Baby Formula

[@ditherdather]

This guy could talk about a literal heap of scrap metal and I'd be ready to listen. I grew up around these cars and my dad was a mechanic. He's passed now, but watching these videos feels like a small piece of home. Definitely one of my favorite channels.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I remember seeing quite a few F-bodies with that luggage rack back in the day. I also remember watching The Rockford Files (first runs, not reruns) as a kid in the mid-late 70s. Even though it was an older model than this one, I've always thought that at least the 1974 up F-bodies just look weird without the 3 piece spoiler out back.

[@BloodRaven1969]

Same as you I watched them first run.

[@charlesdalton985]

Laughed out loud at “got its doors blown off”. A few years later the 3.8 would come back in the Trans Am - and boy what a difference a few years made! Thank you as always ~ Chuck

[@howardfletcher7206]

Yes a 3800 series V6 turbocharged with inter-cooling one bad machine enough to beat the 5.7 tune ports of the day.

[@jameswebster8105]

@@howardfletcher7206 yes those V6 motors GM made were were very good.

[@hofthomecrap9534]

Yup: I drove my '81 (Buick) V6 w/ a stock turbo 350 tranny to ~146k miles till smoke came up thru the steering column & into the cabin ~mid 1990s: Not a lick of trouble b4 that! Now, since I was waayyy tired of 4 cylinder Corollas, Datsun/Nissan Sentras, etc. passing me up in reverse, I replaced that Flintstone power plant w/ a Chevy HO 350 & a 700R4: the combo spins my open-diff (YES: open-diff/non posi!) 2.56:1 rear end so hard it leaves twin (that's a pair) of skid marks for at least 100 feet!

[@jeffrobodine8579]

It is too bad GM did not allow Pontiac to pursue engineering on the 4.9 turbo V-8 like Buick did on the 3800 SFI Turbo V-6.

[@charlesdalton985]

@@jeffrobodine8579 AMEN! The 4.9 started out strong in design, but was watered down through production as I’ve read.

[@atheistpower5659]

I am in no way a car Guy with little knowledge on the topic at all but this channel is full of interesting stuff and the host is really likeable a real joy to watch !

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Atheist Power, THANKS for the kind words. I'm NO engineer and am lousy at math and that kept me from pursuing a CAReer in Detroit designing The Next Great Thing. But I have been a "student" of the automobile for 50 of my 58 years and I enjoy "giving older cars a voice" by showcasing what makes each one unique - or infamous - as the case may be. Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@hofthomecrap9534]

Steve is a “living, walking encyclopedia” of automotive knowledge!

[@goratgo1970]

Yes, and keep watching so you will gain the knowledge - Steve is our free instructor.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I had a 78 Camaro with the 250 straight 6. The light weight made it handle like crazy

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

By the time I got to Hi Skool in 1981 the cars were so dismal & you could find just about any kind of muscle car or big block land yacht for sale for the low low & the majority of my friends were driving cars that were at least 10 years or older, there were very few new cars in our parking lot except for a few chics that drove the econoboxes & rice burners! By the time I was a senior in '84 I had a Bandit Trans Am & a '78 gold Ttop Z28 that I drove to school! Got the T/A for $2300 & the Z28 for $2000 at different times & were both in really good shape with little to no work & drove them until the late '90s when I finally {regretfully} sold them ✌💖☮

[@nsidor1234]

The 3.8 in my 01 Grand Prix is a far cry from 1980 but it really pulls the big sedan around with power to spare...

[@mikewasfaret9563]

I'm glad I'm old enough to remember the odd fire V-6s. Both jeep and GMC.

[@finscreenname]

I had a 1980 Camaro. Basic car but with a 350 small block. I loved that car.

[@stevenrodriguez7668]

I got an '80 that I acquired from a scrap metal collector guy by doing some work on one of his pickups a few years ago. I was 19 - steve

[@robertbeckmann7768]

Added the headlight mess to a Bronco bought new in Jan.'87. Made it look like a rugged off roader!! Haha Also the bug guard!

[@ericbivins8014]

I had a 79 Formula Silver/Charcoal with a 301 2bbl. A slow cool looking car.

[@BloodRaven1969]

A bit of off-beat Firebird trivia: The producers of The Rockford Files wanted Jim Rockford to drive a Trans-Am, car guy James Garner told them a privet eye like the character would have the more affordable Formula model.

[@peterantonopoulos2572]

Morning Steve..... those were the days of us in our youth,roaming the streets with our 60's muslecars that we got cheap cuz they were just a bunch of used cars by then. Good old days!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Yes

[@mrh6431]

I love the titles you give your videos.

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Mr H, Thanks for noticing the Titles. I'm an "old magazine guy" and we always made sure our story / article kicked off with a catchy title. Its a hard habit to break! My favorite was when I wrote a story about the Mity-Vac brake fluid pump tool during my Hot Rod magazine years and titled it "BLEEDED of the Pack". Thanks again for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@renchjeep]

One might say that the trunks on these F-bodies was "uncommodious". LOL. Thanks, Steve. Take care, and stay safe, brother!

[@NorthernChev]

I had a '71 Jeep with a factory 229 Buick V6. Amazing what they did with those engines.

[@garyspaun5237]

These videos bring back a lot of memories.

[@santaclause2875]

Thanks Steve, another great presentation!! We had a '77 Impala that had the 85 MPH speedo.

[@j.danaclark2166]

Mesh head light covers: those most certainly did serve a purpose in rural places. They prevented rocks from shattering your head light bulbs when meeting traffic on gravle roads. Very useful.

[@dougeaton2446]

Thanks again steve... my morning coffee wouldn't be the same without the junkyard crawl. Way better format than junkyard gold in my opinion. You atleast get to show things that better helps with the explanation

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Doug Eaton, THANKS for watching - and comparing - Junkyard Crawl and my old show, Roadkill's Junkyard Gold. You noticed that I often bring "paper props" and model cars into these videos to support ideas and to add information. I suggested this during the Roadkill's Junkyard Gold years (three seasons, 31 episodes) but was shot down over fears they'd complicate the shooting and perhaps trigger copyright issues. The second concern was perhaps valid since Roadkill's Junkyard Gold was on the Motor Trend Channel (and Motor Trend On Demand before that) where showing ,magazine titles like Road & Track or Car and Driver were a competitive conflict with Motor Trend magazine. I "kinda" get that but am now so pleased that KZbin doesn't care if I use them because they are learning aids. One detail about any comparison between my simple little KZbin show and Roadkill's Junkyard Gold is the production value. Sure, we had as many as FOUR cameras running at Roadkill's Junkyard Gold and a sound man, director, director assistant and show runner. All in, EIGHT PEOPLE were on set when we shot any episode. Now, its just me and Super Shane Richardson the cameraman and we "get it done" without sheen or glossy editing. Sure, these extra bits of production value are nifty, but they are not mandatory by any means. TV people "think big" by their nature (and training). But with KZbin "less can be MORE". Thanks for seeing this vital detail. -Steve Magnante

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

@Steve Magnante Super Shane Richardson does a great job. 📽️Thanks for your Videos I watch them religiously greetings from San Diego.

[@stephendrivick840]

I had an '81 with the V6 engine. It also had the rear spoiler and Formula steering wheel....leftover parts before the '82 model change

[@timstein3302]

Thanks Steve, I have only seen one of those 2nd generation f body convertible conversions on a Camaro , also first time seeing the luggage rack on a 2nd gen. I always learn something from you.

[@Vet-7174]

Good Morning Gents ! 🇺🇸

[@randyauer7303]

You keep amazing me Steve on your knowledge of these vehicles you the man

[@o.c.smithiii2626]

My dad had an H&E completed 1985 Olds Cutlass Cierra with the FI version of the 3800 , transverse mounted. It made that car go pretty quickly. Those old pushrod 3800’s we’re about as bulletproof has the venerable 350 v8. GM used them for a L-o-n-g time , even supercharging some at the end of their run.

[@Dayandcounting]

The Chevy made big V6's of the era are based of SBC's. The most well know are the 3.8 and 4.3 based of the 305 and 350 respectively.

[@sc3ku]

If you aren't familiar with the 24 Hours of Lemons, check it out- from what I have read (which is a lot, as I have been obsessed at times), the 3800 is widely renowned in those circles for its durability under heavy abuse. Even after all these years of high miles and daily driver abuse!

[@brent57]

79 Firebird Esprit was my first car. Those dang door handles. It was pretty sweet for a first car but I never liked the plasticy front end compared to the previous model years.

[@michaelpalm2210]

The doors were also so heavy that the hinges would sag and never line up with the door pins

[@user-vn7un4uu6g]

Brings back memories. My cousin had a red Firebird just like this one with bad doors. We hit a wrecker and bought 2 doors this exact same blue colour. After getting his new doors, we put this V6 car against my 81 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme powered by the 265 Chevrolet V8. The results......the V6 was notably more sporty and could pull away on a twisty road. That day I learned to respect the Buick V6 and owned two cars later in life powered by Buick.

[@super-gerald]

Steve, love your videos. Please do another edition of "what's in the box". Those were really entertaining 👍🏻

[@325xitgrocgetter]

My parents had a 1986 Pontiac 6000 LE with the GM OEM trunk mounted luggage rack. The first year with the center high mounted stop lamp and it was installed on the rack itself. It was pretty cool looking and really dressed up the car. Though I don't think it was used for its intended purpose.

[@edwardbianchi192]

Never seen the luggage rack. Love the convertible option. I never seen one in person, only on line.

[@japanjack62]

The espirt was the luxury model, a couple of girls in my class owned one

[@oldgeezer-cf2pr]

Those Eldorado hubcaps ('67 and '68) are pretty rare.

[@williampitzer5534]

👍

[@Rush-gu3ij]

That luggage rack looks like the same that was on my ‘76 Monza. Assume it is a generic GM dealer add.

[@Richard4point6]

Another excellent presentation!

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

Xlnt video , Steve. Informative. This clean looking bird (I like the hood) would make an xlnt sleeper. Put a fuel injected 350 under the hood and a 3/4 race cam and associated parts to make it reliable throughout the car. A giveaway to power would be the resulting nice exhaust note through the “proper” set up trailing away to the back of the car. Yes, the right differential as well.

[@albertgaspar627]

I was thinking the same thing...find a door for it, and that Buick V6 is just like its turbo brothers except the crankshaft on the turbo units got fillets where the connecting rod journals met the side cheeks of the crank. run a turbo through a good 4 barrel and the venturi effect cools the hot charge down, this could be a fun toy even with the V6--but i have enough Pontiac and Olds V8s laying around, wouldn't be hard to change the drivetrain. just shop vac out "mother nature", and maybe i'd even go chevy since its just camaro mounts that would work on this F body.

[@jeffclark2725]

Great video,its amazing the V6 in that,almost as crazy as putting the Ferrari engine in one that was featured on Jay Leno Garage, the engie was a dog in the car body also the no wing on the rear is like the Rockford files firebird

[@RDEnduro]

You had me at 'Baby Formula'..

[@chrisscearce]

Hi Steve, great video on this Pontiac Firebird. This is a Mr Google Gary special for sure. I hope I haven't missed his comments today on this special bird. I once delivered one of these to a buyer in upstate PA once. I have to tell you that once I got up in the high country, that gas pedal saw more wide open throttle than on Sunday at the drag strip. I never saw 80-85 mph and every climb was a real struggle for the V6. I kinda felt bad for the guy buying it. He lived in the mountains of PA and unless he had some other plans for the car, he was in for a disappointing experience. He took deliver and was very happy with the car. I explained that I wouldn't want to drive up and down the mountain sides with its very weak drive train. I think he was more interested in the rust free body as most northerners were that I sold to and have met throughout the yrs. I'll be leaving Ohio in the morning. I should make it into NC for the Dead&Co on Tuesday and on into Raleigh on Thursday. I may stop by the homestead on my way through and check out everything for any damage from the tropical storm that is supposed to plague the east coast this weekend and part of the upcoming week. 🙄 I hope everyone is having a very enjoyable weekend whether at home or on the road the day is what you make of it. You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside. Attitude is everything, so pick a good one. Our outlook on life is a kind of paint brush and with it we paint our world. It can be bright and filled with hope and satisfaction or it can be dark and gloomy. The world we experience is a reflection of our attitude. Loving people live in a loving world and hostile people live in a hostile world but it's the same world.🤔 Have a blessed and safe weekend everyone. 🇺🇲 Thank a veteran and never forget the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms most of us take for granted. 🇺🇲 Namaste 🙏🏼

[@googleusergp]

Who's Gary? LOL.

[@chrisscearce]

@@googleusergp Hi sorry about that slip up I think it was an auto spell thing that I missed. 🤷🏻. Stupid auto spell stuff thinks it knows more than me...🤣 So how has your weekend been? It's been a freaking blast up here in Ohio but I really hate missing the Tony Rice Memorial festival in NC that I originally planned to attend. That storm had me worried that maybe force them to cancel. I was fortunate enough that someone I knew had tickets available and the best part about free tickets is FREE tickets! 🤣 Steve picked a good one today and I immediately thought of the Google man himself and his Anniversary addition Trans-Am. Hopefully a blessed weekend for you and yours. 🤙🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼

[@googleusergp]

@@chrisscearce Enjoy.

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Chris, "you cannot always control what goes on outside...but you can always control what goes on inside"....words to live by! Thanks as always for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@goratgo1970]

Freedom of choice - DEVO

[@fishgeralding9224]

Wa-7116 bright blue metallic. We used to call it tiger stripe blue, very spray sensitive ( difficult metallic control). I remember a new painter at a dealer I was working for tried painting an overall and it came out tiger striped. On his second attempt, same thing. I stopped him the second time, before he applied the clear. I went in and resprayed the basecoat and he clearcoated it. He eventually got the knack and figured out how to control metallic on sensitive colors. That firebird looks like a road salt 2 tone. I think the secondary color, (following the salt truck too closely burnt orange) is quickly becoming the primary color. 😎

[@crustyoldoffroader7436]

That painter would have never made it in the pre-basecoat/clear coat days. Spraying that color in an acrylic enamel was not easy. Today’s painters have no idea how good they have it.

[@fishgeralding9224]

@@crustyoldoffroader7436 no doubt about it.

[@googleusergp]

Likely code 24 Tahoe Blue, which was Atlantis Blue in 1979 and Martinique Blue in 1978, albeit different shades of blue.

[@fishgeralding9224]

@@googleusergp yepper, code 24, I used to add a splash of flattening agent, helped with metallic orientation.

[@pkfilms5867]

Holden in Australia had the same RTS in the late 70"s.

[@SuperOperator4]

I don't think I've EVER, seen ANYTHING on a luggage rack on any car.

[@Lousybarber]

I did once. An older employee in the office brought in a plate of cookies on the luggage rack. He said he set them on the trunk lid in the garage and forgot they were there. He lived only a few miles from the office. A longer trip at highway speed and the cookies may have become airborne.

[@googleusergp]

@@Lousybarber I drove to the yard with (without knowing it) tools on the rear deck filler panel of my grandfather's 1979 Caprice. I got to the yard and they were all still there. Not sure how, but they made it. LOL.

[@randyauer7303]

Another great video professor Steve you are the man automotive you're a genius Peace and love your way get well soon

[@googleusergp]

I believe the intent was to originally install headlight covers on that fascia, but cost cutting got to that.... The 1980 literature references the 3.8L as having a manual transmission option but says that it is "Not available at the time of printing". Some reference material show a 4 speed "M21" with suffix code "ZD" and a three speed manual "M20" with suffix code "UM", but they were probably put there in error. Correct, that is the "pancake" R4 radial compressor. The axial A-6 compressor was called the "log" by many. Yes, through 1979, it was a Frigidaire item and then it was a "Delco Air" unit as GM sold Frigidaire in 1979. There was an RPO code "V55" ski rack carrier, but it was for the roof. You meant to say "after 1974" as 1975 models would have a converter. Correct, often that is the "Decor Package" with regard to those moldings on most other Firebird models. We know that dash bezel is from a 1980-1981 model because it has round turn signal indicators and international symbols, whereas 1970-1979 had the words spelled out such as "LIGHTS", "WIPER" and "WASH". 1980 was the year for the 85 MPH speedometer. 1979 has a 100 MPH speedometer. Yes, no "big blocks" ever in a Trans Am---since Pontiac didn't use Chevrolet big block (or Oldsmobile big block) engines and Pontiac didn't make a big block V8. No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 2 for Pontiac, S for Firebird (base model), 87 for two door coupe, A for 3.8L (231 CID) V6 with two barrel, Buick produced, aka RPO code "LD5", A for 1980 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly (or L for Van Nuys, CA assembly) and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in August of 1987 and the Van Nuys plant closed in 1992. For the 1993 to 2002 model years, all F body cars were assembled in St. Therese, Quebec Canada which operated form 1966 to 2002. The 3.8L V6 in these years was a real heap in that it has the terrible integral drive oiling system and you have to be very rigorous with oil changes to avoid engine failure. The oil pump gears are set in an aluminum case which tends to gall up. When it does, the oil pressure drops and you get the knock, knock, knock at the front door. LOL. No tag, can't brag, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 80 for 1980 model year, 2FS87 for Pontiac (2) Firebird (FS) two door coupe (87), N for Norwood, OH assembly or L for Van Nuys, CA assembly, A51 for bucket seats, 26R for Blue standard vinyl interior trim, 24L 24U for Tahoe Blue lower and upper exterior paint, L for lacquer paint (Norwood) or W for water paint (Van Nuys), among other codes. When you have an F body with a spoiler, the trunk rods are different to support the weight of the spoiler, and when those rods lose their tension, the trunk will flop and bonk you on the head. LOL.

[@stepheng3667]

My older brother had a 76 Firebird and it had that luggage rack on the trunk lid. He bought it used in 78. They became more popular in the 80's on FWD cars like the Sunbird and 6000. I don't recall ever seeing someone with luggage strapped to one.

[@googleusergp]

@@stepheng3667 I've seen a few F body cars with them.

[@Steve.Cutler]

These were neutered power wise, but the biggest travesty to the Firebird name was in 82 when they put 4 cylinders in these cars! You should look for one to document it Steve!!

[@willhorting5317]

Interesting, I never knew that they ever had a 4-banger.🤯

[@rawbsworld6604]

Biggest travesty was Pontiac never gave Burt Reynolds the trans am they promised him 😢 .. 🤣😂😂😂 … 😝 ✌️

[@michaelpalm2210]

@@rawbsworld6604 RIP Burt

[@jamesnoble3502]

​@@rawbsworld6604 they did for a year or two until GM changed presidents and didn't tell Burt he would need to purchase his own cars from then on 😂

[@bk14nyc]

Jim Rockford

[@leahcimthgirw3163]

Growing up as a teenager in the early nineties of friend bought a 1980s Esprit and eventually put the shaker hood and the Trans Am fenders on it and was able to find a Pontiac 400 put in it and the car turned out pretty cool with a blue paint job and a white intake Shaker cover

[@SolamenteVees]

Nothing says malaise quite like a chrome luggage rack on an F-body…

[@buddythecat4675]

Great content as always, Steve. On a side note, what I find hilarious is that with the closed captioning, I have seen various interpretations of your name, "Steven Johnny", "Steven Yanni", "Steven Money", etc.

[@randyc8171]

The Buick V6 was re-engineered to be an even-fire engine for 1978 smoothing out it's idle and aiding performance.

[@forestfishburne7900]

79 was the last year for the “shaker” faux scoop. In 1980 all Trans Ams, turbo or not, had the offset molded hood scoop.

[@jmark7390]

Thanks Steve

[@villyrivera6856]

Talk about a plain Jane! Lots of good parts on her though and Steve I think you left your glasses on the dash! 🤓

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

77-78 grille and 79-81 tail lights look the best

[@DeWittPotts]

I had a 1984 Camaro with the 2.8 V6 engine. Anemic was a good term for the power of that car. It looked sporty but you definitely had to 'plan your moves' when you were on the highway to make sure you could pass another car. The other problem that the 80's Firebirds and Camaror's had was with the paint. If you had a silver or blue paint on your car it would start to peel off after a few years. The primer coat would actually dry out and turn to a powder underneath the paint. When that happened the paint would peel off in small sheets.

[@roger628]

No reason for the headlight mesh? Obviously Steve has been an urban dweller his whole life. I come from Saskatchewan, land of gravel, and I can assure you, these things are a lifesaver. Especially when sealed beams went away and a smashed headlight was a much more expensive mishap.

[@aspman97]

Absolutely. SK grown here, too. They certainly paid for themselves!

[@DanEBoyd]

My '88 Mustang GT convertible has a luggage rack!

[@johnc4404]

Great channel, Steve! Just stumbled upon you. Two things. RTS Suspension started in 1974. 1975 was the first year of catalytic converters in F Bodies. Another fact . 1979 was the last year Pontiac made a V8 engine. I owned a 1974 SD 455 TA for 23 years.

[@tonidmc]

The last year of Pontiac made V8s was 1981

[@donselke9487]

1979 Was the last year for the Pontiac 400 which you could still get in TA firebird or the 403 Oldsmobile Engine in 1981 most had the Pontiac 301 tird motor..

[@pirategreg8076]

Awesome content as always!! Thanks Steve!! Happy Memorial Day!! 🇺🇸 🎆

[@michaelpalm2210]

I bought a 80 Firebird in 1987 that had the 3.8L Buick v6 and that same ugly trunk mounted luggage rack. I always thought it was aftermarket from an MG or a Porsche or something?...but I guess not. Good car even without a V8. fond memories

[@pauledgewater8991]

Get well Steve! I can't keep my eyes off the 2000 Hyundai Elantra wagon next to this firebird. That was my first new car. I loved it because it was my first new car; not because it was a great car. However, it had a great powertrain warrantee of 100,000 miles and I needed it. Had to get two transmission replacements and had one done at 98,000 miles and Hyundai, to their credit, lived up to it. Miss that silly little car. Weird to see it in a junkyard.

[@NorthernChev]

Yeah, I remember back in the day when you would spot a base model Firebird, it was like spotting a snipe. Very rare. Nobody wanted the base model of an iconic muscle car back then.

[@Raptor3388]

My very first car was a 79 Esprit V6 (belgium export model). Unfortunately it wasn’t structurally sound and wasn’t worth restoring. It lives on as it gave many body parts to my 74 Formula and others. I’ve later parted an even worse 1980 base model V6, belgium export as well but factory Fiero Bronze.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! Morning Mags ! Steve back a while ago you one with the Olds 403 cid , this looks better than the last one ! Also very informative and takes me back when working on these vehicle 🚗 LOL ! ☕️☕️🍩

[@williamhopkins7224]

You are correct that the luggage rack isn't "factory" as much as a dealer installed option. I've had a few MG's (also 70's models) with the exact same rack, except it's one vertical slat narrower (in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the MGB you looked at has the same rack on the trunk, as they were super common on American market B's in the later 70's).

[@michaelpalm2210]

My 80 firebird had the same rack....ugly as f*@k

[@wretchedslippage3255]

Goddamn i love this show! I wish theyd show this in schools for the shop class.

[@davidpawson7393]

I feel for the young kid at his first real job having to drill holes into someone's brand new car after a quick lesson from an older tech because I installed luggage racks on 100s of 4Runners and Landcruisers while the new owner waited in the lounge. Measure thrice, drill nice.

[@Jim-ic2of]

G'morning Steve-O ! Another day of glory , eh ? Chick car with the cheezy 6 . Formula like Rockford had was the deal .😊

[@donkeyboy585]

My wife had one of those in the 90s with a formula hood and spoiler. It literally couldn’t get out of its own way

[@sc3ku]

I had an 81 Esprit until a few months ago. It was a 265 V8 car! The man I sold it to was surprised when I said it was the 4.3....he figured I was mistaken and meant the 301. He had never even heard of it before! @3:51 another reason I specifically liked the '81 cars (besides the clear master cylinder): stereo front speakers! Also available on 1980 models I believe? But only ever had a 75, 79 and 81, so can't speak to that model year....

[@billmcdonald0256]

Hi Steve 👋 & Shawn Enjoying another great video 📹 With Insights on Regular Pontiac Firebird..But😢 Behind is a 1999 Hyundai Elantra wagon..This a twin to my Hyundai Wagon..Purchased New from Danny Bass Edmonton Drove it Happily for 325.000.0 Kilometers 🇨🇦

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

My brother had a Camaro with the 2.8 v6, I think an ‘83, was still a good runner with only 145 hp. T-top helped.

[@googleusergp]

Yes, the 2.8L was the V6 used in 1983.

[@andrefiset3569]

It could be worse than a V6, the 4 cylinder Iron Duke was available on the Camaro in 82.

[@FEdeRioBravo]

About the 5min. mark you speak about the backseat. In High School I had 2 F bodies. 1970 Firebird 400 & 1979 Camero 305. My girlfriend complained about the back pain when in the back seat.

[@talfacprez]

My dad bought a brand new CJ-6 with the Buick V6 in 1967 (Yes, I said CJ-6 that had a 101 inch wheel base). After bought the Jeep he added a Overland overdrive which added even more gear combinations.

[@ernestfinch1578]

Firebird with the 1979 BEAK , Sold the best , And is the most aerodynamic . 2 gen . Alex Mair hit the ceiling in Amazement , When he saw this John Schinella face lift . And got the money to do the redesign .

[@warrenw8294]

Thanks Steve. 🙏🏻😎

[@ddellwo]

This is the Firebird your mother would order - except for maybe exchanging the jazzy blue paint for a nice metallic brown……..☹

[@googleusergp]

Unless you were my mother (and father). Then you came home with a code 79 Carousel Red Trans Am in the fall of 1980, which I still have.

[@dubiousf00d]

Anyone else got a chuckle out of seeing those bellbottoms.😂 A real sign of the times

[@lilmike2710]

I remember it being depressing whenever I'd see one of these non Formula Firebirds with the V6. Although a freind of mine had a late 2nd gen Camaro with an inline 6 that we enjoyed driving. I just wasn't a fan of thise Buick'esque V6s. I didnt like the sound, in fact they sounded sick to me. Until the Grand National twin turbo of course. That car totally blew me away.

[@ripvanrevs]

I have an 80 "301 Turbo Car" Trans Am. Sometime in the 90s, somebody put a 454 with a 4 speed in it and changed the hood so the shaker (attached to the hood) is in the center.

[@Dayandcounting]

Should of install the turbo on that.

[@johnh8917]

Rockford drove an esprit!

[@Bbbuddy]

Those weren’t the days. But it reminds me of the Rockford Firebird. No doubt he had a V8.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

That Bird was actually a Formula dressed down to look like a car a PI could afford

[@tmc9525]

Loved the show, once in a while you could see that they used two different firebirds in the same episode, one with the wrap around back window and one without.

[@olddisneylandtickets]

​@T Mc whenever Rockfords Bird was gonna get damage all of a sudden it had the square rear glass and a dull paint job!

[@googleusergp]

@@tmc9525 1975 and up was the wrap around rear glass style.

[@dupe3d]

My father had an 80 Bird, someone had stuffed a 400 under the hood. Automatic transmission that you had to shift, she seemed to boogie! Definitely a burnout machine.

[@szilardtoth8814]

6 cylinder engine is a cool feature in this model.

[@scottandrews4822]

Praying for Steve!!

[@NotAGarage]

I knew a guy growing up who had a convertible 80 or 81 Firebird in his backyard rotting with no roof legt covered in earth debris over the years. It was rusted pretty bad too.

[@fhwolthuis]

Imagine bolting a turbo on this 😀

[@_Dave_S]

This video is right up my alley, as 2nd gen Firebirds are my favorite cars! I had a 79 Formula then a 1980 Esprit, same nose as this one. I couldn't imagine one of these with a V6, these are heavy cars. Am I remembering incorrectly, or was the earlier 2nd gen years available with a straight 6? I think I recall seeing one on a show once. I can't imagine there were a lot of those built! Great video Steve!

[@JayneCobbsBunk]

My 1978 Firebird Esprit had a 100 mph spending so it just have changed to 85 in 1979.

[@wreckerjonny6144]

Last fireturd I had was a 74- SD455 on shaker scoop

[@TrashcanGarage]

Mom's brother got back from his tour in Vietnam and bought a new 2nd gen (70-73) Esprit. A few years later it disappeared into his garage and didn't re-surface for another year or so. He took that time to rebuild the motor, seriously improve the suspension and add 70s style fender flares and a genuine formula hood scoop. When it finally rolled out he took me for a test drive. WOW!!!

[@aspman97]

Headlight guards had value, esp if you winter-drove your car!

[@davidp2888]

Had a ‘73 Esprit. It wasn’t fast by today’s standards but it did alright for me as a 22 year old with my first “fast” car.

[@Jasona1976]

Stars of this show: dog, man, car

[@garyspaun5237]

Excellent content well done.

[@jaylestingi]

I always thought the 229 Chevy 90 deg V6 (smaller version of the famous 4.3/cut down V8) was available in the later 2nd gen Firebirds but it looks like I was wrong!

[@maineiacman]

I wonder why that chunk of the lower passenger door frame is missing. Failed rust repair? Cut it out and gave up?

[@garyslentzii2796]

I'm your 1,000th view, pretty cool! Love your videos Steve, keep 'em coming.

[@neilschnurr5186]

I like the wheelbarrow you can see in the background from about the 12 minute mark on. It looks like it's in really good shape. Perhaps you could a review on that. I'd bet alot of your viewers would really enjoy it.

[@ernielaw]

Although I'm a car buff I use my wheelbarrow a lot. I collect model cars yet there are miniature wheelbarrows in my collection too.