1973 Pontiac Firebird

The major changes for the 1973 Pontiac Firebird consisted of a new "egg crate" grille insert and a revised Endura bumper that had been modified to meet new U.S. government crash standards as well as the introduction on the Trans Am of the bird decal that covered the whole hood. Stylist John Schinella, is credited for creating the legendary Indian symbol, which was nicknamed by many as the "Screaming Chicken". The biggest and most notable change for 73' would have been the introduction of a new Super Duty 455 V8 "SD-455". The Super Duty name was given to Pontiac's high performance engines in the early 1960's. ALL SD-455's were hand assembled, and had a reinforced block, special cam shaft, aluminum pistons, oversize valves and header-like exhaust manifolds. These SD-455 engines where rated at 310 hp and rumored to be more like 370 hp. In an era when manufacturers engine ratings where dropping, this was the biggest performance car to remain on the market. The new Super Duty 455 was a street legal race prepped engine. Note: Only 252 Trans Am's and 43 Formula's 455's where ordered with the SD-455 engine.

1973 Pontiac Firebird Engine Options

six cylinder 250, "D" Code - 100hp Base V8 350, "M" Code - 150 hp V8 400, "R" Code - 170 hp V8 455, "Y" Code - 255 hp V8 455 SD, "X" Code - 310 hp

1973 Pontiac Firebird Production

Base Firebird	14,096 produced	factory price about $2,900
Firebird Esprit	17,249 produced	factory price about $3,250
Firebird Formula	10,166 produced	factory price about $3,270
Firebird Trans Am	4,802 produced	factory price about $4,200