1978 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs

This is undoubtedly one of the sexiest cars ever made. For an american muscle cars it handles very well, surprised the heck out of me. It also comes with a big enough engine to ourtrun most anyone else, and the engine could easily be made faster if that's your thing. Didn't have it long enough to judge overall reliability, but it's still here after 30 years, and even with it tuned all wrong it pulled great, so properly maintained it's gotta be a beast.Aug 04, 2008

I've owned this car for 23 years. I have been through every part of this car, front to back as follows: The engine is a 400ci with an Edlebrock Torquer II High Rise Intake, Holly 650 Carb, Roller Rockers & dual Valve Springs, Dual Timing Chain & Gears, Slightly OverStock Cam, Carter Hi Vol Fuel Pump, Hi Vol Oil Pump, Moroso Valve Covers, Braided Hose Dressup Kit, Dual Electric Fans, Hooker Headers, Magna Flow Exhaust, X-Pipe Crossover, Custom Bends and Tips. Transmission: Stock Turbo 350HM with B&M Shift Kit and 2800 Stall. Complete rebuild with all new clutch packs etc. Undercarraige: Weld in sub frame connectors. Polyurethane body mounts, New spring purches with urethane bushings, reinforced wheel well frame sections, new ball joints, tie rods, pitman arm, spings, shocks, brakes, rotors etc. New stainless steel brake line to rear. Lakewood traction bars. 245/60 Goodyear Eagles on all corners. Body: Fresh paint two years ago. Also painted it myself. PPG with clear. Added rear fender spoilers. Installed all new bird and formula decals. Gold pinstriping. Hurst T-Tops. Rear window louvers. Hood scoops. All stock. Interior: Crushed velour bucket seats. New carpet. (wrong color, should be black) Tilt wheel, electric windows, had cruise control, B&M Quick Silver Slap Stick Shifter, Autometer tach, custom gauges, 4 speaker stereo (nothing great, would rather hear the eingine! LOL) I did ALL the work listed here myself except for the transmission. The car is plated as Historic. I only drive during the summer on warm dry days. Probably only put 400 to 500 miles a year on it. I have way too much money invested to ever get it back out of it. I'll never sell it...period!Feb 28, 2008

I test drove a 1978 Trans Am during one of my active car searches in the early 1980s. Just about everything checked out okay. But one thing didn't: The performance! It was about as exciting as driving a full-size Pontiac. Acceleration wasn't exactly brisk, despite the fact that a big-inch 403 Olds was nestled under the hood. The torque was there, yes, but it seemed to come and go too quickly to figure into acceleration. I passed on this car and didn't look back. I had driven a 1974 Trans Am 455 Super Duty, which would quickly prove to be irreplaceable. The mid and late 1970s were a dark day in the history of automobile performance in the US.Oct 20, 2007