Trans Ams and Firebirds have a variety of sheet-metal, plastic, and fiberglass body parts that often need to be restored. This chapter covers the technical aspects of restoring them. Some of these components are unique to the Trans Am and the steps to properly fit them are detailed. This Tech Tip is From the […]
Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: Suspension Guide (70-81)
The chassis and suspension of the Firebird is GM’s second-generation F-Body so it shares its architecture with the 1970–1981 Camaro. The Chevy and Pontiac teams in Trans-Am racing (as well as GM itself) developed the geometry of this suspension and it was a big step forward from the previous suspension in 1969. Similar to other […]
Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: Brake Guide (70-81)
The stock front disc and rear drum brakes used on the second-generation Firebird were extremely robust and efficient. Depending on which road test you read, the disc/drum setup on the Firebird took about 160 feet to stop from 60 mph. The rear disc brake option was offered as part of the WS6 Special Performance Package […]
Drivetrain Guide for Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am Restorations (70-81)
The Camaro and Firebird share many of the same drivetrain components, particularly the rear axle assembly. As previously noted, transmission choices were minimal. The Firebirds were either equipped with an automatic or 4-speed manual transmission. The rear axle ratios varied depending on engine, transmission, and even sometimes because of options. The drivetrains were durable for […]
Engine Rebuilding Guide for Pontiac Trans Am and Firebird Restorations (70-81)
Pontiac installed a variety of engines in Firebird and Trans Am models over their 11-year production run: everything from the anemic Chevrolet inline 6-cylinder all the way up to the powerhouse 400 Ram Air III and IV as well as 455 Super Duty engines. The 403-ci Oldsmobile engines were slotted inside these cars also. Firebirds […]
Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird: Transmission Rebuilding Guide (70-81)
With the right equipment, you can certainly rebuild your Firebird’s transmission in your garage. But a professional-caliber rebuild requires specialized tools. You need an arbor press, and you must follow a detailed and comprehensive process. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, TRANS AM & FIREBIRD RESTORATION: 1970-1/2 – 1981. For a comprehensive […]
Electrical System Guide for Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird Restorations (70-81)
The electrical system in your Firebird is the key to making the mechanical components operate at their best. Like the rest of your Firebird, the electrical system has aged over the course of three or more decades. Electrical wiring, terminals, gauges, interior lights, relays, and any number of the electrical components have been subjected to […]
Pontiac V-8 Engine Performance Combinations
When building a max-performance Pontiac V-8, each engine is almost always unique unto itself. Depending upon the racing class restrictions, chassis hurdles, intended performance level and usage, and budgetary concerns, very few maxperformance efforts are exactly identical. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO BUILD MAX-PERFORMANCE PONTIAC V-8S. For a comprehensive […]
How to Improve Pontiac V-8 Performance: Tuning Guide
Any engine must be tuned optimally for it to produce as much horsepower and torque as it possibly can. That includes adjusting its carburetor and distributor until the fuel and spark curves are perfect at every possible speed. Achieving that can be an arduous and time-consuming process with much trial and error, but the efforts […]
Pontiac V-8: Oiling System Guide
The oil within any engine is its lifeblood. Internal components rely on a thin film of oil to prevent metal-to-metal contact that can otherwise result in significant damage. The oil pump must be able to deliver to those components an adequate volume of oil and with sufficient pressure. The oil must be filtered, of the […]