1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - Bandit
As the popularity of the Firebird Trans Am rose from screen success in the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit, Pontiac introduced a limited edition vehicle - The Firebird Formula LT Sport Edition in early 1978.
The vehicle featured a Chevy 305 V8 powertrain producing 155 hp combined with a four-speed manual T-10 BW transmission coupled to a limited-slip differential final drive.
Engineers also updated compression ratios in the 400ci and 403ci motors increasing power by 10%
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform F-body
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Platform F-body
Engines
LD5 - 3.8 L (231 cu in) Buick V6 105 hp
LG3 - 5.0 L (305 cu in) 5.0L Chevrolet V8 135 hp
LM1 - 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8 170 hp (130 kW)
L78 - 6.6 L (400 cu in) Pontiac V8 185 hp
W72 - 6.6L Pontiac V8 220 hp (160 kW)
L80 - 6.6 L (403 cu in) Oldsmobile V8 185 hp
Transmissions
3-speed manual
4-speed manual
2-speed automatic
3-speed automatic
4-speed manual
2-speed automatic
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.2 in (2,748 mm) (1978)
Length 196.8 in (4,999 mm) (1978)
Width 73.4 in (1,864 mm) (1978)
Height 49.3 in (1,252 mm) (1978)
Wheelbase 108.2 in (2,748 mm) (1978)
Length 196.8 in (4,999 mm) (1978)
Width 73.4 in (1,864 mm) (1978)
Height 49.3 in (1,252 mm) (1978)
Production Totals
187,294