[vertigto]

Thought I remember someone looking for a Martinique Blue TA on the forum?

If so, there is a new auction on BaT...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ign=2021-11-10

[72projectbird]

Sharp looking Bird!

I'm not crazy about the light blue interior, but it looks like a nice clean car.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Is a 403 very common in a 78???

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by 77 TRASHCAN

Is a 403 very common in a 78???

I believe so - it was the only available 6.6L in post 1976 Firebirds bound for the 'sunny state'.

[rwfisher]

Same exterior color and Interior & color my ‘78 Formula had. Great color combo especially on a Formula with the black lower / rear. Man, I miss that car…

[vertigto]

The TA is up to $27,500 with 6+ hours left...wonder if it will break $30K? $35K??

[padgett]

"in general" (never say never). The 400 went in four speed cars (T/A 6.6), the 403 in automagics (6.6 liter).

[unruhjonny]

As a 1978 model, it really comes down to how the car was ordered;
The RPO 'L78' was intended to imply the Pontiac 400/4bbl (this RPO was used for a 400/4bbl in the second gen Firebird starting in 1970);
In 1977 & 1978 the 'L78 could have been one of three engines:

• 400/4bbl 'std' / auto
• 400/4bbl 'HO' (aka: W72) / auto
• 400/4bbl 'HO' (aka: W72) / manual

In 1977 and (iirc) early 1978 the W72 (400/4bbl-HO) was available with an automatic;
If my memory serves me, the W72 became NLA part way into the 1978 model year.
(I am confident if I am wrong here, someone more versed will chime in.)

I believe it came down to ticking off the automatic, and which gear set the car was built with that determined if it was built with an 'L80' vs 'L78'.

[Formulas]

I remember looking at new 1978 T/A 4-Speed Martinique Blue at the dealers lot in between high school and basic training, Was stunning new, Price new was around 6700.00 ?

[padgett]

My memory says that for 78-79 4-speeds could only be ordered on federal cars and the 403 was only certified with automatics. No 400s were manufactured in 1979, all installs were of leftover 78s. Emission certifications were not cheap and played a big part of which engines/transmissions were available when and where.

[track73]

No mufflers or cats?

[Formulabruce]

403= auto= California on this car. Note smog pump.
Have owned 2 non calif 78 Olds engine cars, auto, No pump.

[U47]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

403= auto= California on this car. Note smog pump.
Have owned 2 non calif 78 Olds engine cars, auto, No pump.

Just curious if anyone knows; A air pump on 78 Ca. cars and no air pump on Federal emission cars. The question is, do both Ca. and Fed cars use the same two way cats?