1967 was the beginning of the first generation of Firebirds

The Pontiac Firebird was produced from 1967 to 2002. It was introduced in February, 1967, which was the same year as the Chevrolet Camaro. General Motors, Pontiac’s parent company, used the name Firebird in their Firebird in the 1950’s.

1967 was the beginning of the first generation of Firebirds, and is easily recognizable by its Coke bottle styling and slit tail lights. From ’67 to’69 both the convertible and the 2-door hardtop were available. The 1967 Pontiac Firebird base model had a Chevrolet 230 cu SOHC inline-6 and a 165 horse power single-barrel carburetor. Popular with the buyers was the V8 326 cu with a 250 hp two-barrel carburetor ; the High Output engine with the same displacement and a 4-barrel carburetor with 285 hp; or the 400 cu with 325 hp. The 4-barrel was actually from the GTO. From 1967 to 1968 the 400 cu engines had throttle restrictors. Another option available was a Ram Air package , which gave the car functional hood scoops, a different camshaft, and higher flow heads with strong valve springs. This package kicked the engine up to 5200 RPMs.

In 1968 the Chevrolet 250 cu stroked 230 Cl engine replaced the 230 CID engine. The 326 CID engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu V8, producing 265hp with a 2-barrel carburetor. Also, a High Output version of the 350 CID with revised cam and 320 hp was introduced. A Ram Air IV option for the 400 CID engine with 345 hp came in 1969, complementing the Ram Air III which produced 335 hp.

In 1968 the Pontiac Firebird now had the Federally-mandated side marker lights. The turn signals for the front of the car were now larger and extended, wrapping around the front edge of the vehicle. ON the back, the V-shaped Pontiac Arrowhead logo was added to each side. There was now a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation on the front doors.

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In 1969 the Pontiac Firebird got a major design overhaul, with a new front end, new instrument panel and steering wheel, and a relocating of the ignition switch from the dashboard to the steering column. This was also the year the new locking ignition switch/steering wheel was introduced. The “Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package”, UPC “WS4” was introduced. It was named after the Trans Am Series. This $725 optional handing package, and of these Trans Ams, only 689 hardtops and 8 convertibles were produced.

The 1969 Firebirds were produced into 1970 due to a delay in the introduction of the 1970 model.

The 1970 model is known as the 1970 ½ model.

There was a delay in the production of the 1970 Pontiac Firebird due to engineering and tooling, leading to the introduction in February 1970. It is now known as the 1970 ½ model. It was available in coup only. Convertibles were no longer available and wouldn’t be available again until 1991. Base models included the Firebird, Firebird Esprit, Firebird Formula and the Firebird Trans Am.

The body of the Firebird was now more sleek, with a few of the recognizable body stylings. The new body design had a large C-pillar until 1975. The 1970-1971 Firebirds had in-glass radio antennas mounted inside the windshield. The Endura nose wrapped around the split grille and single headlamps. The 1970 ½ Trans Am was available in Polar White with blue tape stripes or Lucerne Blue with white tape stripes. Only 3,196 Trans Ams were available in this year.

In 1970 two Ram Air 400 cu engines available. The L74 Ram Air III with 335 hp and the LS1 Ram Air IV with 345hp.

In 1971 Firebird now had the option of a Pontiac 455cu engine, available in the L75 325 hp version and the High output version LS5 335hp, which was standard and included Ram Air IV. This was the only engine option available for the Trans Am. High-back bucket seats were now introduced.

Due to a strike the Firebird and the F-body Camaro were almost dropped from production. In 1971 only 2,116 Trans Ams were sold in 1971, so there weren’t a lot of changes for 1972 models. Honeycomb wheels were introduced, but engine outputs dropped. The Trans Am Code-X 455 was rated down to 300 hp and the Code-M 350 in the Esprit was dropped to 160 hp.

In 1973 the Super Duty (SD-455) was introduced, with its stronger cylinder block with 4-bolt main bearings and improved strength. SD455s had nodular iron crankshafts with enhancements. It had 253 rear wheel hp on a chassis dyno. The 455 was offered by Pontiac up to 1976. Vehicle emission controls meant the end of it, however. In 1976 only 7,100 Trans Ams were built with the 455 engine.

1973 Trans Ams now got the “screaming chicken” graphic, as some call it, on the hood. It also had the new egg-crate style grille texture.

The 1974 Pontiac Firebird was much heavier. 5 mph telescoping bumpers and other safety enhancements kicked up the weight of the SD455 Trans Am to 3,850lbs. Physically it now had a new shovel-nose front end and wide slotted taillights. The engines available included the base 250 cu inline-6 with 100 hp and the 350 cu V8 with 155hp. Optional were the 175-225 400CU V8 engines and the 455 cu giving 215 or 250hp, and the SD455 kicking out 290 hp. The Trans Am and Formula models were available with either the 400, 455 or SD455 engines. Only 58 2-door Formulas with SD455 8-cylinders were produced in 1974.

In 1975 a new wraparound rear window was introduced to the Pontiac Firebird. The body had a new roofline and the turn signals were moved up to the grilles. No longer available was the Super Duty engine, Muncie 4-speed, or the TurboHydramatic 400 automatic. A smaller TurboHydramatic 350 automatic was now in place.

1976 was the 50th anniversary of Pontiac. A black Trans Am with gold accents, the first Black and Gold special edition, was released. This was the last year of the 455 in the Trans Am. The Firebird had a new angular bumper design, and a T-top was introduced. Over 100,000 units of the 1976 Pontiac Firebird were sold.

In 1977 it was time for a design change. It had a slant-nose and four square headlamps. This was the year the Trans Am Special Edition was seen in Smokey and the Bandit. (The Turbo Model was used in Smokey and the Bandit II).

The Buick 105 hp 231 cu V6 replaced the Chevy inline six as the base offering. Esprit and Formulas now had the option of the 301 cu version of the Pontiac V8. The Trans Am had the option of the Oldsmobile-built 403 cu V8 with 185hp or the Pontiac 400 with 200 hp. In California, the Pontiac Firebird came with Chevy 305 cu and 350 cu V8s.

In 1978 the front grille was now a crosshatch pattern instead of a honeycomb patterned. The Firebird Formula LT Sport Edition was introduced. It had a 10% raised compression Chevy 305 V8 powertrain with 155hp. Also featured was a floor-center console 4-speed Manual T-10 BW transmission coupled to a limited-slip differential final drive. A Limited Touring package, the LT, featured a cabin roof, fender and hood graphics. The Trans Am sports handling package had HD gas shocks, modular alloy wheels and an SE Trans Am rear deck spoiler with the word “Formula” detailed on it. There blue “Sky Bird” and the red “Red Bird” Firebirds were also produced this year.

Power was boosted by 10% for a total of 220 from 1978 to 1979 as a result of the compression ratio in the 400 ci being boosted due to different cylinder heads with smaller combustion chambers being installed. The 400/403 option was available only until 1979.

1979 was the 10th anniversary of the Trans Am, so of course an anniversary package was available. The car was silver with gray upper paint accents, silver leather interior, and a special Firebird hood decal that went from the hood on to the front fenders. 7,500 anniversary edition cars were produced. Of these, 1,817 had the Pontiac 400 engine with 4-speed Borg Warner Super T-10 transmissions. As for options, the only one available was the engine. 116, 535 Trans Ams were sold in 1979, which was a record.

Emissions restrictions proved tough for many car producers over these years. In 1980 Pontiac dropped its large displacement engines. The standard engine was now the 301, which was offered as a credit option in 1979. The turbocharged 301 and the Chevrolet 305 small blocks were options.

In 1981 a new electronic carburetion system was introduced, thought he engines in the Trans Ams were the same as in 1980.

The design of both the Firebird and Camaro went through major changes.

1982 was the launch of the third generation of Pontiac Firebird. Three models were available; the Firebird, Firebird S/E and the Firebird Trans Am. The base model Firebird comparable to the Camaro Sport Coupe. Inside, the Firebird had new details and gauges. Optional Recaro seats were available, as was the 3-spoke steering wheel from 1981, with the Firebird logo in the center of the horn pad. Viscount PMD bucket seats were now optional, with a PMD logo in the center of the backrest and a small opening in the headrest. Leather seats were available in the Viscount PMD seats and the standard seats. There was now a mini spare tire behind the panel in the back on the passenger side, and a locking rear glovebox on the rear driver’s side of the cargo area. Other options included a retractable cargo area privacy shade and a lockable cargo door on the rear floor area.

The design of both the Firebird and Camaro went through major changes. The windshield was now sloped at 62 degrees and the hatchback was all glass without any metal supports. From this year on every Firebird V8 was now a GM corporate motor, and all fours and V6s would be the same as with the Camaro. The retractable headlights and the rounded hoodline distinguished the Pontiac Firebird from the Camaro and previous designs of Firebird. The windshield wipers were now hidden under the hood with the air intakes. The wheelbase was 101-inches, which was more than 8 inches shorter. Smooth wheelcovers were available for the Trans Am.

The 1982 Firebird had three trim levels: base, Trans Am, and luxury-oriented S/E. The base cars had the Iron Duke 2.5-litre OHV inline four as a motor, with 90 hp. The S/E standard was the 2.8-liter OHV V6 with a 2-barrel carburetor and 105hp or the V8. The Trans Am had a standard V8 305 cu 4-barrel with 145 hp. This was backed with either a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual. The Firebird S/E was positioned as the more luxurious vehicle of the line. It had the Iron Duke I-4 drivetrain but more options were available, including the Trans Am WS6 suspension. What made it stand out was the S/E script on the panels instead of the Firebird decals. Inside the S/E had color-coded plastics that matched the interior/exterior paint job.

The Trans Am now had tinted taillights fitted at the back of the car, with a silver or gold decal (the “screaming chicken’) between the lights. Smaller rubber mini-spats were now front of the rear and front wheels. There was also an optional Turbo Bulge hood available for the Trans Am, with a smaller ‘screaming chicken’ on it.

The limited Edition Recaro Trans Am was introduced in 1982. This was an updated version of the Pontiac Trans Am’s RPO Y84 black and gold Trans Am S/E which was seen in Smokey and the Bandit in 1977. It came with charcoal Parella cloth Recaro seats, t-tops, black exterior with gold trim, black bowling-ball hubcaps with Gold Pontiac Arrowhead decals in the center, and gold-painted 15 inch aluminum wheels.

In 1983 the Firebird got a boost in power. There was now a T-handle shifter knob and the shift indicator was the Automatic Overdrive 700-R4. The S/E V6 hp was kicked up to 125hp and buyers could now opt for a 5-speed manual. The L69 version of the 4-barrel 5.0 liter engine V8 with 190 hp with a 5-speed manual was available later in 1983. This was comparable to the L69 in the Camaro Z28, except the Trans Am now had another functional cold air intake, while the Camaro had a dual-snorkel air cleaner. The 90 hp four was still available but not very popular any more.

Reintroduced for 1983 was the Recaro Edition Trans Am (RPO “Y84”). The RPO “Y81” was back now as the Recaro Edition Trans Am S/E, but without T-tops. Visually the outside was the same, except gold-plated Black and Gold Firebird logo medallons replaced the Firebird logo decals on the sail panels. Inside there were tan leather Recaro seats, side panels, carpeting and headliner. Only 1321 Recaro Trans Ams were produced.

In 1984 the S/E Firebird was basically unchanged. As for the Firebird, the interior had a slightly modified dashpad and optional driver’s knee pad bolster on the left side for manual cars. T-tops now had a pin-mounting set up instead of the latch.

1984 was also the year of 15th Anniversary Trans Am. It had Recaro seats and white paint with blue trim and T-tops, blue “Trans Am” decals on the lower rear half of the doors, blue pinstripes, and blue and white 15th Anniversary medallions on the sail panels, a blue fade decal and a blue 5.0 Liter FO script on the turbo hood’s bulge, and a functional cold air induction Turbo Hood. There was a blue on white Firebird logo on the tail light center panel and, exclusive to the 15th anniversary car, the new Aero-Tech 16-inch convex aluminum wheels, which were painted white with blue pinstripes, paired with Goodyear P245/60/VR16 Gatorback uni-directional tires. Inside off-white leather with grey cloth inserts with Trans Am scrip on the center portions of the Recaro seats, and an off-white leather wrapped steering wheel with blue and white 15th anniversary medallion inset in an off-white horn button. There was also a stylish off-white shifter knob and parking break handle, as well as an off-white passenger side map pocket with blue Firebird logo and Trans Am script. This car was full of style and truly special, with production limited to 1500 units.

In 1985 the Pontiac Firebird had a new stronger look. It now had a wrap-around inserts or bumperettes on its new nose and wrap-around bumperettes on the rear bumper. Also new for this year was the multi-port fuel-injected 2.8-liter V6 with 135 hp. Inside we saw a new dash with new gauges with a graph-patterned backround, new T-handle shifter for automatic cars, updated stereo and HVAC faceplates.

The Firebird S/E, while also having a new nose and rear bumper set, got a new hood with front vents, a color-coded rear Firebird logo in the center of the tail lights, and a color-coded Firebird logo on the sail panels. Buyers could now have cloth Recaro seats.

The Trans Am was now available with a fuel-injected 305ci. The Tuned Port Injection LB9 305 was now available. It produced 210 hp, even though it wasn’t available with a manual transmission. There was now a flat hood with twin louvered vents and heat exhaust vents on the rear edges. This year’s Trans Am was also available with standard High Tech 15-inch concave aluminum wheels or a modified Natural Silver version of the 15th Anniversary’s Aero Tech 16-inch aluminum wheels, along with the WS6 suspension. Other options included positional map light, removable flashlight, pocket for a garage door opener, and manually adjusted reminder wheels. There was also an optional wrap-around Aero Spoiler, available in black.

In 1986 the CHMSL (Centre High Mounted Stop Light) was put into the rear hatch glass. The base Firebird now had new tail light lenses. No longer available was the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now the standard engine was the 2.8-liter V6.

The Firebird S/E was discontinued at the end of 1986. Only 26 Trans Ams with the 305 High Output L69 were produced in 1986.

1987 brought in the big engines. The TPI version of GM’s 350 cu V8 with 210 hp was available for the Trans Am and the Formula 350. This was 15 hp less than the Camaro due to a restricted intake. The overall body of the Firebird, however was barely changed. Stop lamps were now moved to sit between the spoiler and rear deck lid and gone was the big Firebird hood emblem.

The S/E, the 4-cylinder engine and the CHMSL were all dropped this year. The Formula 305 and Formula 350 were revived and the Trans Am, known as the GTA, was introduced. The Trans Am GTA had a standard 5.7-liter 350 Tuned Port Injection (TPI). It had a standard TH-700R4 (4L60) automatic transmission, air conditioning, new door panels, new seats with inflatable lumbar and side bolsters, epoxy-filled emblems, new GTA horn button and the WS6 performance handling package. Trans Ams with the RPO code Y84 had these options. This model was produced until 1992.

1988 didn’t see a lot of changes, other than new radios, new steering wheels and new wheels on the Formulas and a notchback style hatch on the Trans Am GTA. The notchback included a remodeled rear seatback with integral headrests. A new throttle body system kicked the output of the carbureted 5.0 liter V8 up to 170 hp. The Firebird Formula was fitted with new 16x8 inch aluminum wheels with silver WS6 center caps.

In 1989 the 20thAnniversary Trans Am was introduced. There were 1, 555 replicas, rated at 250 hp produced. It had a better turbocharged Buick 3.8L V6 and was used as the pace car in the Indianapolis 500. The 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Ams with hardtops and the convertibles are the rarest to this day. Only 40 hardtops and only 3 convertibles were ever made.

During 1989 GM introduced the dual catalytic converter exhaust system (RPO code N10). This freed up 13% more power, boosting the LB9 engine to 225 hp and the L98 to 235 hp.

T-top Firebirds were upgraded to new acrylic plastic tops made by Leximar for FM. They were lighter, darker and more dome shaped. Unfortunately, they deteriorated quickly, so GM ended up replacing numerous sets with glass under warranty. Still the acrylic tops were standard until 1992. GM also introduced the Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) or PASS-Key, adapted from the higher-end Corvette and Cadillacs. Other options included a CD player and shoulder belts in the back seat.

In 1990 airbags were now in many cars, and a driver’s side air bag was standard in the Firebird. Other changes to the interior included relocating the accessory switches to a new panel over the heater and radio controls. No longer available to the GTA or the Trans Am was the deluxe contoured interior door panels. Radio controls mounted in the steering wheel were now gone from the GTA due to the airbag installation. Fuel economy regulations meant the L98 engine was no longer available to the T-top cars. New speed density fuel injection was added to LB9 and L98 platforms. The L98 equipped vehicles had the N10 dual catalytic converter. No Firebird Convertibles were produced in 1990, and the 1990 Firebird only received a half-year production run.

1991 the Pontiac Firebird introduced a look that was somewhat controversial. Some didn’t like the new front end while others liked the look. Convertible Firebirds and Trans Ams, which were gone since 1969, were also introduced. The convertibles were offered with one of the following engine options; LHO 3.1-liter V6, L03 5.0-liter V8 for the base Firebird, or LB9 5.0-liter V8 for the Trans Am. T-top models also received better seals, preventing leaks.

In 1992 new exterior colors were available for the Pontiac Firebird, and convertibles were still available. Adhesive was added to the joints and panels to quiet the car. TPI equipped cards would receive blank throttle body plates instead of ones that said Tuned Port Injection. The Performance Equipment Group kicked the TPI 5-liter V8 up to 230 hp. This would be the last year for the Trans Am GTA, concealed windshield wipers and the long hood and low roofline look, and full leather covering on front seats. There were very few Trans Am GTAs even produced this year; only 48 in Canada and 226 in the United States.

1996 was about boosting performance

The Pontiac Firebird was produced from 1967 to 2002. It was introduced in February, 1967, which was the same year as the Chevrolet Camaro. General Motors, Pontiac’s parent company, used the name Firebird in their Firebird in the 1950’s.

With a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, the fourth generation of the Firebird launched in 1993. Even the majority of the parts were new. New additions for 1993 included dual airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, 16-inch wheels, and short/long-arm front suspension. The trim levels included V6-powered Firebird, V8-powered Formula and Trans Am. Standard for the V8 was the Borg-Warner T56 6-speed manual transmission while the V6 received the T5 5-speed manual transmission. There was a 4-speed automatic option for both vehicles, including built-in electronic controls introduced in 1994.

In 1993 there were two main engines available; the 3.4L V6 160 hp, and the LT1 version of the 5.7-liter small-block V8 with 275 hp, which could be had with a 2-speed manual transmission.

Stereo systems got an upgrade in this generation as well. Audio controls located on the steering wheel was optional, along with optional cassette or CD player stereo systems. The Delco stereo system was now replaced with the Delco 2001 series. Other Pontiac car lines got this upgrade as well. The control panels had larger buttons and was more ergonomically styled. A 7-band graphic equalizer was optional.

In 1994 the convertible was now available. A 25th Anniversary edition Trans Am, in either coupe or convertible, painted white with a single blue stripe down the centre was available. The GT version of the Trans Am, with leather seats and a skip shift feature on the 6-speed manual, was now available. Formula and Trans Am cars now had the Transmission Perform button, which would be available only in 1994 and 1995.

In 1995 ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) was available for LT1 Firebirds. Steering wheels in the Firebird got an upgrade with the audio controls shifted closer together. Dropped was the Trans AM GT trim level. Now the Trans Am received Z-rated tires and a 155mph speedometer. 1995 was also the year when of the introduction of the vented Opti-Spark distributor on the LT1 F-cars. Visually, however, without checking VIN numbers the 1995 Pontiac Firebird looked exactly like the 1994 Pontiac Firebird.

In 1996 was about boosting performance. The 3.8-liter V6 200hp was now the base engine; and the LT1 power rating kicked up to 285 with a new catalytic converter exhaust system. Optional enhancements for all trim levels included the Y87 Performance package for V6s now had extra mechanical features of the V8 setups, like 4-wheel disc brakes, more responsive steering, dual tailpipes and limited-slip rear differential. The functional dual-inlet Ram Air hood was now part of the WS6 performance package for the Trans Am and Formula. An optional package kicked the rated horse power from 285 to 305 and the torque from 325 to 335. Other options included better suspension, oval dual tailpipe tips, a WS6, 17”x9” wheels with 275/40ZR17 tires, and Bilstein shocks.

In 1997 digital odometers, standard air conditioning, daytime running lamps and an optional 500-watt Monsoon cassette or CD stereo system were available for all Firebird trim levels. This was also the year the W68 Sport Appearance Package was introduced for V6 Firebirds. The WS6 Ram Air performance package would now be an option for all convertible Trans Ams and Formulas. For 1997 463 Trans Am convertibles and 41 Formulas convertibles with the WS6 were produced.

In 1999, the Torsen limited-slip differential for V8s and for V6s with the Performance Package was one of the few upgrades. Other options included a Hurst shifter for the 6-cog manual and a power steering cooler for the V8 models. A 30th Anniversary Trans Am was produced in white with two dark blue stripes, blue –tinted 17-inch alloy A-mold wheels and a white leather interior. It was available as a WS6 convertible or WS6 t-top coupe. In 1999 drivers were happy to see a new standard 16.8 gallon non-metallic fuel tank. The ASR traction control system was now available in the V6 Firebirds, and all Y87 V6 and LS1 V8 Firebirds were boosted with a Zexel/Torsen II slip-reduction rear axle. The hydraulic proportioning valves were replaced with new Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systems, and a new Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) was in place for the recording of stats 5 seconds before any airbag deployment.

2000 came along without many changes to the Firebird. The Hurst shifter for 6-speeds and a power steering cooling system were now options for the LS1 Firebirds.

In 2001 the LS1 was re-rated at 310 hp (325 with the WS6), and the Ram Air Option was no longer available for the Formula. The WS6 performance package was available only for the Trans Am coupe and convertibles.

2002 was the 35th Anniversary of the Firebird. A yellow Trans Am with two black stripes from tail to hood, and black 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels was produced as a special edition. Available as a WS6 convertible or WS6 t-top coupe. For the Firebirds power mirrors and power antenna became standard and cassettes faded into history and were no longer available in the stereo systems.