1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am marked the 10th anniversary of the Trans Am nameplate, celebrated with a special edition, and saw record production numbers—over 117,000 Firebird units, with around 67,000 being Trans Am models. The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was part of the second-generation Firebird lineup, produced from 1970 to 1981. It was manufactured by Pontiac, a division of General Motors, and built on the F-body platform shared with the Chevrolet Camaro.

The 1979 Trans Am came equipped with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The standard engine was a 403 cubic-inch (6.6-liter) Oldsmobile V8, producing 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 RPM. This engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission (Turbo Hydra-Matic 350). A four-speed manual transmission (Borg-Warner Super T-10) was available as an option, but only with certain engine choices. The vehicle featured a front subframe with an independent coil-spring suspension and a rear live axle with leaf springs. Standard brakes included power-assisted front discs and rear drums. The Trans Am had a curb weight of approximately 3,600 pounds.

The exterior design included a distinctive front fascia with four rectangular headlights, a shaker hood scoop (functional with certain engines), and a rear spoiler. Standard wheels were 15-inch stamped steel rims with trim rings, though optional aluminum wheels were offered. The interior featured bucket seats, a center console, and a dashboard with a tachometer and speedometer. Vinyl upholstery was standard, with cloth available as an option.

Engine

For the 1979 model year, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am had two primary engine options, and their availability was tied to transmission choices due to emissions regulations and production decisions.

• Oldsmobile V8 403 cubic inches (6.6 liters): bore of 4.351 inches, stroke of 3.385 inches, deck height approximately 10.625 inches.
• Pontiac V8 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters): bore of 4.12 inches, stroke of 3.75 inches, deck height is 10.24 inches.

In addition to the base 403 V8 the 400 cubic-inch (6.6-liter) Pontiac V8 was available, rated at 220 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a carryover from earlier years but phased out after 1979 due to emissions standards. The 403 V8 was not offered with the manual transmission. The 1979 Trans Am with the 403 V8 had a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 16.5 seconds at 85 mph, as tested by period automotive publications. Top speed was estimated at 120 mph, though this varied with gearing and engine choice. Fuel economy averaged 12-15 mpg, typical for V8-powered cars of the era.

Both engines are considered "big block" V8s within their respective manufacturer’s engine families although Pontiac didn’t use the small-block/big-block distinction as strictly as Chevrolet or Ford; instead, all Pontiac V8s from 1955 to 1981 (326-455 ci) share a single block architecture with minor variations in bore, stroke, and deck height.

403 Cubic-Inch (6.6-Liter) Oldsmobile V8

This was the standard engine for the 1979 Trans Am in most configurations. It produced 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 RPM. The 403 was sourced from Oldsmobile, another General Motors division, as Pontiac phased out its larger-displacement engines to meet fuel economy and emissions standards.

This engine was exclusively paired with a three-speed automatic transmission (Turbo Hydra-Matic 350). The 403 was not offered with a manual transmission in 1979 due to its design and emissions tuning, which prioritized smoother operation with the automatic. The 403 became the dominant engine in 1979 because Pontiac discontinued the 400 after this year, transitioning to smaller engines in subsequent models. The 403’s use of an automatic transmission aligned with market trends toward easier-to-drive performance cars.

400 Cubic-Inch (6.6-Liter) Pontiac V8

This engine, producing 220 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 340 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM, was a Pontiac-designed V8 and the last year it was offered in the Trans Am. It was a carryover from earlier models but restricted in 1979 due to tightening emissions laws.

The 400 V8 was only available with a four-speed manual transmission (Borg-Warner Super T-10). It was not offered with an automatic transmission in the Trans Am for this year, as Pontiac reserved the automatic for the 403.

This engine was an option primarily in states without California-level emissions requirements (or high-altitude regions), where manual-transmission vehicles faced fewer restrictions. It was less common than the 403 due to its limited production and regional availability.

online resources

parts sources

• ShowCarsRob in Canada: (905) 857-6345
• Glasstek auto parts
• Classic TA: Firebird / Trans Am Firebird 1979-1981
• Summit Racing Equipment

forums discussions

Start with Firebird Nation and the Second Generation Firebird Owners Group for the most active and relevant discussions.

• Firebird Nation - This is one of the most active online forums dedicated specifically to Pontiac Firebird owners and enthusiasts. Sections for 2nd Gen Firebirds (1970–1981), including Trans Ams, and covers technical discussions, modifications, and general ownership topics.