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Thread: Pontiac Firebird (1st gen) 1967-1969

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    Pontiac Firebird (1st gen) 1967-1969

    The Pontiac Firebird was an American automobile built by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, simultaneous with GM's Chevrolet division platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang.

    The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird 1950s and early 1960s concept cars.

    First generation (1967–1969)
    The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet.

    The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a single-barrel carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' second barrels from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.

    The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently replaced in 1968 by the Chevrolet 250 cu in (4.1 L) stroked 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines, the first developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a single-barrel carburetor, and the other the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 355 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered starting in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). Power output of the other engines was increased marginally.

    There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air III; these generated 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for SCCA road racing applications that was not available in production cars.

    The styling difference from the 1967 to the 1968 model was the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows were replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.

    In March 1969, a $1,083 optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.

    Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the all-new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.

    Source: Wikipedia
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-19-2020 at 11:20 PM.

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    Thanks smxi! You rock!
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lets Gekiga In View Post
    Thanks smxi! You rock!
    Ye, I know.

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    niceness! i love the early ones
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    and another one, shot at RM in August 2005 in Monterey.
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    Can somebody enlighten me on the difference between the Trans-am and the Firebird?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vaigra View Post
    Can somebody enlighten me on the difference between the Trans-am and the Firebird?
    Trans-Am was the name for a "performance and Appearance" package for the 1969 Firebird. I suppose that after that the name stuck as a trim level.

    You'll find more info here.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vaigra View Post
    Can somebody enlighten me on the difference between the Trans-am and the Firebird?
    It first came about for the 1969 Firebird as like a $700 option that got you a bunch of performance options like a cool little spoiler. Oh and the phoenix on the hood
    John says:
    so i had to dump acid into the block tank today
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    cause i got it on my hands

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    Quote Originally Posted by baddabang View Post
    It first came about for the 1969 Firebird as like a $700 option that got you a bunch of performance options like a cool little spoiler. Oh and the phoenix on the hood
    You gotta love the flaming chicken.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vaigra View Post
    Can somebody enlighten me on the difference between the Trans-am and the Firebird?
    In the last several years, the major difference between the Firebird and the Trans Am is the engine. Firebird had a 6 cyl, Trans am had a v8. Their is one more trim level called Firehawk. It had an upgraded v8, suspension, brakes, and was pretty exclusive.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sledgehammer View Post
    In the last several years, the major difference between the Firebird and the Trans Am is the engine. Firebird had a 6 cyl, Trans am had a v8. Their is one more trim level called Firehawk. It had an upgraded v8, suspension, brakes, and was pretty exclusive.
    Dont forget about the WS6.
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    Pontiac Firebird (1st gen) #2
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-19-2020 at 11:22 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sledgehammer View Post
    In the last several years, the major difference between the Firebird and the Trans Am is the engine. Firebird had a 6 cyl, Trans am had a v8. Their is one more trim level called Firehawk. It had an upgraded v8, suspension, brakes, and was pretty exclusive.
    I dont want to call you out, but the brakes were the same on the Trans Am.
    Firebird to Trans Am was more than just engine and drivetrain, it had upgraded swaybars, shocks, springs, bushings, brakes, wheels/tires, and interior. It was basically like going from a base model impreza to an STi.

    And for anyone who cares, the Firehawk was an SLP option, that would include shocks, hood, wheels, intake/exhaust, and a few interior tid bits.
    The WS.6 option was made by ASC, and included a fiberglass hood (stock was steel, and 10lbs heavier), wheels/tires, exhaust, and I think sway bars.
    There was also a super rare "1LE" option that gave fbodies a completely retuned suspension.

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    Pontiac Firebird (1st gen) #3
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-19-2020 at 11:22 PM.
    Tran Am's Rule

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    Pontiac Firebird (1st gen) #4
    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-19-2020 at 11:23 PM.

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