1971 Pontiac Firebird
1971 Pontiac Firebird
1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Almost all of the changes to the 1971 Pontiac Firebird were a result of government emission laws. Cosmetic changes were few, consisting mostly of new high-back sporty bucket seats and honeycomb wheels which would decorate the Firebird until 1977.
Due to the emission standards, the Ram Air engines were axed and the 400 V8 was revised down to 300-hp. The Ram Airs were replaced with the new 455, alleged to be the last produced muscle car engine. It was available as an option in the Formula Firebird, rated at 325-hp. A high output version, hitting 335-hp, came standard with the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and used plenty of the Ram Air components,eg the intake manifold and cylinder heads. Though it had less hp than the Ram IV, it got 480 lb-ft of torque and delivered better road handling. The 455 would go through some changes in the 1970s, but would become the classic Trans Am engine.
The 1971 Pontiac Firebird base model 250 straight six engine still rated a measly 155-hp, and the Esprit carried the 350 V8 at 255-hp. In 1971, this 350 V8 was also an option in the Formula trim, which came standard with the 400 V8 at 300-hp. The 1971 Pontiac Firebird, and especially the Trans Am, hadn’t yet achieved mythical standing and in fact were still selling well below the Camaro. For this reason, the Trans Am is kind of of a collector’s item. 1971 Pontiac Firebird owners love the performance and handling, but are not happy with the uncomfortable seats and lousy gas mileage. Little tradeoffs for lots of fun.
As in prior years, the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am edition received front and rear air dams, scoops, upgraded suspension, motor, and decal packages. The suspension on Trans Am’s was upgraded to incorporate giant torsion bars, heavy duty disc/drum brakes, and fast ratio steering.
The serious news for 1971 was GM’s motor changes to run the automobiles on unleaded petrol. Gone were the Ram Air 400 motors, althought a 400cid was still free. The new addition to the lineup were 2 455cid motors. The performance oriented 455 was available in the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and was ranked at 335hp and 480lbs/ft of torque.
For 1971 the new arrival was high-back bucket seats. Though some of the power slipped away due to emissions control laws, but the four-model Firebird series continued on. The largest update for this year was the addition by Pontiac of the largest version of their V8 ; a 455-cubic-inches rated at 332 hp, and the choice of the 350 in the Formula for the first time ever.
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