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Pontiac Firebird History

The Pontiac Firebird was a pony car built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002.

The Firebird was introduced in the same year with its platform sharing cousin the Chevrolet Camaro. This coincided with the release of the Mercury Cougar, which shared its platform with another well-known 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 motors were dropped in favor of corporate motors.

Pontiac Firebird First Generation (1967-1969)

Production 1967-1969 (Firebird)
1969 (Trans Am)
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Engine(s)
230 in³ Pontiac OHC I6
326 in³ Pontiac V8
400 in³ Pontiac V8

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 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1970 model year (the next generation, minus the convertible, being announced as 1970½ models). Originally the car was a “consolation prize” for Pontiac, who had initially wished to produce a two-seat sports car of its own design, based on the original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared such a vehicle would directly compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette, and the decision was made to give Pontiac a piece of the pony car market by having them share the F-body platform with Chevrolet. Somewhat disappointed at management’s decision, Pontiac went about re-making the F-body in their own image with both styling and engineering changes.

Pontiac Firebird Second Generation (1970-1981)

Production 1970-1981 (all models)
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Engine(s)
301 in³ Pontiac V8
301 in³ Pontiac turbo V8
305 in³ Chevrolet V8
350 in³ Pontiac V8
400 in³ Pontiac V8
403 Oldsmobile V8
455 in³ Pontiac V8

he Second Generation appeared for the 1970 model year as a mid-year introduction on February 26, 1970 — but was officially designated by Pontiac as a 1970 model, not a 1970-1/2 as many sources have reported through the years. 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 in GTO) and the Ram Air IV (345 hp, 370 hp in GTO) which were carried over from 1969. 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.

Pontiac Firebird Third Generation (1982-1992)

Production 1982-1992
Assembly Van Nuys, California
Norwood, Ohio
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback coupe
Engine(s)
151 in³ Pontiac I4
173 in³ “X” V6
191 in³ “X” V6
231 in³ Buick Turbo V6
305 in³ Chevrolet V8
350 in³ Chevrolet V8
Transmission(s)
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 101 in
Length 1990-92 Firebird: 195.1 in
1990-92 Trans Am: 195.2 in
Pre-1988 Firebird: 190.5 in
Pre-1988 Trans Am: 191.8 in
Width 72.4 in
Height 49.7 in
Fuel capacity 15.5 US gal.

The Third Generation F-body weighed less than its predecessor and offered sleek, aerodynamic styling that was particularly reflected by the Firebird. GM’s CCC (Computer Command Control) engine control system also continued to evolve, simultaneously increasing engine performance, raising fuel economy, and lowering emissions. This combination of factors helped the Third Generation Firebird to re-energize its fading pony car image.

Engine Summary (with corresponding RPO code):

* 1982-1983: LU5 5.0L V8, 165-175 hp and 240-250 ft·lbff
* 1982-1984: LC1 2.8L V6, 102-107 hp and 142-145 ft·lbff
* 1982-1985: LQ8 2.5L I4, 88-92 hp and 132-134 ft·lbff
* 1982-1987: LG4 5.0L V8, 145-170 hp and 240-250 ft·lbff
* 1983-1984: LL1 2.8L V6, 125 hp and 145 ft·lbff
* 1983-1986: L69 5.0L V8, 190 hp and 240 ft·lbff
* 1985-1989: LB8 2.8L V6, 135 hp and 165 ft·lbff
* 1985-1992: LB9 5.0L V8, 190-230 hp and 275-300 ft·lbff
* 1987-1992: L98 5.7L V8, 225-245 hp and 330-345 ft·lbff
* 1988-1992: L03 5.0L V8, 170 hp and 255 ft·lbff
* 1989: LD5 3.8L V6, 250 hp and 340 ft·lbff (turbocharged engine)
* 1990-1992: LH0 3.1L V6, 140 hp and 180 ft·lbff

Pontiac Firebird Fourth Generation (1993-2002)

Production 1993-2002
Assembly Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback coupe
2-door convertible
Engine(s) 3.4 L L32 V6
3.8 L Buick V6
5.7 L LT1 V8
5.7 L LS1 V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed (TH700R4 93, 4L60E 94-02) automatic
5-speed 93-97 Borg Warner (V6 models), 93-97 Borg Warner T56 manual
6-speed manual 99-02 WorldClass Tremec T56
Wheelbase 101.1 in
Length 1998-2002 Firebird: 193.3 in
2000-02 Trans Am: 193.7 in
1998-99 Trans Am: 193.8 in
1998-99 Firebird: 193.3 in
1993-97 Firebird: 195.6 in
1993-97 Trans Am: 197 in
Width 1998-2002: 74.4 in
1993-97: 74.5 in
Height 2000-02 Convertible & Trans Am: 51.8 in
2000-02 Coupe: 51.2 in
1993-99 Coupe & 1996-99 Trans Am: 52 in
Convertible: 52.7 in
1994-99 Trans Am Convertible: 52.4 in
1993-95 Trans Am: 51.7 in
Curb weight 3440 lbs. (5.7L LS1)
Fuel capacity 15.4 US gal.

The Fourth Generation F-body continued the aerodynamic formula initiated by the previous generation, but while still a desirable sports car, 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.

info summarized from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Firebird

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