Pontiac Trans-AM
Published: 7th Jun 2011 - 0 Comments - Be the first, contribute now!
This Trans-Am is a 1979 10th Anniversary model, fitted with the sexier Turbo alloy wheels. They look good but these cars can rust with the best of them
6.6-litre 403ci Oldsmobile V8 engine was standard equipment for late 1970’s Trans-Ams with automatic. Understandably straight six versions are not popular 
The 10th Anniversary model was expensively trimmed in silver leather. Note the neat ‘engine turned’ metal dashboard. Trim parts are still fairly obtainable 
The huge phoenix bonnet decal was introduced in 1973, (replacements are still available at £265 as a decal kit which excludes the pin stripes) note the removable mirror T-Roofs, a most desirable feature especially for the summer months Magazine Subscription
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What is a Pontiac Trans-Am?
A 6.6-litre V8-powered sporting coupe that was the top of the range model of the Firebird series which included the Esprit and Formula 400 and Pontiac’s answer to Ford’s highly successful Mustang. A close cousin of the Chevrolet Camaro with excellent handling qualities, Trans-Am was aimed squarely at the American youth market. It arrived in 1969 and the 455ci HO and 455 SD Trans-Ams acquitted themselves very well in the battle for supremacy during the heady muscle car era. It’s these cars, also colloquially referred to as the Bull Nose models that nowadays are the most revered and collectible, along with the black Smokey and The Bandit edition made famous by that feature film starring Burt Reynolds.
History
Introduced in early 1967, the first generation Firebird range featured the same body, chassis and suspension as the Chevrolet Camaro and was available as a coupe or convertible up until 1970 when the convertible was discontinued with the arrival of the new model. This featured semi fastback styling, and with the exception of several facelifts over the years, remained in production right the way through 1976. During the late 1970’s the Oldsmobile 6.6-litre 403ci V8 engine was standard equipment for Trans- Ams with automatic transmission, while manual cars had the 301ci or 400ci V8 engines. In 1976 Car Magazine named the Trans-Am as its Top Performance Car of The Year. A Special Gold Edition was available in 1978 finished in gold paint, gold cast aluminium honeycomb wheels, a Formula steering wheel etc. Other limited edition models also included a black Special Edition, a 10th Anniversary Edition in silver, an Indy 500 model with a 4.9-litre V8 turbo, and a NASCAR Turbo Pace Car.
Driving
Getting behind the wheel of a Trans- Am is always an enjoyable experience with an excellent seating position for the driver, which is a tad semi-suppine, and a place where you will feel immediately at home. A well maintained car will deliver a spirited performance from its potent V8 engine with smooth gear changes from the automatic. The power steering is light and fairly precise, and while understeer is inherently built in, further tuning of the front suspension which is quite a popular upgrade lifts handling and driving pleasure even further. Ride quality verges on the firm side, but it’s not exactly harsh and later models were equipped with confidence inspiring disc brakes all around.
Prices
It’s possible to purchase a Trans-Am for as little as £3000-£4000, but it will probably need lots of work to make perfect. You will need to spend £6000-£7000 for a good car albeit that still may require work. Top quality cars will be nearer to £10,000-£12,000 and if you are talking early Bull Nose these prices could be doubled. Other sought after cars are the black Smokey and The Bandit model of 1977-1978, and the 10th Anniversary model of 1979.
What To Look For
- One of the main things to worry about with second generation Trans- Ams is body rot. The key areas to inspect include the main body floorpans, boot floor and all suspension pick-up points. Check also around the front of the rear spring hangers, the rear chassis legs and the double skinning of the lower rear valance panel behind the bumper.
- The corners of the front footwells and around the front and rear screens are also prone to rot, as are the bottoms of the front wings behind the front wheel, and door shut area. Don’t forget to look at the condition of the door frames themselves, especially at the bottom, and the inner and outer front wings where they bolt together under the lip of the wing. One other place to check for the tin worm with the bonnet open, is the front leading edge, which can become crusty all too readily.
- Complete doors, front wings and rear quarter panels are no longer available, but you can purchase front wing repair sections, door skins and rear quarter panel repair sections.
- With the large heavy doors hinge wear is quite common, so lift them up at the bottom and check for movement. Replacement pin and bushing kits are cheap enough at £4.26 for each hinge though.
- The perfect stance of a Trans-Am will be to have that down hill racer look and slightly raised to the rear. If the rear end is low and sagging, then the chances are that the leaf springs may need replacing. Some owners fit air shocks to compensate for tired springs.
- The car won’t sit quite right if the six body to chassis mounting rubbers are split or perished. If you can’t get your little finger between the underneath of the chassis and body, then the rubbers will need replacing. This shouldn’t be too difficult, but if the captive nuts are broken, then it’s going to be a time consuming job removing them.
- Engines should run sweetly with no rattles or smoking. During a test drive ensure that the oil pressure is 40 60psi when hot, and hot idle in gear it should be no less that 20psi. The cost of a full engine rebuild will work out approximately £3500 plus VAT.
- Early cars were fitted with the TH400 automatic transmission and later cars had the TH350. Check that gear changes are smooth and there’s no slipping at speed; transmission fluid should be pink and clean and not brown and burnt. Rebuild cost are in region of £600-£800 plus VAT.
- Listen for axle noise, whining or clonking on hard cornering which could indicate a badly worn LSD. Paradoxically an LSD topped up with the incorrect grade of oil can also make it noisy which is easily remedied by replenishing the correct oil - but damage may have been done.
- A car that doesn’t steer properly on a test drive, and pulls to the left or right could indicate that there are problems with the steering geometry and suspension bushings. Alternatively it could also be due to worn ball joints and there are no less than 11 of them on the Trans-Am!
- Its bad news for the braking system for cars that have stood for long periods of time and have seen irregular use. This can lead to seized calipers and imploded flexi hoses which is quite common, and not easily spotted. Even in good nick, the standard anchors can be marginal.
- The good news is that virtually all running gear replacement parts arereadily available, as are items like door seal weather strips, boot seals and other rubbers. However, replacement T-Roof rubbers can be costly between £400-£500 depending on whether they are factory or a Hurst aftermarket fitment.
- Interior trim can be equally costly to replace. Vinyl front seat covers can be purchased for £315 a pair or £395 for a full set, though stock cloth covers are no longer available so you may have to use a re-trimmer if you want to keep the car stock.
- A pair of replacement front door cards cost £295, door pull arm rests are around £86 depending on colour, a centre console lid is £65, a rear parcel shelf £39.95, replacement headlining material £76, and a full carpet set is £155, all prices are plus VAT. Some interior parts are no longer available and the list includes speedometers and rev counters.
Verdict
Second generation Trans-Ams boast a huge following and would make an ideal first American car, with several owners clubs catering for them. These fast and stylish cars may not be the most fuel efficient with their meaty 6.6-litre V8s, but driven carefully then 18-19mpg is just about attainable. Cars that are original in specification and unmolested will always be preferable to customised cars so ensure that the interior trim is in good order and any engine and running gear modifications, check that they have been completed to a good standard. Better than a Mustang? Try one and find out for yourself!
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