1979 Pontiac Trans Am
The '79 (5th digit of the Vin # is Z} code-PWH T/A 6.6 was assembled using a No. XX481988 400 block, which featured a 4.12-inch bore. Its bottom end was filled with a 3.75-inch stroke cast-iron crankshaft, while cast-aluminum pistons on cast-iron connecting rods filled the cylinders. A 60-psi oil pump dispersed lubricant and resided within a baffled six-quart oil pan.
A Special 800-cfm Rochester Quadrajet carburetor on a cast-iron four-barrel intake manifold feeds a custom set of headers routing spent gasses into a ''Y'' pipe and dual turbo mufflers before it exits out the Rear. The net result of the effort is a rating of 250 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 320 lb/ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.
This engine looks as it did when it was built and sits in a very clean and detailed engine compartment with the correct shaker hood scoop, chrome valve covers, and power steering and power disc brakes.
Backing every T/A 6.6 engine throughout the '79 model year was an 11-inch clutch disc and pressure-plate assembly, and a Borg-Warner Super T10 four-speed manual transmission with a First-gear ratio of 2.43:1.
Because the WS6 Suspension Package was required with the W72 Performance Package that year, all Firebirds equipped with the T/A 6.6 received a 10-bolt rear axle filled with a 3.23:1 ratio gear set, and new-for-the-year J65 rear disc brakes on either end.
1979 TA great cloth Interior has bucket seats, center console housing the 4-speed shifter, black simulated leather-wrapped Formula steering wheel, and an engine-turned instrument panel inlay, the standard Rally Gauge cluster which included both a clock and tachometer, power windows, and air conditioning.
'79 model featured a freshly redesigned nose and tail sections, both molded from a new, softer plastic material, front and rear spoilers, and wheel opening spoilers, all covered in the sharp gloss black exterior paint.
The front end sports quad headlamps recessed into individual tunnels, while the blacked-out split grilles were repositioned below the lamps; turn signal/running lamps were recessed into the grilles.
The tail panel appeared to be one continuous blacked-out unit with the taillamp lenses flanking the centrally positioned fuel-filler door, cloaked in matching trim.
It has air extractors on the front fenders as they had since the '70 model, with T-tops and a large gold Firebird hood decal is on our TA.
Pontiac has specific springs and shock absorbers, stiffer suspension bushings, a constant-ratio steering box, a larger rear sway bar, and 15×8-inch aluminum Snowflake wheels with performance BF Goodrich raised white letter tires.
