The RARE Firebird That Destroyed Corvettes - The Pontiac Firehawk
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
- In this Rare Cars documentary, we are going over the story of the Pontiac Firebird that Dethroned the Corvette - the SLP Firehawk. This dealer special order hopped up firebird packed a NASTY built 350 small block that gave even the mighty ZR1 a run for its money.
These Firehawks were SERIOUSLY fast and one of the last true hot rods out there - but how come you never heard of them or have seen them? Stay tuned to the end to get the full story!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:07 The Background
4:28 Powerplant
5:45 Performance Figures
7:58 Why it is SO Rare
*Note, we are not historians. If you see an error in our research then please mention it in the comments!
For business inquiries or other inquiries, reach out to: rarecarsmedia@fearlessotter.com
Sources:
-www.newgmparts.com/blog/brief...
-specialtyvehicleengineering.c...
-www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...
-www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...
-www.motortrend.com/features/h...
NOTICE: Clips used from other videos are fair use and fall under U.S. copyright law because this work is transformative in nature, and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. It is against the law to fraudulently claim a copyright on a video you do not own under the DMCA or to abuse UA-cam’s copyright claim tool. Copyright concerns and takedown requests can be submitted to: rarecarsmedia@gmail.com - Авто та транспорт
Firehawk or C4 ZR1...what would you have picked 🤔?
If I had the money, which I didn't, I would've loved to have a C4 ZR1. Hell, I would've taken a stock C4, I loved the look of those Vettes back in the 80's... I was driving a Fiero instead, that's all I could afford at the time!!! lol
@@kfh1 firehawk of course. I own an 02. what's funny is an 88 fiero GT t-tops pull corvette money now. My 87 gt had to get an engine swap to not feel like it's dragging its ass.
Firehawk of course
@@kfh1 Fiero was a decent ride, I had a new '87 GT
Firehawk... simply because I couldn't afford the tires for the Corvette.
Also, the only C4 ZR1 I would own, is the LT4 version... which came later. The DOHC Mercury 350 was an over-developed, over-engineered boat anchor.
I work for SLP in the early 2000's. We were doing the Firehawks and the Camaro SS. I worked on the hoods and spoilers for both as well as building the exhaust systems. I was there until GM closed the plant in Quebec. I loved the job.
Didn't SLP design the Comp Camero and Firebird?
Me too
Why did you guys go away from anything other than exhaust and an air box as far as performance goes post ‘92?
@BlackRam17 wjatchoo talkin bout Willis
We did the diff. The tranny the engine the wheels
Hey Dan, I've a question for you. Being as you worked on the hoods, what did you guys use to cut the front bumper to clear the hawk hood to close. Cutting off those 2 dog ears on the factory bumper. I'm guessing a template of some kind and a hot knife?
I thought the coolest thing about SLP cars was they didn’t look outrageously different from stock like some aftermarket companies. If you didn’t know any better you just thought it had wheels and exhaust until it smoked you.
SLP performance package cars looked stock other than the exhaust tips and would run with the fastest GNs at a higher mph in the quarter back in 1989 or so
Sleeper looks
good point
You neglected a major fact regarding WHY this car was built. It had to do with a racing series called Showroom Stock. This was made to destroy anything in that racing series. And it did.
Never heard of this championship, will check it out. Thanks for mentioning it👍
Stock became showroom stock. What a deal!
@StoffelDilligas I believe the C4 vette did not meet the criteria to race in the series, hence the firehawk.
It’s wouldn’t have if the C4 wasn’t kicked out for being WAY faster than everything else, especially around a corner lol
@@ajdahunC4 met the criteria until they realized nothing else stood a chance against them so they made them get their own series aka the corvette challenge 😂
Do the 4th Gen Firehawk as well, great job on this video. Pontiac was always being treated like a red headed stepchild by GM, but always found a way to sidestep the corporate neutering.
Thanx to another vid, I discovered the GREAT Looking OG, 1964 Pontiac Banshee Concepts (XP-833), The long-nosed Silver 2-seat coupe looked SO Sweet - it could have been a Pontiac Corvette sibling, like the Camaro & Firebird sharing platforms - In fact, the 1st Banshee looked even smaller & lighter - Could have been quick with a six, at entry-level price, a 2-seater below the Vette - But SO Much Sweeter than a Fiero !
Naw overhyped LS
I'm a proud owner of a 94 SLP Firehawk that I purchased from the original owner who happened to have been on the coaching staff of the 49ers in the late 90s. I absolutely love my Firehawk and never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have been able to own one as soon as I did.😇🔥🦅
My mom bought a 94 brand new from a dealer in Houston. She would let me drive it occasionally throughout high school. Loved that car more than any other. Was sad when she sold it 7 years later. If I hadn't been a broke college student, I would have bought it off her in a second.
@@YankeeWoodcraft never said that. Why would you think that?? Are you ok??🤣
@@YankeeWoodcraft go get some help..
4th Gen Firehawk Ran air hood scoop was epic So yes video please
I remember these. I made my own version. I have a 91 Z28 1LE that I bought in 93’. A few years ago I put Zz6 350 in it with a 6 speed Tremec and and various other stuff. It’s 405hp/406ftlbs. I measured 4.4 0-60 multiple times so. It’s also red. Still have all the original parts.
0-60? Ok. What was the 1/4 mile? Something that matters. Lol.
@@eriklarson9137 I mean it cant be that far off could it. Id say he got close enough. after all he said he made HIS OWN VERSION. not an exact replica
I’ve owned a red 89 Formula 350 since 91. I always wanted to collect the pieces and convert it to a Firehawk but didn’t have the money to pull it off. But I did buy some of SLP’s performance upgrades like their intake runners. By the time I had the money to begin collecting the parts, they were discontinued. So I ended up putting a Paxton supercharger on it instead. That with all the other modifications done through the years puts it square into the same performance territory. Never raced it officially at the track, but I was able to walk away from an early LS1 Corvette back in the late 90s. My wife was able to embarrass a convertible LS1 Trans Am at a stoplight to the point the guy wouldn’t pull up next to her at the next light. It’s a nice sleeper because it appears stock and the Paxton is pretty quiet at idle.
@@eriklarson9137 closest drag strip to me is about a 1000 miles away. Obviously it would be around same time as fire hawk.
It ain’t rocket science kid.
MAN THATS AWSOME I HAVE A 92 Z28 THAT I ORDERED NEW BACK IN 92 AND I STILL HAVE IT TODAY WITH 19 THOUSAND ORIGINAL MILES AND I WANTED T TOPS SO I COULDNT GET THE 5.7 350TPI WITH T TOPS LOL I DONT WANT TOO WRECK THE CAR BY TRYING TO MAKE IT AS FAST AS CARS OF TODAY BUT I WILL BE DOING A FULL EXHAUST AND I LOVE TOO BUY ANOTHER 92 Z28 WITH A LOT OF MILES SO I CAN MOD THAT AND LEAVE MY ORIGINAL Z28 ALONE BUT IF I WANT TOO GO FAST I HAVE A 850HP GT500 AND I HAVE 2 SUPER SNAKES LOL BUT IF I BUY ANOTHER Z28 MY PLAN IS TOO DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID BUT MY ORIGINAL Z IS STAYING THAT WAY.
Back when Manual transmissions ruled the World
Manual gearboxes still rule the world in Europe, automatic boxes are for lazy ass people.
Now people think driving a stick is a massive accomplishment.
Remember when they were colloquially called “standard” because they were the standard and you upgraded to the automatic. If you didn’t mind paying the upcharge.
@@presmasterflash7555 Yup
Naw, back in the 80s automatic was pretty much the norm even for ""performance"" lol cars like the Firebird. In the US anyway. Were there more sticks back then? Sure. They definitely weren't the rule though. Most people just want to get from a to b with as little fuss as possible. Comparatively few people, then as well as now, want to row through gears everywhere they go. Think about what the top selling models have been through the years. Do the kinds of people who buy those cars care to manually shift their gears?
Sticks did rule in high end, non-US actual performance cars though. Porsche, Ferrari, etc. It's a shame that now even in that category various automatic shift options have taken over.
Remember when Buick destroyed the Vette years before this with the GNX? Pepperidge Farms sure does...
Pontiac borrowed their engine and put them in 1989 GTA’s. Those were the fastest Firebirds ever sold, even beating the mighty SD 455 and the LS1 cars.
The TTA did also
@@thebigpicture2032they put them in the Turbo TA, which was not a GTA.
.... On the next episode of "Where Are They Now?", the Buick GNX 😜
@@johnhutchison9782 sponsored by Pepperidge Farm Milano double milk chocolate cookies! PS bring your own glass of milk to the party...
I've ALWAYS loved the "Firehawk". I still have "Car and Driver" magazines from the early 90's that showcased this car...
I remember the Pontiac Formula Firehawk and I remember my older brother trying to build his own Formula Firehark using his Formula as the donor car. As much as I personally liked the Pontiac Trans-Am, my first sports car was the 1980 Chevy Camaro Z28 with the Air Induction hood, front ground effects, side stone guards, rear spoiler, T-Tops and rear window louvers. What a great era for sports cars and car enthusiast.
Love those Zs. Have an 80 or 81 Steering wheel on my 67 El
I have a 84 Pontiac transempt.Fully loaded 305 air duction to ridgelawner 38800 miles on my car and I got a 97 Firebird formula transam.L t one build to the hill
38803
I bought a new '98 black/black Ttop Ram Air LS1 6sp Trans Am & my best friend one uped me by getting a new '99 black/tan Ttop Ram Air 6sp Firehawk & man was that machine bad ass & mine wasnt too shabby either! Wish I still had my 1st Trans Am, an '85 black/gold SE Bandit II Edition that I got in '87 & sold in '96 ✌💖☮
I feel ya! Bought a red 2000 WS6 TA vert 6 speed and workmate went and bought a red 2000 vert Firehawk which was #02 iirc. On the bright side, it did make for a cool parking lot and lively commutes home.
@@thebigpicture2032 oh yea, same here! We worked at the same place & had the 2 coolest cars in the parking lot & most times layin rubber on the way out! I also occasionally drove my 1976 Dodge California Custom van with shag carpet, CB, 8 track, mini bar & fridge, dual moonroofs, queen bed, Cragar SS mags on BFG white letter tires & a healthy 360 4bbl with side pipes! I sold it in 2014 for the right price now regret not having it...or my Trans Ams! My junior year in Hi Skool I got lucky & scored a bank repo 1978 gold Ttop Z28 for what was owed, $2000, love to have it back too
I have a 93 formula F1 now for last 4 yrs ..I'm mid 40s .I've had 6 total .. 84 trans am , 82 trans am with nos lol both auto Blk an gold non t top .. 79 t/a 10th 6.6 t top gold ..miss it .. 86 ta ,88ta , an current 93 formula f1
@@CelebznbodysuitNeckMaskz Nice...My 1st car was a '67 Firebird 326 then an '83 black T/A, '85 Bandit II & '98 LS1! Always liked those Formulas too even the Fiero Formula
Another vote for a fourth gen Firehawk video. I have 3 fourth gen Firebirds and absolutely love these cars.
I ordered #36 1997 Firehawk. I last true Firehawk hood for that year. Triple black, Hurst Shifter on the 6 speed, aluminum wheels not the chrome. I did get the full synthetic package and heavy duty rearend that I damn near blew at a red light race in north Atlanta. Speedo went to 155mph, it would do that in 5th and then still pull faster on 6th. Absolute beast of a machine. Insurance killed me and I never got a ticket. Yes it beat Corvettes and 308 Ferrari’s. Kept it 4+ years then life happened. Damn I miss that car.
I had an ‘83 T/A. Super fun for a high school kid in the mid 90’s
That’s an awesome high school car
Don't forget the Callaway Sledgehammer 5.7 Twin Turbo V8 Top Speed 255 Mph .
Before the internet i spent so much time looking through auto traders from all over the US. I've always loved a Firehawk, i've watched them go from being super steals to going through the roof in prices over the last 30 years, like everything i guess, or everything that a bunch of people think is cool. They are great looking super rare cars, but yeah i'd rather have a c4 ZR1 than any of them.
The intake maifold on those was designed by noted Engine Developer Ryan Falconer who also did other projects for GM like the Splayed Valve Indy V6 turbo stock block motor and the 1200HP IMSA Corvette GTP twin turbo V6's. They made FAR more HP than any other intake in that era. Falconer also used those V6 program heads to create his V12 motor most commonly found in experimental aircraft these days. Brilliant man.
Incorrect, the TPIS miniram made more HP, but less TQ than the SLP intake. GM later copied the Miniram as it looks almost identical to the LT1 intake that debuted in 1992.
In 1997 I bought a 4th gen 93 Firehawk, 6 speed manual, I loved that car and it had the best sounding exhaust system with dual outlets in the drivers side. Leather interior/t tops total dream car.
I put a short throw shifter, roller rockers and an Aluminum SLP flywheel with the stronger LT4 clutch, that car was a true delight to drive. The 4th gen’s rode better than the third gen’s and seemed more stable
SLP was commissioned by Rick Hendrick in Charlotte to build commemorative 30th anniversary Camaros so I had a great privilege to actually work for SLP in their shop in Charlotte until the build out was completed.
I had the opportunity to drive the last generation FireHawk back in the early 2000s and I loved it more than any Corvette at the time. I think it was the best version of the Firebird that was ever produced
Cool cars for sure but come on, a C5 Z06 is better in every way...
Don't forget the last Firehawk ever made in 2009. The Pontiac G8 Firehawk 4 door sedan.
I remember the president of the Illinois Pontiac Chapter bought one...500 hp I believe.
This day I think that G8 should of used a different name then "Firehawk" for their top tier performance model. Funny thing is you could of only get the G8 firehawk in automatic! I mean really? Because the G8 GXP was available in stick!
Almost bought it also but I didn't cause I just got laid off at the time
had a 88 iroc-z z-28 and the doors would rattle on every pebble, but hell even my best friends mom had to go for a ride in it lol miss that girl(the car)
SLP continued into the 5th gen camero and may have been why GM brought back the supercharged ZL1!
I had an 89 GTA with the 5.7TPI and T-Tops. I got rid of it about 10 years ago. I miss that car so much!
Great video on the OG Firehawk!! Definitely want to see a follow-up video on the 4th-gen Firehawk, as I have a 1996 Comp T/A - which is basically a combination of Firehawk and Pontiac Trans AM WS6 hardware with specific cosmetics to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BF Goodrich's Comp T/A performance tire.
Firehawk!!!!
I would have to agree
I worked with a guy that had one back in 1994/1995 ... I always asked him if he wanted to sell, he always said no ...
Just 25 third gens ever made ? - Shame ! - Please do the 4th gen too - I LOVE those 90s Firebird LOOKS!
Will do! Thanks for watching!
My 97 trans am is outa sight. . Heads, brakes, Tremec 6 sp, and much more. Its still my summer only driver. 50 k miles. I love it.... Cannot give it up. Its like new, and get looks on cruise night.
CM
I loved the firehawk when it camre out, but didnt have the bread to buy one. Beautiful car. My choice.
'with their transams'???? The GOAT is litterally... The Goat.
I had forgotten about this car. It was so cool when I first saw one on the street back in the day.
Pontiac also had an IRS project for the firebird, in the firefox II, around the same time
Got the article on that in High Performance Pontiac 1988. The test mule was on a black GTA TA.
And their project was using coil springs, unlike the Corvette.
I have a black 97 bird with 3.8 and T-Tops. I need that furehawk hood, cause it look sick!😮
There was also the 1982 Trans Am that would have had the 301 turbo V-8 that was used in the 1980-81 Trams Am Turbo. Now that engine's numbers weren't anything like the big blocks put out a decade earlier but it had enough torque to make that Trans Am both quicker and faster than the 1982 Corvette. Supposedly the Chevy brass had not only a cow but a whole barnyard when they learned what Pontiac had in mind. You could say they basically bulled the GM executives to make Pontiac use the underpowered 305 instead.
The 301 turbo made like 210hp and alot of torque which wasnt bad for the time.
Yes. 210 HP in an early 3rd Gen would’ve been awesome. Plus it would’ve made swapping in a Pontiac 400 or 455 a simple bolt in affair like swapping out a 305 for a 350. This was supposed to be the plan as evidenced by driver’s side bulge in the hood of all 3rd Gen T/As and Formulas similar to the 80-81 Turbo T/A. Even though the 301 turbo wasn’t very exciting in the late 2nd Gen, the 3rd Gen was about 500lbs lighter. Imagine what it would’ve been making when GM finally sorted out EFI. But of course Chevy probably cried because the Corvette was only making about the same with 350CI. They knew what Pontiac was capable of. It took Chevy until 1985 to make 235 HP with the TPI. But instead the T/A was neutered with the Chevy 305. They kept the bulge for ascetics.
I remember seeing a 30min infomercial on the fireworks. Was quite impressed then
A 1991 Pontiac Firehawk has performance that could still hold its own against many of today‘s modern sportscars,
Yes please 4th Firehawk video please!
this is my ultimate GM performance car beside the grand national....this is on my bucket list of cars....i saw one of these this weekend at the obx rod & custom festival
Awwwww the good old days!!!
4th gen would be great. Thank you again for your videos. Well done.
I certainly remember those. Amazing cars, great looking, factory orderable and with a warranty. The dealer brochure actually mentioned SLP but didn't show the Firehawk. The 4th gen cars were more affordable since they needed less modifications. The SLP Firehawks were fantastic until the end.
I bought a 95 Firehawk in 99 it had 3k miles on it. Love that car they are a blast to drive. Still own it with 32k miles on it.
Back and I believe 88 or 89 my half-brother bought a Pontiac formula 350 with a WS suspension manual transmission. That car was amazing. At the time he had the highest speeding ticket in all of Massachusetts that he got living on Cape Cod..
No 350 cars came with a manual stock..if that car was a 5 speed it was a 305…and them years you mentioned ..the 305 cars just said “formula “ on outside doors …the 350 cars said formula 350…
Absolutely love this channel and its content!!!
Great content. Excellent job.
I began working for Brembo NA around the time this car and the Mustang Cobra R came out with Brembo factory brakes. It was a great time to be part of the building factory specials groundswell. The SLP was a hidden gem favorite of mine, yet many still have no idea it even existed.
That is awesome that you were behind the scenes working on some of those projects - the Cobra R is such an awesome car. The early 2000s were those last years of really analog feeling cars still but with some refinements
This is a great video, I appreciate your work on this !
The SLP and Lingenfelter intakes is what made these cars come alive.
I had a 2002 WS6 and it was the best car I've ever driven. Obviously not the fastest but just the most badass
SLP!
The Firehawk was a Fantastic Ride!! Came with a roll cage in it ..remember the Dealership in the town in my high school yes had 1 in the showroom in 92 or 93? It was a dream car
Wow one of the very few that exists was in your town - how cool is that?!
I work for SLP in the early 2000's. We were doing the Firehawks and the Camaro SS. I worked on the hoods and spoilers for both as well as building the exhaust systems. I was there until GM closed the plant in Quebec.
Pontiac was the best division. I had an 88 Formula 305 tpi 5spd with stock 3.45 borg warner rear and stock optional dual converter exhaust. It ran 14.3 @ 94 at the track with no mods!! with a 305 !! these cars had more power than advertised. My Formula was faster than my 5.7 89 GTA was... but not by much
Nice! Interesting enough I once drag stripped my 89 GTA 350 and my best time was a 14.2 at 94mph. The only mods I had done was rear LCAs and KYBs adjustable shocks. Other then that it was all stock.
I actually dragged a guy who had a formula 305 w/stick and I was barely able to beat him at the line. So yes I agree both were pretty close in performance.
Mind you a GTA is a bit heavier with the ground F/X and the heavier lumbar seats. So that extra 25 extra ponies helped a bit.
I wish I had a hardtop formula 350 with minimal options and the WS6 suspension because that would be the super light car and I believe they would be the best strip performing cars when done right.
always great videos!
My Dad has a 1993 Pontiac Firehawk in a spectacular dark green that looked black in low light. That car stated 300 HP, but my Dad took me with him when he had it dynoed in the mid-1990s and his clocked in at 321 HP. I don't remember the torque number because at that time of my life I didn't understand what torque was.
That car was incredibly fun to ride in and eventually drive. We lived in Florida so we had the T-top open all of the time. Sadly, that car got rear ended when my parents were on a date and it totaled it out.
It was definitely a car of its time and a ton of fun.
My brother had a '94 Formula Firebird and that car was super fun, but I prefer the body style featured in this video as far as looks go. 275HP LT1, same as a Z-28 Camaro.
The third gens look way better than the 4th gens..they look like a jellybean…now the 98-02 ws6 transam is definitely the better looking of the 2 , 4th gens..being gen x I have a soft spot for the 89-92 irocs and trans ams and formula firebirds ..
@@toddprater14what ?
Awesome vid!
I dropped a ZZ4 into an 87 Z28 with a 5 speed that was originally equipped with an LG4. It walked away from everything. I mean EVERYTHING! I had an MSD 6AL to stop it from overrevving because the ZZ4 just never stopped pulling. And when I went in for emissions, it passed in 15 seconds. I remember the reps at the state shaking their head wondering how it passed so fast because the engine LOOKED stock and the original drivetrain wouldn't pass that easily. ZZ4 was incredible. And then the LS1 became a dime a dozen
I remember hearing a little about them as a teenager back then, but drove an 87 Grand Am because it was close to free. Great video, learned a ton.
4th gen video
Firehawk was my dream vehicle
The Firehawk and later Camaro SS SLP were a favorite of mine growing up. I had learned about the SLP Firehawk through the dealer that I would occasionally get parts from to build my 78 Firebird Formula only to fall in love with one sitting in their showroom floor. What a beastly car to say the very least about it. Wish I was able to afford one back in the day as I'd imagine they'd probably go for about 100k if they were taken care of and low miles. Please post a 4th gen version to commemorate these. Nicely done video bud, brought me back down memory lane.
I had an 1987 TransAm .... 'Fuel Injection' was badged on the door handle.
Funny thinking about that now.
It was a 5 Speed 305 bored 30 over, changed the rear, remapped chip, custom exhaust, deleted cat... and yeahhhh, it was still slow by today's standards. I still miss that car as it was fun to drive. A lead sled but I had a lot of fun with that car when I was young.
It was a nightmare if you ever got stuck in traffic because the clutch was so heavy.
If you owned one of these cars the biggest pain in the ass was constantly changing the trunk/ back glass gas struts and the trunk latch motor. I lost count how many of them I put in.
I also heard the fuel pump on the third gens is a nightmare to do
My boss (owner of the company) ordered 1992 Firehawk #11, waited months to get it, then traded it in about 7 years later with about 300 miles on it, without telling me. I wanted that car.
Great video.
The zf s6-40 is a beastly huge trans, i picked up one to put in my 3rd gen and SLP pulled a rabbit out of the hat making it work in a 3rd gen.
They should have used the Trans Am GTA as the base model. It was just so much better looking.
This body style with the ground effects and the lt1 ws6 are my fav body styles of the Firebird. I had a 97 ws6
Thanks for teaching me about the generations. My favorite dream cars or definitely mid to late 80s firebird and z28s so I'd really like to learn more if possible.
Glad you enjoyed! They are classics and finally starting to get the recognition they deserve!
Awesome job!!!
3500 pounds. 300 crank HP? Batten the hatches boys!
Did you actually watch the video? 3400 lbs and 350+
SLP said you were getting *at least* 350hp. They never said you were *only* getting 350hp.
Tire technology at the time couldn't deal with it very well. Firehawks in the IMSA Showroom Stock series were said to spin the tires on straightaways.
I worked as a baggage clerk growing up in Texas and now realize that my suburb had a unique affinity for rare special cars. A guy drove up in one of these in black and my jaw dropped. Once he knew that I knew what it was he just grinned and walked in the store(saw it often afterwards). Someone had the first gen M3, I remember the 924 new and that Chevy SS.
firehawk cars are definitly worthy cars...they made a g8 gxp firehawk too
The G8 is such an underrated car
Loved this car back in the day.
Y'all do videos on imports?
I had a 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4 once upon a time.
Rare car, awd, all wheel steering and turbo charged 4 door.
Freaking loved it
Pro tip:
When you're making a video about a particular vehicle, don't show video clips and photos of a different car because you'll confuse the hell out of a lot of people that don't know any better.
For example, you showed a '91 - '92 t-top Trans Am with Firehawk wheels and the Firehawk door decal numerous times. That was a clone or a tribute car because SLP never made a 3rd gen Firehawk with the Trans Am as the base, and all Firehawks were hardtops.
Yep. There's another video out there claiming the '82 Firebird was one of the 10 worst muscle cars of all time. But the picture for the video shows either a '91 or '92 Firebird which was a much better car.
Pontiac being under General Motors is like Texas being under the United States, yeah it is a part of it, but it is still it’s own unique entity. 👍👍😁😁
I'm not capable of scrolling past a keyword that reads Firehawk.
I've always loved the Firebird. My mother had one when I was a young child and I've always had a fondness for this car.
My boss's son had a mid 80's Fire Am that he got for payment on working on a Indy Car for the Indianapolis 500. He had it in a barn with his dad's 37 Rolls Royce. At the time i didn't have a car so his dad asked if it was ok for me to drive it while i was working for his Dad. I've driven a lot of fast cars this car was one of the loudest cars ive driven it had a manuel transmission with a crazy suspension. One of the fastest and unbelievably quick car. It took turns like you were driving straight at high-speeds. This story about the Firehawk brought back some great memories 🔥🔥🔥🔥
You could get a "performance" domestic car between 1975 and 1985 other than a Corvette but you needed $$$, time, and patience to deal with dealers and sales staff that just wanted to sell you what was on the lot. Example would be the 205hp 1980 Turbo Trans Am, the Camaro's 305 was only putting out 155hp. The extra 50 horses back then were really a big deal!
I sat at a light of a major intersection, and watched as a 4th-gen Toyota Supra Turbo raced a 4th-gen Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk, blowing past on the cross street. It was 2:00 am in the morning, and it was amazing to see.
Awesome, always loved the 3rd gen firehawk. I have slp parts fitted my one.
I have an 87 Formula 350 and I love it, but as my kids say "its kinda fast". The Firehawk as well as the turbo T/A just showed the potential of these cars and how silly GM brass was when they insisted that everything around the Vette get neutered instead of just making the vette the best no matter what. My car might not be fast so to speak but I get mid 20's mpg cruising and the WS6 suspension makes it a blast to drive.
360/400 hp/tq in 1991 was blinding!
My 5.0 was 225/300….when the 93 Camaro came out with 275hp and 6spd it was filthy!!!
There was a few folks with This Fhawk out there Hurting Feelings!
SLP Firehawk was definitely a nice ride...
But my V-6 mustang would eat it for lunch...
And before you laugh... I have blue plug-wires and a K&N air filter sticker 😳
side issue: folks may be wondering, "what's the big deal about an oil pan, anyway?" but it's one of four ways to get more power out of a gas or diesel engine. Cram more air and fuel into the engine, get more of it out, reduce the power loss to friction, and don't have a lake of oil for the crankshaft to swim through nor let it cling onto it. then performance driving adds another issue--gravitational force. Oil is like blood to an engine, and having G forces push the oil to one side of the oil pan away, and the oil pump has nothing but air to move around inside an engine. Controlling oil turns into both a performance advantage and a reliability issue.
Also, I might compare the Firehawk to the DKM's Macho TA package, only because Motion Performance was hoping to get a customer to add on other speed parts from their catalog, so it was a bit more bespoke.
You forgot about the Syclone/Typhoon, Grand National, and TTA, those also gapped C4’s in their day.
I remember being in high school & drooling over the SLP Firehawk.
That was awesome I want to hear more
4th gen vid 4th gen vid!!!!!
My favorite Pontiac car other than the Firebird Trans Am, is the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (the 90’-91’ version that had the V-6 24 overhead valve turbo engine with the ground effects kit).
in 84 gmc forced Pontiac to detune the fiero because it would out run the vette. just think in 85 a fiero with the 3800 supercharged engine from factory. I helped do a 3800 swap on a 85. it makes that car a wild ride
Yeah man I loved the 3rd gen’s !!! I had a 1990 Camaro RS and I installed sub-frame connectors and box tubular control arms with a adjustable pan hard rod then I added bilestein struts and shocks man that car could corner like a red head step child. And it only had a 305. What a great car
Please do a video on the 4th gen Firehawk! Great video!
I was in one that had a custom paint job, it was a purplish silver, would change color depending on how the light was hitting it, it was a pretty sweet car for the time, a kid in college I knew had one in 94,
Just awesome. I've heard of the firebird Firehawk
The 3rd gen eventually got my acceptance aftymy one friend who had gotten one new in 1992 and beat it every way but Sunday it was good looking, reliable, and just a great cruisers that if you did the maintenance. Great evening, great job and thanks for sharing this anomaly with me and my family/friends!
We had an 01 white with orange racing striped and badging SLP Camaro it truly was a beast for the early 2000s
Love the third gen myself, I grew up on Nightrider and even had the "Big wheel" once to prove my solidarity.
But really mom had gold '79 with the 403 as far back as I can remember, that shaker hood in my face.. I remember always trying to look over the top of that dash trying to watch it and listening to the exhaust notes with the windows down.. she always told me to sit down and put on my seatbelt. 😁
For what it is it was certainly the coolest car around to me at least at 4 or 5 years old.😎