1970-1973 Pontiac Firebird
From 1970 -1973 The Pontiac Firebird evolved distinctively, In 1970 it had a unique front end that almost squred off and appeared to have no bumper as the grille was inserted behind it. The 1970 model had many options such as the Formula and the new Trans Am, also including..
- 250-cubic-inch V6 making 155 HP
- 350 CI (cubic-inch) V8; Two Barrel; Output of 255 HP
- Formula 400 CI V8; Dual hood scoops; Four barrel; 330 HP
- Trans Am 400 CI; Ram Air III V8; 335 HP or Ram Air IV 345 HP
- Trans Am 455 CI V8; 335 HP
- Formula 350 CI V8
- Trans Am "Code X" 455 CI; 300 HP
- Trans Am "Code M" 350 CI; 160 HP
- SD(super-duty)455 CI; Reinforced block; Special cam shaft; Alluminum pistons; Oversize valves and Header like exhaust system; 310-375 HP
- Formula 350 CI V8; 150 HP
- Formula 400 CI V8; 250 HP
1971 Pontiac Firebird. Some power was reduced due to emissions control regulations. There were big changes in the engine of the Trans Am and the Formula. Options were..
1972 Pontiac Firebird. Engine outputs dropped again and the new Honeycomb style wheels were introduced. Engine options were..
1973 Pontiac Firebird. First appearance of the Firebird logo on the hood, and the offering of the 455 super-duty engine were new in 73'. Engine options were..
1974-1977 Pontiac Firebird
In 1974, The Firebirds front changed a little bit, giving it a wedge shape and the headlights were sort of integrated into the front bumper. Engine ratings changed. The 350 V8 with an output of 155 HP, while the Super-Duty 455 motor rated at 290 HP. There were Approximately 953 Trans ams and 57 Formula 455s built that year. 74' was also the end of the The Super-duty engine.
The 1975 Pontiac Firebird were obviously different, you could tell by the different design of the rear window. The 455 and Standard engine were no longer in production in the Firebirds, now they were all equipped with a Chevy inline six. Catalytic Cinverters were introduced this year dropping the performance just a little bit. The Trans Am and Formula 400 V8s now generating 185 HP. Mid 75', for some reason they brought back the 455 but it only gave off 200 HP.
Minimal changes were made to the 1976 firebird. 76' was officially the last the year for the 455 motor, instead they introduced the black and gold special edition Trans Am which was the first Firebird that had a T-top. 76' was also the first year the company sold over 100,00 automobiles.
1977 Pontiac Firebird was easily distinguished from the the others because it had quad square headlamps. Chevys inline six was no more, intead the standard motor was 231-cubic inch V6 with 105 HP. Other new motors included..
- 301-cubic inch 4.9 liter V8; 135 HP
- 403-cubic inch V8 6.6 liter V8; 200 HP
- 400-cubic inch 6.6 liter V8; 200 HP; Both 403 and 400 only equipped in new Trans Am and Formula which also had a redesigned shaker hood.
1978-1981 Pontiac Firebird
The 78' and 77' Firebirds were practically the same, Chevy just introduced a variety of Special edition cars. Such as a gold Trans Am with brown accents and blue "sky bird" (sky blue Firebird) and red "red bird" (red Firebird) Firebirds. Chevy sold 187,285 firebirds, the best year they have ever had.
The 1979 firebird was almost identical to the 78' besides modifications to the front grill, headlights, and the rear tailights. 79' was the last year the 400-cubic inch V8 was made, and a special silver 10th-Anniversary edition Trans am was sold.
In 1980, Fuel economy was a primary concern for Amercans so Chevy decided they would turn to Turbochargers for their power. The aftermath of that idea was a 4.9 liter, turbocharged V8. It was known as the "Turbo 4.9" and it produced 210 HP. The "Turbo 4.9" was appearantly not as special as Chevy hoped it would be. There was no Bosst Indicator so users had no diea when the tubocharger was being engaged and how much boost was being produced, this often led to a blown motor. The car was very hard to maintain due to that mistake.
There isnt much to say about the 1981 Firebird, it was a rerun of the 80'. Chevy sold only 70,899 Firebirds and Trans Ams combined. Only 30 percent of sales in 1978.