Buzz
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. highlighted how Pontiac responded to declining compression and horsepower by upgrading the Trans Am's engine from a 400-cubic-inch to a robust 455-cubic-inch variant. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.The 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am surpassed the GTO as the brand's top performance model, leaving competitors in the dust. This iconic muscle car boasted the largest V-8 engine ever featured in its class, making it a standout.
Despite only six months of production, Pontiac chose not to alter the 1971 Firebird's design. The Trans Am remained visually unchanged, though it introduced new honeycomb wheels as an option. Available in blue or white with distinctive stripes, the car retained its functional rear-facing shaker scoop.
Following GM's updated emissions guidelines, Pontiac, like its counterparts, lowered the compression ratios of its engines. However, instead of sticking with a detuned 400-cid V-8 for its flagship performance model, Pontiac introduced a more powerful 455-cid V-8 to offset the reductions.
The 1971 Firebird Formula offered a 325-hp 455 engine as an option, but the Trans Am exclusively featured the 335-hp 455 High Output. To build the 455 HO, Pontiac utilized cylinder heads and the camshaft from the prior year's 345-hp Ram Air 400, along with the aluminum intake manifold from the high-performance 370-hp 400 Ram Air IV.
While the 455 engine had lower advertised power than the 1970 T/A models and a reduced rev range, its 8.4:1 compression ratio (down from 10.5:1 in the Ram Air 400s) allowed it to perform efficiently on various fuels. It was more reliable than the Ram Air IV and delivered a strong 480 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, making it a powerhouse for city driving. Additionally, it featured four-bolt mains for enhanced durability.
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. noted that the 1971 Trans Am maintained its iconic design and signature blue-and-white color scheme during its second year of production.A three-speed transmission became the standard gear box, while the four-speed (with an upgraded clutch) and automatic options came at an additional cost. Axle ratios were slightly milder, though a 3.73:1 ratio remained available for cars without air conditioning.
These features ensured the Trans Am matched the speed of the top 1970 models. However, demand for such high-performance vehicles was nearing its lowest point. Despite this, the Trans Am stood out as the only muscle car to endure the challenging automotive era of the late 1970s and 1980s, maintaining its esteemed reputation. Pontiac consistently found innovative ways to keep the legend alive.
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Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 108.0
Weight, lbs: 3,580
Number built: 2,116
Base price: $4,595
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 455
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 335 @ 4800
Torque @ rpm: 480 @ 3600
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.9
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 13.9 @ 103
