2 Responses to FEATURE STORY: 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

  1. Bill says:
    April 18, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Recalling from memory, these cars came with two different “6.6” motors. The 403 CID (like what was original in the feature car) was a low compression ‘smog’ motor sourced by Oldsmobile. The best choice was the true Pontiac 400 CID with high compression.

    Of course, by 1978 the “SD” 455 was gone (Super Duty). I believe the Smokey and the Bandit movie used three Trans Am cars; one for close up shots with a 400 CID auto, one for chase scenes withy a last of the breed SD 455 and Super T10 4 speed, and the tube frame stunt car that jumped the bridge.

    When I read articles like this, I always end up asking myself “what happened to Pontiac? how did they lose their excitment for great, affordable muscle machines?”

    Reply
    • STeve says:
      April 19, 2012 at 12:09 PM

      All the GM brands were individual companies under one banner up until the, I think, late 70s when they all were directed by the “corporation”. When engine sharing began was the beginning of the end.

      Olds, Chevy, Pontiac, Buick all sold the same cars through the 80s and early 2000s. Pontiac and Olds were essentially dead by 1990 and carried on by GM out of the total earnings of GM.

      If Pontiac was able to design themselves and develope drive trains themselves maybe they could of survived. Just my opinion.

      Reply

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