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The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as its platform-sharing cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. This coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, which shared its platform with another pony car, the Ford Mustang.

The vehicles were, for the most part, powered by various V8 engines of different GM divisions. While primarily Pontiac-powered until 1977, Firebirds were built with several different engines from nearly every GM division until 1982 when all Pontiac engines were dropped in favor of corporate units.

Although General Motors revived the Chevrolet Camaro for the 2010 model year, there will be no fifth-generation Pontiac Firebird because of the upcoming discontinuation of the Pontiac brand after the 2010 model year.

First generation (1967–1969)

The first generation Firebirds had a characteristic "coke bottle" styling. Unlike its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro, its bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end and its rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the

The first generation Firebird could be easily distinguished from the Camaro with its four round headlamps, whereas the Camaro only had two.

Second generation (1970–1981)

The second generation debut for the 1970 model year was delayed until February 26, 1970, because of tooling and engineering problems; thus, its popular designation as a 1970 1/2 model, while leftover 1969s were listed in early Pontiac literature without a model-year identification.^[2] Replacing the "Coke bottle" styling 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 — a look that was to epitomize F-body styling for the longest period during the Firebird's lifetime. The new design was initially characterized with a large C-pillar, until 1975 when the rear window was enlarged. There were two Ram Air 400 engines for 1970: the Ram Air III (335 hp, 366 hp (273 kW) in GTO) and the Ram Air IV (345 hp, 370 hp (280 kW) in GTO) which were carried over from 1969. The difference between the GTO and Firebird engines was the secondary carburetor linkage which prevented the rear barrels from opening. Bending the linkage to allow full carburator operation resulted in identical engines. A distinctive, slant-nose facelift occurred in 1977, redone somewhat in 1979. From 1977 to 1981, the Firebird used four square headlamps, while the Camaro continued to retain the two round headlights that had previously been shared by both Second Generation designs. Curb weights rose dramatically in the 1973 model year due to the implementation of 5 mph (8.0 km/h) telescoping bumpers and various other crash and safety related structural enhancements; SD455 Trans Ams tipped the scale at a whopping 3,850 pounds curb.

The

Hot Rod and Car and Driver) were fitted with the Ram Air IV style cam and functional hoodscoops - a fact that has been confirmed by several Pontiac sources although none of those sources are listed here.^{[citation needed]} There is still some controversy about what cam was used in the early press cars due to an article written by Jerry Heasley for Musclecars magazine titled "Mexican Shooutout." Mr Heasley did not start out with the intention of addressing that question, but in an odd turn of events, he did just that. It all started with a "shootout" between a 1973 SD455 Trans Am and a 1967 440 Dodge Coronet R/T set to take place at the Houston International Raceway in Texas. The R/T backed out at the last minute so Heasley decided to run Mike's 81K mile stock Trans Am for comparison against the times that had been published by Car and Driver magazine back in 1973. Out of three runs, Mike bettered the times published by Car and Driver twice, with a best run of 13.75 seconds. While some actual production test cars ran considerably slower and yielded 1/4 miles times in the 14.5 second/98 MPH range in showroom tune - results that are quite consistent for a car with a curb weight of 3,850 pounds and the rated 290 SAE NET HP figure that some sources suggest was "under-rated," High Performance Pontiac magazine dyno-tested an SD and gave it an honest 371 SAE Net rating. Pontiac offered the 455 for a few more years, but tightening restrictions on vehicle emissions guaranteed its demise. Thus, the 1976 Trans Am was the last of the "Big Cube Birds," with only 7,100 units produced with the 455 engine.

In 1974, Pontiac offered an inline-6, a 185 hp 350 CID V8, and 175 to 225 hp 400 CID V8 engines. The 455 produced 215 and 250 hp (190 kW) while the SD-455 produced 290 hp (220 kW). The 400, 455, and SD-455 engines were offered in the Trans Am and Formula models during 1974, but the 400 and 455 engines were the only other options in the 1975 and 1976 models. In 1976, Pontiac celebrated their 50th Anniversary, and a special edition of the Trans Am was released. Painted in black with gold accents, this was the first anniversary Trans Am package and the first production Black and Gold special edition. In 1977, Pontiac offered the T/A 6.6 Litre 400 (RPO W72) rated at 200 hp (150 kW), as opposed to the regular 6.6 Litre 400 (RPO L78) rated at 180 hp (130 kW). In addition, California and high altitude cars received the Olds 403 engine, which offered a slightly higher compression ratio and a more usable torque band than the Pontiac engines of 1977.

Beginning in 1978, Pontiac engineers reversed years of declining power by raising the compression ratio in the Pontiac 400 through the installation of different cylinder heads with smaller combustion chambers (1977 pontiac 400 engines also had the 350 heads bolted to the 400 blocks, these heads were known as the 6x-4 heads)(taken from the Pontiac 350). This increased power by 10% for a total of 220 during the 1978-79 model years. The 400/403 options remained available until 1979, when the 400 CID engines were only available in the 4-speed transmission Trans Ams and Formulas (the engines had actually been stockpiled from 1978, when PMD had cut production of the engine). 1979 marked the 10th Anniversary of the Trans Am, and a special anniversary package was made available: silver paint with a silver leather interior. The 10th Anniversary cars also featured a special Firebird hood decal, which extended off of the hood and onto the front fenders. In 1979 Pontiac sold 116,535 Trans Ams which still holds the record to this day. In 1980, due to ever-increasing emissions restrictions, Pontiac dropped all of its large displacement engines.

1980 therefore saw the biggest engine changes for the Trans Am. The

In the final year of the Second Generation Firebirds (1981), Trans Am still used the same engines as it had in the previous model year, with the only change being the addition of a new electronic carburetion system.

Third generation (1982–1992)

General Motor's executives decided the 3rd Generation of the F-body was to be concerned with handling performance, not high horsepower and torque numbers. Early in its development, both the Firebird and Camaro were proposed as possible front wheel drive platforms, but the idea was scrapped in favor of the traditional front engine, rear wheel drive layout. The Firebird and Camaro had been completely redesigned, with the windshield slope set at 60 degrees, (about 3 degrees steeper than anything GM had ever tried before), and for the first time, a large, glass-dominated hatchback that required no metal structure to support it. Two pop-up headlights, a first on the F-Body cars, are the primary characteristic that distinguishes the 3rd Gen Firebird from its both its Camaro sibling and its prior form; (a styling characteristic carried into the 4th Gen's design). In addition to being about 500 lbs (227 kg) lighter than the previous 2nd Gen design, the 3rd Generation Firebird was the most aerodynamic product GM had ever released. Wind tunnels were used to form the new F-Body platform's shape, and Pontiac took full advantage of it. The aerodynamic developments extended to the finned aluminum wheels with smooth "Bowling Ball" caps & a spoiler that was functional.

The 1982 Firebirds were released with 3 models: Firebird, Firebird S/E, & Firebird Trans Am; and the Firebird Formula was retired. In an effort to trim production costs, the new Firebird had more in common with the Camaro than ever before. The cars now shared over 60% of their parts with each other. The "Firebird" was still the base model and equivalent to its sibling, the Chevy "Camaro Sport Coupe". Newly introduced for 1982 was the "Firebird S/E", a mid-level luxury version, which could be loaded with almost as many options as the Trans Am, including "RPO WS6", Pontiac's performance suspension. Last but not least was the "Trans Am", Pontiac's performance-level Firebird. Pontiac had hoped to drop all the "Trans Am" badges from the new cars and save the $5 per Trans Am royalty paid to the SCCA for use of the name. Early promotional cars were even marked "T/A" as an alternative, however it was decided that it would be more trouble than it was worth and the "Trans Am" moniker remained. The Trans Am also received an optional "Turbo Bulge" hood, styled loosely after the earlier 1980/'81 Turbo Trans Am. In fact, plans had originally been made to use a further refined version of Pontiac's Turbo 4.9L engine, but it was scrapped at the last minute. Despite this, the bulged "Turbo Hood" remained, and was optional on the Trans Am. On Trans Am's with the "Crossfire" throttle body injected 305ci, the hood was made functional with a special cold air induction system. For the first part of 1982, a special Aluminum version of this hood was also available as an extra cost option on the Trans Am. The now infamous Black and Gold "Trans Am S/E", aka "RPO Y84" continued on into its new form as the limited edition "Recaro T/A", featuring Dark Gray Parella cloth covered Recaro seats, and a list of special features. The new Trans Am was also selected to pace the 1982 Daytona 500, a Bright Red version was chosen and a Daytona 500 Pace Car Edition was sold through Pontiac dealers in very limited numbers.

To lure in new buyers, Pontiac offered a lengthy list of interior amenities, such as the Viscount "PMD" seats, locking rear floor panel, cloth covered interior panels, power windows/ mirrors/ locks/ rear hatch, a leather interior package: seats/ steering wheel rim/ shift knob (auto or manual)/ parking brake handle, etc. Several engines were available: the standard economy minded fuel-injected 90 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder Pontiac "Iron Duke" (marking the 1st time a 4-cylinder engine was offered in a Firebird, and in a sad twist of fate, the last "True" Pontiac designed engine offered); a 102 hp 2.8L V6; and two Chevy 5.0L V8s, (305ci). The first and most common was the LG4 305ci, utilizing GM's "Computer Command Control", an electronically assisted carburetor/distributor system, it produced 145 hp (108 kW). The other was the new LU5 "Crossfire" fuel-injected 305, which employed an electronically controlled, twin throttle-body fuel injection system, similar to that used in the 1982 Corvette's 5.7L, and produced 165 hp (123 kW). Available transmissions were the TH-200C 3 speed automatic on 4, 6, & some LG4 V8 cars, the venerable TH-350 automatic was used on most V-8's, and the very sturdy Borg-Warner 4 speed was the only manually shifted transmission available. The base Firebird came standard with 14-inch (360 mm) steel wheels; optional 14-inch aluminum rims, and 15-inch (380 mm) aluminum wheels were available on the S/E and Trans Am models. RPO WS6 retuned for 1982, available on both the S/E and Trans Am, it included 4-wheel disc brakes, P215/65R15 Goodyear Eagle GT radials with 15-inch (380 mm) cast aluminum wheels, stiffer springs, a 34mm front and 23mm rear sway bars, a fast ratio 12.7:1 Saginaw steering box, and RPO G80 limited slip GM "Corporate" 7.5 inch 10 bolt rear differential. Also optional was the WS7 option, which was the same as the WS6, but used rear drum brakes instead of the 4-wheel disc brakes. This option was created due to a shortage components for the rear disc set-up.

In 1983, a few interior changes were made and some options were deleted, most notably the Aluminum Trans Am hood. The Trans Am was again selected as the 1983 Daytona 500 Pace Car, but this time Pontiac took full advantage of the occasion and offered a total of 2500, Special Edition Daytona Pace Car replicas through their dealerships. The limited-edition cars featured a new aerodynamic "RPO W62" full body ground effects package that extended around the entire car with filler panels in place of the nose grilles, further reducing the Trans Am's drag co-efficient. The "RPO Y84" Recaro T/A was no longer a Limited Edition, but now became an option on the Trans Am. It's interior now featured a Tan Leather Recaro seats and a Tan interior. Also for 1983, two new transmissions were released: the TH-700R4 4 speed automatic with an overdrive gear and the T-5 Borg-Warner 5 speed manual, which employed a 5th gear overdrive, both maximizing fuel economy with overdrive through reduced RPMs on the highway. About halfway through 1983, the "H.O. 5.0L", (RPO L69), a 9:5:1 compression, "CCC" controlled Chevy 305ci engine was released, with 190bhp/240lb.ft.of torque and was given its own version of the cold air induction system. Savee buyers who ordered the L69 with the manual T-5 transmission got the bonus of a standard 3:73 ratio axle gears.

In 1984, the Firebird achieved its all time highest sales figures for the 3rd Generation design. The Trans Am became available with the same "RPO W62" ground effects package, used on the 1983 Daytona Pace Car replica, and new 20-slot, 15-inch "High-Tech" aluminum wheels were also available. The problematic Crossfire 305ci was discontinued. A new TH-700R4 automatic transmission featuring an overdrive gear became the only automatic transmission available. The T-5 Borg-Warner transmission now featured a hydraulic clutch system. The Recaro T/A was revised, losing its Gold painted lower areas for Black painted "RPO W62" ground effects and special Gold Pinstripes, similar to the pinstripes used on the 2nd Gen "Y84" Trans Am S/E. It was the last year of both Pontiac's Black and Gold RPO Y84 Trans Am and the Recaro T/A. Also for 1984, Pontiac celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Trans Am by releasing a spectacular, White and Blue, limited-edition Trans Am. Only 1500 were built, 1000 automatics and 500 manual, and featured a list of special items.

For 1985, Firebird models underwent a significant facelift and a number of improvements were introduced. The standard Firebird received a restyled nose cone and rear bumper with wrap-around inserts, known as "bumperettes". The interior underwent a major redesign as well. The dash was changed to a more elegant rounded-edge look, losing the Torx head aircraft gauge theme. The gauges themselves now featured a grid pattern on their background and Red indicator needles lit-up. A new "Formula" steering wheel, introduced only on the 1984 15 Anniversary Trans Am, was now optional on all Firebirds. A new, ergonomic center console was also introduced, featuring a soft rubberized surface, and offered much more support for the driver's right arm. The grid pattern theme was extended onto the radio/HVAC faceplate and console plate. With the loss of the Recaro T/A, Cloth Recaro seats were now made optional on all Firebirds. The carbureted 2.8L V6 was replaced with a new, multi-port fuel-injected 2.8L V6 making 135 hp (101 kW). The S/E lost its "S/E" script on the sail panels, replaced with color-coded Firebird logo medallions, similar to the version used on the 1983/'84 Recaro T/A. "Firebird S/E" decals were added to the front lower portion of the doors as well and a new flat hood, similar to the new Trans Am hood, featured only a pair of twin vents on the leading edge of the hood. For the Trans Am, a new fuel-injected V8 appeared, the LB9 Tuned Port Injection (TPI) Chevy 305ci, producing 210 hp (160 kW). It garnered suitable attention from buyers, but was unavailable with the T-5 manual transmission, leaving the LG4 305ci and the L69 H.O. 5.OL 305ci as the only V8's available with the T-5. The Trans Am "Turbo Bulge" hood was discontinued and a new flat hood with twin louvered vents at the leading edge of the hood and extractor vents on the left and right sides of the rear of the hood. Trans Am received a restyled nose with optional integral fog lights, a new rear bumper, smaller air extractors on the fenders, redesigned "W62" ground effects package, and an optional Black rubber wrap-around styled rear spoiler that increased rear downforce pressure. Also, the large "Screaming Chicken" hood bird decal option returned on the Trans Am's option list and reflected the new 3rd Gen design.

In 1986, the Firebird received a new tail light design, featuring a smooth, rounded design with a large internal blackout grid and a matching center section featuring a Silver Firebird logo and "PONTIAC" script. Also new was a 3rd brake light mounted atop the rear hatch glass, (CHMSL), to comply with Federal legislation. Also in 1986, the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine was dropped and replaced by the multi-port fuel-injected 2.8L V6 as the standard engine. All Firebirds received an electric fan instead of the engine driven fan. Persistent overheating issues with the L69 caused GM to discontinue the engine early in the 1986 production run. The Trans Am was also given a new tail light design, featuring a smaller internal blackout grid theme and utilized a different center section featuring a separate Firebird logo. The rubber/vinyl wrap-around rear spoiler now became standard on Trans Am.

In 1987, the "Firebird S/E" model was discontinued and the "Firebird Formula" made its grand return, marking an effort by Pontiac to revive its performance efforts, and was available with a choice of V8s (LG4, LB9 305 TPI, or L98 350 TPI), 16-inch convex wheels. It came standard with a non-functional version of the 1982-1984 Trans Am "Turbo Bulge" hood, base Firebird front and rear bumper covers, base fenders, and base tail light style. The wrap-around wing was updated and now standard on Trans Am and Formula; the regular, flat-surfaced spoiler from earlier Trans Am models was now made standard on Firebird. Trans Am and Formula were also offered with an optional 140 mph (230 km/h) speedometer. WS6 was standard equipment on the Formula and GTA. 1987 also saw Pontiac's release of the new luxury Trans Am: the GTA, and was designated Regular Production Option "Y84", (a return of Pontiac's famed Special Edition Trans Am RPO, but no longer as just a Black and Gold paint scheme. The GTA was available in a wide array of colors and options, featuring special seats with adjustable lumbar supports, a digital dash, monochromatic paint, and special badges among other top of the line options. Halfway thru 1987 the CHMSL 3rd brake light was moved down to the spoiler.

In 1988, the Firebird saw few changes. The base Firebird was now available with a new Z20 Appearance Package, adding spats very similar to those used on the 2nd Gen Trans Am and a special fiberglass rear spoiler with a built in tail light. Also new, the GTA "Notchback", an optional fiberglass deck lid with a small flat window, similar to the Fiero notchback. It replaced the heavy, glass hatch window, but it suffered from poor fitment/quality issues and very few were actually produced.

The Trans Am was selected to pace the 1989 Indianapolis 500, and Pontiac marketed another pace car replica. This special, 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am (TTA), based on the GTA and came equipped with the turbocharged Buick 3.8L V6, originally developed for the Buick Regal Grand National. At the time, these replicas were as close to the actual pace car as any replica previously offered; the only differences between the replica cars and those that actually were on the track during the race were the additions of strobe lights and safety equipment. 1,555 were produced. The TTA was the quickest Trans Am to date. Minor changes were made in 1990 Firebirds as they only received a half-year production run, as Pontiac labored to release the re-styled 1991 model. Another new appearance option was available on base Firebirds, giving them the T/A's nose cone, rear bumper, and ground effects, but not the hood, air extractor fenders, tail lights, or special rear wing.

In 1991, all Firebirds received a re-styled nose, loosely fashioned after the "Banshee IV" show car while Pontiac was developing the all-new Fourth Generation platform. The Trans Am's ground effects were re-styled as well, and were made available on the base model Firebird. The Formula received no ground effects, and used a special version of the "Banshee" nosecone. Also new for 1991, the Trans Am and Firebird Formula received a flat, wrap-around wing, made of fiberglass, replacing the problematic rubber design used previously. The Trans Am and GTA received an updated, two-piece tail light design with "PONTIAC" scripted in orange across the panels. The center, high-mounted stop lamp was moved again, to inside the top edge of the rear hatch. The Formula was also the only 3rd Gen F-body available with T-tops and the TPI 350 engine, starting in Mid-1991. Also available, a return of the convertible, with the conversions done by ASC, whom a few years earlier had begun building the Camaro convertible. A special high performance Formula was also now available, the "Firehawk", built by "Street Legal Performance" aka SLP, and available through Pontiac dealers. Quite pricey and not well advertised at the time, only 8 were ordered. They included a lengthy list of standard and optional high performance goodies, and all included the Aluminum Turbo hoods leftover from Pontiac's 1982 Trans Am inventory.

1992 marked the final production year for the 3rd Generation F-Body platform and, as release of the Fourth Generation model was imminent, few changes were made to the Firebird lineup. One notable improvement was the addition of a new bonding agent used to affix the body panels, which stiffened the cars and reduced the amount of welding needed. The extra bonding was also an attempt to correct the long time complaints of squeaks and rattles, allowing GM to test new technologies before the 1993 release of the 4th Gen F-Body platform. The SLP built Formula Firehawk entered into its second year of availability. Its production increased to 17 units, for a total of 25 between 1991 & 1992. For 1993, the SLP built Formula Firehawk would not be such a secret.

Fourth generation (1993–2002)

The fourth generation F-body continued the aerodynamic formula initiated by the previous generation but it fell victim to declining sales. As before, the Camaro kept the exposed headlights and the Firebird its pop-up units, with some minor changes. The overall styling of the Firebird more strongly reflected the "Banshee IV" concept car than the 1991 "face lift" received by the Third Generation model.

From 1993 until 1995 (1995 non-California cars), Firebirds received a 3.4L V6 with 160 hp (120 kW), or the 5.7L 275 hp (205 kW) LT1 V8. The 1993 Firehawk (only available in Formula trim for 1993) received the SLP package with a functional hood scoop and other performance enhancements that increased power to 305 hp (227 kW). Only 201 were built for 1993, and they routinely out-performed 1993 Corvettes, leading many to believe that the power rating was purposely underrated to allow the Corvette (also rated at 300 hp (220 kW) for the 1993 model year) to be the listed "king of power" (and price tag) for that year. In fact, the LT1 in the Formula and Trans Am was very similar to the one in the Corvette C4, except with 2-bolt mains and a more restrictive intake/exhaust system.

1994 marked the 25^th Anniversary of the Trans Am, and another Anniversary Edition was released, painted white with a single blue stripe down the center of the vehicle — clearly reminiscent of the 1970 Trans Am.

1995 models were the same as those of previous years, but traction control (ASR: Acceleration Slip Regulation) was now available. The steering wheel was also changed. It was borrowed from the Grand Prix.A performance package was also offered. The package offered Polyurethane Bushings, suspension upgrades, as well as a freer intake/exhaust similar to that on the Chevrolet Corvette, supplying 310 hp to very few of the Firebird models; those that did receive this set-up were able to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 110 mph (180 km/h). The 'Perform Transmission' button, which was available in the 310 hp Trans Ams, gave a 25% increase in torque with every kickdown, and resulted in a maximum of 350 ft·lbf (470 N·m) of torque. Although the redline displayed on the tachometer was 5000 rpm, the engines were capable of revving to 7000 rpm.The Firebirds which had the package were among the fastest cars at the time.

1996 and later models had a 200 hp 3.8L V6 as the base engine, and the power rating of the LT1 had been raised to 285, thanks to a new dual catalytic converter exhaust system which was offered in previous years by order only.

The very rare 1997 Firehawk LT4 model, made by SLP Performance Parts and sold through Pontiac dealerships, had 330 hp (243 kW) and 340 ft·lbf (459 Nm) of torque.

In 1998, the Firebird received a "face lift" dominated by a new front fascia (now with four pop-up headlights) as well as other modifications, the most significant of which was the introduction of the latest Corvette small block V8 engine, the

1999 marked the 30^th Anniversary of the Trans Am since its release in 1969, and Pontiac commemorated this event by creating another white Anniversary Edition Trans Am. This commemorative package came with twin blue stripes which more closely patterned the original paint scheme of the 1969 Trans Am. Along with the stripes, blue streamline graphics were added on the sides and blue anodized wheels were included with this package.

The final model year of the Firebird, 2002, offered a distinctive "Collectors Edition" Trans Am, painted yellow. Like the Chevrolet Camaro, the Fourth Generation Firebird and Trans Am were built in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, and the plant closed down after producing the last F-body cars. This marked the 35th anniversary of the F-Body cars since their initial release.

The LS1 Firebirds, despite their poor sales, were among the fastest ever produced. Outfitted with the all-aluminum 5.7L V8 from the

• 1970: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, Ram Air III 400 CID (Pontiac), Ram Air IV 400 CID (Pontiac).
• 1971: 250 CID
  I6
  , 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, Base 455 CID, 455 CID H.O.(Low Compression)
• 1972: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, Base 455 CID, 455 CID H.O.(Low Compression)
• 1973: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, Base 455 CID, 455 CID H.O., 455 CID S.D.
• 1974: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, Base 455 CID, 455 CID H.O., 455 CID S.D.
• 1975: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, 455 CID V8
• 1976: 250 CID I6, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8, 455 CID V8
• 1977: 231 CID V6, 301 CID V8, 305 CID V8, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8 (Pontiac), 403 CID V8 (Oldsmobile)
• 1978: 231 CID V6, 301 CID V8, 305 CID V8, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8 (Pontiac), 403 CID V8 (Oldsmobile) Also Available was a 350 chevrolet engine
• 1979: 231 CID V6, 301 CID V8, 305 CID V8, 350 CID V8, 400 CID V8 (Pontiac), 403 CID V8 (Oldsmobile)
• 1980: 301 CID (Pontiac), 305 CID (automatic only, 463 special ed. Bandits produced) (Chevrolet), 301 CID Turbo (Pontiac)
• 1981: 301 CID (Pontiac), 305 CID (4-speed only) (Chevrolet), 301 CID Turbo (Pontiac)

Third generation

Starting in 1982, all engines were manufactured by Chevrolet unless otherwise indicated.

• 1982: 2.5 L 2-barrel I4 (Pontiac), 2.5 L Throttle Body Injection I4 (Pontiac), 2.8 L 2-barrel V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel V8(LG4), 5.0 L Cross-Fire Injection V8 (LU5), (first year for fuel injection in Trans Am)
• 1983: 2.5 L 2-barrel I4 (Pontiac), 2.5 L Throttle Body Injection I4 (Pontiac), 2.8 L 2-barrel V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel V8(LG4), 5.0 L Cross-Fire Injection V8 (LU5), 5.0L 4-barrel H.O. V8 (L69) (only 662 were made, all 5-speeds)
• 1984: 2.5 L Throttle Body Injection I4 (Pontiac), 2.8 L 2-barrel V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel V8 (LG4), 5.0 L 4-barrel H.O. V8 (L69)
• 1985: 2.5 L Throttle Body Injection I4 (Pontiac), 2.8 L 2-barrel V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel V8 (LG4), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.0 L 4-barrel H.O. V8 (L69) (5-speed only)
• 1986: 2.8 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel V8 (LG4), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.0vL 4-barrel H.O. V8 (L69) (5-speed only, 26 were built)
• 1987: 2.8 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L 4-barrel (LG4) V8, 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection (LB9) V8, 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98)
• 1988: 2.8 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L Throttle Body Injection V8 (LO3), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98)
• 1989: 2.8 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L Throttle Body Injection V8 (LO3), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98), 3.8 L Sequential Port Fuel Injection Turbocharged V6 (Buick) (only 1500 made)
• 1990: 3.1 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L Throttle Body Injection V8 (LO3), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98)
• 1991: 3.1 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L Throttle Body Injection V8 (LO3), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98)
• 1992: 3.1 L Multi-port Fuel Injection V6, 5.0 L Throttle Body Injection V8 (LO3), 5.0 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (LB9), 5.7 L Tuned Port Injection V8 (L98)

Fourth generation

• 1993:
  LT1
  5.7 L (350 CID iron block, aluminum heads)
• 1994:
  LT1
  5.7 L (350 CID iron block, aluminum heads)
• 1995:
  LT1
  5.7 L (350 CID iron block, aluminum heads)
• 1996:
  LT1
  5.7 L (350 CID iron block, aluminum heads)
• 1997:
  LT4
  5.7 L (350 CID iron block, aluminum heads) in Firehawk by SLP
• 1998:
  L36 3.8 L, LS1
  5.7 L (346 CID aluminum block and heads)
• 1999:
  L36 3.8 L, LS1
  5.7 L (346 CID aluminum block and heads)
• 2000:
  L36 3.8 L, LS1
  5.7 L (346 CID aluminum block and heads)
• 2001:
  L36 3.8 L, LS1
  5.7 L (346 CID aluminum block and heads)
• 2002:
  L36 3.8 L, LS1
  5.7 L (346 CID aluminum block and heads)

The Trans Am was a specialty package for the Firebird, typically upgrading

The second generation was available from 1970 to 1981 and was featured in the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit, the 1978 movie Hooper and the 1980 movie Smokey and the Bandit II. The third generation, available from 1982 to 1992, was featured in the 1983 movie Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 and the 1984 movie Alphabet City. KITT, the automotive star of the popular 1980s TV series Knight Rider, was a modified third generation Trans Am. The fourth generation Trans Am, available from model years 1993 to 2002, offered between 275 and 325 horsepower.

Although the Trans Am nameplate was discontinued along with the Firebird in 2002, the body was used in the IROC Racing Series until the series' closing in 2006.

Trans Am engines

First generation

1969: Ram Air III 400 (Pontiac) 366 hp, Ram Air IV 400 (Pontiac) 370 hp, Ram Air V 400 (Pontiac, rare dealer-installed option) 500 hp

Second generation

• 1970: Ram Air III 400 (Pontiac), Ram Air IV 400 (Pontiac), Ram Air V 400 (Pontiac, rare dealer-installed option)
• 1971: 455 H.O. (Pontiac)
• 1972: 455 H.O. (Pontiac)
• 1973: Base 455 (Pontiac), Super Duty 455 (Pontiac)
• 1974: 400 (Pontiac), Base 455 (Pontiac), Super Duty 455 (Pontiac)
• 1975: 400 (Pontiac), 455 (Pontiac)
• 1976: 400 (Pontiac), 455 (Pontiac)
• 1977: 403 (Oldsmobile), W72 400 (Pontiac) [according to [email protected] there were 455HOs put into the 77 and he claims to own one of them]
• 1978: 403 (Oldsmobile), W72 400 (Pontiac)
• 1979: 301 (Pontiac), 403 Oldsmobile, W72 400 (Pontiac)
• 1980: 301 (Pontiac), 305 (4 speed only) (Chevrolet), 301 Turbo (Pontiac)
• 1981: 301 (Pontiac), 305 (4 speed only) (Chevrolet), 301 Turbo (Pontiac)

Third generation

From 1982 on all engines are Chevrolets unless stated otherwise.

• 1982: 305 4 barrel, 305 Cross-Fire Injection (First year for fuel injection in Trans Am)
• 1983: 305 4 barrel, 305 Cross-Fire Injection, 305 4 barrel H.O. (Only 662 were made; all 5-speeds)
• 1984: 305 4 barrel, 305 4 barrel H.O.(1500 anniversary editions, 500 of them 5 speed)
• 1985: 305 4 barrel, 305 Tuned Port Injection, 305 4 barrel H.O. (5 speed only)
• 1986: 305 4 barrel, 305 Tuned Port Injection, 305 4 barrel H.O. (5 speed only)
• 1987: 305 4 barrel, 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection
• 1988: 305 Throttle Body Injection, 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection
• 1989: 305 Throttle Body Injection, 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection, 231 Turbo (Buick)
• 1990: 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection
• 1991: 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection 305 tbi
• 1992: 305 Tuned Port Injection, 350 Tuned Port Injection

Fourth generation

• 1993: LT1 350
• 1994: LT1 350
• 1995: LT1 350
• 1996: LT1 350
• 1997: LT1 350
• 1998: LS1 346
• 1999: LS1 346
• 2000: LS1 346
• 2001: LS1 346
• 2002: LS1 346

Racing

Firebirds were used in the

During the 1995, 1996, and 1997

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pontiac Firebird.

• Firebird Heritage official Pontiac site
• Pontiac Firebird at
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