When the second generation Trans Am was introduced in 1970, it was quickly recognized as the complete package of power, performance and good looks. Fast forward to 1981, the second generation Trans Am was in its last model year and, while it still handled well and looked great, the power was gone. This 1981 Trans Am was Pontiac’s last hurrah for fun. It featured a 4 speed transmission and a LG4 305 cubic inch V8 engine. It was the same combination that was available in the Z28, if you wanted a 4 speed. This example is a project car and is listed for sale here on eBay. With 6 days remaining in the auction, the car has a starting bid of $3,500 but no bids. The car is located in Dayton, Nevada.
The 5.0 liter Chevrolet engine is long gone but the Borg Warner Super T10 4 speed manual transmission is still in the car. This would be a great opportunity to install a Pontiac 455 cubic inch V8 engine or a 400 cubic inch V8 engine in this car to bring back some excitement. The car is said to be rust free due to the dry Nevada climate. While the bell housing and motor mounts would have to be replaced, a Pontiac engine would make since for the rebuild.
The interior is trashed but the seats and console still remain. Apparently, the car had a black deluxe velour interior with manual windows and air conditioning. The Trans Am is said to have 4 wheel disc brakes and with the 15×8 snowflake wheels, this car was ordered with the WS6 performance handling package. Just two years earlier, Car & Driver named the Trans Am the best handling US car when equipped with the WS6 suspension.
There were probably not too many Code 56 Yellow Trans Ams built in 1981. The body has some dents but looks to be fairly solid. The car has T-Tops and new Cooper Cobra tires were recently installed. While the car needs work, the seller says its is original and it might make a nice project.
Ok, some years you could only get a 350 Chevy or Pontiac 400 with a 4 speed, later you could only get a 305 Chevy or Pontiac 301 with manual transmission….what happened, even into 3gen cars no 350 w manual only 305, what did I miss, cheaper trans?….
Had to meet CAFE and EPA regs.
You would need a new bellhousing, as the Chevy bolt pattern is different from the BOP one.
Apologies for my prior comment.
I skimmed the article and missed that it mentioned the bellhousing differences.
D’Oh!
Needs an LS swap with trans and a nose job.
Yup, James Garner hated the ’79-’81 front end, and stuck with the ’78’s, through the end of production, in 1980.
Yes! Very nice write up. Spot on about a large cubic inch upgrade. The manual transmission and new engine is what will carry this car into the future and boost its value.