GM mandated that engines no longer use SAE Gross horsepower ratings and use the SAE Net power ratings to help alleviate the rising cost of insurance for performance vehicles. The rear seat console was introduced as an option, and Honeycomb wheels became available for all Firebirds.ġ971 saw changes to the way the engines were rated from the factory. The interior options also changed to the newer style collared bucket seats in the deluxe interior, and the previous year's seats with the headrest were no longer available. Fenders across all models now featured a one-year-only exhaust vent seen on the lower half of the fenders. The 1971 model year had a few minor changes to the Firebird. įor the 19 model years, all Firebirds equipped with radios had the antennae mounted "in-glass" in the windshield. The difference between the GTO and Firebird engines was that the secondary carburetor's throttle linkage had a restrictor which prevented the rear barrels from opening completely, but adjusting the linkage could allow full carburetor operation resulting in identical engine performance. The Ram Air IV was exclusive to the Trans Am, and could not be ordered on any of the lower Firebird models. There were two Ram Air 400 cu in (6.6 L) engines available for the 1970 Trans Am: the 335 hp (250 kW) L74 Ram Air III 400 (366 hp (273 kW) in the GTO) and the 345 hp (257 kW) L67 Ram Air IV (370 hp (280 kW) in the GTO) that were carried over from 1969. The Esprit could be upgraded to a two barrel carbureted 400 cu in (6.6 L)265 hp (198 kW), while the Formula could be optioned to receive the L78 4 barrel 400 that produced 330 hp (250 kW) or the L74 Ram Air III 400 345 hp (257 kW). The Firebird Esprit and the Firebird Formula came standard with the 255 hp (190 kW) 350 cu in (5.7 L). The base model Firebird came equipped with a 155 hp (116 kW) 250 cu in (4.1 L) inline-six. The Formula was advertised as an alternative to the Trans Am and could be ordered with all the options available to the Trans Am with the exception of the fender flares, shaker scoop, and fender heat extractors. The Firebird Esprit was offered as a luxury model that came with appearance options, the deluxe interior package, and a Pontiac 350 as standard equipment. The first year of the second generation Firebird began offering a wider array of model subtypes and marked the appearance of the Firebird Esprit, and the Firebird Formula. Fire Am (Firebird American) offered by Herb Adams/VSE (~200 units, 1976–1981).Macho Trans Am (offered by the Mecham Pontiac dealership in Glendale, AZ) (~400 units, 1977–1980).Turbo Trans Am "Daytona 500" pace car limited edition (2,000 units, RPO Y85, 1981).Turbo Trans Am Indianapolis pace car limited edition (5,700 units, RPO Y85, 1980).10th Anniversary Trans Am (TATA) limited edition (7,500 units, RPO Y89, 1979).Special Edition appearance package, gold with brown pinstriping (8,666 units, RPO Y88, 1978).Yellow Bird Esprit appearance package (RPO W73, 1980).Red Bird Esprit appearance package (RPO W68, 1978–1979).Sky Bird Esprit appearance package (RPO W60, 1977–1978).Special Edition appearance package, black with gold pinstriping (RPO Y82 1977–1978, RPO Y84 1978–1981).50th Anniversary limited edition (2,590 units, RPO Y82, 1976). Formula appearance package (RPO W50, 1976–1981).Special/Limited Editions and appearance packages This style became the look that was to epitomize the F-body styling for the longest period during the Firebird's lifetime. Originally, the "wraparound" style window that occupied more of the b-pillar was initially supposed to be the design, but problems with the glue and sealing the rear window led to the flat style window being used until the re-designed body in 1975. The new design was initially characterized by a large B-pillar, until 1975 when the rear window was enlarged. The top of the rear window line went almost straight down to the lip of the trunk lid. Replacing the "Coke bottle" styling was a more "swoopy" body style, while still retaining some traditional elements. This generation of Firebirds were available in coupe form only after the 1969 model year, convertibles were not available until 1989. The second-generation debut for the 1970 model year was delayed until February 26, 1970, because of tooling and engineering problems thus, its popular designation as a 1970½ model, while leftover 1969s were listed in early Pontiac literature without a model-year identification. The second generation Pontiac Firebird was introduced in early 1970 by Pontiac for the 1970 model year.
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