1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6.6L 403 Olds

Summary:

Classic all around fun car.

Faults:

Had to replace water pump.

Spun a main bearing, but didn't know until I voluntarily rebuilt the engine to make it go faster.

The handles to close the doors on the armrest will eventually break/tear poor design. Roll down window and pull the door shut, if you bought the car as a show piece.

General Comments:

Nice car very fun.

Steering and suspension is excellent, even after all those miles. Feels excellent like a sports car, very tight (reactive).

Decent pick up, before the rebuild I was able to keep up with a 4.0L Cherokee.

Should have been built with more Horse Power for such a large V8, only 190-200HP from factory, though this may have been intentionally under-rated.

Light rear-end susceptable to burnouts and "fish-tailing". If you don't know how to control such things you'll learn with this car.

Dashboard detailing pleasing to the eye. Overall dash setup nice.

Seats very comfortable, nice back angle.

The spot below the radio is useless anything put in there will come flying out under hard acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2003

9th Mar 2005, 14:06

I'm glad to see someone else finally know the 403 was

Olds-built. From the factory it had about 185 horsepower (though Olds used a 200 HP version for their Toronado) it was capable of a lot more, but due to the strict emissions of the late '70s (and the soaring insurance rates) they had to limit it. A souped up 403 could probably get at least 250 horsepower (probably more)

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Oldsmobile 455

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

The engine is starting to make a clicking sound only because I forgot to change the oil.

I had to fix a rip in the drivers seat.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever seen or driven.

It is so beautiful.

It handles wonderfully.

The interior is great it's so nice and comfortable.

It's faster than anything in my area and I can outrun anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2002

9th Mar 2005, 14:13

I thought they did away with the 455 in '77. Olds did make a 455 but so did Pontiac, I thought Pontiac used there own. The 403 cubic inch (6.6 Liter) was Olds-built are you sure you don't that? It was the top engine choice from '77 though '79.

9th Mar 2005, 14:51

If this car has a 455 in it, it is not factory. 1976 was the last year for the 455 in the Firebird as oem.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Ccoupe modified 350-V8 HO

Summary:

This car is FAST!!!

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong with the car since I have had it.

General Comments:

This car is FAST!!! I have a highly modified 350-V8 in it. I can outrun any of the newer Firebirds, Camaros, and Stangs'. I can even out run most Vettes. Pontiac truly got the pony car right with the Firebird.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd February, 2001

1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 High Output

Faults:

Engine and trans replaced with one out of a GTO. My car is very modified and have owned it a year with no problems.

General Comments:

Awesome car, drop dead good looks, very fast after environmental gear was taken off.

Only problem is the ride can be likened to driving a tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 1999