LS3-Powered 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gold Special Edition 6-Speed

Description

In 1978, Pontiac offered the half-year-only factory option code RPO Y88 — better known as the iconic Y-88 Gold Special Edition Trans Am — a golden tribute to the brand’s muscle car legacy. While the standard Trans Am was already a hit, the Y-88 package added a unique flair with gold-tinted T-tops, gold dash accents, and a matching Camel Tan interior. Only an estimated 8,666 were produced, making this variant a sought-after gem among collectors.

This Y-88 optioned Trans Am, verified by Pontiac Historical Services (PHS), has been transformed into a modern-day performance machine while retaining its classic style. Under the shaker hood lies a 530-horsepower LS3 V8 mated to a T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. Controlled by a Holley Terminator X Max EFI system and supported by a full American Autowire wiring harness, this Golden Phoenix blends vintage cool with contemporary power and reliability.

Finished in Solar Gold metallic with gold-tinted T-tops and Camel Tan interior, this example sits aggressively on 18x10-inch BC Forged wheels wrapped in sticky Falken RT660 tires. The UMI Corner Max suspension and adjustable Viking shocks ensure it handles the added power, while PowerStop C6 Z06 brakes with massive 345mm rotors provide serious stopping power. With over 14,000 miles of well-used and enthusiastically enjoyed miles on the new powertrain, this broken-in Screaming Chicken is ready for a new driver brave enough to white-knuckle the wheel.

Highlights

• LS3 V8 with Holley Terminator X Max EFI (electronic fuel injection) system rated at 530 horsepower

• Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documented Y-88 model 

• T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission 

• Y88 Special Gold Appearance Package: 

  • Gold and bronze hood phoenix, pinstripes, and TRANS AM decals 

  • Finished in iconic Solar Gold metallic paint 

  • Camel Tan vinyl and carpet interior 

  • Gold tinted gauge bezel 

  • Gold tinted T-tops 

• The chassis number (2W87Z8L167711) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Pontiac 

  • W – Firebird Trans Am 

  • 87 – Sport Coupe 2-door hardtop 

  • Z – V8 Pontiac 400 cu-in V8 4BBL 

  • 8 – 1978 model year 

  • L – Van Nuys, California, assembly plant 

  • 167711 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Dakota Digital gauges, racing buckets, and black leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Bronze 18x10-inch BC Forged wheels wrapped in Falken RT660 275/35/18 tires 

• UMI Performance Corner Max suspension with triple-adjustable Viking shocks 

• PowerStop C6 Z06 six-piston calipers with slotted and drilled 345mm rotors 

• Bluetooth-enabled stereo system with four Kicker speakers and subwoofer 

• UMI Performance traction bars and subframe connectors 

• Screaming Chicken HID headlight conversion 

• Complete American Autowire wiring harness 

• Vintage Air A/C system 

Known Imperfections 

• Rocker panels show minor paint chips consisted with road use 

• Some wear on interior surfaces consistent with us 

 Included 

• Drivetrain and suspension invoices 

• Gold Formula steering wheel 

• Spare BC Forged wheel 

• PHS documentation 

• Two sets of keys 

Ownership History

This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am—a Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) verified Y88 Gold Special Edition model—is an extensively modified, high-performance driver’s car. The current owner acquired the vehicle in Texas and relocated it to Colorado where it currently remains. The drivetrain and powertrain were professionally installed, which have since logged over 14,000 miles of use since.

The seller notes, “I bought the Trans Am in 2009 as a restored to factory original car in Houston Texas, where it was sold originally.  The car drives like a modern Camaro and is very smooth on the highway and with the overdirve transmission gets 24mpg on the highway.”