1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1972 Pontiac Firebird Base
1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
1. Fender Exhaust Grille Gone
2. 455 H.O. Only 455 CID V-8
3. HP & Torque Rerated Down
4. "Honeycomb" Insert in Grille
5. Formula 455 Gets 455 H.O.
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1972 PONTIAC FIREBIRD, FORMULA & TRANS AM” – Car Guy Chronicles
Horsepower is Down Again –
Strike Kills Production
After a big strike at the production plants resulting in very slow sales, the possibility of dropping the Firebird was raised this year. This was compounded by the meager sales of 1971 and so styling changes were minimal. There was a new honeycomb mesh grille insert, new interior trim and redesigned hub caps and wheel covers.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Resources
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1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1972 Pontiac Firebird
| 11 Cameo White | |
| 14 Revere Silver | |
| 24 Adriatic Blue | |
| 26 Lucerne Blue | |
| 36 Julep Green | |
| 43 Springfield Green | |
| 48 Wilderness Green | |
| 50 Brittany Beige | |
| 53 Quezal Gold | |
| 55 Shadow Gold | |
| 56 Monarch Yellow | |
| 57 Brasilia Gold | |
| 63 Anaconda Gold | |
| 65 Sundance Orange | |
| 75 Cardinal Red |
Collector Car Insurers
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1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1972 Pontiac Firebird
The 1972 model year saw minor cosmetic changes. A difference that differentiates a 1972 Firebird from the other 1970-73 Firebirds is the hexagonal honeycomb grille insert in the front fascia of the vehicle. During a 1972 strike, the Firebird and the similar F-body Camaro were nearly dropped.
1972 saw an industry-wide change to the way the engines were rated from the factory, as Gross horsepower ratings replaced by more accurate SAE Net information. The V-8 compression ratio was again lowered to be in compliance with the regulation that set a more environmentally friendly low- or no-leaded fuel now mandated, further lowering power ratings.
Engine options remained mostly unchanged, however, the L75 455 engine was dropped, but the LS5 455 HO remained as an option for the Formula and was standard for the Trans Am. Pontiac rated the 1972 455 HO at 300 HP, but the engine was unchanged from 1971.
Starting in 1972, and continuing until 1977, the Firebird was only produced at the Norwood, Ohio, facility.
1972 Pontiac Firebird – Factoids
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For the Firebird, the standard 455 CID Unit was removed and the 455 H.O. remained, though down in HP from 335 to 300, though no specifications or equipment were changed.
The grille was was now honeycomb-like but otherwise fit in the opening started in 1970.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Models Offered
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Base Firebird Series 2S87 – Standard equipment in the base model included front and rear bucket type seats with all vinyl trim, solid foam seat cushions with integral springs, loop-pile carpets, Deluxe steering wheel, wood-grained dash accents, ash tray light, Endura front bumper, small full-width front air dam, hub caps, windshield radio antenna, bright moldings on windshield, rear window and grille, thin body sill moldings, front disc brakes. The three-speed manual column shift transmission was standard as were E78-14 blackwall tires.
Esprit Series 2T87 – The Esprit had model signature script moldings on the roof pillar. Standard equipment was the same as in basic Firebirds plus custom cloth and Morrokide trim, distinctive door trim panels, perforated headliner, added sound insulation, custom cushion steering wheel, rear arm rest ash trays, trunk mat, dash assist grip, wheel trim rings, body-color mirrors with left hand remote controlled, body-color door handle inserts, concealed wipers. bright roof rail trim, window sill moldings, rear hood edge accents, wheel opening moldings and wide rocker panel accent strips. The three-speed manual floor shift transmission was standard.
Formula 350 Series 2U87 – As a spin off the Formula 400, the Formula 350 was equipped as a Formula 400/455 with some minor changes, with the most notable the 350 CID 250 HP V-8. The Formula 350 included vinyl bucket seats, custom cushion steering wheel, flame chestnut wood grain appearance dash panel, right and left body-colored outside mirrors, Endura rubber front bumper, fiberglass hood with simulated twin air scoops, black textured grille insert, bright grille moldings, dual horns, front disc brakes, handling package, dual exhausts with chrome extensions and a heavy-duty three-speed manual transmission. Also featured were standard hub caps, F70-14 blackwall tires and “Formula” with 350 CID identification numbering.
Firebird Formula 400/455. Series 2U87 – Standard equipment on Formula Firebird models included vinyl bucket seats, custom cushion steering wheel, flame chestnut wood grain appearance dash panel, right and left body-colored outside mirrors, with left-hand mirror remote control, Endura rubber front bumper, fiberglass hood with simulated twin air scoops, black textured grille insert, bright grille moldings, dual horns, front disc brakes, handling package, dual exhausts with chrome extensions. The base V-8 in Formula Firebirds was the 350 CID V-8 and as such designated it as a “Formula 350”. The optional powerplants were the 250 HP 4-barrel 400 CID V-8 and the 455 H.O. V-8. Depending on which engine, the cars were identified as “Formula 400” or “Formula 455”.
Also featured were standard hub caps, F70-14 blackwall tires and “Formula” with CID identification numbering. The 3-speed H.D. manual transmission was standard, with the 4-speed manual or 3-speed M40 automatic optional.
Trans Am Series 2V87 – The Trans Am had the same standard features as Firebird Formula models plus “Formula” steering wheel, engine-turned dash trim, Rally Gage cluster with clock and tachometer, front air dam, front and rear wheel opening flares, full-width rear deck spoiler, fender-side engine air extractors, shaker hood, 15-inch Rally II rims with trim rings, black grille inserts, fast-rate power steering. power brakes with front discs, 1.25 inch front stabilizer bar, 0.875 inch rear stabilizer bar, special high-rate rear springs, Safe-T-Track differential, air cleaner with rear-facing cold air induction system, power flex cooling fan, four-speed close-ratio manual transmission with floor shift or M40 Turbo-Hydramatic, and F60-15 white letter tires.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Engines
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- 110 HP 250 CID I-6
- 160 HP 350 CID V-8 AMT
- 160 HP 350 CID V-8 SMT
- 175 HP 400 CID V-8 AMT
- 250 HP 400 CID V-8
- 300 HP 455 CID H.O. V-8
250 CID I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves, Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 110 SAE Net @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 185 SAE Net @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33.5°, Lift (Intake) 0.388″, (Exhaust) 0.388″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7042017; (automatic transmission) 7042014.
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.875″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM, (dual exhausts) 175 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM
Torque: 270 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM, (dual exhausts 275 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift: (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel 7042062.
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.875″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM, (dual exhausts) 175 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM
Torque: 270 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM, (dual exhausts 275 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift: (intake) 0.4377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Carter 2-barrel 488062.
400 CID L65 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 310 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel (automatic transmission) 7042060.
400 CID L78 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 250 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 325 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel Model (manual transmission) 7042263; (automatic transmission) 7042264.
455 CID LS5 4-Barrel H.O. V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 300 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 415 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7042273; (automatic transmission) 7042270.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 108.0 inches.
- Overall length: 191.6 inches.
- Overall width: 73.4 inches.
- Overall height: 50.4 inches.
- Front track: I-6: 61.3 inches; V-8: 61.6 inches; Trans Am: 61.7 inches.
- Rear track: I-6: 60.0 inches; V-8: 60.3 inches; Trans Am: 60.4 inches.
- Standard tires: Base and Esprit: E78 x 14; 400: F70 x 14; Trans Am: F60 x 15 (NOTE: 15 x 7 JJ rim mandatory with F60 x 15 tires).
- Optional tires: Base & Esprit: F78 x 14; Formula 400/455: F60 x 15.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1 (Column shift standard, floor shift optional).
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1 (Floor Shift Only).
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1 (Heavy Duty – Floor Shift Only).
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- V-8 350 CID: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 2.02:1, 3rd – 1.35:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1.
- V-8 400/455 CID Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.44:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- V-8 400/455 CID Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1 V-8).
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 350 CID V-8 2-Speed: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1.
- I-6 & 350 CID V-8 M-38: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.92:1.
- 400 & 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Rear Gear Ratios
- I-6: Manual transmission: 3..08:1 (A/C not Available).
- I-6: Automatic transmission: 3.08:1 (A/C not Available).
- 350 CID V-8: Manual transmission: 3.42:1.
- 350 CID V-8: Automatic transmission: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1.
- 400 CID 2-barrel V-8: Automatic transmission only: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1.
- 400 CID V-8: 3-speed Manual transmission: 3.42:1.
- 400 CID V-8: 4-speed Manual transmission: 3.73:1.
- 400 CID L-78 V-8: Automatic transmission: 3.08:1; Optional 3.42:1.
- 455 CID LS5 V-8: Manual transmission: 3.42:1.
- 455 CID LS5 V-8: Automatic transmission: with A/C 3.08:1; without A/C 3.42:1.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- Firebird base – Three-speed manual transmission – column shift – standard.
- Firebird base – 110 HP I-6 engine standard.
- 2-speed automatic transmission optional on all I-6 and 350 CID V-8 Firebirds.
- Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission optional on all I-6 and 350 CID V-8 Firebirds.
- Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission optional on all 400 & 455 CID V-8s.
- Four-speed manual transmission optional on V-8 Firebirds.
- 160/175 HP 350 CID V-8 available on Firebird base, standard on Esprit models & part of Formula 350 package.
- 175 HP 400 CID V-8 only available on the Firebird Esprit.
- 250 HP 400 CID V-8 only available on the Firebird Formula 400 model.
- 300 HP LS5 455 CID V-8 optional on Formula 455 and standard on the Trans Am. (NOTE: this engine is available in Ram Air configuration on Formula 455, and standard on the Trans Am, but is otherwise unchanged).
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Accessories
- Prices where known:
-
- Air conditioning ($397).
- Automatic transmission with 350 CID V-8 engine.
- Automatic transmission with I-6 engine.
- Auxiliary lamp group ($18).
- Convenience lamp group ($11).
- Cordova top ($75).
- Cruise control ($62).
- Deck lid remote control ($14).
- Electric clock.
- Electric rear window defroster ($62).
- Firebird base floor shift.
- Firebird Formula air inlet hood ($84).
- Firebird Formula rear deck spoiler ($33).
- Formula steering wheel ($42).
- Front disc brakes ($46-68).
- Front seat console ($60).
- Mirror, remote control outside.
- Mirrors, body-colored with left-hand remote control ($26).
- Parking brake signal.
- Power antenna.
- Power brakes ($47).
- Power left-hand bucket seat ($77).
- Power steering, variable ratio ($113).
- Radio AM/FM Stereo and 8-Track ($363).
- Radio, push button.
- Radio, push button – AM/FM.
- Rally Gage cluster with clock and tachometer ($92).
- Rear seat console ($26).
- Ride & Handling package.
- Safe-T-Track positive traction rear.
- Soft-Ray glass, all-windows ($39).
- Soft-Ray windshield ($30-35).
- Tape player and stereo cassette, requires radio ($134).
- Tilt steering wheel, power steering required ($45).
- Two-speed wipers and washers.
- Warning lamps ($21).
- Wheel discs, simulated wire ($84).
- Wheels, Honeycomb ($123).
- Wheels, Rally II ($87).
- White wall tires.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Downloads and Images
1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1972 Pontiac Full Line Deluxe Brochure
1971 Pontiac Full Line Regular Brochure
1972 Pontiac Firebird Brochure – Canadian Release
1972 Pontiac Firebird Print Ads
1972 Pontiac Firebird AMA Specifications Sheets
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1972 Pontiac Firebird Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Pontiac Firebird will appear below
1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was the top of the line Firebird. It was totally a performance car and was only available with the 455CID H.O. V-8. Only 1,286 were delivered, making it a rare piece.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455
While the 1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455 was highly touted, the Formula could be had with 350 CID or 400 CID V-8 power. Collectively, 5,250 were built,
1972 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
The 1972 Pontiac Firebird Esprit was the upscale version of the Firebird. All were V-8 powered with a choice of 350 CID or 400 CID power. 11,415 were sold.
1972 Pontiac Firebird Base
1972 Pontiac Firebird Base was the entry level Firebird. It was available with either I-6 or 350 CID V-8 power. 2,75 I-6 and 9,025 V-8 versions were delivered respectively.