1978 Pontiac Firebird Overview

Key Updates for 1978

• Minor updates with mostly unchanged appearance
• New graphics for Trans Am
• Redesigned custom interior
• New hood bird design exclusive to Solar Gold Trans Ams, including Y88 Gold Special Edition
• Black Special Editions reintroduced due to paint matching problems
• Gold accents in Gold Special Edition, including grille, dash, and emblems
• Gold tinted T-Tops, available only in 1978

Engine and Mechanical Details

• W72 engine uprated to 220hp
• Last year for Pontiac big block production
• Pontiac 301 and 350 engines removed
• Chevrolet 350 introduced as an option
• Standard engines:
  • Base Firebird & Esprit: LD5 Buick 231 V-6
  • Formula: LG3 Chevy 305
• Trans Am standard 400 engine L78 180hp, W72 optional
• California models: Oldsmobile L80 403cid standard

New Features and Options

• Introduction of second type of T-Top by GM's Fisher Body
• WS6 suspension package for Formula and Trans Am:
  • Larger sway bars
  • 8 inch snowflake wheels
• New radios and Controlled Cycle Windshield Wipers

Identification Guide

• 1978 grille: diagonal cross hatch replacing 1977 honeycomb design
• Custom interior difference: square sections vs. round horsecollar in 1977
• New block style TRANS AM lettering on non-black Special Editions

Production Numbers

• Total Firebirds produced: 187,287
  • Base Firebird: 32,671
  • Esprit: 36,926
  • Formula: 24,346
  • Trans Am: 93,341

Engine and Production Details

• Total V-6 engines: 13,595
• Breakdown of production and engine options for Esprit and Formula

1978 Trans Am Production

• Total Trans Ams: 93,341
  • Non-SE Trans Am with L78 400: 72,063
  • L80 403: 8,969
  • Black SE (Y82): 3,345
  • Gold SE (Y88): 7,786
• Miscellaneous production details for Black and Gold SE variants

Optional Equipment Statistics

• V-8 engines: 92.71%
• Automatic transmission: 89.51%
• Power brakes: 98.91%
• Air conditioning: 81.81%

Popular Culture in 1978

• "YMCA" by the Village People
• "Mork and Mindy" on TV
• "Grease" movie release
• Jonestown mass suicide
• Sony Walkman introduced
• "Dawn of the Dead" release
• Burt Reynolds in "Hooper"
• Visicalc, first computer spreadsheet invented

Additional Information

• Illustrations are for example purposes only
• Consult with vendors for historical accuracy of reproduction parts
• Copyright Tran-Zam.com 2024