Becoming a complete package of power, handling, style and technology, the 3rd-Generaton Firebird, in all its iterations, occupies an important chapter in the 35-year history of Pontiacs beloved bird. old 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end. 1970-81 models all had 15 wheels as standard equipment. Totals: 1979 301 HP Tuners FPCM Support For Exhaust Control of New Camaro VIDEO: Bolt-On ZR1 vs Sketchy TA vs Boosted Z28. extended to the finned aluminum wheels with smooth caps and a functional spoiler. steering for increased steering effort, larger rear stabilizer bar with stiffer If anyoen has any better numbers than this and can prove it, I would be happy to take a look.***. LT option dropped. P245/50ZR-16 Goodyear Gatorback tires (QLC), Level 1 IROC-Z with 5.0 TPI engine with 5 speed or 5.7 TPI engine. code U, date plate code LOR) in 1967-69; the Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant (V.I.N. Content of G92 was expanded and purchased as a `performance replace the old grille/solid inserts. JH: I would choose an 89 Formula 1LE with the 5.0L TPI motor, 5-speed, 3.45 gears and no power options in silver. Previously ASC converted cars for customers but it had never been through GM. 4,831 Also included, is an interview with John Heinrocket Heinricy former Chief Corvette engineer, Director of GMs Performance Division and 12-time SCCA National Racing champion, adding his input on the 3rd-Gen Pontiac Firebird along the way. Built by SLP, the car featured a modified L98 350 and a ZF 6-speed manual transmission. than having only the recessed areas painted gold or silver, was completely Cars were equipped with range of engines of 3769 - 6558 cc (230 - 400.2 cui) displacement, delivering 115.5 - 257 kW (157 - 350 PS, 155 - 345 hp) of power. Only 25 Firehawks were built, with sticker prices in the $40,000 range. The new tops are and only with 5 speed manual. 3,851 5,700 the standard engine. Copyright 2011 YearOne, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. 50,896 Primary to backing-up the T/As fresh looks with enhanced performance, was the addition of a new optional engine. slip axle. replaced by simulated hood louvers on the Z28. It simply went to the wrecking yard. *For an additional $9,995, you could choose the Competition Option package, adding Brembo brake calipers with 13-inch cross drilled/slotted rotors, a six-point roll bar, drivers Recaro racing seat, five-point Simpson racing harness, aluminum hood and rear seat delete. Here are the estimated production numbers for the first-generation Camaro: 1967: 220,906. For between $2500-$3000, depending on which V8 and transmission you requested, the Y84 Recaro option included: *WS7 was the same as WS6 special handling package on S/E and T/A, minus four-wheel disc brakes (drums in the rear). Hi, Merry Christmas, Im the lucky owner of 2-65Beaumont Customs, 1 being my 1st car, still have it in my garage untouched, honest #3 car as well as the onr I almost smashed into, and he into me as we stared at each others cars,lol. In following the rules of showroom stock racing as put down by the sanctioning bodies; the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), GM new it had to make the race-ready goodies available on the production cars; thus in 1988, the 1LE package was born and offered on 3rd-Gen F-bodies. `Heritage Edition' package available on all Camaros. should list the motor as a 5.7 liter rather than a 5.0 liter. the tach: the lesser cams have a yellow line at 4500 and red line at 5000; the package consisting of: The 1989 1LE special deflected disc shocks were dropped for the were optional on the Z28, and standard on 350 Z28 and Z28 convertible. The elimination of the MAF sensor was for cheaper production costs and supposed improved performance. All Z28's came with Weight: . available. 1981 301 Turbo T-top Started back in 2000 gathering information about the Second Generation Pontiac Trans Am. For a second time in its iconic history, Hollywood and the Pontiac Trans Am, were a match made in car heaven. There are no members with birthdays on this day. third brake light and fairings extending a few inches onto the top edge of the doors. Berlinetta gets electronic instrumentation. color and tail lights got a gold and black horizontal divider bar. hotter cams have a yellow line at 5000 and red line at 5500. 5 spd 305 TPI. Long story short, Chuck Koch, co-owner of Vista Group, spoke to Pontiac about getting some of the least damaged cars for the show. More often than not, the 3rd-Generation Firebird is seen as the middle sibling within the iconic pony cars lineage. 1991 Models that appeared in Early 1990, **1990 Figures include early 1991 Models. All Camaro TPI motors 1981 S.E. All Z28 hoods were switched from SMC to steel except the LU5 549 Road & Track selects the 82 Firebird Trans Am as 1 of the 12 best cars in the world along with the Camaro. Completing the efficiency was a 500-lb. Firebirds with ttops were sent to ASC for conversion to convertibles. Berlinetta came standard with exterior gold `Berlinetta' badging on ground effect skirts extending around the entire car. autos, new ergonomic console, updated stereo, dash mounted map pocket, and new ergonomic steering rather than the louvered hood; and the 1985-1987 IROC two tone lower body stripe New noses for all Camaros and new, deeper valances and front 1981 S.E. Just above the valance was a two-color lower body to drop all the "Trans Am" badges from the new cars to save royalties paid to the SCCA for use of the name. available with body colored ground effects like the GTA. Van Nuys, however, did not produce Firebirds during the period extending from 1972 through 1977. 1981 301 T-top Pontiac had no affiliation with Beaumont, only sold them on their car lots. After initial shooting, the stunt birds were a mess and the studio requested additional cars. 350 version (L98) and Camaro got 305 version (LB9); available in Z28 or IROC-Z. All Firebird models undergo redevelopement to boost sales. cover. GM did not offer a factory convertible TTA. Formulas got the aero-style rear deck lid spoiler, air conditioning, tinted glass, machine-finished deep-dish High-Tech cast-aluminum wheels and standard TBI 5.0L rated at 170hp, both (LB9) 5.0Ls and the 5.7L were an option. Berlinetta. Offering less standard accoutrements than the previous year, the cost was only $1621. By blind luck, however, a cargo train carrying new Trans Ams derailed between California and Arizona. All Formulas came standard with the 155hp four-barrel 5.0L 305-cid V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission,bulged hood with body-colored aero wing spoiler, lower accent color striping, Formula graphics and decals and168-inch High-Tech aluminum wheels, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle 245/50VR16 performance tires. 1 Test Car with Hardtop & Leather Interior. RS was available for the first time with 16 inch wheels. Z28's) produced. Not the same since several colors are unique to Firebirds, but it generally gives some good trends. "Y84" Stands for Special Edition with the Fisher T-top roof. Larger (11.86 inch) front rotors and PBR Australian built HD front dual stripe that encircled the car. passengers side of engine de-cluttering the underhood area. I'm not home right now, b ut for example is said (if I remember correctly) <1% of 69 firebird came with curise control. The exterior of the TPI plenum changed Despite the drop, the future looked bright for the Firebird. Berlinetta 880 available only in black. G92 option included N10 performance exhaust system (dual It is also the closest in size to the 67 yet. drivetrains and Z28 suspensions. pp. Abiding by their name, in 1991 SLP finished testing and development on a truly serious machine that met all of GMs quality requirements, was totally street legal, and delivered ultra high-performance for less than the price of a ZR-1 Vette. Because of an inevitable $1200 gas-guzzler tax, assessed to V8 T/A convertibles, this remained the case until 1991. The 80s however, would present a new list of requirements for a fresh Bird, with a new take on an old theme. I have a 1969 Firebird convert that has the "G" on the tag for having come with a green convertible top. All TPI 350 This eliminated the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. wheels, special blue stripes and blue hood decal, 4 wheel disc brakes, and ttops. Z28 came standard with a 3 piece rear spoiler and black horizontal 12 Would love to one day see these converted over to a modern database but would be huge undertaking and the microfiche are not available for reasonable business reasons. After initial designs from Roger Hughet at Bill Porters Advanced Studio, to the final clay models from Pontiac No.2 studio headed by John Schinella, the new Firebird presented a sleek, aerodynamic shape, much more streamlined than those of the 60s and 70s. Continuing our efforts to bring you the scoop on GM performance cars past and present, GM-EFI presents a year-by-year guide to the 3rd-Generation Pontiac Firebird (1982-92). For 86, you could score15-inch color-coordinated cross-laced wheels as a $215 option. L69 H.O. With most manufacturer and magazine track tests, showing the GTA in a close heat with none-other than the Corvette; the Trans Am (GTA) indirectly removed itself from the immature and endless Mustang vs. Camaro duel, targeting the higher-end overseas competition, largely from Japan. Z28 The new beak incorporated driving-lights/turn signals and foglights. The following are the codes and corresponding production numbers for each interior color combination available for the 1988 Trans Am GTAs: 19D -- Trim Combination, Black Cloth -- 1,231. 400 Ram Air II Following the 1982 ad slogan, Now the Excitement Really Begins, Pontiac Chief Designer Robert L. Dorn proudly proclaimed the balance of acceleration, handling and efficiency in the manufacturer brochures. With a little help from Hollywood, the 2nd-Gen Trans Am cemented the Firebird as an American icon. Every make and model has a standout year, one memorable above the others, with some cars having several. used to disinguish a 350 TPI from a 305 TPI (other than the badges, which are 1970 Firebird Production Numbers 64 kiwi boni's 1964 Bonneville. As usual, the big news surrounded the top of the line Trans Am. RS now GMEFI:Working at GM through the 70s leading-up to its release what were your impressions of the 3rd-Gen F-body Firebird? 4 of the cars were painted colors other than the mandatory Red. With Larson not sold on the idea or the Datsun, production exec, Harker Wade and automotive talent agent Eric Dahlquist of Vista Group Automotive, came together in the spring of 1981, soon agreeing that the new for 82 Pontiac Trans Am was perfect for the role. With The Trans Am accounting for nearly 50-thousand of them, there was no hiding the fact that high-performance was a selling point. The Firebird remained basically unchanged. I,m trying to fined out if my motor is correct to the car. speed LB9 IROC-Z's got the higher output LB9. Only 1,007 The Trans Am is selected to pace the Indianapolis 500. lightweight SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) hoods. changes are much less drastic. Also back from the past, the Formula Firebird was set to take on the competition for an affordable price. The only figures released as confirmed are coupe and convertible production numbers, number of Trans Ams built, and engines built (ohc figures shared with Tempest/Le Mans; Ram Air III and IV shared with Trans Am). disc-clutch limited slip unit. 12/31/1989. Optional on the GTA was a new "notchback" hatch. The Berlinetta model was standard IROC wheel was the old 15x7 inch aluminum 5 spoke Z28 wheel and this UPPING THE ANTE AND SPECIAL EDITIONS: 1983. Engine Block Date Code. 8,692 LO3 V8). The T/A was available with optional TPI 210hp LB9 V8, received an upgraded WS6 Special Performance Handling package with 36mm front/24mm rear stabilizer bars, four-wheel disc brakes and Goodyear Gatorback tires wrapped around 157-inch High-Tech turbo cast-aluminum rims. White-painted W62 Aero ground effects package with white grille slot inserts and medium blue trim/graphics (including hood bulge and 5.0-liter H.O. equipped (t-top models have extra bracing) Camaros by ASC. piston aluminum calipers, Special swinging fuel pickup in gas tank and special 18 gallon baffled 180 New tail lenses introduced on Firebird. Torque was increased though, from 275 to 285. The Formulas reappearance and budget-minded approach, was a direct response to the highly-successful Ford Mustang LX 5.0. on LT and Sport Coupe). cars. Model year production numbers for 1982 were an impressive 116,364 units, as compared to 70,899 in 1981. yeahi got one of 5is that just convertibles or coupes also? codes or motor unit numbers. (1987-1992) Camaros had a tach with yellow at 5000 and red at 5500. 1981 305 1LE performance package option (option level 0 IROC-Z) became G92 performance packages Here are 25 Firebird facts every enthusiast should know. The Cross-Fire engine could only be had with the new TurboHydramatic 700R4 four-speed auto trans. Corvette 350 TPI in that the IROC-Z 350 TPI had the regular Camaro valve covers, Again the Firebird remains basically unchanged. All models were fitted with GM Computer Command Control (an early computerized system, controlling the EFI where applicable, the carburetor and distributor). code N, data plate code NOR) in 1968-69; and the Van Nuys, California (Los Angeles), assembly plant also in 1968-69 (data plate code LOS). Available only with automatic transmission, creating 225hp it takes the top performance seat over the 5.0L. Firebird Unlike the previous two years, the base model was not the best selling Firebird in 1973. the Corvette L98 5.7 aluminum head motor, fitted with siamesed intake runners, A 1982 Z28 can be distinguished from a Remaining much the same as in the previous year, the package included gold accents on the door handles, Firebird emblems, hood bulge appliqu and 15-inch Turbo finned cast-aluminum wheels, highlighting the exterior. the better cam/230hp LB9 motor in the 5 speed LB9 IROC-Z. "Firebird" flashlight, and a small pocket for a garage door opener or sunglasses. Early promotional cars were marked "T/A" as an alternative, however the production cars came marked as Firebird convertible reintroduced. 5,079 They also all came with the Borg Warner 9 Bolt and 3.27's in 87 only. Beginning in 1968, most assembly plants resumed the practice of stamping a partial V.I.N. valance just behind the front wheels. Trans Am convertibles had GTAs camel interior and gold cross-laced wheels standard, but there were no topless GTAs for 91 and 92. Early in 1989, Motor Trend ran their top speed test article, clocking in at 162mph, the Turbo T/A only lost out to the then prototype Corvette ZR-1, not yet in production. The throttle had a smaller rate of advance at beginning of travel, and a larger ratio as the throttle was depressed. 170hp L03 throttle body injected 5.0L. only in red, white, or black. as on exterior badges)Automatic gearshift plate changes with smaller letters, an orange indicator, and a flat lined slide pattern instead of the all white, larger lettered, smooth and rounded slider of previous years. Also specific to the 87 convertibles were the one year only Center high mounted stop lamps move to inside top edge of hatch. Each option that doesn't match can eliminate a minimum of 4% of the 7708 or 308 cars. Compared to the Camaros more sedate exterior and plane interior, the Firebirds were all about scoops, fatter, road racer wheels/tires and more expensive interiors with driver-oriented seats and gauge cluster lighting. Plans had originally been made to use the Camaro convertible was introduced for the first time since 1969 ??? 1981 Pace Car Turbo VIDEO: Trans Am Worldwide Gives Us the Full Rundown on VIDEO: Installing Aldan American Coil-Overs nto a Turbo Regal, VIDEO: ProCharger Helps You Wake Up Your Tired Old Daily. Commemorative Edition'. All rear disc brake optioned Firebirds now receive Coupe and was the only year for this particular appearance. On the Z28, `CAMARO' on the front 7.5 inch rear end dropped and replaced with a new 7.625 (7 5/8) The 16 inch wheels that had been standard equipment on The original 215hp 305 TPI motor came out in 1985 available With cost-consolidation first and foremost at GM, the 3rd-Gen Firebird truly went corporate, now having to share 65-percent of its parts with the Camaro, including all of its engines, (except the Pontiac 4-banger) compared to 25-percent of the previous generation. In models with custom interiors a new horse collar seat design was introduced that would be popular until 1977. motor. Pages highlighting differences in decals, rims, interiors and more. 1990 1LE IROC-Z and standard IROC-Z gas shocks were used. The Firebird convertible was available with the LHO 3.1L V6, the L03 5.0 V8, and the LB9 5.0 V8. A ZF 6-Speed manual transmission with specific SLP clutch and bell housing. that the 1986 350 IROC would not be available. Chevrolet not renewing the IROC contract, no IROC-Z's were produced after wheels. Special Olympics option available on Sport Coupe only as just an appearance option. The S/E came equipped with a H.O. 1979 400 T-top Also new for 91, was the SLP (Street Legal Performance) hop-up kit for 5.0L and 5.7L V8-equipped Firebirds. (25), especially given that you are starting out of with a low number production (7708) Formula Firebirds to begin with. Up until 1990, all 1LE orders had to come straight through me, personally, for approval. The LU5 optioned Z28's also came to be specified to get the 3.27. As a sign of the times, fuel economy was now touted alongside performance and style definitely a new mission statement for Firebird. All Firebirds switch to a T-handle automatic gearshift knob. The 1982 Firebird line consisted of a base, Special Edition (S/E) and top bird Trans Am model, all rear-wheel drive of course. was the highest performance level for the Firebird. Brothers and Sisters. These cars were built primarily for testing and were the ones we saw tested by Retail sales growth was 85% in 2011, 43% in 2012, and 11% in 2013. The Block Date Code represents the production date of the engine. When they were released to the public they were underrated in power. Its known that one is red. For instance, it is said that about 1/3 of all 1968 Firebirds were Verdoro Green. With the Canadian Players Series developed to showcase the racing prowess of both the Firebird and Camaro, (similar to the 1968-72 Trans Am series), many factory-racing pieces were developed to even the field and provide dominance for GMs racing ponies. The new styling had created a much broader appeal for the 3rd-Gen Pontiac Firebird; GM was pleased with the sales figures to say the least. codes or motor unit numbers. There are at least two extremely rare, non white, factory TTA's in existence. G92 performance axle ratio available only on Z28 and IROC-Z. 1987 model year). The S/E got a new color-keyed leather-wrapped Formula steering wheel and redesigned bucket seats/headrests. Only 1 of the 2 cars were kept and can be seen at shows. The 5.7L was an optional engine on Formula and Trans Am with automatic only. 1992 provided few changes for the Firebird. Trans Am received a It also had the same steering wheel used in Z28's and IROC-Z's. The T/A added a contoured drivers-side hood bulge with cowl-induction-like rear-facing scoop. additional valve seat angle, exhaust port/exhaust manifold changes. inch exhaust and Corvette style wide mouth monolithic catalytic converter, 5.0 Liter H.O. Dash badge on the RS now read `RS' rather than `CAMARO'(Heritage Edition Only). Shoulder belts are added in the back. fuel tank for fuel pickup down to .5 gallon reserve to prevent fuel starvation Model Number: Body/Style Number: Body Type & Seating: Factory Price: Shipping Weight: Total Production: 223: 37: 2 dr Hardtop - 5P: $2,781: 3,061 lbs: 90,152: 223: 67: The optional automatic-equipped (LB9) TPI 5.0L V8 got a bump by five horses to 200, with the stick adding another 25 hp to that number. However, one was created by ASC. Cars were RS coupes with Z28 5.0 TPI or 5.7 TPI In an effort to dissuade posers from ordering 1LE equipped machines (and to save weight), most every convenience feature was deleted, including the AC (C41 AC-delete) and all but the drivers seat in some cases. Dark green-gray metallic Dark purple metallic u000b (Firebird color name: Medium dark purple metallic) Purple pearl metallic Mystic teal metallic u000b (Firebird color name: Blue green. 1968: 235,147. Coupled with the clustering mentioned before, this would tend to make one overstate how rare the car actually was. Introduction of GM's Vehicle Anti Theft System or V.A.T.S. Pontiac model Firebird 2nd generation, offered with fastback coupe body shapes between the years 1970 and 1981. During the mid-80s, a resurgence of showroom stock road racing occurred in which the 3rd-Gen F-body was a prime player. An easy way to identify the type of cam on an LB9 car is to look at L69 H.O. This ungainly or the L98 350 TPI. Firebird 2-Door Hardtop: 67,032 Convertible: 15,528 Number Produced: 82,560 Tempest Standard 2-Door Coupe: 17,978 4-Door Sedan: 13,136 4-Door Wagon: 3,495 Number Produced: 34,609 Tempest Custom 2-Door Coupe: 12,469 4-Door Sedan: 17,445 2-Door Hardtop: 30,512 4-Door Hardtop: 5,493 Convertible: 4,082 4-Door Wagon: 5,324 Number Produced: 75,325 Lemans `Tuned Port Injection' disappeared from the TPI throttle body and additional carpeting on rear wheelhouses (`deluxe luggage compartment The number of choices and ability to personalize your Firebird created many rare combinations of early 3rd-Gen cars. The last 8 digits should match the last 8 of the dash VIN tag. G92 (performance axle ratio) still available on IROC-Z Gone with the wind was the 2.5L 4-banger, as an electronic multi port fuel injected 2.8L 135-horse V6 for base birds and three-V-8s for Formula and T/A were the available engine choices.