available in the Firebird (optional in Formula; standard in Trans Am) and 2-door LeMans (including those with the GTO option) and LeMans Sport convertible. Ram Air induction was optionally available with the 455 HO in the Firebird Formula (standard on Trans Am), and the 2-door LeMans (including GTO). 1975 After the 1974 SD455 was dropped the 1975 Firebird's top performance engine was an 'L78' Pontiac . Pontiac still offered the regular 455 (RPO L75) in its full sized cars, and after a negative public reaction for dropping the 455 engine, it was re-introduced mid-year as an available option for the 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. However, the engine used in these Trans Ams was the same regular production 455 taken from the big body cars Pontiac was producing, and output 200 HP with a torque rating of 330 lb⋅ft at 2,000 rpm. The 455 HO package was only available to late model year Pontiac Firebird Trans Am's, and was mandatory with a 4-speed transmission. The shaker wore the decals "455 H.O." like the earlier 1971-1972 motor, but it was not the same motor, and featured standard d-port heads with a very conservative camshaft. The 1975 455 HO package received some negative press/reviews as some buyers expected to see a return of the 1971-1972 engine, and were disappointed when they received the lower output motor. Upon reflection, many did not consider that it was the only large displacement engine still on offer for any performance car on the market, and reconsidered Pontiac's position between the rising CAFE emissions restrictions. 1976 The L75 455 engine continued as an option into the 1976 model year for the Trans Am, however, Pontiac opted to drop the "H.O." moniker from the shaker due to the disappointing public approval as the motor was not deemed to be "High Output". The 455 was fundamentally the same for the 1976 model year, albeit the shaker decal now just read "455". This was the last run for the 455 (7.5 L) motor from Pontiac, and production ceased on the 455 this year as it could no longer meet the emissions requirements any longer. 301 W72 "T/A 4.9" While not related to the 400 W72, the concept was the same. The W72 301 was a tuned L37 301 Pontiac V8 with some minor upgrades. All 1980 Trans Ams received this engine as standard with the option to delete this engine choice