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Classic Muscle Car History
Pontiac Firebird
History
4th Generation
1993-2002
Introduction: Pontiac saved the best for last with its Fourth Generation Firebird.
Although these Firebirds would be the fastest and most powerful Firebirds since the glory
days of old, the overall decline in the sport coupe market and the changing taste of
young performance buyers to newer, more refined imports, sealed the fate of the Firebird.
At least it went out on top.
1993 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: The Firebird was substantially revised for 1993, the beginning of its fourth
generation. The exterior styling was dramatically aerodynamic, and incorporated
plastic front fenders, although much of the floorplan and rear suspension was carried over
from the third generation. The front suspension was new, and incorporated a new
short/long-arm design and incorporated rack-and-pinion steering for the first time.
The Firebird lineup was reduced to three models, Base, Formula, and Trans Am, the
convertible was eliminated and engine choices were now just two. The base engine was
a new 3.4 liter V6, based on the previous 3.1, rated at a decent 160 bhp. But the
big news was the new LT1 version of the classic 5.7 liter small-block V8 rated
at a stout 275 bhp. Furthermore, the LT1 could be ordered with a six-speed
manual transmission and was standard in both the Formula and Trans Am models.
Production:
Engines: 3.4 liter V6 160 bhp. LT1 5.7 V8 275 bhp.
Performance: 5.7/275: 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.1 sec. @ 98.45 mph.
1994 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: 1994 saw the reintroduction of the convertible and a special blue and white
25th Anniversary Trans Am. Also new was a GT version of the Trans Am which added
additional luxury features such as leather seats. Perhaps most annoying was a new
"Skip Shift" feature on the six-speed manual which, depending on throttle position,
would force an upshift from first to fourth gear for better fuel economy. This
lead to an explosion in aftermarket skip shift eliminator kits.
Production:
Engines: 3.4 liter V6 160 bhp. LT1 5.7 V8 275 bhp.
Performance:
1995 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: 1995 saw minimal changes to the Firebird. Traction control was added, the
Trans Am GT trim was dropped, and at mid year, GM's familiar 3.8 liter V6 was offered
as an alternative to the 3.4 V6.
Production:
Engines: 3.4 liter V6 160 bhp. 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LT1 5.7 V8 275 bhp.
Performance:
1996 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: With the new 3.8 V6, there was no need for the 3.4 liter engine, so it was dropped
for 1996. Furthermore, Pontiac offered an optional 3800 Performance Package for the
Base Firebird which added four-wheel disc brakes, dual exhaust, limited slip differential,
and alloy wheels. Formula and Trans Am models saw the 5.7 liter V8 gain 10 bhp for a total
of 285 bhp. But now there was a new top engine choice. Pontiac reintroduced their fabled
"Ram Air" cold air induction system for the 5.7 V8 as option WS6 available on Formula and
Trans Am coupes (not convertibles). Ordering the WS6 package added twin nostrils (air intakes)
on the hood which boosted the engine rating to a stellar 305 bhp. 17" wheels were thrown
in for good measure.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LT1 5.7 V8 275 bhp. LT1 WS6 5.7 V8 305 bhp.
Performance:
1997 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: The WS6 was now available on Formula and Trans Am convertibles. Also new
was the option of a 500-watt Monsoon audio system.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LT1 5.7 V8 275 bhp. LT1 WS6 5.7 V8 305 bhp.
Performance:
1998 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: Not content with 305 bhp, Pontiac replaced the LT-1 with the LS-1 V8 engine, which
had first appeared in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. The all-aluminum LS-1 was rated
at 305 bhp in base trim and 320 bhp in WS6 "Ram Air" mode. Firebirds also received
new front end styling, and Base Firebirds could be ordered with a Sport Appearance Package
which gave them some of the more aggressive look of their bigger brothers.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LS-1 5.7 V8 305 bhp. LS-1 WS6 5.7 V8 320 bhp.
Performance:
1999 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: The 1999 Firebird got only minor changes, including a Torsen limited-slip
differential for V8 models (and V6s with the Performance Package). A few new options
were available, including a Hurst shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and
a power steering cooler on V8 models. Pontiac celebrated the Trans Am's 30th
Anniversary with a special White with Blue trim color scheme along with blue-tinted
alloy wheels and a white leather interior.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LS-1 5.7 V8 305 bhp. LS-1 WS6 5.7 V8 320 bhp.
Performance:
2000 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: The 2000 model was a complete carryover from 1999.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LS-1 5.7 V8 305 bhp. LS-1 WS6 5.7 V8 320 bhp.
Performance:
2001 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: 2001 saw a small increase in engine ratings, with the LS-1 increasing to 310 bhp
and 325 with the WS6 option. The Ram Air engine was now no longer available on the Formula
trim.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LS-1 5.7 V8 310 bhp. LS-1 WS6 5.7 V8 325 bhp.
Performance:
2002 Pontiac Firebird
Comments: 2002 would prove to be the last year for the Firebird, and Pontiac decided to issue
a special 35th anniversary Firebird (as opposed to Anniversary of the Trans Am). This
special model was a Trans Am which featured yellow paint, black wheels, and special
graphics. Not really much of a send off for one of only two vehicles (the Chevrolet
Corvette is the other) that survived from the muscle car days to the modern era without
interruption.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 V6 200 bhp. LS-1 5.7 V8 310 bhp. LS-1 WS6 5.7 V8 325 bhp.
Performance:
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