I’m pretty busy farming , my sons have now moved out, my wife passed away from cancer a while back every day every day I look forward to your videos whether it’s in the junkyard or the high octane classic series. I look forward to seeing you every day and I thank you very much , please realize How bright you make my day❤
Yup, 1974 model year, with the VIN for the win: 2 for Pontiac, V for Trans Am, 87 for two door coupe, X for 455 CID V8 with four barrel, Super Duty, aka "Top of the Chiefs", aka "Valedictorian Class of 1974" aka "Smoke Signals" aka RPO code "LS2", 4 for 1974 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in August 1987. We got the tag (via the HOC website), we can brag: ST74 for 1974 model year, 2FS87 for Pontiac (2), Firebird (FS) two door coupe (87), N for Norwood, OH assembly, 200 for Red and Black vinyl interior trim, 75 75 for Buccaneer Red lower and upper exterior paint, 12B for the second week of December 1973 production, A51 for bucket seats, WS4 for Trans Am option, and RED for secondary interior trim. Not correct, 1975 Pontiac 455 CID V8s were 200 hp, straight out of the regular 455 parts bin. They were marked as "455-HO" purely for marketing and there was nothing "HO" about them. As noted, the 455 CID Pontiac Super Duty V8 was a pavement pounding, tire shredding beast of an engine. It was developed by the Special Projects Team consisting of Malcolm "Mac" McKellar, Herb Adams, Russ Gee and others. There is a video on it with Mr. Adams narrating it which can be found on YT. He is rather matter of fact as he describes the attributes of the engine in the vernacular. Mr. Adams was indeed a whiz and great at what he did. Air conditioning (RPO code C60) could only be had with automatic Super Duty engines. The manual transmission Super Duty cars did not have AC, although several have been upfitted. Not entirely correct, later year Formulas also included the rear RPO code "D80" spoiler. Nope, it never saw the state of MI (unless it was sold there). This was assembled in Norwood, Ohio. Looks like some details are missing such as some decals, but with some attention, that could easily be rectified.
Greetings from a German Muscle Car Fan to the USA. I Love GTO, Roadrunner/GTX, Charger, Coronet, Cuda, Chevelle, Camaro, Torino, Mustang '70 - '73, Olds Cutlass/442, Buick GS/GSX, Century/Regal, Buick Riviera, Wildcat, Olds 88 and 98 and Pontiac Catalina - Grand Prix. So what can i say? I died for this Cars. In this time 1964 - 1974, Trans Am and Camaro til 1982, Detroit build the most beutiful Cars off all Time.
A cool thing about the SD-455's is someone close to the program made sure the engines taken care of, he had them all 73-74 pulled out of the line and the engine oil changed before being installed in the car. Also how the tricked the EPA, they said, 'Oh this is the same engine in the station wagons but with heavy duty parts! lol It was impressive what Pontiac was doing as we look back at what was going those days.
Pontiac was the only company still building actual muscle cars when everybody else had dropped their big blocks and sometimes even their V8’s entirely. These old 455’s are badass, especially the SD455’s.
Recovery seems to be going well!! And you're doing a car near and dear to me - I had a '76 Formula with a dealer-installed SD-455 {done to clear out the warranty-protection inventory}. It was a ride that put real goosebumps all over you if you stomped the go-pedal too hard! It additionally had a his-n-hers shifter {also dealer installed to clear the inventory - it was NOT a Hurst dual-gate}, which made the TH-400 an absolute blast to drive - I must have worn out at least six pairs of Tiger Paws from all the third-gear scratches........... Thanks for the wonderful memory-jog, Steve. You ALWAYS do good work, you know?😎
Awesome to see you Steve. I believe the only way to get AC w an SD-455 was with an automatic. AC not available w 4 spd transmission. Beautiful & rare car . Take care of yourself. Be well
What a beauty. Stock 15" wheels, 15" RWL tires with real sidewalls, real dual exhaust with no cat cons, carbureted 455 Super Duty, and the original B pillars with the flat rear window. I also love the color.
What a great car - a 455 SD is definitely on my list of dream cars. This one is stunning in its original appearance. Thank you High Octane Classics and Mr Magnante ~ Chuck P.S. iirc Pontiac had some issues with these due to the high flow oil pump. Regardless, great car!
Some Pontiac 400s also had crank issues. Once they were rectified, the engine was no problem. Pontiac engines don't need to be revved high to make power, nor do they like it.
Steve, I view your channel for the automotive content. When you drop musical knowledge or allude towards music from our era, I love you so much more. Congratulations with your healing and all the best for the future.
The '77 and '78's used to be my favorite Trans Am, as they were the ones available as I became of driving age, but over the years, I find myself drawn to the '74-'76 cars. A '74 SD-455 would be my ultimate Pontiac. Thanks Steve for sharing this beauty, and for repping the Doobies!
Steve The 310 HP version never made it into production. Both 73/74 were 290 HP. Also, you alluded that the shaker was Trans Am only. If you ordered a SD Formula, it came with a shaker. One more point about the block. The lifter valley was reinforced with more webbing, very strong. Add: The 73/74 hood chicken were identical.
I really enjoy Steve’s videos very informative, but I’m a chrome guy, but on the other hand, this trans am looks pretty darn nice and I’d buy it in a heartbeat it’s so gorgeous and I gotta like the big block
One correction for Steve which is surprising to me, but both the 1973 and the 1974 SD 455's had the same net horsepower of 290 HP. The 1973 and 1974 shared exactly the same engine components and the difference that he sites specifically relates to the camshaft. They were the same. Back in the day Pontiac wanted to include a hotter cam but the EPA wouldn't allow it. Fast forward.....it hardly matters. Once the public got a hold of these the cam was the first thing to change out and go with a Ram Air IV style cam and that made a major difference in performance.
Man! My brother in law had one of those he bought from an old neighbor back in 1985! Same year! Silver color, His had the 4 speed manual transmission. Man that car was a beast for its time! I bet he still wishes he still has it! Great video Steve.👌😎👍 Definitely one beautiful car!
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍 Professor Steve 🍎🎓📐✏️📓. I know some are going to get piss off, I always felt it reminded me of Vettes of the early 60’s witch were cool vehicles. Thanks Professor very informative ! 🍎🎓📐✏️📓👀😎👍
I always had to sit in the back seat of my buddies 74 TA . I was a young pup and tagged along with the upperclassmen all the time. Just a donk. Getting free beer in the back seat. Fun times
Very, very, very good interview Andy!. You kept Big Daddy engaged and interested the entire time. It opened the gate to his passion and memories. Bravo!
Friend of mine had that same car. First time he let me drive it, I did a power turn at over 60 miles an hour on a two lane highway. Hit the parking brake, spun the wheel and threw it into reverse as the back end swung around, nailed the the throttle. Did the same to get back going in our original direction (in3rd gear) . Scared the crap out of big Donny, in his own car, but I was taught how to do it by a seasoned cop who knew what he was doing doing and one of the last who drove a standard transmission car.
You're looking well Steve. Fantastic firebird and I like that design right behind the 70-73. And calling it a screaming chicken is akin to calling the fake spare on Chryslers and Plymouths the toilet seat
I don't know if you will ever read this, but I wanted to say that you lost a crazy amount of weight. You must feel way better now. I'm happy to see you're doing well. I watched your older video in the junkyard, and I've learnt a lot of stuff and details. I hope that the video format will return soon. It was very interesting, especially the series about trucks. Thank you.
Nice slippers, Steve. I have a 74 non-SD 455 Trans Am. I think we can all agree the 70-73 cars look the best, but the 74 Trans Am is the best of the 74-81 cars. Pontiac did a great job with the 5 mph bumper on these cars and is SO much better looking than the Camaro. My car is Admiralty Blue, lowered on 17" Honeycombs and it looks good.
There's the Steve we all know and love, and of coarse educating us with his wealth of knowledge
Yes
He sounds great too. The clear voice of the Steve we all know and love.
how coarse is he? lol
He’s definitely a great car guy.
Of course it’s great that his language isn’t coarse and his voice isn’t hoarse!
I’m pretty busy farming , my sons have now moved out, my wife passed away from cancer a while back
every day every day I look forward to your videos whether it’s in the junkyard or the high octane classic series. I look forward to seeing you every day and I thank you very much , please realize How bright you make my day❤
Rock on Buddy!
If you like food on your table, thank an American farmer. We salute you.
I'm very sorry for your loss, friend.
@@googleusergpREPORTED TO BILL GATES!!
you are appreciated
Fantastic car!! Nice to see you getting more healthy with each passing day, Steve!
I have NEVER seen that interior color combo in one of these… it’s GORGEOUS! If it had the four-speed and the honeycomb wheels it’d be PERFECT.
Agreed. That 2-color interior is fantastic! 🖤♥️
Steve, you’re a national treasure. I’m so glad that you’re progressing and it looks like you’re working!
One of my favorite cars. I had a 1973 Firebird Esprit.
I had a 1991 Pontiac Trans Am 5.0
I had a 74, my high school car. Absolutely loved it! Blue with black consoles and white seats. I put a turbo 400 trans in it and was a fast car.
Yup, 1974 model year, with the VIN for the win: 2 for Pontiac, V for Trans Am, 87 for two door coupe, X for 455 CID V8 with four barrel, Super Duty, aka "Top of the Chiefs", aka "Valedictorian Class of 1974" aka "Smoke Signals" aka RPO code "LS2", 4 for 1974 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in August 1987.
We got the tag (via the HOC website), we can brag: ST74 for 1974 model year, 2FS87 for Pontiac (2), Firebird (FS) two door coupe (87), N for Norwood, OH assembly, 200 for Red and Black vinyl interior trim, 75 75 for Buccaneer Red lower and upper exterior paint, 12B for the second week of December 1973 production, A51 for bucket seats, WS4 for Trans Am option, and RED for secondary interior trim.
Not correct, 1975 Pontiac 455 CID V8s were 200 hp, straight out of the regular 455 parts bin. They were marked as "455-HO" purely for marketing and there was nothing "HO" about them. As noted, the 455 CID Pontiac Super Duty V8 was a pavement pounding, tire shredding beast of an engine. It was developed by the Special Projects Team consisting of Malcolm "Mac" McKellar, Herb Adams, Russ Gee and others. There is a video on it with Mr. Adams narrating it which can be found on YT. He is rather matter of fact as he describes the attributes of the engine in the vernacular. Mr. Adams was indeed a whiz and great at what he did.
Air conditioning (RPO code C60) could only be had with automatic Super Duty engines. The manual transmission Super Duty cars did not have AC, although several have been upfitted. Not entirely correct, later year Formulas also included the rear RPO code "D80" spoiler. Nope, it never saw the state of MI (unless it was sold there). This was assembled in Norwood, Ohio.
Looks like some details are missing such as some decals, but with some attention, that could easily be rectified.
Nice Trans Am Steve. Thanks
Greetings from a German Muscle Car Fan to the USA. I Love GTO, Roadrunner/GTX, Charger, Coronet, Cuda, Chevelle, Camaro, Torino, Mustang '70 - '73, Olds Cutlass/442, Buick GS/GSX, Century/Regal, Buick Riviera, Wildcat, Olds 88 and 98 and Pontiac Catalina - Grand Prix. So what can i say? I died for this Cars. In this time 1964 - 1974, Trans Am and Camaro til 1982, Detroit build the most beutiful Cars off all Time.
Steve looks very well and sounds well. I'm glad you're back.
A cool thing about the SD-455's is someone close to the program made sure the engines taken care of, he had them all 73-74 pulled out of the line and the engine oil changed before being installed in the car. Also how the tricked the EPA, they said, 'Oh this is the same engine in the station wagons but with heavy duty parts! lol It was impressive what Pontiac was doing as we look back at what was going those days.
Pontiac was the only company still building actual muscle cars when everybody else had dropped their big blocks and sometimes even their V8’s entirely. These old 455’s are badass, especially the SD455’s.
Didn't they also invent the hemi head design?
Recovery seems to be going well!! And you're doing a car near and dear to me - I had a '76 Formula with a dealer-installed SD-455 {done to clear out the warranty-protection inventory}. It was a ride that put real goosebumps all over you if you stomped the go-pedal too hard! It additionally had a his-n-hers shifter {also dealer installed to clear the inventory - it was NOT a Hurst dual-gate}, which made the TH-400 an absolute blast to drive - I must have worn out at least six pairs of Tiger Paws from all the third-gear scratches...........
Thanks for the wonderful memory-jog, Steve. You ALWAYS do good work, you know?😎
Can you provide more details on your 76?
Sounds intrresting.
@@707x-y6s What else would you like to know?
Glad to see you are looking stronger and stronger with every video!!
Keep up the great work Steve!!
Love the black seats with the red interior, looks sweet.
Always a treat to see Steve in action.
Those lines are such classic, beautiful lines. These cars have always been cool.
I love the front end on the ‘74 and the prior ones too.
I absolutely love the front end of these. Probably my favorite of this body style.
Thanks for the content, Steve!
You and the car both look great thanks again Steve
Nice Trans Am Steve, although I would prefer a manual, also great to see you looking better and stronger every day.
Great video, Steve, and THE great 455 SD Trans Am!!!!😁👍🔧🛠️
I'm more from the Bandit era but I have to say this car is probably the best integration of the 5mph bumpers I've ever seen. Lookin good Steve
Awesome to see you Steve.
I believe the only way to get AC w an SD-455 was with an automatic. AC not available w 4 spd transmission. Beautiful & rare car . Take care of yourself. Be well
Great to see a real one and not a clone from this dealer. Seems like every one Steve reviews is an imposter
Great to See Steve back to work. 👍🏼🇺🇲
What a beauty. Stock 15" wheels, 15" RWL tires with real sidewalls, real dual exhaust with no cat cons, carbureted 455 Super Duty, and the original B pillars with the flat rear window. I also love the color.
She's a Beauty and a Beast. Cheers 🇨🇦
Steve you are sounding good and healthier. One of my favorite cars as well.
What a great car - a 455 SD is definitely on my list of dream cars. This one is stunning in its original appearance. Thank you High Octane Classics and Mr Magnante ~ Chuck P.S. iirc Pontiac had some issues with these due to the high flow oil pump. Regardless, great car!
Some Pontiac 400s also had crank issues. Once they were rectified, the engine was no problem. Pontiac engines don't need to be revved high to make power, nor do they like it.
Another nice car Steve, thanks! 👍🏼👍🏼
Greetings from a German Muscle Car Fan. Trans Am/Firebird '70 - '73 and the Model of '74 is the most beutiful Trans Am/Firebird off all Time.
Steve, I view your channel for the automotive content. When you drop musical knowledge or allude towards music from our era, I love you so much more. Congratulations with your healing and all the best for the future.
Good afternoon Steve how are your health doing this days hope everything goes well with you 🙏 thanks for your time with this beautiful car love it
Thats so gorgeous, i had a model kit of that when i was a kid.
Don't forget the high nickel block with reinforced webbing, plus special distributor.
I would not care if Steve was featuring a Yugo!!! So good to see him!
Good to see Steve doing his thing.
The '77 and '78's used to be my favorite Trans Am, as they were the ones available as I became of driving age, but over the years, I find myself drawn to the '74-'76 cars. A '74 SD-455 would be my ultimate Pontiac. Thanks Steve for sharing this beauty, and for repping the Doobies!
Steve
The 310 HP version never made it into production. Both 73/74 were 290 HP.
Also, you alluded that the shaker was Trans Am only.
If you ordered a SD Formula, it came with a shaker.
One more point about the block. The lifter valley was reinforced with more webbing, very strong.
Add: The 73/74 hood chicken were identical.
Awesome car! I like the red interior but with black seats, ALL red is just too much red sometimes, nicely optioned!
I really enjoy Steve’s videos very informative, but I’m a chrome guy, but on the other hand, this trans am looks pretty darn nice and I’d buy it in a heartbeat it’s so gorgeous and I gotta like the big block
One correction for Steve which is surprising to me, but both the 1973 and the 1974 SD 455's had the same net horsepower of 290 HP. The 1973 and 1974 shared exactly the same engine components and the difference that he sites specifically relates to the camshaft. They were the same. Back in the day Pontiac wanted to include a hotter cam but the EPA wouldn't allow it. Fast forward.....it hardly matters. Once the public got a hold of these the cam was the first thing to change out and go with a Ram Air IV style cam and that made a major difference in performance.
Nice too see you back Steve 😊
As always, excellent video thank you so very much
Man! My brother in law had one of those he bought from an old neighbor back in 1985! Same year! Silver color, His had the 4 speed manual transmission. Man that car was a beast for its time! I bet he still wishes he still has it! Great video Steve.👌😎👍 Definitely one beautiful car!
Im not a fan of the color red on anything but I admit I like the black seats with the red interior. Oh and big fan of the SD455👍
Great video Steve, I enjoy your explanation of what makes these cars unique. Glad you are back at it
Love Steve in the slippers! Awesome 😎
So Good to See Steve Back
So nice. What a dream machine.
That is a nice Trans Am! Doing good Steve.
Absolutely beautiful!!!! For me the "SD 455" is holy grail of Pontiac engines!!!
Looking great Steve, keep the videos coming. Love them all !!! Stay healthy !!! We love you buddy !😊😊😊
So great to see Steve back at it. Really enjoy these videos. Keep them coming. Thanks Steve
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍 Professor Steve 🍎🎓📐✏️📓. I know some are going to get piss off, I always felt it reminded me of Vettes of the early 60’s witch were cool vehicles. Thanks Professor very informative ! 🍎🎓📐✏️📓👀😎👍
Thanks, Steve. Love some TAs.😎🇺🇸
Classsic and factory badass! Way to go Steve , great presentation and you look like your getting back k to your old self
That car needs the sammy hagar street machine album (witch has the trans am song on it) plugged in to the 8 track player.
Steve, you are awesome as always!
I always had to sit in the back seat of my buddies 74 TA . I was a young pup and tagged along with the upperclassmen all the time. Just a donk. Getting free beer in the back seat. Fun times
I bought that exact same Trans Am new except with all black interior
WTG Steve!! Looking GOOD!
You go Steve! Delivering knowledge and cool cars in your slippers! Love what you do keep it up!
that could be my forever car. Beauty.
When it came to looks the 1974 & 1976 were my two favorite two T/As. Thanks for this video.
Very, very, very good interview Andy!. You kept Big Daddy engaged and interested the entire time. It opened the gate to his passion and memories. Bravo!
Hey Steve. GREAT CAR. What a treasure.
Steve is still sharp as a tack and encyclopedic in his knowledge of all brands.
Thanks for bringing us these awesome cars Steve 👍
It is amazing what Steve knows truly a library of knowledge. Thanks Steve, glad to see you
We had a 1976 that looked very similar to this one. Automatic, red exterior, black interior, 8-track, and one that I still miss...
Fantastic car & description of the coolest TA of the time.
X 2!
So glad you're doing better Steve. Welcome back.
Steve another great video!! I loved all the TrasAms I owned an 85 TA LOVED it !!
Thank you Steve
So good to see you well! Rock on, brother!
THANKS STEVE GREAT REVIEW
Thanks! Steve My best friend had a Brown 76 with the honeycomb wheels.
Interesting interior…
Friend of mine had that same car. First time he let me drive it, I did a power turn at over 60 miles an hour on a two lane highway. Hit the parking brake, spun the wheel and threw it into reverse as the back end swung around, nailed the the throttle. Did the same to get back going in our original direction (in3rd gear) . Scared the crap out of big Donny, in his own car, but I was taught how to do it by a seasoned cop who knew what he was doing doing and one of the last who drove a standard transmission car.
Great video Steve! So glad to have you back!!! Love ya brother!
Good seeing you Steve. I'd love to have that car.
Eve you are the only one that can tell us about great things That you do you are a wealth of information sorry friberger he wins.
Great rundown as always Steve! Had the same car in Buccaneer Red but was a 400, fun car.
Great car! Great presentation! Glad you are doing well Steve !
Steve it's great to see you, BTW awesome TA
great work as always Steve
Thanks Steve!
That's a sharp car. I've always liked the mid-'70s F-bodies.
Sweet, super correct Super Duty. Out of the SD cars made this one definitely looks very correct.
i take full credit for the cars running in the videos now
You're looking well Steve. Fantastic firebird and I like that design right behind the 70-73. And calling it a screaming chicken is akin to calling the fake spare on Chryslers and Plymouths the toilet seat
The black seats look good against the red.
I don't know if you will ever read this, but I wanted to say that you lost a crazy amount of weight. You must feel way better now.
I'm happy to see you're doing well. I watched your older video in the junkyard, and I've learnt a lot of stuff and details. I hope that the video format will return soon. It was very interesting, especially the series about trucks. Thank you.
Nice slippers, Steve. I have a 74 non-SD 455 Trans Am. I think we can all agree the 70-73 cars look the best, but the 74 Trans Am is the best of the 74-81 cars. Pontiac did a great job with the 5 mph bumper on these cars and is SO much better looking than the Camaro. My car is Admiralty Blue, lowered on 17" Honeycombs and it looks good.
Well done Steve
Excellent presentation my friend i hope you are well.💜✌️
Sweet ride!