4-SPEED THERAPY! 1978 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 W72 - The Silver Screen Favorite

  Рет қаралды 48,918

Hemmings

Hemmings

Күн бұрын

As one of the most recognizable cars ever created, the 2nd generation Pontiac Trans Am is the stuff of legend. It’s known the world over for its outrageous styling and has been immortalized in countless films and in the media as both a hero and a villain. And while the cars from the latter part of the decade lacked the big horsepower grunt of their earlier counterparts, the latter cars came to bat with both advanced handling and iconic design.
On this episode of TESTED Muscle, brought to you by American Collectors Insurance, host Mike Musto wheels what many consider to be the last true performer in the F-Body lineup in the form of a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that’s factory-equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, along with both the WS6 handling and W72 performance packages.
Hemmings is the ultimate destination for finding your perfect ride. Head to Hemmings.com to register and start your search today or download our Hemmings marketplace app for Apple and Android devices.
Hemmings Auctions - All Pontiac Trans Am
www.hemmings.c...
Buyers Guides and Articles:
Pontiac 'Snowflake' - www.hemmings.c...
www.hemmings.c...
Class of '79 - 1979 Porsche 928 and 1979 Pontiac 10th Anniversary Trans Am - www.hemmings.c...
End of the Line - 1981 Pontiac Firebird - www.hemmings.c...
Buyer’s Guides: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am - www.hemmings.c...
‪@AmericanCollectorsInsurance‬   #musclecar #transam #americancollectors #pontiac #Hemmings #MuscleCars

Пікірлер: 199
@classicreaction5340
@classicreaction5340 Жыл бұрын
Regarding 8:22.....The dash is NOT a sticker. It's actually a large piece of real machine-turned aluminum.
@Bikedueder
@Bikedueder 9 ай бұрын
I knew a guy who worked in the ford Windsor engine plant. For my 1998 F-150 I bought a polished stainless gauge overlay. I sent him the piece, and he did the machine turning and sent it back to me. It looked a lot like this and was definitely one of a kind!
@BILLJR79
@BILLJR79 Жыл бұрын
Those 77-78 Trans Am’s look great no matter what the color is . As a kid I watched Smokey and the Bandit EVERY time it was on .
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
I still do
@richardkaltenbach3961
@richardkaltenbach3961 4 ай бұрын
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT Was Where It Was At! STAR WARS??? What's That??
@MarkRoberts-bj2me
@MarkRoberts-bj2me 7 күн бұрын
Unfortunately, this excellent condition '78 T/A is missing one of the most important options, T-Tops. If in the market, make sure you obtain T-Tops by Fisher, not Hurst. Both brands were used with the Hurst problematic. Nobody gets the full T/A driving experience without the T-Tops removed.
@tg426
@tg426 Жыл бұрын
"Drive it" ...well said I picked up a 9k mile 1994 Mustang GT 4 years ago and as long as the roads are dry, I drive it every chance I get. 5 speed, V8,rear drive convertible...tons of fun.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Yup - fun car!
@ShadowBend
@ShadowBend Жыл бұрын
9k miles?? thats a great find. And one of the last years of the pushrod 5.0. I had a 1995 GTS awhile back, it was a fun car. While not being that "old" it had no ABS or TC.
@khoshino9621
@khoshino9621 Жыл бұрын
As much as the Bandit TA was a part of my youth, I always loved Jim Rockford’s Esprit.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
As you should - it was awesome.
@danbaumann8273
@danbaumann8273 11 ай бұрын
Minimalistic beauty.
@kurtvanluven9351
@kurtvanluven9351 7 ай бұрын
That's why I have one. Drove it to Malibu one summer, to park it at Cove Road.
@richardkaltenbach3961
@richardkaltenbach3961 4 ай бұрын
THIS IS JIM ROCKFORD, AT THE TONE LEAVE YOUR NAME AND MESSAGE, ILL GET BACK TO YOU!! JIMMY, JIMMY YA GOTTA GET OVER HERE AND HELP ME!! THEYRE GONNA KILL ME!! AAAAUGH!!
@Musclman78TA1
@Musclman78TA1 18 күн бұрын
I know Rockford files great Firebird
@AV131082
@AV131082 Жыл бұрын
You’re right Mr. Musto “Drive your dream car, make memories with the car, live the dream” 🤝
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
👊😎
@kareemrichards8635
@kareemrichards8635 Жыл бұрын
"Drive the car." Love it. Thanks for sharing, captain.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely and really appreciate the comment!
@ronniejaye1
@ronniejaye1 Жыл бұрын
I had a 77 formula 400 with the twin scoops . 4spd posi . Firechicken yellow 😮. I went through more tires than Indy in 1 summer lol
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
I love the dual snorkel cars - total lookers!
@WyoCutlass71
@WyoCutlass71 Жыл бұрын
Mike Musto is a gift to the car community! He just comes across as a sincere car guy that can/does appreciate all things muscle! Good to see him back in this style of show!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Really appreciate that - thank you! These cars are great. In stock form, sure they're not the fastest anymore, but my God are they great at making you feel and look like a million bucks! I love them!
@larryjex6485
@larryjex6485 Жыл бұрын
The coolest thing about this car is that W72 400. These could absolutely smoke the standard 400, and there's a couple of road tests out there to prove it. These W72's could actually pull a 14 second 1/4 mile, which was unheard of for a domestic in the late '70s.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
I believe it - it was much quicker than we originally thought it would be.
@larryjex6485
@larryjex6485 Жыл бұрын
@drivebigmuscle8080 Jay Leno featured a W-72 T/A in a recent video where he said: "If you told me this has 300 horsepower, I'd believe you!". James Garner, who did most of his own driving in 'The Rockford Files' TV series, insisted on Firebird Formulas with both the W72 and WS6 options. They actually had to modify these Formulas to look like the more restrained Firebird Esprits.
@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman
@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman 10 ай бұрын
@@larryjex6485 yea they were every bit of at least 275-300hp, had one 40 years ago & it would haul ass
@Tiffany.1970
@Tiffany.1970 9 ай бұрын
I've seen a few videos on the Pontiac firebird trans am but this trans am is beautiful indeed ... With a 4 speed hogleg shifter
@AFuller2020
@AFuller2020 8 ай бұрын
Worst piece of crap ever, failed front transmission seals, brake master cylinder, even the shifters would snap off. A real Yugo.
@Squirrelitis
@Squirrelitis 11 ай бұрын
Big props to the film & editing crew for getting some long shots reminiscent of the "Smokey And The Bandit" scenes!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
How could we not?
@shiftrider21
@shiftrider21 11 ай бұрын
Had a 78 T/A, white with red interior, when I was 18. Looking back was a crazy car to have at that age hahaha. I miss it dearly and are on the hunt for another
@oakleaves8370
@oakleaves8370 11 ай бұрын
Great review Mike! The passion is obvious. These f bodies generation have so much to offer.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
The absolutely do!
@scarbourgeoisie
@scarbourgeoisie 11 ай бұрын
The car that the Bandit put on the map. We all wanted one in the late 70's. What an icon of that period.
@charlesdalton985
@charlesdalton985 Жыл бұрын
You are so right, whomever spec’d this car knew what they were doing. Back then, we used to call cars optioned like this “an engine and a place to hang on”. No creature comforts to slow it down, and all the performance options available. Your enthusiasm is contagious and well deserved. As an aside - if anyone out there has never been to the Gilmore Car Museum - make the trip. Thanks for taking us along ~ Chuck
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Chuck, and "An engine and a place to hang on..." - first time I've ever heard that!!
@fultonguyy
@fultonguyy Жыл бұрын
I own 76 trans Am purchased brand new at 22yrs old, after Smokey &Bandit, i fell in love with the cat look front end in which i change mine, also now with Blueprint 509 stroker tremec 5 speed originally came with 455 4sp super t-10 transmission.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Well done on keeping it for all these years!
@6252e
@6252e Жыл бұрын
Your absolutely right Drive them! I love my 78 WS6 Marty Blue TTop Deluxe interior with a fresh Butler performance 461. Drive it? HELL YEAH
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Well hell, that thing has to scoot along just fine!
@daveallen8824
@daveallen8824 Ай бұрын
I have a 75 Esprit - but it's really a Trans-Am undercover. My wife brought this car with her when we were married in 1975. When I went to restore it, I just couldn't see rebuilding the old 350, so I found a 455 in a junkyard and had it built with a little cam and 6x heads, an Edelbrock intake, and of course stripped off all the smog junk and made it a true dual exhaust car. Then a buddy gave the sway bars off a rusty TransAm, and when I rebuilt the front end, I added springs with the TransAm spring rate. This car is just fun, and a great sleeper. I'm 75 and still like to make some tire smoke from time to time...
@essboo
@essboo Жыл бұрын
One of my all time favorites!
@tankthebear
@tankthebear 11 ай бұрын
We ordered a 78 spec'd out exactly the same when I got out of the Navy. GREAT car had it 10 years super reliable.
@gfgranja
@gfgranja 11 ай бұрын
My dream car, 77-78's are perfect
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 11 ай бұрын
Anything you would do differently?
@gfgranja
@gfgranja 11 ай бұрын
@@hemmingsmotornews T-Tops
@ElGuaposTruckFarm
@ElGuaposTruckFarm 11 ай бұрын
It may not be the BEST car every built, but damn if it isn't one of the coolest!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Absolutely correct!
@kevinhabener1279
@kevinhabener1279 9 ай бұрын
Thumbs up for this vid here. anytime I get one of my dream cars, I drive it, even on a few road trips out of state. My latest one to acquire is a red '64 Impala SS, 327/300+ horsepower and a Powerglide automatic. And I got more driving planned for it. I could just see myself in the driver's seat for almost 6 hours strait because it would be so fun, getting on it, unleashing its power, until my body tells me it's time to get out and stretch.
@rockymeyers4030
@rockymeyers4030 Жыл бұрын
Two words: Hooper
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Right! Just missing the rocket booster!
@johnnyringo9759
@johnnyringo9759 Жыл бұрын
Hooper was a great movie, but it's just one word!!!
@rockymeyers4030
@rockymeyers4030 Жыл бұрын
@@johnnyringo9759 how about "who per"
@howardfletcher7206
@howardfletcher7206 Жыл бұрын
Yes with Jan Michael Vincent may he and Hooper RIP
@dmbolender
@dmbolender 9 ай бұрын
+1 on the underrated HP and torque specs. One of these little jewels with a "test pipe" exhaust, advanced timing by 6 degrees, and a 180 degree thermostat makes this one heck of a dangerous car. With two cases of Budweiser in the trunk and 190lbs worth of friend in the passenger seat, I could, and did, humiliate 5.0 Mustangs and GNs.
@joemcmahon8103
@joemcmahon8103 3 ай бұрын
Maybe an '82 GN, but you weren't doing anything with this car against an intercooled GN. I own both. Not even in the same league.
@pg1171
@pg1171 2 ай бұрын
Thank you SO much for not only showing the car, but DRIVING IT! That is what they are made for. Yes, they are works of art, BUT, they are meant to be driven! I wish I had your job! I have ridden in a '78 Camaro Z28, but I love the T/A! Thank you for posting this fantastic video! If you need drivers and presenters, I am available!
@patientmental875
@patientmental875 Жыл бұрын
The red is so nice
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
🤘😎
@captainrawn
@captainrawn 11 ай бұрын
Mike it's great to see you back doing what you do best! I have been hoping you would show up again in a similar format to your original KZbin channel. Keep em coming Buddy! I have a Martinique blue 78 W72 4 speed TA in my collection and love it! Cheers from Western Canada! Oh and I love your get out and drive them stance. I drive mine all the time.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Thank you! And it's great to be back!
@johnwebb167
@johnwebb167 11 ай бұрын
I just picked up a 77 TA that has exactly the same exterior color. Mine is an auto and has 18k miles and white interior. Very good condition and it screams for a true survivor
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
They're getting harder and harder to find in that shape
@unavailable8681
@unavailable8681 Жыл бұрын
It's so good to have you back doing what you should be doing! It'd be really nice to see your take on an early manual foxbody too! Either a gt/cobra/pace car, or an svo! They're not powerful, but they are light.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews Жыл бұрын
🤘🤘🤘
@bandagefreak
@bandagefreak 10 ай бұрын
I'll never forget Mike saying in an old Big Muscle video, that if you're lucky enough to own something like this, then SHARE it! I finally got my '67 Mustang Fastback and nothing gives me more pleasure than taking like-minded folks out for a blast and seeing their grins stretch from ear to ear! They don't make them like that any more!!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 10 ай бұрын
That's awesome! And yup, share all of them!!
@Marshal-ek8xp
@Marshal-ek8xp 10 ай бұрын
These cars were underrated from the factory, NHRA dynoed a 1978 Trans Am for it's factory stock class and rated it at 260 hp. I bought one brand new in 1978. it was a WS6/W72 car I ordered from my local Pontiac dealer. My car was an automatic, but still faster than the Z28's and Corvettes of the day. At 66 years of age it is one of the fondest memories of my past. Thanks for the video.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 10 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing that tidbit of information!
@dragthis2006
@dragthis2006 Ай бұрын
How can I find the link for this information from the nhra and what about tq for the w72 is the HP for the w72 as well
@CoastalAutoReactionCAR
@CoastalAutoReactionCAR 6 ай бұрын
Good to see Mike Musto again doing his thing
@Aaron-ju4qi
@Aaron-ju4qi Жыл бұрын
I agree..... drive the damn thing.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely!
@JohnnyAFG81
@JohnnyAFG81 Жыл бұрын
Well said Mike,
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
🙏
@chriscarbaugh3936
@chriscarbaugh3936 11 ай бұрын
The owner is one 😎 dude 👍. I had one from ‘87 - 93 as a young guy in the US Navy. I loved that car. It was a Lucerne Blue ‘78, W-72, WS6, 4 speed w T-Tops! I drove the hell out it, blew the engine and then added the best parts from Nunzi! Damn thing was fast as hell for the day. In the words of Sammy Hager; IEATZ28 🤣.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 10 ай бұрын
Gary, the owner, is a rockstar!
@Ontariosound
@Ontariosound 11 ай бұрын
It is sad that so few of these from this era were 4 Speed cars.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Agree - but the same reason manuals are disappearing today...
@tonidmc
@tonidmc 6 ай бұрын
Beautiful 78 and love that 79 Nocturne blue hard top
@davebarron5939
@davebarron5939 Жыл бұрын
My wife's 77 is gorgeous, all original except has a "healthier" cam and runs great, AC will freeze you out. Bought it in AZ back in 1983. Your car surprises me, because it is specked strange, WS6 and W72, but NO T tops? no electric windows or rear defrost? Did it have cruise? Just seems strange to me, like it was an accident with the performance packages. Beautiful car though great stuff. Thanks.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing!
@jameshall4385
@jameshall4385 11 ай бұрын
I raised a family in an 87 firebird formula. There is plenty of room. Ill never drive a mini van
@bigmountain7561
@bigmountain7561 11 ай бұрын
Hi Mike, had one repainted it Mother of Pearl White and it had the Baby Blue Crushed Velour interior. 400 Pontiac 4spd WS6 and I added a 150 shot. Kept everything stock accept some rejetting of the carb. Had a probe shoved up its hole to make sure of the hydrocarbons and Co were good. And then let it loose. That was 1985 and she ran like a 5K a night Lady of the Evening!! Lol!! Great Videos Thank You 🙏
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Well done Sir LOL!
@Alan-n2f
@Alan-n2f 6 ай бұрын
@ 11.59 I totally agree, drive the wheels off, Dont leave it low miles for a stranger. I had 2 78 TA's----- Drive em!
@njphilwt
@njphilwt Ай бұрын
I had a ‘77 W72 with WS6. Loved it. I opened the shaker intake port, and it became a different car. Very fast overall, but not a drag racer because of the gears.
@996Revival
@996Revival 11 ай бұрын
Sweet video! My cousin had one of these in blue with the t top and he painted the screamin chicken on the hood himself. Funny part is his passenger seat was unbolted on the left and he would sometimes take a hard left on purpose to surprise the passenger when the car goes left and seat starts leaning right lol People would freak out, thinking there were going to fall out 😂😂
@firebird5288
@firebird5288 11 ай бұрын
The Firebird/TA is my favorite car. In my opinion and in no particular order, I'd have to say 67-68, 70-73, 77-78 and 98-02 are the best looking.
@JEEPDadXJ
@JEEPDadXJ Жыл бұрын
I've got a 1977 Formula as a project. Just a slightly built 350 until I can stuff a big block in it. Great video and 78!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@GrandPitoVic
@GrandPitoVic Жыл бұрын
I had a 79' white with blue interior and blue chicken. It was supposedly wasnsupposed ro be for Sally Fields in part 2. But they rewrote the script. My brother bought it from the family that bought it from the studios. Had the Olds 403. I loved it. I run the crap out of it. I wish I could afford another. This was back in 91'. I got it from my brother when I turned 18 in 94'. I've also had a black on black 81' Formula with the 4.9 turbo. It did ok one the turbo spooled up but was not fast. Was great to drive tho.
@danbaumann8273
@danbaumann8273 11 ай бұрын
"Screaming chicken", people get upset but always said with affection. I think they're badass and ultra cool. 😎 Trans Am, top five muscle/pony car for me. These are so well presented. 👍👌
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
They are true icons - I love these cars
@aleoimpala
@aleoimpala Жыл бұрын
I had a black '80 T/A. Underpowered, for sure but what a beautiful car it was.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
The 79-81 cars were generally slow, however the turbo cars weren't too bad if well tuned.
@mattie3595
@mattie3595 8 ай бұрын
55yrs now. In past I owned: 74 Camaro LT auto 1979 Z28 4sp 71 455HO T/A, auto. Loved the F-Bodies. Wish I kept any one of them. Especially one of them..wink, wink.
@9LiterViper
@9LiterViper 10 ай бұрын
Gorgeous TA!
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@ryanwalker1376
@ryanwalker1376 10 ай бұрын
I need to rewatch Hooper now😂
@larrylarry739
@larrylarry739 10 ай бұрын
Great review of a great car!
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 10 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@kiko1605
@kiko1605 Жыл бұрын
We need more vids like these brotha!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Oh... they're coming, trust me!!
@jonathandickson4405
@jonathandickson4405 11 ай бұрын
It's not a chicken it's a Phoenix on the hood
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
I'll call it a chicken until the day I die...
@74SD455TA
@74SD455TA 7 ай бұрын
Nice T/A
@bkehlin
@bkehlin 11 ай бұрын
My dad had a 79 formula and me and my two brothers sat in the backbon family trips; one in each seat and one unlucky sap on the hump. We did this in his 86 Camaro as well for a few years. Good times. Now I own a 77 TA.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing! What do you have all done to it?!
@ws678ta
@ws678ta 9 ай бұрын
I had one in late 70's and another in early 2000's. Both were Black Special Editions, fully loaded with every available option. Unbelievable burnouts, incredible good times ! My first one rolled the speedometer all the way back around to 15 mph, which would be 155 mph if accurate. Only headers and mild cam were upgraded. 2nd biggest mistake of my life was selling these 2 T/A's.
@barryrussell4106
@barryrussell4106 11 ай бұрын
Cool
@montestu5502
@montestu5502 10 ай бұрын
I would do a little Wesley’s Bleach White on the white lettering on the tires.
@louknapp4257
@louknapp4257 10 ай бұрын
Non-power windows and No AC! The spec on this car is really nice. Only disagreement - is that the mid-70's TA's did have that final option of a 455. I think those are ultra desirable too.
@rooster68able
@rooster68able 4 ай бұрын
I just got lucky and got one that was sitting for 27 years and get this 1977 w72 400 ci super t10 4spd , 342 posi , bigger sway bars, had the engine purring 2 days later , brakes 4 days later driving in a week for under 6k it looks like guy parked it because the neutrual saftey switch !! Had just bought brand new tires to and drum roll 51 k miles
@markkimball1569
@markkimball1569 5 ай бұрын
I had one in 94 and I should’ve made the dealer replace the motor and kept it for my later years.
@scottmoto
@scottmoto Жыл бұрын
Cool cars. Someone needs to clean/scrub the raised lettering on the tires though. lol.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Actually, this was a design flaw in a certain batch of BFG Radials - the same thing happened to the ones on my old T/A - it drove me nuts when they discolored like that.
@pinchus34
@pinchus34 Жыл бұрын
Love the NYC sass...yeah it's a screaming chicken. From one Queens boy to another.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
👊😎
@grand73am
@grand73am 8 ай бұрын
9:09 When driving my 79 TA, I'm glad to have power windows, because many times at a stop light, the driver of the car to the right of me will yell, "what year is that?". Much easier to power the passenger window down to be able to tell them 🙂. Also, living in the Atlanta area, a/c makes it much more comfortable.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 8 ай бұрын
Where do you usually take it for a cruise?!
@pete1909
@pete1909 Ай бұрын
I think General Motors used those same window cranks in every car they produced from 70 to 79.
@fpswills3597
@fpswills3597 10 ай бұрын
i got a 79 Trans am 10th anniversary, the WS6 package came with brake disks all around
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 10 ай бұрын
How long did you have it?! Or is it still around?
@grand73am
@grand73am 8 ай бұрын
79 was the first year for the rear discs with WS6. 78 WS6 did not have rear discs.
@fredricclack7137
@fredricclack7137 11 ай бұрын
70 Mid 🌃💙 Tempest!
@davidmackenzie5403
@davidmackenzie5403 11 ай бұрын
Had the gold package with T roof
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Same - Y84 '81 Turbo car
@MrWill73
@MrWill73 11 ай бұрын
I had the identically optioned Trans Am except mine was a Bronze color. Great handling and performing car with the 4-speed. I believe the hp rating was underrated. It felt like it had much more torque and at least 30hp more than advertised.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing!
@larreamma1519
@larreamma1519 Жыл бұрын
That’s more like it ❤❤
@grand73am
@grand73am 8 ай бұрын
5:47 Actually WS6 did not have a bigger front sway bar. It is 1.25", which is the standard size as any other TA of the time. However, WS6 did get you a larger rear bar of 3/4" diameter, compared to the standard 5/8". The WS6 also included a quicker 14:1 constant ratio steering box instead of the standard variable ratio steering box. Also, the 4 speed was not part of the WS6 option. You could have an automatic with the W72 engine and WS6 handling package in 78. Enjoyed the video and the beautiful car.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 8 ай бұрын
🙌🙌🙌
@tonysteppan8495
@tonysteppan8495 Жыл бұрын
Funny how when we were younger it was all about hauling ass and side pipes, Cragar's with Mickey Tompsons. How many really cool wheels were ditched all for the sake of being cool? But the T/As with snowflake wheels usually stay on the car. Being older now brings back those memories, and a BIG THANKS Mike for sharing todays Truely great cars that were a blast then and now. Aw the lack of digital nannies.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews Жыл бұрын
Appreciate the kind comments, and we agree on the lack of digital nannies sentiment...
@kimberlyanne434
@kimberlyanne434 2 ай бұрын
This car came out my sophomore year, my boyfriend had this car, and it sure made him sexy.
@jamesonpace726
@jamesonpace726 Жыл бұрын
Awesome, screaming chicken and all....
@TAMan78
@TAMan78 Жыл бұрын
It is an amazing color, because it actually really looks more orange than red in the daylight and other lighting. Looks red, but not a dark red, out of direct light.
@m1a1hm
@m1a1hm Жыл бұрын
I agree 100% if thing work out I'm about to get my dream car a 71 Firebird Formula 400 I just love those 70 to 73 Firebird and Trams Am and trust me it going to be driven.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Get after it!
@ludedude5228
@ludedude5228 11 ай бұрын
I remember about 10 years ago you could pick these up in great condition for under $5000. Now you need to add an extra 0 💰
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
Yep, the prices have skyrocketed
@frankartale1026
@frankartale1026 7 ай бұрын
Car is awesome. The dash is NOT a sticker.
@johnmilner7603
@johnmilner7603 8 ай бұрын
I ordered and bought used Z/28 4 spds in 77, 78 and 80. And owned used ones, a 68, 71 Z28’s. Current one is a 1 owner 1970 non RS I bought in 1981. These 77-81 were dogs. I raced a 78 4-spd TA with my 78 Z28 and blew him away. Ha ha.
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 8 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing! What do you have now?
@willyhwang1059
@willyhwang1059 Жыл бұрын
love all firebirds and trans ams, but the looks of the late 70s/early 80s cars dont do much fo r me.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
I think all of us have a favorite. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the early bullnose cars - to me their designs were perfect.
@512bb
@512bb 11 ай бұрын
It should be 3:23 rear gears from the factory.
@thud9797
@thud9797 4 ай бұрын
3.42 in 1978
@jimday3112
@jimday3112 11 ай бұрын
The only way to get 15x8 snowflakes was to get the WS6 option package which also included 4 wheel disc brakes.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
4-wheel disc only became standard on the ws6 cars in '79
@bige2012
@bige2012 10 ай бұрын
Damn if only it had t-tops! The worst part of interior where the door handles. Absolutely under designed for that long & heavy of a door & always broke
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 10 ай бұрын
Did you ever end up breaking some handles in yours?
@brianjoy3407
@brianjoy3407 8 ай бұрын
So I have a 77 M21 W72 WS4 car. Can anyone confirm that the WS4 was the performance package before the WS6 code came out in 78? I hear it told both ways.
@googleusergp
@googleusergp 7 ай бұрын
No. WS4 was the RPO code for Trans Am.
@johnjoole2258
@johnjoole2258 8 ай бұрын
Like the trans AM I suggest you drive a 69/70 400 grand Prix
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 8 ай бұрын
👏👏👏
@car_ventures
@car_ventures 11 ай бұрын
Phoenix on the hood, not 🐔
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
It'll always be a Chicken to me.
@AV131082
@AV131082 Жыл бұрын
An exciting new video thanks to Mr. Musto, lets give it a look!!!
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Well thank you!!
@zvonimirskvorc3006
@zvonimirskvorc3006 6 ай бұрын
What is this ws6 handling package about?
@transammusclemachine9386
@transammusclemachine9386 9 ай бұрын
Bad Ass!!
@hemmingsmotornews
@hemmingsmotornews 9 ай бұрын
🤘🤘🤘
@notyourfallguydaddyorson6835
@notyourfallguydaddyorson6835 7 ай бұрын
Looks like he took the restrictor plate off the red dragon to give it a bit more juice. But lets keep that on the down low its not exactly street legal!
@rrvaughn7
@rrvaughn7 8 ай бұрын
Came from the factory with 3.23 gears. I saw headers so that car isn't stock.
@thud9797
@thud9797 4 ай бұрын
3.42 in 1978
@rrvaughn7
@rrvaughn7 4 ай бұрын
@thud9797 3.42 came in the camaro Z28 auto. 3.73 in the 4spd. Trans Am were 2.73 with the auto, 3.08 in California cars, 3.23 with the 4spd T/A 6.6 which was a 400 with 220hp. 6.6 litre was a 180hp 400. 79' was a 403 oldsmobile engine 185hp, unless it was a T/A 6.6 4 spd which was a 400 still 220hp. I owned and worked on a lot of them. I might still have the build sheets.
@thud9797
@thud9797 4 ай бұрын
@@rrvaughn7 I know the 77 and 79 400 4-speeds had the 3.23 but could have sworn the 78s got the 3.42.
@jimmayuer3441
@jimmayuer3441 5 ай бұрын
I thought the ws6 had 4 wheel disc brakes
@thud9797
@thud9797 4 ай бұрын
Not until 1979
@kurtvanluven9351
@kurtvanluven9351 7 ай бұрын
A driver? Not much. My 1978 has ~140,000 and I do not drive it often. Got it for $3,200 in 2000.
@kcbroncohater
@kcbroncohater 7 ай бұрын
My C5 would blow the doors off that T/A. So you should trade me .... even swap. Then you can have a faster car and I can have fun again in a T/A. Haha.
@TheTPAL
@TheTPAL 10 ай бұрын
Ws6 4 wheel disc brakes
@grand73am
@grand73am 8 ай бұрын
Not in 78. Rear discs didn't become part of WS6 until 1979.
@JIMFED63
@JIMFED63 Жыл бұрын
Very low optioned Trans Am 😂
@blackericdenice
@blackericdenice 11 ай бұрын
No American engine made anywhere near 300 hp in 1978.
@Dalec17
@Dalec17 Жыл бұрын
4:25 how old is this video? Gas is only 3.49 a gallon. Sheesh.
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 Жыл бұрын
Brand new - gas is A LOT cheaper in Michigan
@jerrykinen
@jerrykinen 7 ай бұрын
No winners bioch
@ludedude5228
@ludedude5228 11 ай бұрын
Paying 50k for these overpriced firebirds has reached its limits for a car that runs mid 15's at best , A 2021 Toyota Corolla is faster . For the same price, find a fairly good condition firebird with a bad engine , transmission whatever plain ole Jane Firebird no Trans am or Formula needed Put 10k in the body, paint, interior , 10k in the Suspension , Exhaust, using modern subframe components and Brakes . Rebuild yourself an LS3 with a 6 speed install it using Chevys plug and play factory harness and you'll have a car that's 10 times faster 10 times better braking , And 10 times more fun to drive for the same price 😎 without worrying about how many miles you put on it . Which means you'll actually drive and enjoy it "
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
You can drive and enjoy them completely stock - nothing wrong with that.
@ludedude5228
@ludedude5228 11 ай бұрын
@@drivebigmuscle8080 True but the more you drive them the less their worth "
@drivebigmuscle8080
@drivebigmuscle8080 11 ай бұрын
@@ludedude5228 We only go around one time - just drive and enjoy them.
Subtle Differences Only True TRANS AM Fans KNOW! 1977 Pontiac TRANS AM
9:42
Backyard Barn Finds
Рет қаралды 17 М.
1971 Plymouth GTX: 440 Powered Mopar Masterpiece
13:16
Hemmings
Рет қаралды 67 М.
iPhone or Chocolate??
00:16
Hungry FAM
Рет қаралды 36 МЛН
АЗАРТНИК 4 |СЕЗОН 3 Серия
30:50
Inter Production
Рет қаралды 1 МЛН
WORLD BEST MAGIC SECRETS
00:50
MasomkaMagic
Рет қаралды 52 МЛН
1979 Pontiac Trans Am - Jay Leno's Garage
20:08
Jay Leno's Garage
Рет қаралды 1 МЛН
The REAL Story of the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird!
12:30
Original MotorCar
Рет қаралды 157 М.
1962 Pontiac Catalina 421 SD:  4-speed, Super Duty Sleeper
13:56
Best of the Bandit Trans Am - Smokey and the Bandit
7:43
AutoMojo
Рет қаралды 698 М.
The Trans Am Story
22:05
TransAmPrototype
Рет қаралды 190 М.
Did I Get RIPPED OFF? - 1978 Firebird Trans Am
10:14
Worthless Whips
Рет қаралды 223 М.
iPhone or Chocolate??
00:16
Hungry FAM
Рет қаралды 36 МЛН