1979 Pontiac Trans am problems

General information about Pontiac-Trans am
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.

First generation (1967–1969)

The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($24,361 in 2023 dollars) and the convertible was $2,903 ($28,519 in 2023 dollars).

The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.

The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches (4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered to start in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). The power output of the other engines was increased marginally.

There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the "Ram Air III," a name never used by Pontiac). The Ram Air IV was rated at 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing applications that were not available in production cars.

Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows was replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.

In March 1969, a US$1,083 ($8,998 in 2023 ) optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.

Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.

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Common 1979 Pontiac Trans am problems

Common Problems with the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Engine Performance Issues: Another common problem with the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is related to engine performance. This can include issues with the ignition system, such as worn spark plugs or fouled spark plug wires, which can cause the engine to misfire or run poorly. It can also include issues with the engine's compression, which can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. For example, a 1979 Trans Am with a 403 Olds engine and TH350 transmission may experience a hesitation or stalling while driving, which could be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the carburetor, fuel system, or ignition system.

Transmission Problems: The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am can also experience transmission problems. This can include issues with the transmission's fluid level, which can cause the transmission to slip or fail to shift properly. It can also include issues with the transmission's internal components, such as worn clutch plates or a damaged torque converter. For example, a 1979 Trans Am with a 400-inch Pontiac V-8 engine may experience transmission problems if it is not equipped with the original engine.

Suspension and Steering Issues: The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am can also experience suspension and steering issues. This can include issues with the car's shock absorbers, struts, and springs, which can cause the car to ride poorly or handle poorly. It can also include issues with the car's steering system, such as worn tie rods or a leaking power steering pump.
Electrical System Issues: The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am can also experience electrical system issues. This can include issues with the car's battery, alternator, and starter motor, which can cause the car to have difficulty starting or running. It can also include issues with the car's wiring and electrical components, such as blown fuses or damaged wiring.
Body and Paint Issues: The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am can also experience body and paint issues. This can include issues with the car's body panels, such as rust or corrosion, which can affect the car's appearance and structural integrity. It can also include issues with the car's paint, such as fading or peeling, which can affect the car's appearance.

In conclusion, the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a classic car that can experience a variety of common problems. These can include issues with the fuel system, engine performance, transmission, suspension and steering, electrical system, and body and paint. By addressing these issues promptly, owners can help ensure that their 1979 Pontiac Trans Am remains in good condition and continues to provide reliable performance for years to come.

Was the 1979 Trans Am a good car?

The Trans Am was solidly ranked second overall by our instruments, trailing the Corvette by slight margins in most of the tests.

What engine did the 1979 Trans Am have?

It was re-introduced as an option in 1979 as production for the 400 ceased and tooling was converted over to the 301. The Trans Am now had three different engine options, the standard Pontiac L78 400, the optional extra-cost Pontiac W72 400, and the Oldsmobile-sourced L80 403.

What year is the most sought after Trans Am?

With only 1,555 ever made, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am remains one of the most sought-after muscle cars on the market. This special edition 20th anniversary model was the official pace car for the 73rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

How many miles per gallon does a 1979 Trans Am get?

Based on data from 9 vehicles, 154 fuel-ups and 23,408 miles of driving, the 1979 Pontiac Firebird gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.37 with a 0.61 MPG margin of error.

Is a 1979 Trans Am reliable?

The 1979 Firebird was also the last model to use Pontiac's large displacement V8s, which further boosts its appeal and collector status. The icing on the cake is that it's the joint most reliable model year on our list today. If you can find a 1979 Trans Am for sale, it's worth considering.

What engine did the 1979 Trans Am have?

What was the cost of a 1979 Trans Am?

Comparatively speaking, the Trans Am was attractively priced at $6699, which is why so many were sold. On the engine front, the 2-barrel 135-bhp 301 Pontiac V-8 returned as an option on the base 1979 Firebird, Esprit, and Formula ($270).

What is the rarest Trans Am?

1969 Trans Am

The '69 Trans Am is among the rarest of the rare 'Birds with fewer than 700 built—only eight were convertibles and all were Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes.

1979 Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Pontiac Trans am complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Pontiac Trans am.

2010-02-16

STEERING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1979-11-11
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
Components: STEERING,EQUIPMENT
Summary: 1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM 10TH SILVER ADDITION-CRASH, STEERING FAILED AND STRUCK TREE, PERSON DRIVING RECEIVED C6 SPINAL CORD INJURY. *TR

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Pontiac Trans am problems:

1979 Pontiac Firebird Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/pontiac/firebird/1979/

Dec 18, 2016 ... - Oldsmobile -> Head gaskets on the 403, detonation-related issues (premature piston ring failure leading to oil consumption). Both do not ...

Q&A: 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6.6 - Common Queries ...

https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/c35lt-1979-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-6-6-400-replace.html

Feb 22, 2019 ... Welcome to Just Answer, Sorry to hear you are having this problem. Most high pressure switches are normally closed and open at 350-400psi in ...

So I'm gonna be checking out a 1979 Pontiac Firebird on Friday ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/1zovwo/so_im_gonna_be_checking_out_a_1979_pontiac/

Mar 6, 2014 ... ... common problem, is easily repaired by re bushing the hinges. Takes an hour, costs 11-15 dollars a side, and is not a hard job. The other common ...

1984 Pontiac Trans-Am | Firebird Nation

https://www.firebirdnation.com/threads/1984-pontiac-trans-am.451281/

Jan 15, 2013 ... -- What body issues should I watch for before buying? (specific spots for notorious rust, common leaking weather stripping, things of that sort) ...