The second generation of the Pontiac Trans Am set the performance bar for performance in the 1970’s both in handling and acceleration. While other manufacturers were cutting engine sizes, Pontiac offered the 455 cubic inch V8 all the way to 1976 and the 400 cubic inch V8 through 1979. This is a 1980 example and is called a special edition by the seller. The only thing special is that an owner has replaced the 301 cubic inch V8 with an Oldsmobile 455 cubic inch V8 and added a SD 455 sticker to the hood scoop. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist for $18,500. It is located in Holly Springs, North Carolina near Raleigh and has been listed less than a week. Many thanks to Tony Primo for sending us a link for this ad.

The base engine in the Trans Am in 1979 was the 301 cubic inch V8 engine with a 4 barrel carburetor. There were two 301 engines available in 1980 – the L37 that produced 140 horsepower and the W72 that produced 155 horsepower. The main difference was the W72 301 engine had electronic spark control. In California, buyers had to opt for Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 designated the LG4 which was rated at 150 horsepower. The optional performance engine was the LU8 turbo 301 cubic inch V8 that was available only in the 1980-1981 Firebird Trans Am and Formula. The turbo 301 cubic inch V8 engine (4.9 liter) was rated at 210 horsepower in 1980 and 200 horsepower in 1981. The LU8 was equipped with a Garrett TB305 turbo and a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. Based on the hood configuration, this car was probably originally equipped with the base 301 cubic inch V8 and someone swapped it for an Oldsmobile 455 cubic inch V8.

The interior looks nice but the dash is cracked. Option wise the Trans Am has the deluxe interior with power windows, tilt steering and non functional air conditioning. In 1980, a manual transmission was not available in the Trans Am or Formula. In the last year of production for the second generation Trans Am (1981), a 4 speed manual transmission was available but only with the LG4 305 cubic inch V8 engine. The seats appear to be out of a 1981 Trans Am or are aftermarket. Cloth interiors for the 1979 and 1980 Trans Am were hobnail. In 1981, Pontiac changed the cloth interior to Pimlico.

There were 107,340 Firebirds produced in 1980 and 50,896 were Trans Ams. For purist, the addition of an SD-455 sticker to the hood scoop might be the most appalling thing done to this car. The SD-455 or Super Duty was a special engine available in 1973 and 1974 rated at 290 horsepower. Unless the Olds motor installed in this Trans Am is an early 1970’s W-30, it is a far cry from Pontiac’s most revered performance engine. There is some rust bubbling through the paint on the lower portions of the car and on the hood. This car is a driver and a good candidate for a new paint job.