What was the 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo?
The ultimate Trans Am Turbo was the 1980 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica. There were originally supposed to be 6,300 of these (eventually cut to 5,700). The Pace Car replicas were essentially Trans Ams with the turbo engine and every available Firebird option, including a T-top roof, air conditioning,…
What was the name of the first Pontiac Turbo?
It was Pontiac’s first turbocharged production car, but it also brought down the curtain on a storied era of unique Pontiac engines. This is the story of the little-loved, often-forgotten Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo. Even before the advent of emissions standards, the cost of designing a completely new engine was daunting.
When did the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Come Out?
Well, for 1981, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am entered it’s thirtheenth year of production, the past twelve in the F-body that made its appearance as a ’70 1/2 model. There were few changes made to the Trans Am for it’s final year, most of which were of the continuing quality improvements and upgrading of standard equipment levels.
How much is a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am worth?
A run of the mill 1977 or 1978 Trans Am is worth an average of about $20,000. But a Special Edition like Burt’s movie car is valued at two and half times that number. Most Trans Ams built in this era were equipped with an automatic transmission, so cars with a 4-speed manual usually cost a bit more.
Where was the Pontiac Trans Am Turbo built?
Built in the Van Nuys, California, plant (though unable to be sold in the Golden State legally: The Trans Am Turbo was a 49-state car, unable to meet California’s onerous smog regs), all were equipped with mandatory Turbo 350 non-lockup automatic transmissions, 3.08 rears, and air conditioning.
What did the Pontiac Trans Am look like in 1982?
In spirit the 1982 Trans Am was Pontiac’s version of the elegantly styled Ferrari Boxer or 308, it still had a very muscular look Trans Am buyers expected but it was sleek and chic. Gone were the wild spoilers, air dams, full-size hood bird decal, and the beloved shaker hood scoop (which where were all Trans Am cornerstones).
It was Pontiac’s first turbocharged production car, but it also brought down the curtain on a storied era of unique Pontiac engines. This is the story of the little-loved, often-forgotten Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo. Even before the advent of emissions standards, the cost of designing a completely new engine was daunting.
How many Firebird Trans Ams were made in 1973?
Original SD-455 cars are valuable collectibles today. Production: 1973: 43 Formulas, 252 Trans Ams; 1974: 58 Formulas, 943 Trans Ams. In addition there were some SD-455 crate motors sold through dealers as factory ‘Service Replacement’ engines.)
What kind of V8 did Pontiac have in 1980?
For 1980, the only V8s left in Pontiac’s inventory were the 301 and 265 cubic-inch V8s. The 301 was the best choice for Trans Am duty starting in 1980. However even with a semi-performance engine tune, a free-flow dual outlet exhaust system, and a 4-bbl carburetor the most horsepower the 301 V8 could produce for 1980 was 155.
What kind of turbo did the Pontiac LU8 have?
The LU8 had a Garrett TB305 turbo which forced air through a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. Had a electric port type fuel injection been offered instead of the carburetor, the LU8 would have had much better performance numbers.
The ultimate Trans Am Turbo was the 1980 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica. There were originally supposed to be 6,300 of these (eventually cut to 5,700). The Pace Car replicas were essentially Trans Ams with the turbo engine and every available Firebird option, including a T-top roof, air conditioning,…
The LU8 had a Garrett TB305 turbo which forced air through a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. Had a electric port type fuel injection been offered instead of the carburetor, the LU8 would have had much better performance numbers.
For 1980, the only V8s left in Pontiac’s inventory were the 301 and 265 cubic-inch V8s. The 301 was the best choice for Trans Am duty starting in 1980. However even with a semi-performance engine tune, a free-flow dual outlet exhaust system, and a 4-bbl carburetor the most horsepower the 301 V8 could produce for 1980 was 155.
What was the first turbocharged Pontiac car?
It was Pontiac’s first turbocharged production car, but it also brought down the curtain on a storied era of unique Pontiac engines. This is the story of the little-loved, often-forgotten Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo.
How to improve Pontiac V-8 performance, tuning guide?
You can copy and paste this link to share: https://www.pontiacdiy.com/how-to-improve-pontiac-v-8-performance-tuning-guide/ Engine tuning is a time-consuming process that’s required to achieve peak performance. It generally includes swapping carburetor jets and adjusting the distributor to advance or retard spark timing.
What kind of carburetor does a Pontiac use?
It’s an ideal carburetor for street drivers and can make an excellent street/strip carb so long as the vehicle’s fuel system is capable of keeping the centrally located float bowl full of fuel. Pontiac used the Quadrajet on engines ranging from 301 to 455 ci.
Which is the best Pontiac Trans Am to buy?
The 301 was the best choice for Trans Am duty starting in 1980. However even with a semi-performance engine tune, a free-flow dual outlet exhaust system, and a 4-bbl carburetor the most horsepower the 301 V8 could produce for 1980 was 155. The Trans Am was extremely popular, a total of 116,535 total units were produced for 1979.
What kind of car was the 1980 Pontiac Firebird?
Special-edition models, such as the 1980 Indy/Daytona pace cars, usually command a premium. Just 9604 turbo Trans Ams were built for 1980 and 1981. Cooked turbo bearings, cars that have been driven hard and put away wet.
What was the rear axle ratio of a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am?
The 1979 W72 was mandatory with a 4-speed manual transmission with a factory Hurst shifter and 3.23 rear axle ratio. For those Trans Am owners who were used to the more powerful Trans Ams of the 1970s, the Turbo Trans Am was a letdown.
What was the horsepower of a Pontiac Trans Am in 1980?
For those Trans Am owners who were used to the more powerful Trans Ams of the 1970s, the Turbo Trans Am was a letdown. However in comparison to all other American performance offerings of 1980, the Turbo Trans Am was top dog. Most new performance cars in 1980 had well under 200 horsepower.
Is the Pontiac Trans Am Turbo a good car?
The 1980-1981 Trans Am Turbo has been the recipient of unfair bashing by some car collectors and auto journalists – and this even includes those within Pontiac car collector circles since the Trans Ams before it and many after it had better performance numbers.
This 1980 Pontiac Turbo Tans Am was an official pace car for the 22nd annual Daytona 500 race. This Gateway Classic Cars of St. Louis is proud to present this very popular 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
What was the best Trans Am to buy in 1980?
The 301 was the best choice for Trans Am duty starting in 1980. However even with a semi-performance engine tune, a free-flow dual outlet exhaust system, and a 4-bbl carburetor the most horsepower the 301 V8 could produce for 1980 was 155.
This 1980 Pontiac Turbo Tans Am was an official pace car for the 22nd annual Daytona 500 race. This Gateway Classic Cars of St. Louis is proud to present this very popular 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am …
How many horsepower does a Pontiac Firebird have?
1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo 4.9 Liter V8 Horsepower/ Torque Curve. Check: 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo 4.9 Liter V8 car fluids (oil and coolant) capacities. Transmission specifications. Gearbox:
It was Pontiac’s first turbocharged production car, but it also brought down the curtain on a storied era of unique Pontiac engines. This is the story of the little-loved, often-forgotten Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo.
Are Trans Am and a Firebird the same thing?
The Trans Am is the Firebird’s “big brother,” essentially the same car but with better performance options, a more powerful engine, and more high-end interior options. But although there are numerous differences between the two, their convertible tops are interchangeable.
What is the difference of Firebird and Trans Am?
Equipped with the same beefy, high horsepower engines, the Firebird and Trans Am could only be told apart by inspecting some of the features. The Trans Am often features lower body panels and a taller fin, along with body graphics that are not available on the regular Firebird.
What is the MPG of a 1980 Pontiac Firebird?
1980 Pontiac Firebird, 2 Venturis Carburetor, 3.8 Liters, 6 Cylinders, 3 Speeds, Automatic Transmission MPG City MPG: 20 MPG (U.S.) 12 L/100km 9 km/liter 24 MPG (Imperial)
Who makes the pontaic Firebird Trans Am?
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am; Overview; Manufacturer: General Motors: Production: 1969-2002: Body and chassis; Class: Pony car, Muscle car: Body style: 2-door convertible 1969, 1987-1989 Pontiac sanctioned special edition, 1991-1992, 1994-2002 2-door coupe 1969-2002: Layout: FR layout: Platform: F-body