1982-1985 Pontiac Firebird
The 1982 Firebird changed dramatically since 1981. The headlights were now hidden in the front and the car came in three differnet styles: base, luxury-oriented S/E and Trans Am. The base model came with a 2.5 liter inline four making 90 HP, it was known as the "iron Duke". The S/E had a 2.8 liter V6 breathing through a two-barrel carburetor making 105 Hp. The Trans am had a 5.0 liter V8 (optional in the base and S/E) making 145 HP. All three were available in a four speed manual or a three speed automatic. Consumers could also opt for the "cross-fire injection" version of the 5.0. It used throttle body injection and made around 165 HP, a slight increase. The third generation Firebirds were known for their tight handling.
In 1983, nothing changed besides some specs on the motor. The 2.8 liter S/E V6 was improved and now made 125 HP, the S/E was also available in a five-speed manual. Late in the year, the 5.0 V8 had a new option, the "L69" motor which gave out 190 HP, better than the original.
In 1984 the firebird was changed minimally and the L69 mtotr expanded. The 15th anniversary Trans Am was offered that had new, special front seats, and a white and blue trim on the exterior of the car.
The 1985 Firebird was upgraded to look more aggressive, the headlights and nose were changed along with longer rocker and quarter panels. The WS6 Trans am was a new style of car equipped with 16-inch wheels and came stock with Goodyear "gatorback" tires. 85' was the first year that Tuned Port Injection came out, backed by a 5.0 liter motor that produced 205 HP.
1986-1988
1986 was a year of not many changes other than a modification to the rear window. They intalled a stop light on the top of the window.
1987 Firebird. The Trans Am now had the option to be equipped with a TPI (Tuned Port Injection) 5.7 liter V8, it was also available in the Formula 350 which was brought back. The 5.7 was rated at 215 HP and had an incredible amount of torque and stability making consumers favor it greatly. The motor had to be paired with a four speed automatic though it was also available with a five speed manual. The Trans am GTA was also new this year.
New steering wheels, radios, wheels, and a hatchback style for the GTA were all new in 1988. The 5.0 was rennovated and now gave off 170 HP. Not many important improvements in 88'.
1989-1992
1989 was the 20th anniversary of the Trans Am, so they made a car to go with it. The 20th Anniversary Firebird was an amazing sight. It had a turbo charged 3.8 L high output V6 engine. There were modifications to the cylinder heads and it was rated at 250 HP. The quickest factory Firebird that Pontiac made.
The 1990 Firebird was very familiar and had the same stats as the previous year.
In 1991 the front end of the Firebird was changed so it now has a V-shaped front bumper and was available as a convertible or just a regular coupe.
Again the 1991 and 1992 were practically the same. They upgraded the Tuned Port Injection 5 L V8 so it was rated at 230 HP.