What engines came in a 1981 Trans Am?
Pontiac offered an engine delete option on the 1981 Trans Am which consisted of Chevrolet’s small-block LG4 5.0 liter (305 CID) V8 with a mandatory 4-speed manual transmission and standard 3.08 rear gears. It wasn’t the first time another GM division’s V8 was found under the hood of the Trans Am.
How much horsepower does a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am have?
| Engine manufacturer: | GM Pontiac V-8 301 |
|---|---|
| Cylinders alignment: | V 8 |
| Displacement: | 4942 cm3 / 301.6 cui |
| What power? | |
| Horsepower net: | 149 kW / 203 PS / 200 hp (SAE net) |
What kind of engine does a 1981 Trans Am have?
Trans Am Coupe were available in 1981: 1 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 4.9 Liter V8 automatic (aut. 3) , version for North America (up to December) 2 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo 4.9 Liter V8 (aut. 3) , version for North America (up to December) 3 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.0 Liter V8 4-speed (man. 4) , version for North America (up to December)
Is it worth it to rebuild a V8 Trans Am?
Firebirds and Trans Ams fitted with the special high-performance engines command the highest values, but certainly the more common Firebird and Trans Am V-8 cars are worth rebuilding. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, TRANS AM & FIREBIRD RESTORATION: 1970-1/2 – 1981. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:
What kind of transmission does a 1981 Pontiac Pontiac have?
For 1981, the Pontiac 4-bbl 4.9 liter V8 unfortunately could not be equipped with a manual transmission and the turbo 4.9 liter V8 also entered its second year of production with the mandatory 3-speed automatic transmission again. However there was light at the end of the tunnel for those wanting a manual transmission.
How much horsepower does a LU8 Trans Am have?
The LU8 engine option would return for 1981, however horsepower and torque dropped slightly to 200 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Even though the LU8 was available on the 1980-1981 Firebird Formula, it will be remembered for being the top performance motor of the 1980-1981 Trans Am.
