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The Pontiac Firebird was a sporty Compact Car built by the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors and was manufactured from 1967 until 2002 . Available in both Coupé and Convertible body styles, the Firebird was characterized by its aggressive styling and affordable Muscle Car performance. The car shared the same General Motors "F-Body" Platform as the Chevrolet Camaro , also introduced in 1967. Production of both cars ceased in 2002. The vehicles were, for the most part, powered by various V8 motors of different GM divisions. While primarily Pontiac-powered until 1981 , Firebirds were built with several different engines from nearly every GM division. All Firebirds have always included solid rear axles, also referred to as Live Axle s. Pontiac switched to a coil spring/torque arm rear suspension design in 1982 , which brought about a healthy but not overwhelming improvement over the pre-1981 Firebirds' excellent leaf spring/staggered shock arrangement. ==First generation (1967–69 The first-generation Firebirds had a characteristic "coke-bottle" styling. Unlike the Camaro, its bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end and its rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the Pontiac GTO . Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered until the 1969 model year. It was released five months after its Camaro twin and usually cost around $500 more. Unsurprisingly, the Firebird was outsold by the Camaro. The base model had a 230 in³ (3.8 L) OHC six-cylinder, single-barrel carburetor motor developing 165 hp (123 kW). The next model, the Sprint, had a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for the V8s: the 326 in³ (5.3 L) two-barrel 250 hp (186 kW, the 'H.O.' (High Output) engine of the same size but with a four-barrel carburetor 285 hp (213 kW), or the 400 in³ (6.6 L) from the GTO 325 hp (242 kW). A Ram Air option was available, with hood scoops and stronger valve springs. The 230 in³ (3.8 L) engines were replaced by 250 in³ (4.1 L) ones, developing 175 hp (130 kW) single barrel, and 215 hp (160 kW) four-barrel. An H.O. version of the 400 in³ (6.6 L) was offered from 1968 , with a revised cam, and developed 330 hp (246 kW), while power output on the other engines increased marginally. In 1969, a $725 optional handling package called the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package was introduced, named after the Trans-Am Series . As the name were used without permission, the SCCA threatened to sue, but GM settled the deal by paying $5 to the SCCA for every car sold. Of these first Trans Ams, 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made. There was an additional Ram Air IV engine option for the 400 in³ that year to complement the Ram Air II; these generated 345 and 335 hp respectively. Despite the 1969 model year being the last of this generation, production in fact went into 1970 , totalling 17 months, due to problems with the 1970s. The first-generation Firebird could easily be told from the Camaro with its four round Headlamp s, while the Camaro got only two. SECOND GENERATION (1970–81) The second generation appeared for the 1970 model year. Replacing the coke bottle was a more swoopy body style, with the top of the rear window line going almost straight down to the lip of the trunk lid. This body style was the longest-serving, initially with a large C-pillar until 1974 ; from that year, the rear window was enlarged. A substantial slant-nose facelift came in 1977 , redone in 1979 . From 1977 to 1981 , the Firebird used four square Headlamp s, while the Camaro retained the two round headlights that had previously been shared by both cars. By this time, the Firebird was appearing more anachronistic against its more modern Ford Mustang rival. Therefore, the third-generation model, from 1982 , was more of a departure, with pop-up headlamps and a rear liftgate. The Firebird Trans Am with the Trans Am was the last of the "Big Cube Birds" with only 7,100 units made with the 455 engine. {Link without Title} In . In 1980 , because of ever increasing emissions restrictions, Pontiac dropped all of its large displacement motors. 1980 saw the biggest engine changes for the Firebird. The 301 , offered in 1979 as an option, was now the standard engine. Options included a Turbocharged 301 or the Chevrolet 305 small block. {Link without Title} The final year of the second generation Trans Am, 1981, still used the same engines as the previous year with no changes. THIRD GENERATION (1982–92) ]] The third-generation F-body was quite a bit lighter than its predecessor. GM's CCC ("Computer Command Control") engine control system continued to evolve, raising performance and fuel economy while simultaneously lowering emissions. Engines:
1982 In 1982 , 3rd Generation Firebirds introduced: Firebird, Firebird S/E, and Firebird Trans Am. The Firebird was the base model, equivalent to the Camaro Sport Coupe, the Firebird S/E was a higher option level which could be loaded with more options than the Trans Am. The Trans Am was the highest performance level for the Firebird. In addition to being 500 lb lighter, the new Firebird was the most aerodynamic production Firebird to date. Wind tunnels were used to form the body shape. The aerodynamic developements extended to the finned aluminum wheels with smooth caps and a functional spoiler. Trans Am received a turbo bulge hood styled loosely off the earlier turbo Trans Am. Plans had originally been made to use the Pontiac 4.9 turbo, but it was scrapped at the last minute. The hood remained and was made fuctional for the Cross-fire injected 305. The S/E could be had with every option the Trans Am could have but didn't use the bulged hood. Leather seating was also availble on all models. Firebirds were available several engines. The standard fuel injected 90 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder Pontiac Iron Duke, a 102 hp 2.8L V6, and two 5.0L V8's. The first and most common was the LG4, a basic carburetor equipped 305 producing 145 hp. The other was a new fuel injected 305 using a fuel injection system similar to the 82 Corvette's 5.7L and producing 165 hp. The base model Firebird came standard with 14" steel wheels. 14" aluminum and 15" aluminum wheels were available on the SE and Trans Am. Pontiac had also hoped to drop all the "Trans Am" badges from the new cars to save royalties paid to the SCCA for use of the name. Early promotional cars were marked "T/A" as an alternative, however the production cars came marked as Trans Am regardless. The WS6 option available on the SE's and Trans Am's included 4 wheel disc brakes, P215/65R15 Goodyear Eagle GT radials with 15" cast aluminum wheels, stiffer springs, thicker front and rear sway bars, a high ratio 12.7:1 steering box, and limited slip rear differential. Its dimesions were reduced, wheel base is shorter, and is a lighter car. It is also the closest in size to the 67 yet. Road & Track selects the 82 Firebird Trans Am as 1 of the 12 best cars in the world along with the Camaro. It won Best Sports GT category in the $11,000 to $14,000 range with the Camaro. 1st time a 4 cylinder was available in a Firebird. Windshield slope is 60 degrees, about 3 degrees steeper than anything GM ever tried before. 1983 In 1983 , the Firebird remained basically unchanged. All Firebirds switch to a T-handle automatic gearshift knob. Shift indicator changes for the Automatic Overdrive 700-R4. Midyear the L69 high output 305 was introduced. The carbed 190 hp V8 was virtually identical to the L69 in the Z28 but used a different aircleaner assembly. Instead of the Camaro's dual snorkle aircleaner, the L69 Trans Am received yet another functional cold air intake designed to utilize the bulged hood. The Trans Am was selected as the DAYTONA 500 pace car. Pontiac sold 500 Daytona pace car replicas through their dealerships. The limited edition cars featured full body ground effect skirts extending around the entire car. The front bumper grills were replaced with molded plastic panels, with the "Trans Am" script on the right panel. Also included were Recaro leather seats, special 15" "AERO" wheels with smooth covers, red gauge backlighting, leather appointments, Daytona 500 graphics, and a unique white and charcoal paint scheme. The pace cars were only available with the LU5 Crossfire injected 305 or the L69 carburated 305. Other special packages were also available such as the Recaro trim package which included the Recaro seats, and black paint with gold highlights. 1984 For 1984 Trans Am was now available with the same ground effects as were used on the previous years pace car replica. Grill inserts in front fascia replaced with solid pieces. New 20 slot 15" aluminum wheels also available. For the 15th anniversary of the Trans Am, Pontiac released another special limited edition Trans Am. Using the same body as the 83 pace car replicas, but with new 16" 20 slot convex aluminum wheels with Goodyear P245/50VR16 unidirectional tires. The new wheel/tire combo was very similar to the current Corvette's P255/50ZR16 arrangement. This was the first appearance of 16" wheels on a third generation f-body. The 1500 15th Anniversary Trans Ams also included upgraded WS6 suspension with new 25 mm rear sway bar vs the normal WS6's 23 mm bar. The other features included gray multitone and white leather Recaro interior, steering wheel, shifter, and parking brake handle, white striped taillights, white wheels, special blue stripes and blue hood decal, 4 wheel disc brakes, and ttops. The only available V8 engines were the LG4 and L69. 1985 In 1985 , All Firebird models undergo redevelopement to boost sales. LB9 Tuned Port Injected 305 is released. The new port fuel injected engine replaces the 305 H.O. as the hot ticket. Using a tuned runner design the 305 makes 215 hp. The new engine gains attention but is not available with a manual transmission. Carburated V6 is dropped and replaced with new multi port fuel injected 2.8L V6 making 135 hp. Borg Warner 9 bolt differential is available for first time. The new positive traction rear end is said to be stronger than the Dana 44. New improvements evolve the interior by adding new Recaro styled seats, a new dash with redesigned gauges that use an embossed graph patterned background, new door panels, new T handle shifter for autos, new ergonomic console, updated stereo, dash mounted map pocket, and new ergonomic steering wheel. Further attempts to put the Trans Am into higher regard include a new digital dash and a new overhead console. The console includes two manually adjusted reminder wheels, a positionable map light, a removable "Firebird" flashlight, and a small pocket for a garage door opener or sunglasses. T-tops are also redesigned to use pin mounting rather than the previous years latches. Trans Am drag coefficiant is .32 but capable of .29 with standard Aero wheels over the High-Tech turbo aluminums. At the time it was the most aerodynamic car GM ever produced. Firebird receives restyled nose with wrap-around strips known as "bumperettes" to replace the old grille/solid inserts. Wrap around strips also on bumper. New tail lenses introduced on Firebird. The Trans Am "Power Bulge" hood discontinued in favor of new flat hood with twin louvered nostrils that are not functional. Trans Am receives restyled nose with integrated fog lights, new redesigned ground effects now standard. New "low density" taillights have grid pattern. Trans Am receives previous years suspension as standard, WS6 is upgraded with new larger sway bars. Aluminum 16" 20 slot wheels now available on all Trans Am's. Recaro option no longer available, but Recaro seats were. 1986 In 1986 , All Firebirds receive center high mounted stop lamps as required by Federal legislation, placed on top of back window. Standard 2.5L 4 cylinder engine dropped, multi port fuel injected 2.8L V6 now becomes the standard engine. Firebird SE discontinued. New optional rubber/vinyl wrap-around rear spoiler introduced on Trans Am, available only in black. Mid year Pontiac introduces new light weight crosslace wheel available on Trans Am. Only 26 Trans Ams with the 305 H.O L69 in 86. Discontinued because of fuel boiling. Paint RPO's change for new base-coat, clear-coat process. 1987 In 1987 , Pontiac introduced the 350 in³ TPI or Tuned Port Injection motor used on the current Corvette. This was in response to the production Ford Mustang GT 5.0 that had been known for overpowering the 305 HO powered Trans Ams and Camaros in the prior years following introduction. This engine was only available on GTA model cars with the only transmission available of an automatic. 1988 For 1988 , the Firebird remains basically unchanged. 170 hp LG4 carbed 5.0L dropped in favor of new 170 hp L03 throttle body injected 5.0L. All V8's receive serpentine belt systems and A/C compressors move to passengers side of engine de-cluttering the underhood area. Firebird Formula gets new high tech 16x8" aluminum wheels with silver WS6 centercaps. GTA wheels slightly restyled. Convex 16" wheels dropped as all Trans Am's get the 16x8" diamond spoke aluminum rims available in different colors such as white, red, charcoal, and black, in addition to the GTA's gold. GTA receives new steering wheel with integrated radio controls. Trans Am made available with body colored ground effects like the GTA. Optional on the GTA was a new "notchback" hatch. Rather than glass the new "notchback" consisted of a fiberglass trunk lid with a flat vertical glass window. The notch back also incorporated redesigned rear seatbacks with an integral headrest. 1989 For 1989 , GM makes new N10 dual catalytic converter exhaust available, freeing up 13% more power from some LB9 and L98 equipped Trans Am's. Firebirds optioned with t-tops receive new Lexan plastic tops. The new tops are lighter in weight and tinted darker, but are more dome shaped and age rapidly. GM replaces many sets with glass under warranty, but the Lexan tops continue through 1992. All rear disc brake optioned Firebirds now receive PBR brake calipers and larger brake rotors. This resolved issues GM encountered with the earlier rear discs, and increased stopping power. Introduction of GM's Vehicle Anti Theft System or V.A.T.S. makes all Firebirds more theft resistant by incorporating a small resistor into the key. VATS equipped cars also display antitheft system warning decals in the lower rear corners of side windows. The Trans Am is selected to pace the Indianapolis 500. Pontiac markets another pace car replica. This special 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am (TTA) based on the GTA is only available in white with tan interior and comes equipped with a Buick 3.8L V6 with a turbocharger developed from the Grand National. These replicas are as close to the actual pace car as any replica offered up to this time. The only changes made to the cars that actually were on the track during the race were the additions of strobe lights and safety equipment. 1,555 were produced, 5 being test cars. Out of 1,550 cars produced by PAS, the actual pace cars were randomly selected and sent to Indy for testing and modification. When they were released to the public they were underrated in power. Not all came with T-Tops or came with leather either, there were hardtops and cloth cars. Every car has an an automatic transmission, the 2004R. The five test TTA's, because they were for pre-production use, were pulled off of the assembly line without regard to color and they were not white. At least two of these test cars were sold to private individuals. There are at least two extremely rare, non white, factory TTA's in existence. Its known that one is red. GM did not offer a factory convertible TTA. However, one was created by ASC. Specs: 1,324 T-Top & Leather Interior 187 T-Top & Cloth Interior 24 Hardtop & Leather Interior 15 Hardtop & Cloth Interior (Base) 4 Test Cars with T-Top & Cloth Interior 1 Test Car with Hardtop & Leather Interior 1990 In 1990 a drivers side air bag is now standard. Firebird interior again meets a redesign, this time the changes are much less drastic. Pontiac changes the lower dash and underdash panels. Accessory switches get new panel above heater and radio controls. Shoulder belts are added in the back. Console gets new shift indicator and different leather boot. Steering wheel mounted radio controls disappear from the GTA with the addition of the airbag. L98 cars no longer offered in a convertable due to supposed torque limitations of the unibody construction. Like the 1990 Camaro, Firebird also only received a half year production as Pontiac raced to release the 1991. LB9 and L98 platforms updated with new speed density fuel injection. The elimination of the MAF sensor was for cheaper production costs and supposed improved performance. 1991 For 1991 , all Firebirds received restyled noses loosely fashioned after "Banshee" show car as Pontiac was developing the new fourth generation platform. Trans Am's ground effects restyled as well. Base model Firebird available with Trans Am ground effects. Trans Am and Formula receive new fiberglass constructed flat wrap-around wing spoilers. The new styling brought higher sales, up from 1990's sales. All L98 cars now receive N10 dual cats standard. Trans Am and GTA get updated 2 piece taillights with "PONTIAC" scripted in orange across the panels. Center high mounted stop lamps move to inside top edge of hatch. Firebird convertible reintroduced. Firebirds with ttops were sent to ASC for conversion to convertibles. Previously ASC converted cars for customers but it had never been through GM. The Firebird convertible was available with the LHO 3.1L V6, the L03 5.0 V8, and the LB9 5.0 V8. Production improvements led to use of new body sealants that added to the rigidity of the body. 1992 1992 marked the final year for third generation platform. 1992 provided few changes for the Firebird. Mid-year tuned port injected cars received blank throttle body plates rather than the "TUNED PORT INJECTION" plates of prior years, and black painted valve covers rather than the previous years silver components. The end of the L98 in the Corvette led to rough cast runners finding their way into L98 birds. Some cars received special rubber snubbers on the rear hatch frame designed to make the hatch more stable. Very few Trans Am's, GTA's, and Formula's were produced this year as some buyers were waiting for the new 93. In 1992 , a company by the name of Street Legal Performance('''SLP'''), modified a factory built Formula into what they called the "'''Firehawk'''". When you were to purchase your car, you would specify that you wanted this limited option. Then the Formula you selected, was sent out to SLP to be modified. No two cars they produced were alike, for they all were special orders. SLP had anticipated to make 250 of these screaming machines, but only 27 were ordered. Out of those only 25 were ever built. They were numbered 1-25 for hardtops (numbers 18 and 23 were never built), and the ONLY Firehawk Convertible was numbered 27. Of those 25 Firehawks 21 were "Madatory" Red, 1 Aqua, 1 White, 1 Blue, 1 Green, 11 had the Competition Package, 3 came with Aluminum Engine Blocks, 1 had T-Tops and 1 was a Convertible. RPO Code: B4U Standard Features: '''$39,995'''
Competition Package: $9,995
The Engine:
Firehawk Performance:
Brochure:
FOURTH GENERATION (1993–2002) The fourth generation Firebird continued the previous generation's aerodynamic formula, but while a desirable sports car, it was victim to falling sales. In 1993 - 1995 (1995 non- California cars) Firebirds received a 3.4L V6 with 160 hp, or a 5.7L 275 hp LT1 V8. The LT1 was very similar to the one in the C4 Corvette, only with 2 bolt mains, and a more restrictive intake/exhaust system. 1996 and later models had a 200 hp 3.8L V6 as the base engine. The LT1's hp rating had been raised to 285 thanks to a new dual cat exhaust system. As before, the Camaro kept the exposed headlights and the Firebird its pop-up units, with some minor changes. In 1998 , the Firebird received a new front fascia (now with four pop-up headlights; the Camaro's front end was also switched, to two oval headlamps) and other modifications, the most significant of which was the Corvette small block V8 engine known as the LS1 . These 1998-2002 models are sometimes referred to as "fifth generation" Firebirds. The final model year, 2002 , offered a distinctive 35th anniversary edition that paid homage to the 1969 Trans Am. Like the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird and Trans Am were built in Sainte-Thérèse , Quebec . The plant closed down after producing the last cars. The LS1 Firebirds, despite their poor sales, were among the fastest ever produced. They featured an all aluminum 5.7L V8 designated the LS1, with 305 hp (310 after 2000), or 320 hp (325 after 2000) for the Ram Air version. The rare Firehawk model made by SLP and sold through Pontiac dealerships had 330 hp (345 after 2000 ). Even the V6 had a bump to 205 hp. The average ¼ mile times for these were 15.2 @ 90 mph for the V6 and 13.4 @ 106 mph for the V8. The V6 models were as quick as almost any V8 produced before 1990 , while the V8 Firebirds were faster than almost anything produced in the muscle car era (including all Firebirds). Top Speeds for both the V6 and the V8 versions were governed according to their factory tire ratings. Typically, these limits were 105, 112, 118 mph for the V6 models, but these limits varied from car to car. V8 models that had Z rated tires had a speed limiter set to 162 mph. Models that came with GS-C or RS-A tires were limited to 123 mph. FIREBIRDS ON THE SCREEN One of the best-known Firebirds was on television, in the James Garner series '' The Rockford Files ''. Garner's character drove a gold 1974 Firebird Esprit 400, updated each year of the series. The Ponch character on 1970s television series '' CHiPs '' drove a gold Firebird while off-duty, again updated to the model year of the episode. The character's name closely resembles ''Poncho'', a popular nickname for Pontiac. Three black Firebird Trans Ams featured in the '' Smokey And The Bandit '' movies, each of the model year in which the film was made. The series '' Knight Rider '' also employed black Trans Ams, during its original run from 1982 to 1986 . Plus, the 1969 model in the pilot. Even a brief look at a 1979 and a baby blue 1982 in one episode. In the movie '' McQ '' starring John Wayne when he drives the 1973 Trans Am. Actor Roy Scheider drove a 1979 Trans Am in '' Blue Thunder ''. So did Steve McQueen in '' The Hunter ''. And Sylvester Stallone in '' Rocky II ''. A Thundering Firebird police pursuit was seen in the movie '' Cannonball Run '' chasing a Lamborghini Countach . In '' The Simpsons '' Apu owns a red late-'70s Bandit-style Trans Am that you see in a few episodes. Perhaps ironically, Snake , who has a habit of robbing Apu's Kwik-E-Mart, drives a 1968 Firebird that Homer purchases in a police auction in the episode ''Reality Bites''. Also, a Trans Am was seen in the movie '' Corvette Summer '' starring Mark Hamill . In '' American Beauty '', Kevin Spacey's character trades his Toyota Camry for a 1970 Firebird Formula. In the movie '' The Last Ride ''. It was a grey 2002 convertible model. Daryl Hannah drove one in the movie '' Kill Bill 2 ''. When filming ended, she bought the car which she now rarely drives. The freeway chase sceen in the 2nd Matrix movie featured a 1st gen coupe. The movie '' The Big Hit '', Mark Whalberg's characters drives a yellow 3rd Gen Trans Am. In the movie '' Gone In 60 Seconds '', Kip Raines is seen drving a red 3rd Gen Firebird/Trans Am at the start of the movie before stealing the Porsche and is later seen being crushed with it in the compactor. In Blur's music video Parklife , a couple can be seen posing outside their house beside their white 1978 Trans Am with a "couple" decal at their sunvisor area of their windscreen. RELATED WEBSITES FirebirdNation.com a site dedicated solely to the Pontiac Firebird, all models and years. thirdgen.org the number one thirdgen Firebird and Camaro site. |
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