1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455-SD

[Paul Ceasrine]

Ed,

I was sent a PM.

In 1973, only '43'..... Formula SD-455 Firebirds were built.

* '10' - 4-Speeds
* '33' - Automatics

Only '1' Buccaneer Red {Code 75} was built, and my sister owned it...

If the Automatic was built with Air-Conditioning, the standard Rear-End
Gear Ratio from the factory was a 3.08.

But, you could order the Code #G92 {3.42} Performance Axle, or 'special order'
Dealer Installed Code #CG {3.73 Gears} which my sister's car came though with.

I was told that the 1973 SD-455 also came though with a 'special'
'PQ-Code' Turbo 400 Transmission.

Anybody know anything about the PQ-Code......

[Run to Rund]

Herslow and Morlock's E/SA Celluloid Hero was cover car, and had an article, in March 1976 SS&DI.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Thanks, Mr. Run to Rund

Herslow and Morlock ran a 'Trans Am' SD-455

National Record Holder in E/SA {10.00 - 10.49 Wt/Hp}

The 'SD-455' 455/310 HP was refactored to 345 HP by NHRA.

My sisters car 'Formula SD-455' was lighter than the Trans Am, but still made it into the E/SA Class.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Thanks Again,,,,,,,,, Mr. Run to Rund

Herlsow & Merlock from Scotch Plains, New Jersey

1973 Pontiac Firebrd Trans Am SD-455 {455/310 HP} re-factored to 345 HP.

1975 = E/SA

National Record set at ATCO {September 1975}

11.89 @ 112.50 MPH

[Dan Fahey]

I still have that magazine.
In fact most back to 1968

[Geerhead55]

Dan Fahey,, I have the complete SS&DI collection, as I'm sure many others on here do.
I'm also pretty sure many of us have extra copies that could fill in the holes in your collection, if you're wanting to do that,, heck, I've got 4 copies of the #1 Nov.'64 issue alone. Think about it, as your Classracer family can help you fill those boxes,,, and of course there are the swap meets and Ebay. My collection lingered up in the attic for about 30 years when I went and brought it out to look at, and realized I was only 28 issues away from having them all, as I bought occasionally off the magazine stands in the '60s and started my subscription in '74 until the end of the mag in May of '99. It took about a year and a half to pull it off, so it can be done. They're all nicely bagged and boxed nowadays.
Sorry for the momentary hijack, fellas,, I love the SD Firebirds too,, in fact the car in the photos does resemble Stock Eliminator champion Brad Burton's red Firebird, but I believe he runs a 400 combo.
Danny Durham

[Paul Ceasrine]

1973 Firebird Specification Sheet

I know my sisters Formula SD-455 was listed at #3470 lbs. or so
for Shipping Weight, and with the NHRA HP 'factor' of 345 HP
it just fit into E/SA.

[Dan Lattimore]

Freddy Moore ordered a new Formula 455 SD thru Bendall Pontiac Alexandria, Va. in 1973 . I went with him to pick it up and he let me drive it home which kinda surprised me. If it had been me I would have wanted to be the first one in it. It was plain Jane white with black interrior and (4 speed). Little did we know at the time it would be only one of ten. Well it went thru all the changes most purpose built race cars go through. Starting with headers,slapper bars and slicks and ending up tubbed and converted to Trans Am skin for class advantage. There's a lot more to the story but bottom line it was sold off and God knows where it is today or if it still exists. I have a feeling it's a bracket car somewhere with a rat motor in it and the guy has no clue what it really is.

[jmracing]

My name is Jacques Marier from JMRACING from Montreal
July 16 / 2016 at Napierville Dragway at the NHRA National Open with my 1974 trans am SD455 * PURE STOCK * IHRA car legal at 3838 lbs
11.87 / 113mph qualify 1st (In Canada NHRA accept IHRA race car ) ( 2 time IHRA national record holder in D/PS 2003-2005)

[jmracing]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

Thanks Again,,,,,,,,, Mr. Run to Rund

Herlsow & Merlock from Scotch Plains, New Jersey

1973 Pontiac Firebrd Trans Am SD-455 {455/310 HP} re-factored to 345 HP.

1975 = E/SA

National Record set at ATCO {September 1975}

11.89 @ 112.50 MPH

My name is Jacques Marier from JMRACING from Montreal
July 16 at Napierville Dragway at the NHRA National Open with my 1974 trans am SD455 PURE STOCK IHRA car legal at 3838 lbs
11.87 / 113mph qualify 1st (In Canada NHRA accept IHRA race car ) ( 2 time IHRA national record holder in D/PS 2003-2005)