4-SPEED THERAPY! 1978 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 W72 - The Silver Screen Favorite
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- čas přidán 18. 09. 2023
- As one of the most recognizable cars ever created, the 2nd generation Pontiac Trans Am is the stuff of legend. It’s known the world over for its outrageous styling and has been immortalized in countless films and in the media as both a hero and a villain. And while the cars from the latter part of the decade lacked the big horsepower grunt of their earlier counterparts, the latter cars came to bat with both advanced handling and iconic design.
On this episode of TESTED Muscle, brought to you by American Collectors Insurance, host Mike Musto wheels what many consider to be the last true performer in the F-Body lineup in the form of a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that’s factory-equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, along with both the WS6 handling and W72 performance packages.
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Hemmings Auctions - All Pontiac Trans Am
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Buyers Guides and Articles:
Pontiac 'Snowflake' - www.hemmings.com/stories/arti...
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Class of '79 - 1979 Porsche 928 and 1979 Pontiac 10th Anniversary Trans Am - www.hemmings.com/stories/arti...
End of the Line - 1981 Pontiac Firebird - www.hemmings.com/stories/sear...
Buyer’s Guides: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am - www.hemmings.com/stories/arti...
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Regarding 8:22.....The dash is NOT a sticker. It's actually a large piece of real machine-turned aluminum.
I knew a guy who worked in the ford Windsor engine plant. For my 1998 F-150 I bought a polished stainless gauge overlay. I sent him the piece, and he did the machine turning and sent it back to me. It looked a lot like this and was definitely one of a kind!
Those 77-78 Trans Am’s look great no matter what the color is . As a kid I watched Smokey and the Bandit EVERY time it was on .
I still do
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT Was Where It Was At!
STAR WARS??? What's That??
You’re right Mr. Musto “Drive your dream car, make memories with the car, live the dream” 🤝
👊😎
"Drive it" ...well said
I picked up a 9k mile 1994 Mustang GT 4 years ago and as long as the roads are dry, I drive it every chance I get. 5 speed, V8,rear drive convertible...tons of fun.
Yup - fun car!
9k miles?? thats a great find. And one of the last years of the pushrod 5.0. I had a 1995 GTS awhile back, it was a fun car. While not being that "old" it had no ABS or TC.
The car that the Bandit put on the map. We all wanted one in the late 70's. What an icon of that period.
"Drive the car." Love it. Thanks for sharing, captain.
Absolutely and really appreciate the comment!
I had a 77 formula 400 with the twin scoops . 4spd posi . Firechicken yellow 😮. I went through more tires than Indy in 1 summer lol
I love the dual snorkel cars - total lookers!
Had a 78 T/A, white with red interior, when I was 18. Looking back was a crazy car to have at that age hahaha. I miss it dearly and are on the hunt for another
Funny how when we were younger it was all about hauling ass and side pipes, Cragar's with Mickey Tompsons. How many really cool wheels were ditched all for the sake of being cool? But the T/As with snowflake wheels usually stay on the car. Being older now brings back those memories, and a BIG THANKS Mike for sharing todays Truely great cars that were a blast then and now. Aw the lack of digital nannies.
Appreciate the kind comments, and we agree on the lack of digital nannies sentiment...
As much as the Bandit TA was a part of my youth, I always loved Jim Rockford’s Esprit.
As you should - it was awesome.
Minimalistic beauty.
That's why I have one. Drove it to Malibu one summer, to park it at Cove Road.
THIS IS JIM ROCKFORD, AT THE TONE LEAVE YOUR NAME AND MESSAGE, ILL GET BACK TO YOU!!
JIMMY, JIMMY YA GOTTA GET OVER HERE AND HELP ME!! THEYRE GONNA KILL ME!! AAAAUGH!!
Great review Mike! The passion is obvious. These f bodies generation have so much to offer.
The absolutely do!
Big props to the film & editing crew for getting some long shots reminiscent of the "Smokey And The Bandit" scenes!
How could we not?
The coolest thing about this car is that W72 400. These could absolutely smoke the standard 400, and there's a couple of road tests out there to prove it. These W72's could actually pull a 14 second 1/4 mile, which was unheard of for a domestic in the late '70s.
I believe it - it was much quicker than we originally thought it would be.
@drivebigmuscle8080
Jay Leno featured a W-72 T/A in a recent video where he said: "If you told me this has 300 horsepower, I'd believe you!". James Garner, who did most of his own driving in 'The Rockford Files' TV series, insisted on Firebird Formulas with both the W72 and WS6 options. They actually had to modify these Formulas to look like the more restrained Firebird Esprits.
@@larryjex6485 yea they were every bit of at least 275-300hp, had one 40 years ago & it would haul ass
I've seen a few videos on the Pontiac firebird trans am but this trans am is beautiful indeed ... With a 4 speed hogleg shifter
Worst piece of crap ever, failed front transmission seals, brake master cylinder, even the shifters would snap off. A real Yugo.
Mike Musto is a gift to the car community! He just comes across as a sincere car guy that can/does appreciate all things muscle! Good to see him back in this style of show!
Really appreciate that - thank you! These cars are great. In stock form, sure they're not the fastest anymore, but my God are they great at making you feel and look like a million bucks! I love them!
You are so right, whomever spec’d this car knew what they were doing. Back then, we used to call cars optioned like this “an engine and a place to hang on”. No creature comforts to slow it down, and all the performance options available. Your enthusiasm is contagious and well deserved. As an aside - if anyone out there has never been to the Gilmore Car Museum - make the trip. Thanks for taking us along ~ Chuck
Thank you Chuck, and "An engine and a place to hang on..." - first time I've ever heard that!!
I own 76 trans Am purchased brand new at 22yrs old, after Smokey &Bandit, i fell in love with the cat look front end in which i change mine, also now with Blueprint 509 stroker tremec 5 speed originally came with 455 4sp super t-10 transmission.
Well done on keeping it for all these years!
Your absolutely right Drive them! I love my 78 WS6 Marty Blue TTop Deluxe interior with a fresh Butler performance 461. Drive it?
HELL YEAH
Well hell, that thing has to scoot along just fine!
Thumbs up for this vid here. anytime I get one of my dream cars, I drive it, even on a few road trips out of state. My latest one to acquire is a red '64 Impala SS, 327/300+ horsepower and a Powerglide automatic. And I got more driving planned for it. I could just see myself in the driver's seat for almost 6 hours strait because it would be so fun, getting on it, unleashing its power, until my body tells me it's time to get out and stretch.
We ordered a 78 spec'd out exactly the same when I got out of the Navy. GREAT car had it 10 years super reliable.
@ 11.59 I totally agree, drive the wheels off, Dont leave it low miles for a stranger. I had 2 78 TA's----- Drive em!
My dream car, 77-78's are perfect
Anything you would do differently?
@@hemmingsmotornews T-Tops
Good to see Mike Musto again doing his thing
These cars were underrated from the factory, NHRA dynoed a 1978 Trans Am for it's factory stock class and rated it at 260 hp. I bought one brand new in 1978. it was a WS6/W72 car I ordered from my local Pontiac dealer. My car was an automatic, but still faster than the Z28's and Corvettes of the day. At 66 years of age it is one of the fondest memories of my past. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing that tidbit of information!
One of my all time favorites!
Beautiful 78 and love that 79 Nocturne blue hard top
I'll never forget Mike saying in an old Big Muscle video, that if you're lucky enough to own something like this, then SHARE it! I finally got my '67 Mustang Fastback and nothing gives me more pleasure than taking like-minded folks out for a blast and seeing their grins stretch from ear to ear! They don't make them like that any more!!
That's awesome! And yup, share all of them!!
Mike it's great to see you back doing what you do best! I have been hoping you would show up again in a similar format to your original CZcams channel. Keep em coming Buddy!
I have a Martinique blue 78 W72 4 speed TA in my collection and love it!
Cheers from Western Canada!
Oh and I love your get out and drive them stance. I drive mine all the time.
Thank you! And it's great to be back!
Two words: Hooper
Right! Just missing the rocket booster!
Hooper was a great movie, but it's just one word!!!
@@johnnyringo9759 how about "who per"
Yes with Jan Michael Vincent may he and Hooper RIP
It's so good to have you back doing what you should be doing! It'd be really nice to see your take on an early manual foxbody too! Either a gt/cobra/pace car, or an svo! They're not powerful, but they are light.
🤘🤘🤘
Sweet video! My cousin had one of these in blue with the t top and he painted the screamin chicken on the hood himself. Funny part is his passenger seat was unbolted on the left and he would sometimes take a hard left on purpose to surprise the passenger when the car goes left and seat starts leaning right lol People would freak out, thinking there were going to fall out 😂😂
The owner is one 😎 dude 👍. I had one from ‘87 - 93 as a young guy in the US Navy. I loved that car. It was a Lucerne Blue ‘78, W-72, WS6, 4 speed w T-Tops! I drove the hell out it, blew the engine and then added the best parts from Nunzi! Damn thing was fast as hell for the day. In the words of Sammy Hager; IEATZ28 🤣.
Gary, the owner, is a rockstar!
The red is so nice
🤘😎
+1 on the underrated HP and torque specs. One of these little jewels with a "test pipe" exhaust, advanced timing by 6 degrees, and a 180 degree thermostat makes this one heck of a dangerous car. With two cases of Budweiser in the trunk and 190lbs worth of friend in the passenger seat, I could, and did, humiliate 5.0 Mustangs and GNs.
Maybe an '82 GN, but you weren't doing anything with this car against an intercooled GN. I own both. Not even in the same league.
Well said Mike,
🙏
I just picked up a 77 TA that has exactly the same exterior color. Mine is an auto and has 18k miles and white interior. Very good condition and it screams for a true survivor
They're getting harder and harder to find in that shape
I had one in late 70's and another in early 2000's. Both were Black Special Editions, fully loaded with every available option. Unbelievable burnouts, incredible good times ! My first one rolled the speedometer all the way back around to 15 mph, which would be 155 mph if accurate. Only headers and mild cam were upgraded. 2nd biggest mistake of my life was selling these 2 T/A's.
55yrs now.
In past I owned:
74 Camaro LT auto
1979 Z28 4sp
71 455HO T/A, auto.
Loved the F-Bodies. Wish I kept any one of them.
Especially one of them..wink, wink.
I agree..... drive the damn thing.
Absolutely!
"Screaming chicken", people get upset but always said with affection. I think they're badass and ultra cool. 😎 Trans Am, top five muscle/pony car for me.
These are so well presented. 👍👌
They are true icons - I love these cars
My wife's 77 is gorgeous, all original except has a "healthier" cam and runs great, AC will freeze you out. Bought it in AZ back in 1983. Your car surprises me, because it is specked strange, WS6 and W72, but NO T tops? no electric windows or rear defrost? Did it have cruise? Just seems strange to me, like it was an accident with the performance packages. Beautiful car though great stuff. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing!
I had a 79' white with blue interior and blue chicken. It was supposedly wasnsupposed ro be for Sally Fields in part 2. But they rewrote the script. My brother bought it from the family that bought it from the studios. Had the Olds 403. I loved it. I run the crap out of it. I wish I could afford another. This was back in 91'. I got it from my brother when I turned 18 in 94'. I've also had a black on black 81' Formula with the 4.9 turbo. It did ok one the turbo spooled up but was not fast. Was great to drive tho.
Hi Mike, had one repainted it Mother of Pearl White and it had the Baby Blue Crushed Velour interior. 400 Pontiac 4spd WS6 and I added a 150 shot. Kept everything stock accept some rejetting of the carb. Had a probe shoved up its hole to make sure of the hydrocarbons and Co were good. And then let it loose. That was 1985 and she ran like a 5K a night Lady of the Evening!! Lol!! Great Videos Thank You 🙏
Well done Sir LOL!
The Firebird/TA is my favorite car. In my opinion and in no particular order, I'd have to say 67-68, 70-73, 77-78 and 98-02 are the best looking.
It is sad that so few of these from this era were 4 Speed cars.
Agree - but the same reason manuals are disappearing today...
I've got a 1977 Formula as a project. Just a slightly built 350 until I can stuff a big block in it. Great video and 78!
Thank you!
I need to rewatch Hooper now😂
Great review of a great car!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It may not be the BEST car every built, but damn if it isn't one of the coolest!
Absolutely correct!
Gorgeous TA!
Thank you!
We need more vids like these brotha!
Oh... they're coming, trust me!!
I had a black '80 T/A. Underpowered, for sure but what a beautiful car it was.
The 79-81 cars were generally slow, however the turbo cars weren't too bad if well tuned.
Nice T/A
Cool
I just got lucky and got one that was sitting for 27 years and get this 1977 w72 400 ci super t10 4spd , 342 posi , bigger sway bars, had the engine purring 2 days later , brakes 4 days later driving in a week for under 6k it looks like guy parked it because the neutrual saftey switch !! Had just bought brand new tires to and drum roll 51 k miles
My dad had a 79 formula and me and my two brothers sat in the backbon family trips; one in each seat and one unlucky sap on the hump. We did this in his 86 Camaro as well for a few years. Good times. Now I own a 77 TA.
Thanks for sharing! What do you have all done to it?!
Non-power windows and No AC! The spec on this car is really nice.
Only disagreement - is that the mid-70's TA's did have that final option of a 455. I think those are ultra desirable too.
Love the NYC sass...yeah it's a screaming chicken. From one Queens boy to another.
👊😎
I would do a little Wesley’s Bleach White on the white lettering on the tires.
I had one in 94 and I should’ve made the dealer replace the motor and kept it for my later years.
9:09 When driving my 79 TA, I'm glad to have power windows, because many times at a stop light, the driver of the car to the right of me will yell, "what year is that?". Much easier to power the passenger window down to be able to tell them 🙂. Also, living in the Atlanta area, a/c makes it much more comfortable.
Where do you usually take it for a cruise?!
70 Mid 🌃💙 Tempest!
5:47 Actually WS6 did not have a bigger front sway bar. It is 1.25", which is the standard size as any other TA of the time. However, WS6 did get you a larger rear bar of 3/4" diameter, compared to the standard 5/8". The WS6 also included a quicker 14:1 constant ratio steering box instead of the standard variable ratio steering box. Also, the 4 speed was not part of the WS6 option. You could have an automatic with the W72 engine and WS6 handling package in 78. Enjoyed the video and the beautiful car.
🙌🙌🙌
Cool cars. Someone needs to clean/scrub the raised lettering on the tires though. lol.
Actually, this was a design flaw in a certain batch of BFG Radials - the same thing happened to the ones on my old T/A - it drove me nuts when they discolored like that.
I agree 100% if thing work out I'm about to get my dream car a 71 Firebird Formula 400 I just love those 70 to 73 Firebird and Trams Am and trust me it going to be driven.
Get after it!
I had the identically optioned Trans Am except mine was a Bronze color. Great handling and performing car with the 4-speed. I believe the hp rating was underrated. It felt like it had much more torque and at least 30hp more than advertised.
Thank you for sharing!
I have a 1978 Limited Edition same color, sorta looks orange red. It had the skirts.
I raised a family in an 87 firebird formula. There is plenty of room. Ill never drive a mini van
That’s more like it ❤❤
It's not a chicken it's a Phoenix on the hood
I'll call it a chicken until the day I die...
i got a 79 Trans am 10th anniversary, the WS6 package came with brake disks all around
How long did you have it?! Or is it still around?
79 was the first year for the rear discs with WS6. 78 WS6 did not have rear discs.
Had the gold package with T roof
Same - Y84 '81 Turbo car
I remember about 10 years ago you could pick these up in great condition for under $5000. Now you need to add an extra 0 💰
Yep, the prices have skyrocketed
Awesome, screaming chicken and all....
It is an amazing color, because it actually really looks more orange than red in the daylight and other lighting. Looks red, but not a dark red, out of direct light.
Bad Ass!!
🤘🤘🤘
I ordered and bought used Z/28 4 spds in 77, 78 and 80. And owned used ones, a 68, 71 Z28’s. Current one is a 1 owner 1970 non RS I bought in 1981. These 77-81 were dogs. I raced a 78 4-spd TA with my 78 Z28 and blew him away. Ha ha.
Thanks for sharing! What do you have now?
The only way to get 15x8 snowflakes was to get the WS6 option package which also included 4 wheel disc brakes.
4-wheel disc only became standard on the ws6 cars in '79
What is this ws6 handling package about?
An exciting new video thanks to Mr. Musto, lets give it a look!!!
Well thank you!!
Damn if only it had t-tops! The worst part of interior where the door handles. Absolutely under designed for that long & heavy of a door & always broke
Did you ever end up breaking some handles in yours?
So I have a 77 M21 W72 WS4 car. Can anyone confirm that the WS4 was the performance package before the WS6 code came out in 78? I hear it told both ways.
No. WS4 was the RPO code for Trans Am.
My OCD is killing me. I will pay for the Comet/Ajax, the brush, and do the labor for free. PLEASE scrub those white letters, or put new tires on for a segment like this. I also heard that BFGoodrich is replacing those under warranty for that very issue. Either way if they're over 10 years old they should be replaced anyway.
It's not so much the hp, but the gearing setup of the short ratio m21 with the 3.24 posi. These 400 poncho motors really did about 220hp net. With an alloy intake, extractors, timing advance, carb rejet and cat deleted they do about 240-260hp. Handful more with shaker mod. Way better potential than the Olds 403.
The Olds 403 was a true slug - I had one in my 79 and while it looked great, man was it slow.
Main problem with the 403 cars was the rear gear ratio. Most came with 2.41's. The 403 may not have been as strong as the 400, but If it got the 3.23's that 400's came with, the 403 wouldn't have seemed as slow.
Car is awesome. The dash is NOT a sticker.
love all firebirds and trans ams, but the looks of the late 70s/early 80s cars dont do much fo r me.
I think all of us have a favorite. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the early bullnose cars - to me their designs were perfect.
It should be 3:23 rear gears from the factory.
3.42 in 1978
Like the trans AM I suggest you drive a 69/70 400 grand Prix
👏👏👏
Looks like he took the restrictor plate off the red dragon to give it a bit more juice. But lets keep that on the down low its not exactly street legal!
Phoenix on the hood, not 🐔
It'll always be a Chicken to me.
I thought the ws6 had 4 wheel disc brakes
Not until 1979
Came from the factory with 3.23 gears. I saw headers so that car isn't stock.
3.42 in 1978
@thud9797 3.42 came in the camaro Z28 auto. 3.73 in the 4spd. Trans Am were 2.73 with the auto, 3.08 in California cars, 3.23 with the 4spd T/A 6.6 which was a 400 with 220hp. 6.6 litre was a 180hp 400. 79' was a 403 oldsmobile engine 185hp, unless it was a T/A 6.6 4 spd which was a 400 still 220hp. I owned and worked on a lot of them. I might still have the build sheets.
@@rrvaughn7
I know the 77 and 79 400 4-speeds had the 3.23 but could have sworn the 78s got the 3.42.
My C5 would blow the doors off that T/A. So you should trade me .... even swap. Then you can have a faster car and I can have fun again in a T/A. Haha.
Ws6 4 wheel disc brakes
Not in 78. Rear discs didn't become part of WS6 until 1979.
4:25 how old is this video? Gas is only 3.49 a gallon. Sheesh.
Brand new - gas is A LOT cheaper in Michigan
A driver? Not much. My 1978 has ~140,000 and I do not drive it often. Got it for $3,200 in 2000.
Very low optioned Trans Am 😂
No American engine made anywhere near 300 hp in 1978.
No winners bioch
Paying 50k for these overpriced firebirds has reached its limits for a car that runs mid 15's at best , A 2021 Toyota Corolla is faster . For the same price, find a fairly good condition firebird with a bad engine , transmission whatever plain ole Jane Firebird no Trans am or Formula needed Put 10k in the body, paint, interior , 10k in the Suspension , Exhaust, using modern subframe components and Brakes . Rebuild yourself an LS3 with a 6 speed install it using Chevys plug and play factory harness and you'll have a car that's 10 times faster 10 times better braking , And 10 times more fun to drive for the same price 😎 without worrying about how many miles you put on it . Which means you'll actually drive and enjoy it "
You can drive and enjoy them completely stock - nothing wrong with that.
@@drivebigmuscle8080 True but the more you drive them the less their worth "
@@ludedude5228 We only go around one time - just drive and enjoy them.
sorry worse car ever
That is incorrect.
Okay, what do you have?
He has some ricer pos
I have a 1978 formula firebird.. rust free daily driver in the summer for almost 30 years