Driving an updated 1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
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Driving an updated 1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV
The black and gold late 1970s Pontiac Trans AM SEs are some of the most recognizable American performance cars of all time. Of course, being the star of a huge Hollywood action film didn’t hurt, but these late 2nd gen Firebird Trans Ams had strong performance to match their movie star good looks.
Now you might not think 200 HP from the 1977 W72 400 cubic-inch Pontiac V8 sounds like much, but it did manage to churn up 325 ft. lbs. of torque at a time when performance was less than dismal thanks to the automaker’s scramble to improve fuel economy and emissions without the technology to make it happen. Detune was the call of the day, and the 1977 TA was definitely detuned.
But even so, the Y82 Special Edition package benefited from what was perhaps the best suspension system of the day, making these cars a blast to drive. Stiffer springs, tuned shocks, larger sway bars front and rear, and the “radial tuned” alignment specs all worked together to help these cars turn quickly and flatly in the corners. Is flatly a word?
Y82 cars also featured Hurst T-Tops, one of 2 t-top designs used in Firebirds, with the other being made by Fischer Body on later cars. The difference is that the Hurst tops are a bit narrower and don’t extend all the way to the door’s edge like the later Fisher versions, but they are still cool. The non T-Top Trans Am SE package was called the Y81.
Other Y81 and Y82 elements include Starlight Black paint with gold stripes, gold snowflake style 15 inch wheels, gold grille and headlight accents, and the legendary gold-toned firebird decal, with its head turned and breathing fire. Three engines were available, the code L78 Pontiac 400, the L80 Oldsmobile 403, and the most desirable W72 400, also known as the TA 6.6. A 3-speed automatic was standard with a 4-speed manual being a Trans Am only option.
Vinyl bucket seats, a gold-tinted engine turned dash panel, and a full complement of gauges were also part of the deal for ‘77. Of course, the required CB radio is a must for those looking to connect with their inner Bandits, and this one features air conditioning and a turbo 350 automatic transmission.
This particular car came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with it’s original W72 engine, but it has been treated to a performance rebuild with higher compression, a more aggressive camshaft, an aluminum intake manifold, and free-flowing dual exhaust. It’s also wearing a full Hotchkis suspension system to make it handle even better. Our team added a 2200 RPM stall torque converter, a Demon carburetor, a new radiator, and applied a performance tuneup to make it sing. We added some Pypes mufflers for a bit of growl along with 3.42:1 gears in a TruTrac differential to help it launch. We also took care of a few cosmetic items, like replacing the T-Top seals and a falling headliner, and repainted a damaged rear bumper cover.
But the biggest upgrade we performed was the install of a GearVendors overdrive unit, adding an automatic overdrive for faster highway cruising at a lower engine RPM. This also makes for a more capable chase car on your next bootleg run. Today, the car cruises at about 2100 RPM at 60 MPH. Nice.
This Y82 now performs better than the original issue 1977 version, but it still looks just as good. Just over 6000 ‘77 Trans Am SEs were built with the W72, and it’s always cool to see one. Oh yeah, the black and gold color scheme was introduced in 1976, a year before the Bandit cars, in commemoration of Pontiac’s 50th Golden Anniversary.
If you’ve got a Trans Am that needs some love, we’re happy to chat about it! You can reach us at www.v8speedshop.com today.
314.783.8325
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The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.
V8 Speed & Resto Shop
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314.783.8325
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I will eventually have one of these added to my collection.
absolute beauty of a car, great work.
I desperately want to see how this car's roof and windows operate. I've been looking for a while for a video but can't find one anywhere. The videos I've watched always have the car fully open or fully shut, they don't ever show how it gets from one point to the other. Can you please make a video showing viewers how it operates, or please point me to a video you know of that shows how the roof operates and opens?
@@SafariPlum You unlatch them from the inside and simply lift them out
@@gordocarbo Thanks for taking the time to answer, that has been a curiosity of mine that gets refuelled every time I see one on TV. You wouldn't believe the timing, but I am rewatching an old classic Aussie show made in the 80s and just a few days ago an episode had this car yet again with the windows down and roof open. It brought that curiosity back to the front of my mind after trying to forget it and being resolute I'll never know the answer. I'd still love to see footage of it happening, so if you do ever come across a video showing it please let me know.
The reason I love old American cars here in the UK watching Smokey & the bandit on TV in the 90's
Gorgeous car
thats awesome man! Smokey & the Bandit was filmed around my hometown area {Covington, Conyers, Jonesboro, Helen, Jefferson, Norcross, Lakewood, Buford, Cumming} & I got to see some of the filming the summer of '76! I grew up in Covington where they filmed Dukes of Hazzard & was on the square when the General Lee was being chased by Roscoe in the very first episode 1978 {RUclips video Dukes of Hazzaerd : Chase From 1st Episode} which also happened to be the opposite side of the square where I was standing when Burt Reynolds landed his plane to get beer in Cannonball run 1981 {RUclips video Cannonball Plane}! Had some great memories growing up there in the 1970s - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS!
@@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman That is truly fascinating! Many thanks for sharing your experience here and it's always a pleasure to speak to another who also loves these magnificent automobiles! Personally I very much like the original Hurst Hatch T-Top, my first Firebird was fitted with the American Hatch Corporation T-Top roof kit which was modelled after the Hurst Hatch but featured very slightly larger glass hatch panels. Best thing to do as a Firebird owner is to have long hair too! 🕊️✨❤️✨🕊️🙌🏼 Cheers buddy and all the very best to you over the pond! 👋🏼🌞🎨
@@TPEsprit Right on man! I always preferred the Fisher Ttops for the '78 model year as they were much larger than the Hurst! I love the 1976 50th Anniversary black/gold Trans Am with Ttops but those Hursts are just way too small! If you look close enough in the movie you can see the '76 when Bandit is parked next to the Texarkana Texas sign, that T/A has the honeycomb wheels! I have had 3 T/As {2 '78s & a '79}, 1 Firebird {'78} & 1 Z28 {'78} with the Fishers! I actually rocked the mullet in the '80s but by the late '90s I was balding so much I have kept it shaved ever since! Cheers from this Georgia boy, I'm eastbound & down ✌💖☮
The trans am will turn your testosterone levels to that of a boomer in 78 .. this is a man’s car gentlemen ♥️
had one way back in the day. gave it up to get married. man if you could go back and change like 3 decisions in your life. there's my second.
Ha ! I'd have skipped the marriage and kept that car 🚗
@@marcathens2951 that's what i mean about changing certain decisions from the past. that would definitely be one of my changes. i don't even remember what she looked like but i still miss that car every day. LoL
@@rockzhard2009 well I get it / and understand. I was 15 when that model came out. Saw the movie and wanted that car so bad but couldn't afford that back then . I never did get one / closest I got was my sister's boyfriend at the time had a brown 77. Fast car !
Instead of getting married I’m getting one of these. It’s my favorite classic car.
@@UltraMagaFan smart choice
I’m 17 and I’ve grown up knowing Smokey and the bandit. My dad owns a bandit only it’s a 78 without T tops and is a 7.4litre. I genuinely think this is one of the best cars made in my opinion. It’s funny though because it’s own a 1933 Austin Seven Boxsaloon which is totally different but I love all classic/vintage cars. ❤
The cars in the movie were actually '76 models with '77 front bumper covers.
A high school buddy had a ‘78 and even then we knew the gold decals were cheesy. He stripped them off and the all black with gold wheels looked amazing.
Honey Hush, black beauty. Thanks for the video .
Excellent work on an absolutely iconic car! Congrats to the owner and well done V8 Speed and Resto.
Iconic car - well presented, thanks! While at a small private airport near Detroit in the late seventies, I walked passed a hangar that was owned by GM and there was a Lear jet inside - all black, with gold striping and that gold "firebird" decal on the nose cone. Clearly, management was proud of that one.
There's a car that established it's own popularity and became a icon,a long standing icon with it's simple style and personality made it popular then and now, Pontiac is the division should've been kept
I was 14 when these came out and living in SoCal and neighbor got one with the 4-speed.. You always knew when he came home!
The W72 actually was reported at 220hp by Pontiac, Car and Driver tested the car in 78 and stated the hp on the W72 was more likely 265hp and GM under reported to the EPA.
Thats correct. I have owned 2 of them, both S/E. T/A W-72, and WS-6. Never should have sold them.
The W72 was rated at 200hp in 77 and 220hp with a revised camshaft and other slight changes for 78 and 79. The NHRA also dynoed these engines and had them at 260 to 280 net hp.
1977 Trans Am T/A 6.6 Pontiac engines were rated at 200 HP @ 3600 rpm. Only in 1978/79, with the change of camshaft, did it achieve a 220 HP rating @ 4000 rpm. No 1977 model year Pontiac 400 engines were offered with that 220 HP rating.
Went to high school 70s in Dallas,Aron Spelling kids got new 1977 blk & golds for Christmas.no match for my 70 442
Saw one of these in Auckland New Zealand Just last weekend. Just stunning
I have a 77 come to find out this weekend it's a WS4 series but originally had all the gold and Black details of the Y82. Myself and father who has past away have benn restoring this car. I have missed working this this car been sitting in garage last 5 years. Last time my dad heard it run was last year in September before he past away so I'm really pushing to get running again.
Never too late to have TA from 77 even if your 63
I was looking to install a Gear Vendors unit in my T/A after I modded the engine and went with a TH400. I called GV and they informed me I would need to notch a "rib" that goes across the floor. They said it was used by GM to move the floor pan into position to attach the subframe, suspension, driveline, etc. To me, it looks like it gives structural support...I am hesitant to cut.
Great work guys, love these models.
Had one and even thou 220 hp was rated it was more and you’re torque was more. My v 6 caddie makes more h p but this was fun sound!!
Oh my god I would absolutely LOVE one of these!! Life list!
what a very calm and pragmatic video. very nicely done. well done chaps 👌
i have a 45k mile mint 81 turbo trans am that could use some love!!
Too little power for the trouble
Look the one that did work 89 Turbo Trans Am that was bad ass fast
Coolest car ever
I have a 79 y84 bandit completely original 23,336 miles except new fuel pump wires plugs carb rebuild and a gas tank still have the original polysteel radials put away with new eagles now basically one owner car my aunt drove out of the showroom floor in 79 she gave me this car when I was 6 years old in 1983 sat in her garage from 83-92 then was plated in 92 for one summer then it sat from 92-2022 she let me have it in 22 at 46 years old long wait lol but I rarely drive it only to shows where it usually wins all the best original prize, my aunts birthday is today New Year’s Day she’s 83 and I’ll cherish this car till I give it away to my 12 year old son
The best show off car ever built
Had a chance to buy a disassembled one in the 90s. But I did not have the room in the garage for it. Almost bought a red one with a black bird later that year. I just needed to get a job at Frys. Oh well.
My all time favorite machine! Closest I ever got to one was a 79 Z28. Like the T/A looks better though 👊
Trans Am is better
My brother had the 1980 which was better that yr only since transam was a 301 turbo failure
TA for everyother one was a better car 1989 had a 3.8 turbo which was faster than corvettes the later ones were same engine as specs but better inside comfort and handling was much better
@@GTARockman HI Robert, yeah. In 1980 the Camaro Z28 was more desirable than the same year TTA.
Absolutely loved the air induction hood with the functional vents, going click clang, when running the manuel version through the gears...
@@GTARockman Those twentieth anniversary indy pace cars were beautiful on the 1989 TTA. Loved the paint scheme on those, just like I did the 1980 versions.
Except the Red or Blue or white or even Silver or the gold one but the best was the famous Black n gold!!
Had the same one but had Alloy snowflakes instead of the gold .. loved it big lots now I got 82Z28 built 350 and would smoke the TA but would trade in a heartbeat!!
Gr8 video TY for keeping the dream Alive!!!
Great car! Owned a ‘77 400 auto always have regretted selling it
Same here. I had a ‘77 Formula with a 400. I do miss that one.
Stutz built a black and gold Blackhawk in 1970 and Elvis liked it so much he talked the dealer in Las Vegas to sell him the one Frank Sinatra had ordered. In 1974 Pontiac built a black and gold Trans AM for the Detroit auto show but GM would not let them sell them so in 1976 they did it anyway without asking permission and used the 50th anniversary of Pontiac as the excuse. That is how the black and gold came to be or so I read a long time ago.
I need one of these
Muscle cars look best in black!
I own a 77 formula with the 400. 200 horsepower is still fun if you read the sellers brochure that you use in your video the formula could also have a 4 speed seems Kevin is more into filming and fixing instead of reading
Ford Fanboy here. This is still an iconic car. Even though it is a GM by-product. Why did these cars not get the 455?
76 was the last year for the 455
@@chuckman2219 Thanks for the info.
@@chuckman2219 Side note worth mentioning: A 301c.i. Turbo was offered in the '80-'81 Firebird producing a whopping 210 hp and 345 lbft torque. A sad time in the "muscle car" era.
@@WorldsBestWatcher In the 1980's Buddy had one of those chicken cars, 305 with tall gears, would wind out to 150 mph.
@@bradyelich2745 Me too. My friend's was a blue one. Beautiful car. I was in it one time when he topped it out. It took a while to get there but it definitely buried the needle.
Perfect and interesting episode. I like especially the driving parts of the video with a sweet-sounding engine of that Trans Am.
Rare one if it has the luxury cloth interior. Or if it has the saddle color interior too
Great Car, great work you guys did and...Great Shades Kevin.
Nice video but it was full of misinformation. The Y82 Special edition package was cosmetic only. The performance suspension package he was referring to (WS6) wasnt available until 1978. All 77 trans ams came with the same suspension/steering package. The 4 speed manual was also not exclusive to trans ams. Firebirds and Formulas also could be optioned with a 4 speed.
K E V I N ..... Hope all’s Well your way. Friday’s ARE NOT the same receiving the welcome diversion from the weeks “News”, watching your latest release-taking “US” away to a better place, WITH A TURBO-BLUE “CANDLE” SCENT!
Thanks for these escapes...
Gorgeous
I love this car one of my favorites how much is it
strong performance LOL!
There was none since practically 71 and wouldnt be til well in the 80s.
Every car guy was frustrated. Oil crisis, epa stranging mfr ability to build power tough times for muscle cars.
Very Kool I have a 79
In the original configuration it had the look of a lion but actuality a lamb.
I would love to know the numbers after you opened that choked motor up a little?
One of the biggest regrets with this automobile is that it does not have a manual transmission. It would be an order of magnitude more enjoyable to drive with one.
I desperately want to see how this car's roof and windows operate. I've been looking for a while for a video but can't find one anywhere. The videos I've watched always have the car fully open or fully shut, they don't ever show how it gets from one point to the other. Can you please make a video showing viewers how it operates, or please point me to a video you know of that shows how the roof operates and opens?
By far one of the best car made by Humans lol Even God is jealous that he didn't create it first 😆
What type of intake manifold installed? I have a 76 TA SE and having issues closing the hood because the edelbrock manifold is a bit high
Nice
I have this car..I wonder what these mods costs
Hi Anthony - we'd be happy to chat with you about your car and what you'd like to achieve. If you click this link and fill out the info, we'll get back with you right away. Thanks! www.v8speedshop.com/contact
Kev, whatz up man....another great video cuz it had a TA - lol.
Question, what was that electronic overdrive system you guys put in? Did u use the original 350 trans or did u install a R200? Also, was the overdrive controlled by vacuum and that rocker switch?
Thanks man!
Hey man, the unit is a Gear Vendors OD unit. You can learn more about the operation and install on a 2nd Gen Firebird in this video - ruclips.net/video/p51-erNdUP8/видео.html. They attach to the original transmission, in the case of the '77 a TH350.
Without enough power the TA was not enough to be clearly the best desirable muscle car.
EFI Would have made a nice daily driver.
why it runs fine with my carb..it starts immediately.
What's the revised power and torque numbers?
Hard to say, we did not dyno this one. We'd say the torque was up an easy 45-50 ft. lbs. by the seat of the pants.
@@V8TV Nice. Well, that's what matters anyways. Lol Thanks for the reply.
I prefer the red version
60mph @ 2100rpms
dang. at what RPM was 60mph before?!
Okay so I have a 1977 Pontiac T/A with the hurst t tops radial tuned suspension and olds 403 all that how do I tell if it’s a true SE I read somewhere the only way to tell if it’s a true SE is the build sheet or window sticker from when it was purchased which I have neither and that the Pontiac emblem on the front bumper was read on the SE but it’s old and I’m not sure if it’s faded or even the original bumper being that it’s not unusual for them to get damaged could I get some insight on if it’s a true SE it is a Y82
Nice car...
I'm surprised and happy to see that no one has called this car a "B#*^!t yet. It's a 1977 Special Edition, that's what it is, not that silly B-word name! (I love the movie, but hate that this beautiful car has been reduced in so many people's minds to just that name.) But, like Betelgeuse, I've now kind of mentioned it so it's just a matter of time before....wait for it......
you are right, the "Bandit Edition" didnt come out til 1978
But the movie is a classic. Honestly I want a blue 79 though instead of a black one.
Honey hush
If this car had 350 hp or weighed 800 lb less the performance would be enough to top mustangs and maybe came closer to hemi from Dodge. But 200 hp was not enough even with 300 lb torque. Should have had more 350 cubic inch HORSE POWER
epa wouldnt let them in those days.
sorry, why drive it soft. this is a high outpet engine. it needs to be driven hard