1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

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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. 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM, 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 RPM.
  • Pontiac V8 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters): bore of 4.12 inches, stroke of 3.75 inches, deck height is 10.24 inches. 220 horsepower at 4,000 RPM, 340 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM.

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.

Posi-Traction

Pontiac referred to its limited-slip differential as "Safe-T-Track," though it’s commonly called posi-traction in enthusiast circles, a term popularized by GM marketing. Posi-traction was not standard on all 1979 Trans Ams but was a factory option, listed under RPO code G80 (Limited Slip Differential). It was more commonly included with the WS6 performance package or ordered separately by buyers seeking better traction. While posi-traction was not standard on every Trans Am, it was frequently included with the WS6 performance package, which also featured upgraded suspension, wider wheels, and often a higher rear axle ratio (e.g., 3.23:1 or 3.42:1). The WS6 package, itself an option costing around $324, was popular but not universal—fewer than 8,000 of the 68,847 Trans Ams built in 1979 received it.

Posi-Traction Safe-T-Track unit in the 1979 Trans Am was a clutch-type limited-slip differential housed within the 8.5-inch 10-bolt rear axle. It used a series of clutch plates and springs to distribute torque between the rear wheels, reducing wheel spin during acceleration or on uneven surfaces. hen one wheel began to slip, the clutch pack engaged to transfer more torque to the wheel with better grip. The system provided a torque bias ratio of approximately 2:1, meaning the wheel with traction could receive up to twice the torque of the slipping wheel.

A stock 1979 Trans Am without the WS6 package or the G80 option came with an open differential in the 8.5-inch 10-bolt rear axle, typically with a 2.73:1 gear ratio. This setup prioritized cost and fuel economy over maximum traction, especially with the 403 V8 and automatic transmission combo.

online resources

parts sources

(Firebird Central): Firebird Central specializes in parts for Pontiac Firebirds, including the 1979 Trans Am, offering a range of used and reproduction components. The site lists items like shaker hood scoops, interior trim, and engine parts, with a focus on 1967-1981 models. Inventory includes used OEM parts sourced from salvaged vehicles, alongside new replacements. Prices for used items, such as a hood scoop, typically range from $50 to $150, depending on condition. The site provides a straightforward catalog with photos and part numbers, and shipping is available across the U.S.

(The Parts Place): The Parts Place carries parts for GM vehicles, including a section dedicated to 1970-1981 Firebird and Trans Am models. It offers used OEM parts like hood scoops, door panels, and suspension components, pulled from donor cars. The site lists availability and condition for each item, with used shaker hood scoops averaging $75-$125. It’s organized by category and year, with a search function for specific parts. Orders can be placed online, and they ship nationwide from their Illinois warehouse.

(FBody Warehouse): FBody Warehouse focuses on second-generation Firebirds (1970-1981), providing used and refurbished parts for Trans Am models. The inventory includes items like hood scoops, fenders, and exhaust components, sourced from dismantled cars. Used shaker hood scoops are listed around $60-$140, based on wear and completeness. The site features a simple layout with part descriptions and photos, and all items are available for direct purchase. Shipping is offered from their Texas location to customers in the U.S.

auctions and classifieds

(Hemmings): Hemmings provides a classified marketplace and auction platform focused on classic cars and parts, including Pontiac Trans Am components. The site lists used parts like hood scoops, engines, and interiors, sourced from private sellers and dealers. Listings include photos, descriptions, and seller contact info, with prices for used Trans Am parts typically ranging from $50 to $200. Auctions run for set periods, while classifieds are fixed-price sales. It’s accessible nationwide with shipping arranged by sellers.

(Classics on Autotrader): Classics on Autotrader offers a classified section for classic car parts, featuring Trans Am-specific items like shaker hood scoops and body panels. Parts are listed by private sellers and small dealers, with details on condition and location provided. Prices for used parts vary, averaging $60-$150 for hood-related components. The site organizes listings by make and model, and purchases are coordinated directly with sellers, who handle shipping or local pickup.

(Bring a Trailer): Bring a Trailer is an auction site that includes parts alongside vehicles, with occasional listings for Trans Am components like hood scoops and trim pieces. Sellers are typically private individuals, and each auction provides detailed photos and descriptions. Used Trans Am parts auctions start around $50-$100, with final prices depending on bidding. Auctions last about a week, and the site facilitates buyer-seller communication for shipping or pickup arrangements post-sale.

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.

press and articles

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