1977 Pontiac Grand Prix

1977 pontiac grand prix

a complete re-working of front header , bumper highlighted 1977 grand prix, final year 1973-vintage bodyshell set replaced downsized gp 1978. parking lamps positioned between quad headlamps, , previous year s waterfall grille replaced narrower 1 extended lower portion of bumper. behind bumper new reinforcements (mounting panels) made aluminum rather steel reduce weight. in taillights simplified eliminate weighty pot metal bezels created horizontal stripe effect in 1976. same 3 models (j, lj , sj) carried on engine revisions. base model j got pontiac s new 135 hp (101 kw) 301 cu in (4.9 l) v8 standard equipment, small , underpowered propel 4,000-pound car. optional engines included 160 hp (119 kw) 350 cu in (5.7 l) v8 or 180 hp (130 kw) 400 cu in (6.6 l); 2 engines standard on lj , sj models, respectively. original thinking on 301 cid engine weight savings using lighter engine cancel out horsepower loss smaller displacement. turned out major miscalculation , 301 equipped cars became less desirable among grand prix enthusiasts , collectors in later years. 301 had knocking (pre-ignition) problem later determined caused shape of combustion chamber.

each of engines pontiac-built units in previous years, offered in 49 of 50 states. because pontiac s own v8 engines not meet more stringent california emission standards set 1977, grand prixs (and other pontiac models) sold in california powered oldsmobile-built engines including lansing s 350 cu in (5.7 l) rocket v8 j , lj, , 403 cu in (6.6 l) rocket v8 standard on sj , optional on other 2 gps in california. due shortage of olds 350 engines resulting record sales of cutlasses , reduced production of engine due plant conversion build diesel v8 beginning in 1978, few 1977 grand prixs destined california reportedly came off line chevrolet-built 350 cu in (5.7 l) v8.

grand prix sales increased all-time high of on 270,000 units 1977, last year bodystyle, despite competition newly downsized , lower-priced ford thunderbird introduced year , restyled mercury cougar xr-7 bodyshell switched t-bird year discontinued ford torino/mercury montego.