1981 Pontiac Firebird Manufacturer Promo Presentation
Now that big-block engines had been swept into the dustbin of history, automakers needed an alternative. Turbocharging was one way to boost output sharply and GM issued several turbo-powered machines in the late 70s and early 80’s. A turbocharged Trans Am paced the Indianapolis 500 race on May 25, 1980, prompting Pontiac to release a sizable number of Pace Car Replicas.
Sales catalogs trumpeted a “new age of performance,” breathlessly proclaiming that “firebird goes turbo!” Offered only with automatic transmission, a 301 cid turbo equipped Trans Am couldn’t accelerate like one with the departed 400cid engine, but it was a potent step above the standard 140hp 301 engine, a 70 hp step, to be exact, yielding an impressive (for 1980) 210 horsepower on 7.6:1 compression.
The AiResearch turbocharger was mounted on the right exhaust manifold. Turbo models got a unique hood with their own spectacular gray “bird” graphic. Pace Cars had white/gray bodies and an oyster/black interior. A total of 5700 were built but the engine could be ordered in other Firebirds. A non-turbo E/C (electronic spark control) edition of the 301 cid V8 yielded 155 hp.
A second energy crisis and rampant Price hikes helped squash sales, as production dropped by nearly half. The second generation’s dozen year run ended in 1981, with sales skidding further yet. Prices as high as $12,257 for the turbo didn’t help, especially when accessories could easily add a couple of thousand more. A 200 hp turbo was available in 19841, but far more Firebirds carried the new 265 V8 with only 120 hp.
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Keep the videos coming. This was great stuff to see. I think about Smokey and the Bandit when I see this Firebird.
Oh Yeah 1980-81 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am So Sexy Modern Muscle Car V8 Awesome 😀