FAST

FACTS

Trans Ams came standard with a 400ci engine, but buyers could check off the W72 performance option (shown here) that included different cam timing, carb tuning, and smaller combustion chamber cylinder heads off the 350ci for higher compression (8.1: vs. 7.6:1). This gave owners around 20+ additional horsepower, and peak torque occurred 800 RPM later in the rev range
In summary, the W72 400 was intended to take the place of the now defunct 455ci as the most potent engine offering on the Firebird. The price for this extra performance was only $50 over the base 400ci (L78)
While any Trans Am could be ordered with the flaming bird hood decal (shown here), buyers had to choose option code Y82 (or Y81 w/out T-Tops) if they wanted the same iconic paint scheme used on “Smokey and the Bandit” cars. These were Special Edition models were patterned after the 1976 Pontiac Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition model and feature gold accents all throughout the car. According to the designer of this paint scheme (John Schinella), the colors were inspired by Lotus Formula 1 race cars wearing the black/gold John Player Special livery
In terms of performance, what set the Trans Am apart the most from the Z28 Camaro was its handling. The Trans Am’s .80g skidpad grip blitzes the Z28’s .74g. It was the same story throughout the entire ’70s – the Trans Am was always the better handling car
The previous year (1976) was the first year of the optional T-top roof, constructed by Hurst and initially referred to as the “Hurst Hatch”. Despite numerous complaints of water leaks, the Hurst Hatch proved to be a popular option – so much so that Pontiac decided to design and engineer their own T-tops through GM’s Fisher body division. These new T-tops, which can be identified by the larger glass panels, became available halfway through the 1978 MY

Key Model Year Changes:

Major facelift with a front end. Too many changes to list! Key changes include:
First year of the square quad headlights
First year of the snowflake wheels
First year of the W72 400ci engine option, designed to replace the 455ci option from the previous year
First year of the Lombardy custom cloth seats (much more “grip” than the previous vinyl seats) as well as new Doeskin vinyl material
Final year of the optional rear seat console
…and more

Specs: