So, why would Pontiac downplay the capabilities of the Turbo Trans Am? Possibly, because somewhere within GM, there is an unwritten edict that no car could be more powerful than the Chevrolet Corvette.Ĭar and Driver put the Turbo Trans Am to the test for their June 1989 edition. Word on the street is the power rating is actually closer to 300 horsepower. However, it’s been said this horsepower rating is somewhat fudged. Pontiac rated the Turbo Trans Am ’s 3.8-liter at 250 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. A Garrett turbocharger provides a maximum boost of 16.5 psi. This engine is exclusively coupled to a four-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. Other modifications include a cross-drilled crankshaft, special stainless steel headers, and a recalibrated engine control module. Different pistons were also used in order to uphold combustion chamber volume. Heads from the front wheel drive version of the 3.8-liter were used in order for the engine to fit between the strut towers. However, in order to shoehorn the engine under the hood of the Trans Am, several modifications were necessary. In fact, Pontiac commandeered the Buick 3.8-liter SFI fuel injected V6 turbo from the fabled Grand National in order to power this special edition coupe. The car receives the distinction of being the only Trans Am to ever receive a V6 powerplant. Beset with a tiny budget, Bill battled corporate politics and red tape to bring the Turbo Trans Am to fruition. The Turbo Trans Am was brainchild of Buick engineer Bill Owen. Pontiac included every option on the Turbo Trans Am, with the exception of removable T-tops and perforated Ventura leather seating, which were optional. A Delco radio with cassette and graphic equalizer await your music collection.
Analog instrumentation, including a boost gauge integrated into the tachometer, are indicators this is no ordinary Trans Am. Take control of this special edition coupe by wrapping your hands around the leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated radio controls.
#1989 PONTIAC FIREBIRD DRIVERS#
Inside the cockpit, drivers are treated to articulating power bucket seats with adjustments for lumbar support and the backwing. Out back, a pair of stainless exhaust splitters are fitted to a 2.5-inch exhaust system. Goodyear ZR50 radial tires mounted on lightweight 16-inch gold Diamond-Spoke aluminum wheels keep this coupe firmly planted to the road. To make the Turbo Trans Am unmistakable, 20 th anniversary badging adorns the car’s nose, sail panels, front fenders, and rear taillamp center panels. A walkaround of the Turbo Trans Am reveals a monochrome white paint job reminiscent of the very first Trans Am.
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