Author Topic: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide  (Read 1280 times)

5th T/A

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1511
The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« on: August 31, 2023, 02:32:37 PM »
Great news,

The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide 1970-1981 is back in print. This book is written by Pontiac Enthusiast and Scholar Rocky Rotella.

If you have or had a second-generation Firebird or are in the process of restoring one, this publication contains a wealth of information. Rocky put his heart and soul into writing this book. It has been out of print for a while. I have seen copies sell for hundreds of dollars and I once saw someone asking $800.00 for a copy! For the time being it is available again directly from his website. If you are not interested but know a Gen II FB owner please share this information with them.

https://www.pontiacv8.com/blog/2023/8/29/its-back-the-definitive-firebird-amp-trans-am-guide-1970-1981

img20230831_14401419 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

If you are building or rebuilding a Pontiac engine here are two excellent publication's written by Rocky.

IMG_1074 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

IMG_1075 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

b_hill_86

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2135
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2023, 04:37:34 PM »
I seem to remember reading recently the Jim Hand version of “Max Performace” was going to be rereleased with some updates. That was going for (being asked I guess) stupid money. Guess all of the greedy people are out of luck now lol
-Brian-

1977 Trans Am 400 4 speed

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13523
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2023, 05:52:00 AM »
I too got the email Larry. I have a 'first edition' and go back quite often to look at it. Very informative and well written.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

RamblerRacer

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 357
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2023, 06:09:41 AM »
Does the book have exploded views or diagrams for assemblies, or is it more background info and history?

Wallington

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2475
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2023, 08:24:15 AM »
There's manuals for that. It's a good book, another one. Definitive is quite the stretch, although for a picture book, it may cover more detail in a very general sense.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2023, 11:54:49 PM by Wallington »

Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2023, 08:24:15 AM »

scarebird

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1919
  • Former brake guy
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2023, 02:04:01 PM »
Rocky, what we really need is a 1968-72 A book!

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13523
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2023, 09:49:18 AM »
Not a service manual by any means. A history book about the second gen firebird. It does have specs and production no.s shown. I like it and have read through it a number of times.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

Raven

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 829
    • Yellowstone Computing
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2023, 11:25:59 AM »
I got one of the first editions, but I may grab another for gifting. Really enjoy Rocky's books and site, love the tons of knowledge he shares.
1978 Mayan Red Trans Am, '74 455SD, 4-speed.
1977 Trans Am SE, Y82, 400, auto. (Sold)
1999 Navy Blue Metallic Trans Am, LS1, auto. (Sold)
Time Flies in a Trans Am!
https://www.yellowstonecomputing.net

5th T/A

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1511
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2023, 03:35:55 PM »
I kind of stumbled upon this book accidentally in 2020 and love it. I grew up with these cars purchasing my first TA new in January of 73. I followed the publications every year tracking the changes, but still learned quite a bit from reading this guide. As others have said it is not a service manual or an exploded parts book. It does have a lot of details about production and various option changes through the years. A lot of research and hard work went into the creation of this book. In Rocky's own words, "this isn't just another Firebird book". While it does have nice color photos, this book tells the detailed story of the second generation Firebirds.

If you love these cars, you will enjoy this book. Don't let it get away again.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Chewey

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1598
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2023, 11:06:31 AM »
Mine just showed up the other day. I've loved looking through it. Some info and pics I hadn't seen before which has been great.
-mike

78 Trans Am 400 Auto (Dec 06 HPP)
76 Trans Am LE 455/4sp w/ t-tops (1 of 110)
2020 Rally Green Camaro 2SS
02 Trans Am CETA Convertible M6 #1949 (sold)

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13523
Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2023, 12:57:50 PM »
I need to get mine ordered asap.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

Re: The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2023, 12:57:50 PM »
You can help support TAC!

 

You can help support TAC!