The best part with Steve Magnante is that you don't only have to be in a junkyard crawling around to learn about automobiles. Thank you Steve for your dedication to helping us learn more every day. 😎🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Drinking my coffee ☕️ and watching the master of automotive history! Thanks 🙏 Mr. Magnante! Love watching you teach us a little more about them beautiful classics!👌😎👍
I'm not Pontiac guy, but I remember when the Firebird Formula and Trans/AM were really the only American performance cars available from '75 to '79 time period. When Ford and Chrysler were on the fence about performance vs. economy, and before the Fox body came out in '79. You showing us the different engine pkgs GM tried to keep the muscle car alive by trying turbos on smaller engs.during this brief period was very entertaining. Thanks Steve, I always find your videos educational and interesting. Glad to see you on the mend!!!
My first car, at 16 in 1990, was a silver grey 301 turbo car with the same aluminum rims this car has. I worked at Diamond Chevrolet in Worcester, MA right next to Auburn and made weekly payments until I paid the $500 they sold it to me for over the course of maybe 10 weeks. I drove it up and down my driveway in for 4 months until I got my license and put it on the road. I’ve never forgotten that feeling of freedom and excitement. I drove that car through Auburn almost every day. Love this video and ABSOLUTELY love that you’re in my area because I’ve been a fan since I started seeing your name in my favorite magazines in my 20s and it feels personal. A lot of people, including me, are truly glad your okay.
You're crushing it Steve! What a treat to not only have you back at it making new videos but so much of them so close together! Thank you for putting in the effort (though I'm sure you've been itching to get back into the fold!)
Mr. B. Here ☕️👀😎👍. This come as a stock to you , our society is not perfect but if you have a better way put it out there, also so many have lost jobs with all the technology, yes new jobs with technology but not helping does who were in small businesses ! Please do not tell me about clean air, in 1976 I work for Oldsmobile I saw being of so clean act & the bring
Hi Steve is sure good to see you back on the car scene I missed you so much your videos I never prayed so hard for somebody I never knew like I did for you. I'm the guy that I spoke to you a while back about the Thunderbird when you rebuilt the one with the no fender skirts several years ago when you rebuilt it and I was probably 20 years ago but I always remember that video and I always have liked watching you on these car channels before and I was so heartbroken to find out when you were sick and I wonder if it's all that mouse poop you go digging through that gave you this problem I don't know but I always worry about that you always never wore gloves and I always worry me so hopefully you're getting better I see you're moving like an old man now I'm 58 going to be 59 in a couple days and I know you start getting old at this age at least I feel LOL but you take care the car world can't afford to lose you!
I remember seeing & talking to you a few years back at a car show somewhere up northern mass there was alot of T/As there. Good to see you kicking man. Love from Massachusetts.
Good to see you back, as always. Whoa Nelley, some things need sorting out here: Not correct, from 1973 (which was the first year of the SD and 1974 being the last) onward, the shaker hood scoop was not functional. This was due to EPA regulations, including those for noise. 1976 Trans Am: No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 2 for Pontiac, W for Trans Am, 87 for two door coupe, W for 455 CID V8 with four barrel, RPO code "L75", aka "Last of the Breed", 6 for 1976 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in 1987. Exterior paint (assuming originality) is code 19 Starlight Black. Not correct, in 1980-1981 both cars with the RPO code "L37" (Pontiac 301 V8 with four barrel) and RPO code "LG4" (Chevrolet 305 V8 with four barrel) both had the shaker hood scoop. Only the RPO code "LU8" (Pontiac 301 V8 with four barrel and turbo) had the "hood bulge" like that. Yes, the turbo hood monitors (RPO code "UR4") are typically equipped on turbo V8 cars from February 1980 onward. My January 1980 assembled Norwood turbo car doesn't have them. The turbo engine was typically not used in CA due to emission regulations, although oddly enough, plenty of them were assembled at the GM Van Nuys, CA plant, one of the "Terrible Three" in the GM system. There were 5,700 Pace Car editions for the 1980 model year. Not correct, 1980 had 210 HP, and 1981 (due to the C3 system) had 200 HP. 1981 had the "Y85" Nascar Pace Car edition to replace the Y85 Pace Car for 1980. My parents almost bought a 1980 Pace Car new, but my mother drove with the parking brake on with the dealer demo unit and they couldn't secure another one, so we got the Carousel Red one that I still own today. I almost got a 1981 Y85 a few years ago, but the seller and I couldn't agree on price (we were about $1000 apart and neither would budge). No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 2 for Pontiac, X for Trans Am Pace Car, 87 for two door coupe, T for 4.9L (301 CID) V8 with four barrel and turbocharger, Pontiac produced, option code "LU8", aka "Last of Warriors", A for 1980 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly (closed in 1987) or L for Van Nuys, CA assembly (closed in 1992) and the rest is the production sequence. No tag, can't brag, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 80 for 1980 model year, 2FS87 for Pontiac (2), Firebird (FS), two door coupe (87) then N or L for Norwood or Van Nuys, 12C for Oyster interior trim, 11L and 11U for White exterior paint, L or W for lacquer (Norwood) or water (Van Nuys) paint, A51 for bucket seats, A31 for power windows, CC1 for T-tops, Y85 for Pace Car, GR2 for gray secondary interior trim, among other codes. Correct, the 400 and 301 turbo matched the last of the 455 CID V8s in HP rating (more or less). Not correct, four wheel disc brakes debuted in 1979. The WS6 package debuted in 1978, but without four wheel disc brakes. Due to a shortage of parts, some WS6 cars became "WS7" and were the same package but without four wheel discs. Not correct, 1982-1992 (3rd generation) Firebirds had Chevrolet V8s---the last of the Pontiac V8s rolled off the line in the Spring of 1981, and hence I do not acknowledge them as true Pontiacs, they are "Chevyiacs". Not correct, the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am was turbocharged and used the 3.8L V6 from the Buick Grand National. Back in 2002, both of my cars were featured in "The History of the Firebird" produced by Veloce Publishing. I offered to do the technical writing/review for the book and was told that "they had experts". When writing a book like that, it should always be read by more than one person. It was not, and this was apparent. Consequently, the book is riddled with errors.........
Oh yes, turbos are a hoot! I built a turbocharged 71 camaro back in the 80's. Started out as a z28 350 4 speed I picked it up cheap because it had some rust and peeling paint. Lower compression pistons and a 400 auto with B&M trans pack, 12 bolt 342 posi. It was a tire boiling beast!
Great to have you back, Steve!!!! And I LOVE that YOU almost said "Screaming Chicken" near the end. LOL... Those Disco Trans Ams may have been slow, but as a 10 year-old kid in 1981, I lusted after them anyway!
motortrend stopped being trendy when they dropped junkyard gold. I appreciate everything you do for us steve, as much as you already know it i gotta say it for myself- youve done more than make a huge impact on this community, youve made an impact on me. ill be talking about your articles and shows on my deathbed, in my world you are an ABSOLUTE legend and i hope and wish you many more good healthy and spry junkyard crawling years!
Good to see you Steve and doing better. Worked as a machinist on these engines. The 301 only had counter weights on the front and rear of the crank and hollowed out rod journals. When these turbo cars where driven fast the carb would lean out and melt the pistons out of it.
Life has returned to normal! A Steve Magnante video with my morning coffee and cigar, perfect! Good morning Mr. Magnante. Speaking of screaming chickens, I'm listening to them scream right now. (Roosters crowing). This small Georgia town is famous for them. We even honor them every March with the Wild chicken festival. Lol
Steve - you really knocked it out of the park with this video! Great to have you back. We’re from the same era and i especially liked your 200 mph comments. Not that we were learning about motoring in anything that would go that fast, but we could dream. Like Admiral Farragut said, “Full speed ahead!”
Steve is so awesome! I have always learned much from him. I hope he is getting much better, as he still looks a little frail. This man is a treasure and must be protected.
My gawd I'm so glad you're back Steve!!! The fill-ins were good considering the circumstances, but you are BY FAR the GOAT !!!!! TY Steve and god bless!
Steve it’s good to see you back up and running. I had open heart surgery a few years ago and slowed down a lot post-op. It takes forever after a long recovery period but the stamina does come back. The key for me was consistent light exercise. Find a trainer competent in Cardiac Rehab for some individual coaching. Just keep it up and you’ll get it back. Best wishes and stay healthy.
The 1979 10-anniversary T/A got 4-wheel discs. The rest of the F-bodies got rear drums. The 301 was planned for the 3rd-gen F-body until upper management quashed it.
Yes, TATA's got everything. But it wasn't just TATA's that got rear discs. Rear discs were part of the WS6 handling package, starting in 1979. So, any 79 TA or Formula with the WS6 handling option had rear discs. And there were a good many of them since it was a popular option...so popular that they couldn't keep up with the rear disc orders at one point. To help alleviate that problem temporarily until they could catch up with production, they created a new option, the WS7. You would get the other parts of the WS6 package which improved handling like a bigger rear sway bar, quicker steering, control arm braces, etc, but with rear drum brakes.
About 25 years ago a friend of my Moms had a silver 10th anniversary 79 Trans Am which was fairly rare and what I remember most is it had a huge hood decal and the bird wings actually draped over the front fenders. I told him -- really nice guy -- that someday I would like to buy the car but sadly he passed away about 10 years ago and am not sure what happened with the car. Always preferred the 77-78 front grills but his 79 was really nice and very low mileage for its age..
Good to see you back in action Steve. Saw those turbo Trans Ams everywhere when I was a teenager. Knew they weren't fast, but they sure looked stylish cruising down the road.
Steve, Great to see you doing your thing, I made a Monogram model of the Turbo T/A when it was a current model going back some, later I went in the non Turbo Esprit, nice by my native UK standards, I worked in States spare parts and a customer brought one of these to our shop, he loved it and said he worked on the Rover turbine prototype this was in the early 80's so yes he'd be about the right age,well spoken knowledgeable chap, im sure that guy from Twisted Sister visited us with a Super Duty 455 the guy with him had drum sticks and they were looking for exhaust parts,the car sounded racey with a high lift cam. Best wishes to yourself,family and fellow viewers.
Great seeing you back for the last couple videos, Steven see you’re still moving a little slow, but we’re glad to have you still with us my friend prayers and well wishes. Go with you my good man.
It is so nice to see you back again ,Steve! In a way,you yourself, are a phoenix rising! Not a super chicken! But you are pretty super in all of our books! God Bless you! May you continue to rise! That was a lovely looking mustang, on the lot! It must be a real pleasure for you to be amongst your passion again! Looking forward, best wishes! Rise, and continue to Shine, Mr. Mags! ❤
Good Sunday morning Steve, it's so good to see you again! As a child of the late 70's, I remember those cars when they were new. It's been decades since I've seen such clean examples up close. Interesting stuff about the rear disk brakes.
In the early 1990’s my friend had a 1979 Trans-Am with the blocked off shaker hood scoop. We carefully cut out the block off plate and we took the Trans-Am for a ride: My god it made a huge difference in performance getting that cooler outside air.
I’m glad to see you up and moving around.. doing what we all love… listening to you expand everyone’s knowledge on all the cars we love.. I can’t wait til the next video and to hear your voice..
I picked up an Orange '76 Formula with blacked out trim in 1987 from a friend. I paid $400 since it was running on 5 cylinders. After a quick refresh from the BEST mechanic in Tennessee, that Pontiac would scream! The fastest car I've owned (until I recieved an unrestricted Police cruiser). I loved that Orange beast!!!
I never messed with any cars from that era but I would imagine other than the low compression everything else would be pretty easy to “de-restrict” probably carb, intake, and headers would net some pretty big gains
The mid 70s to the mid 80s was a sad time for automotive performance, but look at the bounty of performance, fuel economy, reliability, technology and safety that shift in regulation and engineering has brought us today. While I'm nostalgic for the 60s muscle cars, current muscle cars offer so much more in every respect (yes, including cost of purchase, repair and ownership). In my very humble opinion, we are now at the pinnacle of muscle car performance because the current trends of environmentalism are sure to doom the massive output of internal combustion engines as we know them today.
Keep doing it, buddy! You my friend, are great at what you do. My mom had 4 different generations of Pontiac trans am firebirds. It got me hooked on loving cars for life!
Yes, I miss my 1979 Trans Am that was custom ordered by an Anaheim, California police officer. The engine was indeed the Oldsmobile 403 V8. This T/A was ordered without the hood decal and he had cut out the hood scoop opening. The "four wheel disc" decal was on the door handles. I sold it to a buyer in Japan in 1994.
Nice to see you somewhere OTHER than the junkyard - it plays havoc with your sinuses (thus, all the sniffing you do when you're in those woods/junkyards) !
Steve, every day that starts with one of your videos makes it a better day. We are all so very thankful for the info you bring us, and even more thankful for your own incredible and ongoing recovery. Continued blessings on you.
Great seeing you back in the saddle! I think you found a NEW way to share all your knowledge! You should start visiting personal collections….just a thought? I’m sure you know the right people.
I am SO Happy to see Steve doing better. Americas Best Car Historian
The best part with Steve Magnante is that you don't only have to be in a junkyard crawling around to learn about automobiles. Thank you Steve for your dedication to helping us learn more every day.
😎🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
I think Steve could wander my local grocery store parking lot and still tell me hours and hours of things I didn't know. Great to see you back, Steve!
@@SteveBrecht The man could read the Manhattan Yellow Pages and make it interesting. LOL.
@@SteveBrecht It is great to see him back. Hopefully if he showed up at your grocery store parking lot there would be a fact checker present.
So good to see you doing well Steve! You’re an automotive encyclopedia that cannot be lost. Feel better man!
Love listening to your great information. I'm so happy to see you're doing much better.
I think he is going through something he is selling alot of stuff
I'm just thrilled to see you back Steve! Thanks to skilled medical staff!!!
The real classic in this video is Steve!! Great to see you back!!
Well said
It's starting to feel like old times again! Finally a reason to wake up and want to check my phone! Thank you Steve, don't overdo it!
Steve back to doing his thing, all’s well with the world again
Welcome back Steve. You are appreciated. My boss HATED his "Screaming Chicken." Called her "Clucky."
I’m not sure a lucky is an improvement 😂😂
So good to see and hear you Steve!
The man the unsung legend. Keeping car history alive!
Oh Steve, it is so good to see you back my friend!!!! Sending hugs from your Florida folks.
Drinking my coffee ☕️ and watching the master of automotive history! Thanks 🙏 Mr. Magnante! Love watching you teach us a little more about them beautiful classics!👌😎👍
Steve says it got NO BALLS. What a legend. Still got it. We love you Steve.
I'm not Pontiac guy, but I remember when the Firebird Formula and Trans/AM were really the only American performance cars available from '75 to '79 time period. When Ford and Chrysler were on the fence about performance vs. economy, and before the Fox body came out in '79. You showing us the different engine pkgs GM tried to keep the muscle car alive by trying turbos on smaller engs.during this brief period was very entertaining. Thanks Steve, I always find your videos educational and interesting. Glad to see you on the mend!!!
Hi Steve you are the reason im still collecting and restoring old cars. Im 67 now and doing American stuff here in the UK 🇬🇧 is hard But i carry on
My first car, at 16 in 1990, was a silver grey 301 turbo car with the same aluminum rims this car has. I worked at Diamond Chevrolet in Worcester, MA right next to Auburn and made weekly payments until I paid the $500 they sold it to me for over the course of maybe 10 weeks. I drove it up and down my driveway in for 4 months until I got my license and put it on the road. I’ve never forgotten that feeling of freedom and excitement. I drove that car through Auburn almost every day. Love this video and ABSOLUTELY love that you’re in my area because I’ve been a fan since I started seeing your name in my favorite magazines in my 20s and it feels personal. A lot of people, including me, are truly glad your okay.
You're crushing it Steve! What a treat to not only have you back at it making new videos but so much of them so close together! Thank you for putting in the effort (though I'm sure you've been itching to get back into the fold!)
Three strikes no balls indeed. Government ruins everything.
oil is a finite substance.
government improved the quality of the air you and your children breath, thank you.
@@frankfurther3828 Apparently Government not so finite?
@@jameslandi4688 And? how many have Govt killed? maimed? The Statist always finds a excuse for inFinite Government, their cult The Government
Mr. B. Here ☕️👀😎👍. This come as a stock to you , our society is not perfect but if you have a better way put it out there, also so many have lost jobs with all the technology, yes new jobs with technology but not helping does who were in small businesses ! Please do not tell me about clean air, in 1976 I work for Oldsmobile I saw being of so clean act & the bring
Steve, so glad to see you back!!
Hi Steve is sure good to see you back on the car scene I missed you so much your videos I never prayed so hard for somebody I never knew like I did for you. I'm the guy that I spoke to you a while back about the Thunderbird when you rebuilt the one with the no fender skirts several years ago when you rebuilt it and I was probably 20 years ago but I always remember that video and I always have liked watching you on these car channels before and I was so heartbroken to find out when you were sick and I wonder if it's all that mouse poop you go digging through that gave you this problem I don't know but I always worry about that you always never wore gloves and I always worry me so hopefully you're getting better I see you're moving like an old man now I'm 58 going to be 59 in a couple days and I know you start getting old at this age at least I feel LOL but you take care the car world can't afford to lose you!
I remember seeing & talking to you a few years back at a car show somewhere up northern mass there was alot of T/As there.
Good to see you kicking man. Love from Massachusetts.
Steve, thanks for all you do for the hobby and us fans!
Steve is on fire now!! 😆 Good to see you sir!!!
The information and the quick wit were flowing here! Soooo good to see you back Steve!!!
Good to see you back, as always. Whoa Nelley, some things need sorting out here:
Not correct, from 1973 (which was the first year of the SD and 1974 being the last) onward, the shaker hood scoop was not functional. This was due to EPA regulations, including those for noise.
1976 Trans Am: No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 2 for Pontiac, W for Trans Am, 87 for two door coupe, W for 455 CID V8 with four barrel, RPO code "L75", aka "Last of the Breed", 6 for 1976 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in 1987. Exterior paint (assuming originality) is code 19 Starlight Black.
Not correct, in 1980-1981 both cars with the RPO code "L37" (Pontiac 301 V8 with four barrel) and RPO code "LG4" (Chevrolet 305 V8 with four barrel) both had the shaker hood scoop. Only the RPO code "LU8" (Pontiac 301 V8 with four barrel and turbo) had the "hood bulge" like that. Yes, the turbo hood monitors (RPO code "UR4") are typically equipped on turbo V8 cars from February 1980 onward. My January 1980 assembled Norwood turbo car doesn't have them. The turbo engine was typically not used in CA due to emission regulations, although oddly enough, plenty of them were assembled at the GM Van Nuys, CA plant, one of the "Terrible Three" in the GM system.
There were 5,700 Pace Car editions for the 1980 model year. Not correct, 1980 had 210 HP, and 1981 (due to the C3 system) had 200 HP. 1981 had the "Y85" Nascar Pace Car edition to replace the Y85 Pace Car for 1980. My parents almost bought a 1980 Pace Car new, but my mother drove with the parking brake on with the dealer demo unit and they couldn't secure another one, so we got the Carousel Red one that I still own today. I almost got a 1981 Y85 a few years ago, but the seller and I couldn't agree on price (we were about $1000 apart and neither would budge). No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 2 for Pontiac, X for Trans Am Pace Car, 87 for two door coupe, T for 4.9L (301 CID) V8 with four barrel and turbocharger, Pontiac produced, option code "LU8", aka "Last of Warriors", A for 1980 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly (closed in 1987) or L for Van Nuys, CA assembly (closed in 1992) and the rest is the production sequence. No tag, can't brag, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 80 for 1980 model year, 2FS87 for Pontiac (2), Firebird (FS), two door coupe (87) then N or L for Norwood or Van Nuys, 12C for Oyster interior trim, 11L and 11U for White exterior paint, L or W for lacquer (Norwood) or water (Van Nuys) paint, A51 for bucket seats, A31 for power windows, CC1 for T-tops, Y85 for Pace Car, GR2 for gray secondary interior trim, among other codes.
Correct, the 400 and 301 turbo matched the last of the 455 CID V8s in HP rating (more or less). Not correct, four wheel disc brakes debuted in 1979. The WS6 package debuted in 1978, but without four wheel disc brakes. Due to a shortage of parts, some WS6 cars became "WS7" and were the same package but without four wheel discs. Not correct, 1982-1992 (3rd generation) Firebirds had Chevrolet V8s---the last of the Pontiac V8s rolled off the line in the Spring of 1981, and hence I do not acknowledge them as true Pontiacs, they are "Chevyiacs". Not correct, the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am was turbocharged and used the 3.8L V6 from the Buick Grand National.
Back in 2002, both of my cars were featured in "The History of the Firebird" produced by Veloce Publishing. I offered to do the technical writing/review for the book and was told that "they had experts". When writing a book like that, it should always be read by more than one person. It was not, and this was apparent. Consequently, the book is riddled with errors.........
Ahh yes, what would a Steve Magnante video be without a googleusergp reply. Good to see you back as well.
@@anthonynofi4871 Nice of you to say, but it's just nice to see Mr. Magnante back doing what he enjoys doing.
Oh yes, turbos are a hoot! I built a turbocharged 71 camaro back in the 80's. Started out as a z28 350 4 speed I picked it up cheap because it had some rust and peeling paint. Lower compression pistons and a 400 auto with B&M trans pack, 12 bolt 342 posi. It was a tire boiling beast!
Somehow I knew this was going to be a good one....😎
You sir are a machine/computer of indisputable information!!
Glad to see you back in action. YOU DA MAN! love learning from you......
"the screaming chicken" remark made me chuckel! Glad to see you getting better! You are a treasure
Steve over the years you have taught us all so much. Thanks, man !!!!
Great to have you back, Steve!!!! And I LOVE that YOU almost said "Screaming Chicken" near the end. LOL... Those Disco Trans Ams may have been slow, but as a 10 year-old kid in 1981, I lusted after them anyway!
It's so good to see you out again, Steve!!! Onward and Upward, Sir!!!
motortrend stopped being trendy when they dropped junkyard gold. I appreciate everything you do for us steve, as much as you already know it i gotta say it for myself- youve done more than make a huge impact on this community, youve made an impact on me. ill be talking about your articles and shows on my deathbed, in my world you are an ABSOLUTE legend and i hope and wish you many more good healthy and spry junkyard crawling years!
GREAT to see you back at it Steve, we missed you!!!
Good to see you Steve and doing better. Worked as a machinist on these engines. The 301 only had counter weights on the front and rear of the crank and hollowed out rod journals. When these turbo cars where driven fast the carb would lean out and melt the pistons out of it.
It is so good to see you back and doing well. You had some good friends running the store until you recovered. I watched them as well.
Life has returned to normal! A Steve Magnante video with my morning coffee and cigar, perfect! Good morning Mr. Magnante. Speaking of screaming chickens, I'm listening to them scream right now. (Roosters crowing). This small Georgia town is famous for them. We even honor them every March with the Wild chicken festival. Lol
Okay Steve! You win! I'll stop calling The Screaming Chicken a Screaming Chicken. Geez!
I think the folks at Pontiac were the ones who originally came up with that moniker. Not everyone was in love with the big bird hood decal at first.
@@davidgalinat4257 true but still an insult to the Phoenix
@@davidgalinat4257 They were pretty square back then so it was probably "RPO code D53 hood decal" like the build sheet said.
Steve - you really knocked it out of the park with this video! Great to have you back. We’re from the same era and i especially liked your 200 mph comments. Not that we were learning about motoring in anything that would go that fast, but we could dream. Like Admiral Farragut said, “Full speed ahead!”
Thanks Steve … you bring back so many memories.
Steve is so awesome! I have always learned much from him. I hope he is getting much better, as he still looks a little frail. This man is a treasure and must be protected.
My gawd I'm so glad you're back Steve!!! The fill-ins were good considering the circumstances, but you are BY FAR the GOAT !!!!! TY Steve and god bless!
I never get tired of looking at BF Goodrich Radial T/A's on Cragar rims, like on the Chevelle there. 😍
Glad to see you up and out Steve. Prayers that you're having a full recovery. Thanks for the education of us lesser knowledge filled persons.
I never knew the decal on the hood had an actual name. Never too old to learn something new. :)
Nice to see you back, missed you.
Glad to see you out and about! Nothing like some sunshine to get you going!
I have a 72 trans am with an ls7. Best of old and new!
That turbo TA is really nice! Thanks for taking us along
Steve it’s good to see you back up and running. I had open heart surgery a few years ago and slowed down a lot post-op. It takes forever after a long recovery period but the stamina does come back. The key for me was consistent light exercise. Find a trainer competent in Cardiac Rehab for some individual coaching. Just keep it up and you’ll get it back. Best wishes and stay healthy.
The 1979 10-anniversary T/A got 4-wheel discs. The rest of the F-bodies got rear drums.
The 301 was planned for the 3rd-gen F-body until upper management quashed it.
Yes, TATA's got everything. But it wasn't just TATA's that got rear discs. Rear discs were part of the WS6 handling package, starting in 1979. So, any 79 TA or Formula with the WS6 handling option had rear discs. And there were a good many of them since it was a popular option...so popular that they couldn't keep up with the rear disc orders at one point. To help alleviate that problem temporarily until they could catch up with production, they created a new option, the WS7. You would get the other parts of the WS6 package which improved handling like a bigger rear sway bar, quicker steering, control arm braces, etc, but with rear drum brakes.
Fantastic to see you back at it, thank you!!
Thanks Steve.
Glad to have you back young fella… Happy to see you up and around ❤
About 25 years ago a friend of my Moms had a silver 10th anniversary 79 Trans Am which was fairly rare and what I remember most is it had a huge hood decal and the bird wings actually draped over the front fenders. I told him -- really nice guy -- that someday I would like to buy the car but sadly he passed away about 10 years ago and am not sure what happened with the car. Always preferred the 77-78 front grills but his 79 was really nice and very low mileage for its age..
Good to see you back in action Steve.
Saw those turbo Trans Ams everywhere when I was a teenager. Knew they weren't fast, but they sure looked stylish cruising down the road.
Hes still killing it and teaching us the easter eggs of the carworld. You're a badass Steve!!!
God Bless you Steve and we Thank God also that you are doing well, looking good, and back in action!!
Steve, Great to see you doing your thing, I made a Monogram model of the Turbo T/A when it was a current model going back some, later I went in the non Turbo Esprit, nice by my native UK standards, I worked in States spare parts and a customer brought one of these to our shop, he loved it and said he worked on the Rover turbine prototype this was in the early 80's so yes he'd be about the right age,well spoken knowledgeable chap, im sure that guy from Twisted Sister visited us with a Super Duty 455 the guy with him had drum sticks and they were looking for exhaust parts,the car sounded racey with a high lift cam. Best wishes to yourself,family and fellow viewers.
Glad to see you back Steve. I have had several Trans Ams and Firebirds over the years and the graphic on the hood is a "Screamin' Chicken". 🙂🙂🙂
Great seeing you back for the last couple videos, Steven see you’re still moving a little slow, but we’re glad to have you still with us my friend prayers and well wishes. Go with you my good man.
It is so nice to see you back again ,Steve! In a way,you yourself, are a phoenix rising!
Not a super chicken! But you are pretty super in all of our books! God Bless you! May you continue to rise! That was a lovely looking mustang, on the lot! It must be a real pleasure for you to be amongst your passion again!
Looking forward, best wishes!
Rise, and continue to Shine, Mr. Mags! ❤
Good Sunday morning Steve, it's so good to see you again! As a child of the late 70's, I remember those cars when they were new. It's been decades since I've seen such clean examples up close. Interesting stuff about the rear disk brakes.
In the early 1990’s my friend had a 1979 Trans-Am with the blocked off shaker hood scoop.
We carefully cut out the block off plate and we took the Trans-Am for a ride: My god it made a huge difference in performance getting that cooler outside air.
I”m about the same age as Steve, and I grew up with many of these cars. Everybody wanted a Trans-Am.
I’m glad to see you up and moving around.. doing what we all love… listening to you expand everyone’s knowledge on all the cars we love.. I can’t wait til the next video and to hear your voice..
3 Strikes, No Balls! Lol. Go Sox!
Win! Twins! ⚾
@@ddellwo well.....we're in mass....so....🤣
So happy to see Mr. Magnante doing better !
I picked up an Orange '76 Formula with blacked out trim in 1987 from a friend. I paid $400 since it was running on 5 cylinders. After a quick refresh from the BEST mechanic in Tennessee, that Pontiac would scream! The fastest car I've owned (until I recieved an unrestricted Police cruiser). I loved that Orange beast!!!
I never messed with any cars from that era but I would imagine other than the low compression everything else would be pretty easy to “de-restrict” probably carb, intake, and headers would net some pretty big gains
The mid 70s to the mid 80s was a sad time for automotive performance, but look at the bounty of performance, fuel economy, reliability, technology and safety that shift in regulation and engineering has brought us today. While I'm nostalgic for the 60s muscle cars, current muscle cars offer so much more in every respect (yes, including cost of purchase, repair and ownership). In my very humble opinion, we are now at the pinnacle of muscle car performance because the current trends of environmentalism are sure to doom the massive output of internal combustion engines as we know them today.
Thanks Steve!
Wow….that’s some shop you’re at Steve. So glad to have you back! Stay strong…
Congrats Steve on beating the infection. Glad youre still with us.
Keep doing it, buddy! You my friend, are great at what you do.
My mom had 4 different generations of Pontiac trans am firebirds. It got me hooked on loving cars for life!
Steve Magnante Hello Friend, good to see you back and praying that your health keeps getting better Ok🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😃😃💪💪💪👍👍👍
Steve's talking just as fast as before, and tons of content. Walking will come!
That 301 Turbo would be a fun car, who has to go fast?
Welcome Back!!! I remember seeing lots full of '78's for sale in the local dealer, tons of trans am's, wish I bought all of them now...
Looking good Steve...getting strong. I always learn the details from Steve!
Yes, I miss my 1979 Trans Am that was custom ordered by an Anaheim, California police officer. The engine was indeed the Oldsmobile 403 V8. This T/A was ordered without the hood decal and he had cut out the hood scoop opening. The "four wheel disc" decal was on the door handles. I sold it to a buyer in Japan in 1994.
Great seeing you today. Wonderful speaking with you.
Happy to see you out and about, talking about cars and trucks! Welcome back and 🍻 to You, Steve!
So happy to see Steve slowly getting back on the track again!
Glad you’re back Steve. Interesting and informative as usual. Good to see you improving. Thanks
Good job Steve ! We've missed this educational insight from you ! Good to see you !
Glad to see you doing good Steve
Welcome back Steve! Hope you have a full and complete recovery.
Nice to see you somewhere OTHER than the junkyard - it plays havoc with your sinuses (thus, all the sniffing you do when you're in those woods/junkyards) !
Steve, every day that starts with one of your videos makes it a better day. We are all so very thankful for the info you bring us, and even more thankful for your own incredible and ongoing recovery. Continued blessings on you.
So good to see you back, Steve. Looking good, too. Cool TA's for sure.
Glad to see you’re back and healing well! God bless!
Awesome to see Steve out there talking about cars again!!
Great seeing you back in the saddle! I think you found a NEW way to share all your knowledge! You should start visiting personal collections….just a thought? I’m sure you know the right people.
Good Morning Steve, so glad to see you back at it, good stuff.... I'm also looking forward to your next model car crawl. 😊
Love my 92 Trans Am, bought new! Great video, Steve
Great to see you back Steve!
Looking good Steve ! Great to see you up and about.
The man the myth the legend. Great to see you back Steve.
Keep the videos coming, Steve. Awesome.
Steve is the Phoenix rising from his hospital bed! All the best Steve!
1979 WS6 had the 4 wheel disc label on the door handles.
God Bless the Olds powered 403 T/A... 🇺🇸🇨🇦
My 3 favorite TA the 1970, the Burt Reynolds bandit TA, and the 01 GMMG Blackbird
Great video, Steve! Thank you. My first car when I was 15 was a 1978 Pontiac Firebird. Not sure if it had the 301 or 305 but I had a good time in it.
Hi, Steve. Great to see you back at it. I hope this day finds you well.