The car voted as most similar in looks to the Batmobile by Auto Streetrader.
I want to tell you my secret. I thought the Trans Am and Firebird were different cars. Imagine my confusion researching this car. There's the standard Firebird, most if not all of which had the V6. The two trim levels you want are the Trans Am and the Formula. So, for example, you would be searching for a Pontiac Firebird Formula.
I know that sounds retarded to those of you who specifically love these cars but maybe I was justified not knowing. The two trim levels are basically different cars.
The 3.8l V6 is actually not horrible, producing 200 hp, but let's face it - that's like buying a V6 Mustang.
If this is CGI, I can't tell but the headlights look amazing like that.
The Formula and Trans Am versions both had the LT1 motor taken from the Corvette during years 1993 through 1997. In 1998, the V8 Firebirds got a refresh both in looks and performance. It now came with the LS1 from the newer Corvette.
GM didn't want the Firebird to compete with the Corvette so they restricted the airflow to the engine, bringing the LT1's specs down to 275 hp and about 300 lb-ft of torque. In 1996, the car got a less restrictive exhaust bringing its horsepower up to 285 and the torque to 325 lb-ft - respectable numbers.
I know what you're thinking and yes, it is super easy to get another 100 hp or so out of these cars with barely any modification. A better exhaust and intake will probably raise the power by 50 hp or so (that's being conservative). Do the headers, maybe bigger injectors... You got yourself a fast car.
Why are motors so pretty? This is an LS1 and if it's not, you can slap me.
This generation kept the live rear axle, of course, but 90% of the car's parts are new. The car initially came with standard dual airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, 16 in. rims, and a rack and pinion setup for power steering. You could get the optional 4-speed auto over the 6-speed manual.
All V8 cars came with a Borg Warner transmission standard. Starting in '95, the V6 was the only engine for a base Firebird. This means you had to buy a Firebird Formula or Firebird Trans-Am to get a V8. No wonder I thought it was a different car.
In '96, the V8s got that huge, iconic hood scoop that literally looks like two nostrils of a fire-breathing monster. Which is exactly what you can make this car. It's simple to work on and parts are readily available. Especially if you have the 1998 model or newer. The amount of aftermarket parts and the potential of the LS1 is huge.
That's the gist of this car. In my humble opinion, it's one of the better rear wheel drive, go-fast-in-a-straight-line car of the '90s. Humans as a species love the feeling of acceleration. It's a great feeling when you make those tires squeal but they have just enough traction to catch the asphalt and you are shoved into your seat as the smell of burnt rubber perfumes the perplexed drivers around you. I'm there going "F&#$ yeah man!" and everyone looks at me weird as a screaming V8 is seen far off in the distance, still producing a mighty orchestra of a sound (because it's got a catback exhaust...).
Unfortunately I don't work for Pontiac but if I did, I wouldn't actually have a job because they went out of business like five years ago... Yeah...
That was too easy, I'm sorry. I was going to say something about Pontiac having a catback option if I was there but again, they didn't want it to whoop the Camaro without at least a K&N air intake (that's a joke).
As far as aesthetics go, I don't think most people think it's ugly although some people really like the big hood scoops while others hate them. In my case, they grew on me. The car doesn't seem complete without those.
The car shares many parts with other GM cars and they should be inexpensive and easy to install. Okay, I really feel like I'm trying to sell you a Pontiac at this point but I swear I'm not, it's just... Good.
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