Minor changes were implemented for the 1978 model year, including switching from a honeycomb to a crosshatch pattern grille and the introduction of a new special edition vehicle. The grille was flanked on either side by rectangular quad headlamps. In the back were wide three-row tail lamps that housed backup lights at the inner ends, near the license plate. The standard engine was the 231 cubic-inch V6 with overhead valves, a cast-iron block and head, hydraulic valve lifters, four main bearings, and a two-barrel Rochester carburetor helping to deliver 105 horsepower and 185 lb-feet of torque. A three-speed manual transmission was standard. The factory list price for the Firebird hardtop coupe began at $4,545. A T-Top option was available and for 1978, the construction was transitioned from Hurst to Fisher (General Motors) mid-year.