[The Boss]

Were they fun to drive or slugs?

[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by The Boss

Were they fun to drive or slugs?

We need to know what transmission is in the car in order to answer that question.

1979 T/A with 301/4 speed came with a super LOW 1st gear.(3.44)

MOST other 4 speeds in Trans ams were 2:64 or 2:88.

The 3:44 low gear made the 301 pull like a 200 hp 400 in first & second,then you had a BIG rpm drop going into 3rd & fell right out of the power band.

It's almost like a 5 speed with no 3rd gear.

The Saginaw likely had a 3:00 1st,so it wouldn't pull NEAR as hard.

If it's a NICE car & affordable,just go BUY IT. (clutch pedals in 79-81's are FEW & FAR between!)

[gto4door]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

We need to know what transmission is in the car in order to answer that question.

1979 T/A with 301/4 speed came with a super LOW 1st gear.(3.44)

MOST other 4 speeds in Trans ams were 2:64 or 2:88.

The 3:44 low gear made the 301 pull like a 200 hp 400 in first & second,then you had a BIG rpm drop going into 3rd & fell right out of the power band.

It's almost like a 5 speed with no 3rd gear.

The Saginaw likely had a 3:00 1st,so it wouldn't pull NEAR as hard.

If it's a NICE car & affordable,just go BUY IT. (clutch pedals in 79-81's are FEW & FAR between!)

This is an interesting thread and a great learning experience for me on these 301 4-speed Formulas.

We really need The Boss (Chris) to chime back in to tell us more about this car. If it is indeed the Sierra Copper Formula that I am thinking Chris is trying to buy, this particular car is a non-A/C car and was built June 1979. From that info can you tell what transmission the car may have?

I agree clutch pedal '79 -'81 F-body cars are few and far between. BUY IT!

[1973T/A]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

We need to know what transmission is in the car in order to answer that question.

1979 T/A with 301/4 speed came with a super LOW 1st gear.(3.44)

MOST other 4 speeds in Trans ams were 2:64 or 2:88.

The 3:44 low gear made the 301 pull like a 200 hp 400 in first & second,then you had a BIG rpm drop going into 3rd & fell right out of the power band.

It's almost like a 5 speed with no 3rd gear.

The Saginaw likely had a 3:00 1st,so it wouldn't pull NEAR as hard.

If it's a NICE car & affordable,just go BUY IT. (clutch pedals in 79-81's are FEW & FAR between!)

This is exActly right I have 79 4 speed 301 car and there geared low from first and second are surpisingly quick and once u hit third there dogs. My car is Borg warner tranny. But I spun a bearing on the 301 and pulled and put in a 455. This is my opinion but the 301 has to be the worst Pontiac V8 made JMHO.

Pax

[GT182]

Originally Posted by The Boss

Were they fun to drive or slugs?

My 79 4bbl 301 WS6 Formula was no slug. It would take a 79 4bbl 302 Ford Thunderbird off the line and out run it. At least mine did a number of times. LOL

Just looked at my window sticker and the WS6 package was 434.00. Space Saver spare was .10. With WS6 package rear disc brakes on mine, it was a posi unit. Cost was 63.00.

List without options.... 6,204.45
Options total.... 1526.10
Total cost.... 7,985.55
My cost.... 6,500.

[The Boss]

Originally Posted by GT182

My 79 4bbl 301 WS6 Formula was no slug. It would take a 79 4bbl 302 Ford Thunderbird off the line and out run it. At least mine did a number of times. LOL

Just looked at my window sticker and the WS6 package was 434.00. Space Saver spare was .10. With WS6 package rear disc brakes on mine, it was a posi unit. Cost was 63.00.

List without options.... 6,204.45
Options total.... 1526.10
Total cost.... 7,985.55
My cost.... 6,500.

Mine has the WS6 and the G80 Limited Slip too, no space saver spare - says there is a 5th wheel like the ones on the car in the trunk.

MSRP was $8,190.55 on mine - I paid less.