1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6.6 liter Olds 403 from North America

Summary:

Simply the best car I've ever owned and I'm so glad to still have it 35 years later

Faults:

The car needed the transmission rebuilt at about 90,000 miles and a water pump around the same time. Other than that, only routine stuff over all these years.

General Comments:

I'm the 2nd owner of this car - and have had it for 35 years. It is still my favorite car to look at, and drive. I've kept it all stock and always get amazing comments every time I take it out. It was my daily driver from 1981 thru 1990. Very reliable and with snow tires was great even in snow.

The car body and interior have been completely redone in 1990.

Interesting though, a compression test done when the car had 115,000 miles showed no loss of compression. So, even now the engine is all original - and runs great. Truly a great automobile.

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

Review Date: 18th December, 2016

26th Dec 2016, 04:32

The Olds 403 makes for an interesting engine choice.

In essence, you're trading issues with -

- Pontiac -> Timing chains, valve burning, and bottom end issues for -

- Oldsmobile -> Head gaskets on the 403, detonation-related issues (premature piston ring failure leading to oil consumption).

Both do not like their water pumps ;)

27th Dec 2016, 16:47

From what I remember, all GM "V" engines from this era had timing chain failure due to the nylon gears. Once replaced with the iron gears they were good to go. IMO Pontiac and Oldsmobile built the better V8s of that time.

28th Dec 2016, 04:16

I would put a 455 in. vs a 383 Chevy Stroker or a Pontiac 400.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6.6 litre from North America

Summary:

This car is awesome

Faults:

Engine rebuilt at 150,000 miles, and transmission rebuilt at 151,000 miles.

Driver's seat needs refurbishing.

General Comments:

This is my first car, bought in 1985. I still have it 25 years later. I guess that says it all. It needs restoration, but it is my daily driver, and yes it still turns heads. I probably will never sell it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2010

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans am 6.6L from North America

Summary:

People stare when they see and hear it

Faults:

Broke transmission cable while stuck in deep snow.

General Comments:

Awesome styling with t-tops and shaker hood. The last muscle car. Seats were nice and comfy, but the same does not go for the rear passengers.

I would not want to sit in any seat besides the drivers.

Dashboard looks real slick with all the gauges.

The last remains of a real muscle car. 0-60 in 6 seconds and a top end of 140mph. This car could fly.

Never a spot of rust and handled incredible like new. I need it back again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2006

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Olds 403 from North America

Summary:

2nd Generation Trans Ams are HOT

Faults:

I had to replace the temp sensor, because the temp gauge was not working, and the fan was not clicking on when the motor got hot. Cheap part from JC Whitney, easy to fix. Runs like a top now and all gages work. Also replaced drivers side door hinge pins, because of door sag. Was a little painful, but not too bad.

General Comments:

These 2nd Generation Trans Am's are FUN, easy to fix and find parts for and look REALLY cool. Nice mean look. I think the value of them will continue to rise.

As said before the door handles usually break after a while, but you can find them on the web and they are a snap to replace.

Nice classic muscle car with that cool 80's look and feel. But with the 70's heavy steel construction.

Everyone loves to see the car and they all either had one, or their friend did.

If you get one 25 years old, you can register it as a classic and insurance is cheap. You can only drive on Sundays and to car shows, but you may drive it other times to keep it in good working order, so the law seems pretty loose.

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

Review Date: 10th November, 2005

1979 Pontiac Firebird pontiac 301 from North America

Summary:

Enough torque to rip my 4 cylinder car to bits

Faults:

I bought this car as a project to rebuild. When I purchased the car the only thing that had been done to it was:

Transmission rebuild a 110000 miles.

Granted the body has a bit more rust then I like and the interior is trashed, but 25 years as a daily driver will take its toll on anything.

General Comments:

Great car, unfortunately the severely underpowered 301 V8 lack performance, but more than makes up for it in reliability. At 157000 miles the engine will not smoke in the least. I love this car and can't wait until it is ready to bruise up the roads with a new Pontiac 455 engine bolted to a Muncie M22 transmission.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2005