TRANS AM WORLD





Thanks to PHS Online for some of these statistics.


Pontiac Firebird



History

3rd Generation

1982-1992







Firebird Production Numbers

Year Total
Production
Firebird Firebird Convertible Firebird S/E Formula Formula 1LE     Trans Am    Trans Am 1LE Trans Am Convertible GTA Firehawk Turbo Trans Am
1982 116,364 41,683   21,719     52,962
Recaro T/A's: 2,000
         
1983 74,884 32,020   10,934     31,930
Daytona Edition: 2,500
Recaro: ??
         
1984 128,304 62,621   10,309     55,374
Recaro: 1,321
15th Ann. T/A: 1,500
         
1985 95,880 46,644   5,208     44,028          
1986 110,465 59,334   2,259     48,870          
1987 88,612 42,058     13,164   21,788     11,102    
1988 62,445 28,473     13,475   8,790 3   11,214
Notchbacks: 624
   
1989 64,409 31,876 396: Firebird, T/A, and GTA all together   16,670   5,701 26 396: Firebird, T/A, and GTA all together 8,081   1,550:
1,555 including test cars
1990 20,553 12,612     4,834   1,056 4   1,447    
1991 51,184 37,162 950   5,490 46 3,452 6 555 2,915 8  
1992 27,569 22,499 1,265   1,017 22 969 9 663 508 17  




Introduction: The third generation Firebird was all new in many ways from the previous generation. A full unibody hatchback body replaced the subframe construction of the second generation and the Firebird received all new sheetmetal that greatly differentiated it from the Camaro. However, under the skin, the Firebird was now even more like the Camaro, and would use GM corporate engines (which were really Chevy engines) instead of the previous Pontiac engines. A large part of its uniqueness was gone.


1982 Pontiac Firebird






Comments: The third generation Firebird was introduced in 1982 featuring all new sheetmetal. The front end sported hidden headlights and sleak styling. The model lineup was simplified to Base, luxury-oriented S/E and Trans Am. Base cars started with the obnoxiously loud, rough, and underpowered "Iron Duke" 2.5 liter OHV inline four cylinder engine rated at a truly pathetic 90 bhp. Most buyers wisely opted for either the S/E's standard 2.8 liter OHV V6 rated at a still-pathetic 105 bhp or one of the V8s. Optional in the Base and S/E models and standard in the Trans Am was a 5.0 liter (305 cid) V8 with four barrel carb rated at 145 bhp and which could be matched up to either a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic. Optional in the Trans Am was the trouble-plagued "Cross-Fire Injection" version of the engine which used Throttle Body Injection to crank out 165 bhp, but it was only available with the automatic transmission. But the big news for Firebird fans was the debut of "Kitt", a talking Black Trans Am that could out-act David Hasselhoff on the hit TV show "Kight Ridder", which further increased the Firebird's popularity.

Production:
Engines: 2.5 liter I4 90 bhp. 2.8 liter V6 105 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 145 bhp. 5.0 liter ("Cross-Fire Injection) V8 165 bhp.
Performance:





1983 Pontiac Firebird






Comments: Not much changed visually for 1983, but under the hood, things were definitely improving. The S/E's V6 saw its output rise to 125 bhp and a five-speed manual was now available. A new "L69" 5.0 liter V8 with four barrel carb appeared mid-year with available five-speed manual rated at a somewhat respectable 190 bhp. A new four speed automatic transmission also was available.

Production:
Engines: 2.5 liter I4 90 bhp. 2.8 liter V6 125 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 145 bhp. 5.0 liter ("Cross-Fire Injection) V8 165 bhp. L69 5.0 liter V8 190 bhp.
Performance:


1984 Pontiac Firebird






Comments:
In 1984, Pontiac recognized the Trans Am's 15th Anniversary by releasing a special Trans Am that was white with blue stripes, blue Trans Am decals and a blue "Venetian blind" decal on the offset hood bulge. The car had a multi-tone gray interior that had Recaro seats, a white leather wrapped steering wheel , shifter knob and parking brake handle. T-tops were also standard on the package as were white aluminum wheels. The cars were powered by the 190 hp 5.0 liter "corporate" V-8 and a 5 speed manual transmission. Pontiac built approximately 1500 15th Anniversary Trans Ams.




Production: 55,374 Trans Am total units, including the 1,500 Anniversary TA cars
Engines:
2.5 liter I4 90 bhp.
2.8 liter V6 125 bhp.
5.0 liter V8 145 bhp.
L69 5.0 liter V8 190 bhp.
Performance: 0 to 60 mph @ 7.8 seconds, 16.2 seconds @ 86 mph (quarter-mile) Engine: 5.0L HO V8






1985 Pontiac Firebird






Comments: The 1985 Firebird featured a restyled nose, new taillights, and full rocker and quarter panel extensions on the Trans Am to give it a more aggressive appearance. The 5.0 liter V8 was now available with Tuned Port Injection (TPI) which allowed it to produce 205 bhp, although it could only be equiped with the four-speed automatic. A new WS6 suspension package was made available on the Trans Am, which also included 16-inch wheels with huge P245/50VR16 Goodyear "Gatorback" tires.


In 1985, All Firebird models undergo redevelopement to boost sales.

Further attempts to put the Trans Am into higher regard include a new digital dash and a new overhead console.



The 1985 engines



TypeDisplacementHorsepowerTorqueInduction
OHV I-4151/2.588@4400132@2800TBI
OHV V-6173/2.8135@5100165@3600PFI
OHV V-8305/5.0165@4200250@24004 bbl
OHV V-8305/5.0190@48080240@32004 bbl
OHV V-8305/5.0205@4400275@3200TPI


1986 Pontiac Firebird






Comments:
In 1986, All Firebirds receive center high mounted stop lamps as required by Federal legislation, placed on top of back window.