(2000)
This is an average example of a well-driven unrestored 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

Originally silver, it was repainted black in the mid 80's for some unknown reason. All decals were reapplied with some aftermarket jobber-type vinyl decals, except the hood bird which appears to have been painted over using the original paint scheme as found on a silver Trans Am.

The car is equipped with the base 400 cubic inch Pontiac "big block" V8, option code L78, rated at 180 hp. Torque was spec'ed at 325 lb-ft at 1600 RPM. It is not a 220 hp W72-version, even though the T/A-6.6 lettering on the scoop was reserved for that motor... the base 180 hp motors (and the Oldsmobile-built 185hp 403) got the "6.6 Litre" lettering instead. For some reason, one of the previous owners decided to apply "T/A-6.6" decals on the shaker scoop instead. The motor is equipped with a Rochester 4Bbl carburetor and runs a compression somewhere in the mid 7's, allowing the use of ANY octane gas.

(2000)
The transmission is a bulletproof Turbo Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic. When driven normally, you couldn't kill this thing, and this one still shifts like it did brand new.

The car runs on original Pontiac Rally II wheels which are currently shod with P245/60-R15 BF Goodrich T/A raised white letter tires. It is not a WS6-equipped car, which would have delivered 8-inch snowflake-styled wheels.

The Shaker scoop is non-functional, but the fender-mounted air-extractors are.

(2000)
The exhaust consists of a single pipe running back from the engine into a single transverse-mounted muffler, with two outlets facing the back, one on each side of the car. This look is very similar to the exhaust outlet routing on the Camaros, and I'm debating whether I prefer this setup or the traditional late 70s Trans Am twin chromed downturned outlets. One thing for sure... this car is the quietest of my three F-bodies!

The power is delivered to the ground via a fully-functional limited-slip 2.56:1 differential, a 10-bolt if I'm not mistaken. This keeps RPM down to 2000-2500 when on the highway but makes for cruiser-like composure on the streets. The 325 lb-ft of torque does make the car move around as if it was half the weight!

(2000)
The car has no options to speak of other than the red cloth interior.

Manual door locks and window controls
No A/C
Base T/A suspension (non WS6)
Remote driver's side mirror control
Originally an AM-radio

But thankfully it does have that famous hood bird. Much maligned, one has to admit that it gives the car a level of character and uniqueness such that it could never be mistaken for anything other than a Trans Am!

(2000)