The major exterior change though was the front nose panel - which was slanted back yet further from about 16 degrees on the '78 to about 22 degrees on the '79. This gave the impression of a more aerodynamic shape and only helped to lower the cars drag coefficient. Air intakes for the cooling system were also moved from between the twin headlight to below them now, nestling in the polyurethane 5mph compression bumper.

There was also a new interior trim, the Rally Gauge cluster became standard and an engine turned dash appeared, replacing the old wooden type.

The Firebird now came with six engine options: The base Firebirds and Esprits were powered by a 231ci 2bbl V6. Other options were a 301ci 2 or 4bbl, V8; 350 4bbl V8, and a 400 or 403 4bbl V8.

The 403 Oldsmobile plant now came as standard on the Trans Am, with a credit option of the 301. No 400's were actually manufactured in 1979, but instead had been stockpiled in limited numbers from '78. Given the higher power output of the 400 compared to the wheezy 403, this engine became instantly sought after, and was only available on the manual Trans Ams.

Given that the first TA was built back in 1969, '79 was also the year of the 10th Anniversary Edition Trans Am, several of which were used as pace cars in the Daytona 500 of that year. These models came with a distinctive silver paint job, with charcoal grey around the windows, windscreen, bumper and shaker scoop and highlighted with red, white and charcoal pinstripes. An abnormally large chicken decal also adorned the bonnet, along with 15x8 inch finned turbo wheels.