For the manual transmissions, the 73 was three speed manual only in the GT package, but the 3 and four speeds were available in the GT package in '74. Engines were 350 2 or 4 bbl, 400 2 or 4 bbl, and the 455 4 bbl and 455 "super duty" 4 bbl.
Just a note- the 3 speed manual came standard with the package, but you could order a 4 speed. Also, the Super Duty 455 was never available in anything other than a Firebird, despite it making the A-body sales literature and even being named "car of the year".
Be that as it may, NHRA shows both the 250 horse 455 and the 290 horse 455 engines available in the Tempest/Lemans body style as well as the Firebird in 1973. The 290 horse 455 shows being available with or without the Ram Air option on both body styles. In 1974, NHRA only shows the 290 horse 455 available in the Firebird. Not taking sides either way, as I have no horse in this race, but if I am not mistaken, PSMCDR relies quite heavily on NHRA classification and engine rules. Whether or not any Tempest/Lemans body style SD455 were produced in 1973, NHRA seems quite willing to accept them.
Motors Manuel and Chilton both say 310 HP, 8.4:1 compression for the SD 455 engine, with 390 ft lbs for '73 for the Trans Am, not sure for lemons though? The regular 4bbl, dual ex. with 8.0:1 compression 455 says 250 HP. o No: Derek
SD was rated at 310 in 1973, 290 in 1974. Correct me Poncho fans, but what made production in 1973 was already 290 after the emissions debacle but on paper they kept it 310. I think the 455-4 was rated at 250 and only came with an automatic (for the A-body; can't remember for the F-body). In any case, I have production numbers for manual tranny A-bodies from those years, if you need.
The below are for both LeMans and Grand Am (I am using "LeMans" as a generic): 7,194 LeManses had the 400. 833 LeManses had the M20 4-speed (various engines). 6,222 LeManses had the GT package. Combinations of such don't exist, but I can tell you how many 400s were installed in a certain LeMans.
the GTO option in '73 did have a 4 speed 400 option. I ordered one and it showed up at the dealer with a turbo 400. Wife made me take it anyway. If I recall the 400 was rated at 220 HP. Not very quick, but a nice car nonetheless.
Thanks for all the info guys. Ad for car is still up. Going to contact again and see if its still availble. If so, I plan on checking it out then contacting PHS to see if its original 4 speed. Some people have told hime its not an original 4 speed car. Mike
Car is Colonial Gold top and bottom. F37 is LeMans Sport Coupe. A is built in Atlanta. 235 is the trim, which should correspond to a certain color and seating configuration that I don't have at the moment, but A51 is bucket seats so that part is answered. 04A is the build date, which is first week of April. B84 is bodyside moldings. Don't know what the other stuff is but they're prob accessory codes or something else. You'll need someone who knows this stuff, one of whom I've emailed.
Looks to be original paint. Buckets, no console. Wish GM did like ford and showed what trans the car was built with. $90 for a rush PHS is a little hard to swallow when you're "on the fence". 4 speed looks to be original but he had a couple people say it wasn't. I asked if hey said why they thought that, he said they didn't say. It has some outer rust but the underside of the car is spotless, door bottoms are good. Overall it's what I would say a pretty solid car. Still debating wheter or not to just spring for the PHS documentation or not.
Relying on what others have said is not the way to go as you simply don't know who these people are and if they know anything. And this is not a high-demand car so not worth getting worked up. But it is a desirable car among a segment of Pontiac fans and children of the 1970s. How long does regular PHS take? $90 is a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.
And I agree with everything. Who knows if those people were mis-informed or had other intentions. I realize it isnt a hot commodity but is a desireable car/combo. I will definitely post if I spring for the PHS documentation.
The Pontiacs had a code stamped on the block to denote the ci/hp rating/auto or manual transmission. Also, there should be a partial VIN stamped on the transmission, that will match the VIN of the car. Diego, by your post... can I assume that you got the PHS for the car in question?
