In 1970 after only 3 years of production, the Firebird received a total redesign. Now it became longer, heavier and lower
than the F-Body design of the 1960's. The one 2 door coupe design replaced the choice of coupe or convertible. But model option
were increased. Now the Firebird came as either a base model, the slightly more luxurious Esprit, Formula or the top of the range Trans Am.
Engine wise, the base Firebird now came equipped with the Chevrolet straight six 250 ci engine, with the option of the 350ci V8 two barrel. The 350ci V8 in turn came as standard on the Esprit, with the option of upgrading to the 2 bbl 400ci. The Formula power plants were either the 400ci pushing out 330 hp, or the 345 hp RAM Air III 400. This RAM Air III came as standard on the 1970 Trans Ams however, with the option of upping the stakes to a RAM Air IV, the most powerful production engine fitted to any Firebird, rated at a whopping 370 hp.
Standard equipment improved on the 2nd Generation. The base Firebird got a front stabiliser bar and disc brakes; the Formula got its suspension stiffened, a rear anti-roll bar, and the distinctive fibre-glass bonnet with twin front air scoops, however the intakes were only functional on the RAM Air III models.
The Trans Am model was only one year old when it had to be completely revamped for the 1970 edition. The TA was now given a wheel and rear spoilers and a front air dam. These additions apparantly resulted in an extra 80lbs of downforce at 100 mph, whilst reducing frontal lift by nearly 100 pounds.
The famous Trans Am 'shaker hood scoop' was also introduced. This scoop allegedly took advantage of the pressured area where the windscreen comes down to the bonnet to force cool air into the back of the scoop and into the engine on hard throttle openings. Although the mechanics of this idea have been called into question, the thing looked great!
The '70 Trans Am came in a choice of two colours, either Cameo white with blue stripes, or Lucerne blue with white stripes.
