The Trans Am TimeLine (1969-1997)

This section of the Source Page traces the evolution of Pontiac’s performance flagship F-Body, the Trans Am (T/A). From its not-so-humble beginnings in 1969, the T/A has always been the pinnacle of Pontiac F-Body performance, even up to today’s latest 2000 Ram Air models.


Since each model year has played its own part in the overall story of the T/A, this section will take a look at each year to see the innovations that were introduced, discontinued, or otherwise changed to bring the T/A to where it is today: at the forefront in modern sports coupe performance circles.


Who knows.....? You might even learn something that you didn’t know before about these cars. So, let’s take a little journey back into the T/A's distant..... and recent past, shall we.....? C'mon, it’ll be fun!


  • Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show on March 8, 1969 - available for purchase April, 1969

  • Previewed to the press in December, 1968

  • Prototype car was not white/blue, but silver (with no stripes) in color

  • Originally designed to house a 303 c.i. engine, the production cars all sported 400 c.i. engines instead

  • L-74 Ram Air 400 engine (335 HP) standard; Ram Air IV (345 HP) optional

  • Performance time: 14.10 seconds @100.78 mph (quarter-mile)

  • 697 total units built, 8 of which were Ram Air 400 convertibles


  • Debuted again at the Chicago Auto Show on February 26, 1970

  • First year for color option: Cameo White w/ blue stripe or Lucerne Blue w/ white stripe

  • Engine lineup remained the same: 335 HP L-74 or 345 HP LS-1 (Ram Air IV)

  • LS-1 engine required use of a Special Equipment Order form, not an RPO

  • First year for the now-famous “shaker” hood scoop

  • Suspension advances introduced, including the use of front and rear stabilizer bars to improve handling and response

  • Performance time: 14.25 seconds @100.92 mph (quarter-mile)

  • 3,196 total units built, 88 of which were Ram Air IV cars


  • New powerplant for the T/A: the 335 (net) HP LS-5 455 HO

  • Compression ratio lowered for use with regular fuel to 8.5:1 from the 10.25-.75 of previous years

  • First use of the polycast “Honeycomb” rims as standard equipment on the T/A

  • T/A the only Firebird model not to use the dummy “fender louvers”, instead staying with the standard air extractor

  • New, Vega-derived high-back bucket seats introduced

  • 2,116 total units built, 885 of which were four-speed M/T cars


  • Powerplant again was the 455 HO, rated at 300 HP

  • Rally II wheel now standard equipment, along with the close-ratio four-speed M/T

  • Still only two colors available: White or Blue

  • Performance time: 14.3 seconds @ 98 mph (quarter-mile)

  • Only 1,286 total units built (458 M/T cars), due in part to flagging public opinions on performance cars

  • Norwood, Ohio UAW strike crippled production as well, shutting down the Firebird plant for 174 days


  • Two images for you: “Screaming Chicken” and “SD-455”......

  • First year for the Firebird large hood decal, introduced as an option on the T/A

  • T/A color palette expanded from Cameo White to include Buccaneer Red and Brewster Green, but Lucerne Blue is D/C

  • Standard powerplant is the L-75 455 engine, rated at 250 HP; compression is down to 8.0:1

  • The Super Duty 455 is introduced in the spring of 1973, quite possibly the greatest powerplant ever to sit in a Firebird’s engine bay

  • Rated at 310 hp, the SD doesn’t reach customers until July 1973, amid bickering at Pontiac

  • Performance time: 13.54 seconds @ 103.56 mph (quarter-mile, SD-455)

  • 4,802 total units built, of which 252 were SD-455 T/As; only 72 of these cars were M/T-equipped


  • First exterior update for the second-generation T/As; new panels made from urethane foam with black “bumper” pads added for impact protection both front and rear

  • T/A color palette shifted around again: Cameo White, Buccaneer Red, and Admiralty Blue..... Brewster Green..... RIP

  • Base engine this year is the 225 hp L-78 400 , with the L-75 and LS-2 455s optional

  • The L-75 455 was rated at 250 hp, whereas the LS-2 SD455 was derated to 290 hp

  • Introduction of the HEI ignition for 400 c.i. and non-SD 455 c.i. Firebirds; the Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) was also adopted for all Firebirds, as GM specified radial tires for use on all its cars in 1974

  • In mid-1974, both 455 c.i. engines are “quietly” dropped from the Firebird option list

  • Total T/A production soars to 10,259 units, of which 943 were SD-455 cars


  • The T/As exterior appearance remained basically unchanged, but the rear window glass was enlarged to a one-piece wraparound unit

  • Firebird speedometers registered in kilometers (km) for the first time, and catalytic converters are made standard across the Firebird lineup

  • T/A color palette changed again: Cameo White, Buccaneer Red, Stellar Blue (replacing Admiralty Blue), and Sterling Silver

  • Only engine offered initially for 1974 was the L-78 400, offering up a scant 185 hp; with its increased higher axle ratios, the T/As performance dropped considerably

  • Public protest prompted the return of the 455 HO; announced on April 25, 1975, the engine was available in cars built after May 1, 1975 except those destined for California

  • The 455 HO (actually the regular Pontiac “big car” engine) brought to bat an even 200 hp; offered as a performance package, the 455 also included a four-barrel carburetor, semi-metallic brakes, four-speed M/T, a 3.23 axle ratio, and dual exhaust splitters

  • Performance times: 0-60 mph @ 11.2 seconds -- 17.9 seconds @ 79.36 mph (quarter-mile, 455 HO)

  • 1975 production again increased to 27,274, of which 857 units were 455 HO-equipped


  • New front and rear styling for the 1976 T/As did away with the black “bumpers” for a more fully integrated appearance

  • Regular T/A colors for 1976 included : Cameo White, Firethorn Red, Sterling Silver, Carousel Red, and Goldenrod Yellow

  • Once again, the L-78 400 c.i. engine was the T/A standard with 185 hp; the 455 HO engine package with 200 hp was available as an option, again except for California buyers

  • Biggest news in 1976: the 1976 Limited Edition T/A, which was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1976

  • First in a long line of black/gold editions, the 1976 LE T/A featured a Starlight Black finish with gold decals and accents across the entire body of the car; it was promoted as a commemorative model in conjunction with Pontiac’s 50th Anniversary

  • Originally projected at 2,500 units, the total number turned out to be 2,590, of which 429 cars were built with the 455 HO package

  • Production was not started until April 1976, as problems with the Hurst T-top conversion stalled production more than once; the conversion was not a smooth one and only 643 cars ended up with the tops installed

  • Performance times: 0-60 mph @ 8.8 seconds, 16.35 seconds @ 86.75 (quarter-mile, 455 HO)

  • Total T/A production reached 47,604 units, of which 7,528 cars were built with the 455 HO package (including the 429 LE T/As)


  • 1977 marked again another restyle for the T/A nose , this time doing away with the singular round headlamps in favor of a new quad design

  • Trans Am colors for this year included: Cameo White, Sterling Silver, Starlight Black, Goldenrod Yellow, Brentwood Brown, and Buccaneer Red

  • First year for the famous “Snowflake” wheels, an option for the T/A; the polycast “Honeycomb” rims dating from 1971 are D/C

  • Powerplants are again shuffled: the 455HO is gone (for good this time), and is replaced by the L78 400 c.i. V8.... in regular (180 hp) and W72 (200 hp) variants

  • California T/As are limited to the L80 Oldsmobile 403 c.i. engine, rated at 180 hp

  • The black/gold scheme continues on the T/A, now called the Special Edition T/A; Y-82 cars have the Hurst T-tops, whereas Y-81 cars are hardtop coupes

  • This years also marks the appearance of the big screen feature “Smokey and the Bandit”..... virtually immortalizing the S/E-model T/A and positively impacting sales for years to come

  • Performance times: 0-60 mph @ 9.3 seconds, 16.30 seconds @ 82.0 mph (quarter-mile, W72 400 c.i. V8)

  • T/A production climbs again to 68,744 units, of which 15,564 are S/E models


  • 1978 was mainly a year of refinements and reshuffling in the T/A lineup, with a few new entries thrown in for good measure

  • Powerplants remained the same, save for a 20 HP bump for the W72 400 due to a slight compression increase; the L80 403 c.i. remains the only California powerplant

  • The S/E cars return for 1978, but only with T-tops; the Ohio-built cars are coded Y82, whereas the California-built units are coded Y84 (the CA cars are ten (10) times more rare today.....)

  • T-tops were shuffled as well, with the Hurst hatches continuing in use, but joined by a new, larger design from Fisher Body; unfortunately, buyers could not specify which type was installed on their car

  • The T/A color palette included Cameo White, Mayan Red, Sundance Yellow, Solar Gold, Martinique Blue, and Starlight Black

  • Mid-1978 marks the introduction of the Gold S/E Trans Am (Y88); the color scheme was reversed to feature the new Solar Gold color with black accents

  • The Gold S/E was popular, but short lived; paint matching problems were experienced between the water-based paint used in CA and the solvent-based hues used in OH

  • The “regular” back/gold SE (Y84) returned in the spring of 1978, giving buyers an unusual choice of colors for the remainder of the model year

  • Also notable for 1978 was the introduction of the WS6 Trans Am “Special Performance Package”, consisting of 15 x 8 snowflake rims, specific shock and spring rates, faster steering, and 225/70R-15 radial tires

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 6.5 seconds, 15.3 seconds @ 95.5 mph (quarter-mile, W72 400 c.i. V8 w/ four-speed manual)

  • Total T/A production reached 93,341 units for the year; 12,301 were S/E models, including 8,666 Y84 Gold S/E cars


  • 1979 marked the final exterior update for the second-generation T/As

  • The ‘79-’81 cars were originally scheduled to have the hidden headlamps introduced on the third-generation cars

  • The color palette for the ‘79 TA included: Cameo White, Mayan Red, Nocturne Blue, Sundance Yellow, Solar Gold, Atlantis Blue, and Starlight Black

  • The rage for 1979 was the first of the “Anniversary” T/As..... the 1979 Tenth (10th) Anniversary T/A, introduced on February 1, 1979

  • Featured as the Pace Car for the 1979 Daytona 500 NASCAR race, the Tenth T/A was limited to a production run of 7,500 units

  • This year marked the last for the twin “big boys”, the 400 and 403 engines; the 403 was the standard engine for the T/A , with the 400 being a rare option and requiring the four-speed manual transmission and the WS6 performance package

  • The 400 c.i. engines were actually carried over from the previous year, as their production was halted at the end of the ‘78 model run; the engines were stockpiled and installed in 1979 models until the supply was exhausted, supposedly in early Spring 1979

  • Optional for the first time in the T/A was the L37 301 V8

  • Four-wheel disc brakes became a part of the WS6 suspension package for the first time

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 6.7 seconds, 15.3 seconds @ 96.6 mph (quarter-mile, W72 400 c.i. V8)

  • The production total for 1979 soared to 141,307 units, far and away the record to date; of these 7500 were Tenth Anniversary cars and 35,753 were S/E models


  • 1980 marked the first drop in production in eight (8) model years..... and the T/A took the biggest hit

  • Powerplants were radically shuffled this year, with the Chevy LG4 5.0L V8 being the largest engine available

  • Biggest news was the addition of the LU8 4.9L Turbocharged V8, available in the Formula and the T/A..... everywhere except, you guessed it, California

  • Rated at 210 hp and 345 lb/ft of torque, the Turbo T/A had the numbers on paper, but real-world performance lagged far behind the previous year's 400 c.i. numbers

  • In styling, the Turbo V8 required the use of a new hood with an offset hood "blister", as well as a newly-designed "chicken" decal complete with a new, much larger "flame" licking up onto the hood bulge

  • The regular 4.9L and 5.0L T/As continued with the "shaker hood and scoop" setup of the previous years

  • The color chart for the 1980 included: Cameo White, Platinum Silver, Starlight Black, Tahoe Blue, Solar Gold, Tahitian Yellow, Francisco Red, Montreux Maroon, Carousel Red, Fiero Bronze, and Ontario Gray

  • The T/A ushered in the new decade of Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars, being chose as the Pace Car for the 64th annual Race on May 25, 1980; the cars were actually able to pace the racing field with only the A/C equipment removed for under the hood..... with the proper gearing, the Turbo V8 would propel the cars to 142 mph

  • Again produced in smaller numbers, the Indy 500 Turbo T/A was limited to a production run of 5,700 units

  • Also new this year was the introduction of the Turbo-Flow aluminum wheels first seen on the 1979 Tenth Anniversary T/A; these wheels were made by the Appliance Wheel Company

  • Initially these wheels were N/A in California either, but public protest prompted a mid-year option making them available on WS6 5.0L T/As

  • 1980 also marked the first year that no Firebird models were available with a manual transmission; all cars were THM350-equipped

  • The Y84 Special Edition was still available this year, checking in at $748 for a hardtop and $1,443 for a T-top coupe

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 9.8 seconds, 16.5 seconds @ 96.6 mph (quarter-mile, LU8 Turbo V8)

  • T/A production for 1980 spiraled back down by some 90,000 to 50,781 total units; as mentioned, there were 5,700 Indy 500 Pace Cars and 6,063 of the total were S/E models


  • 1981 marked the final year for the second-generation T/A, and changes to the model line were minimal

  • Decals were restyled this year, with the hood bird and accompanying decals switching from the previous five-color design to a two-color design without the gold accent stripe

  • The final second-gen year colors included: White, Silver Metallic, Black, Bright Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Gold Metallic, Yellow, Orange Metallic, Dark Brown Metallic, Bright Red, Dark Maroon Metallic, and Dark Charcoal Metallic

  • Never one to pass up a pace car opportunity, Pontiac introduced the NASCAR Turbo T/A in February of 1981..... at $12,244

  • Virtually identical to the previous year's Indy Pace Car, the '81 NASCAR T/A used a white/black color scheme coupled with a unique red/black interior complete with Recaro seats

  • Used as a Pace Car on the NASCAR circuit, this model was limited to a run of 2,000 copies..... a highly-sought-after collectible today

  • Again, the LU8 Turbo 4.9L V8 (200 hp, due to a compression drop) was the top engine choice in the T/A, but the LG4 5.0L was the only '81 powerplant to offer a manual transmission..... the Borg/Warner T-10

  • Fresh off a second appearance on the "Big Screen" in "Smokey and the Bandit II", the Special Edition Turbo T/A was marketed as a separate model in 1981..... at $12,623; the other T/A powerplants were also available in the S/E T/A at a lesser cost

  • 1981 marked the first use of GM's Computer Command Control; this feature was standard on all the engines available in the T/A

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 8.7 seconds, 16.00 seconds @ 85.8 mph (quarter-mile, LU8 Turbo 4.9L V8)

  • The production total for 1981 plummeted yet again to 33,493 units; of which there were the 2,000 NASCAR Pace Cars and 5,263 S/E T/A models


  • The new third generation Firebirds and Trans Ams arrived on January 14, 1982; the model line was pared to the base Firebird, the Firebird S/E, and the Trans Am

  • Radically restyled, the T/A now sported a sleek, aero shape that registered some of the lowest .Cd numbers ever registered up to that time..... some models recorded as low as .029 Cd in wind tunnel tests

  • Largest available powerplant (standard in the T/A) was the 5.0L “corporate” GM engine, in either carbureted or throttle-body “Cross-Fire” fuel injection; horsepower ratings were 150 for the four barrel version and 165 for the TBI engine

  • Originally, Pontiac planned to use the Turbo 4.9L engine from 1980-81 with revisions, and some pre-production photos of the new car featured the “Turbo T/A” engine callouts

  • The four-speed manual transmission returned on the four-barrel engine, but was N/A on a TBI car; the automatic was optional for both powerplants

  • First appearance of the “WS-7” suspension package; basically the WS-6 minus the rear disc brakes, this change was necessitated due to the increased demand for WS-6 cars

  • In fact, there was only a ten-day period when both the WS-6 packages and the TBI engines (a late year arrival) were installed in the same cars

  • The black/gold edition of the T/A returned as well, coupled with the popular Recaro seats; a limited availability option.... only some 2000 cars were built in 1982..... at a $2,486 (5.0L 4bbl) or a $2,968 (5.0L TBI) premium to the buyer.....

  • Leather seating surfaces were available (part of optional B20 luxury group) for the entire Firebird line; the only prior use was in the 1979 Tenth Anniversary T/A..... these seats were an $844 option on T/As

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 9.2 seconds, 17.0 seconds @ 80.5 mph (quarter-mile) Engine: 5.0L TBI V8

  • Trans Am production for 1982 rose markedly to 52,960 units, a substantial jump from the previous year’s totals; this figure included the 2,000 Recaro T/As as well


  • 1983 marked the first year of improvements for the still new-and-flashy T/A line; several additions and revisions were made, both mechanical and otherwise, as well as a couple new “models”.....

  • Biggest mechanical news was the addition of the “overdrive twins”..... the new MM5 five-speed manual and the MXO four-speed automatic overdrive transmissions

  • Standard powerplant remained the 5.0L four barrel V8, with the 5.0L TBI engine checked as an $831 option; the new five-speed manual transmission was standard fare in the T/A..... adios four-speed “box”

  • November 1, 1982 marked the introduction of the 1983 25th Anniversary Daytona 500 Limited Edition T/A; limited to a run of 2,500 cars, this was the first third-generation T/A to sport an “aero” body kit

  • Also released on the same date was the second “model”..... the Recaro seat option was greatly amplified and marketed as the Recaro Special Edition T/A; the package content was quite complete and included specific graphics and other items both inside the car and out, including the first use of the famous “venetian blind” hood bulge decal

  • The Recaro T/A carried a stiff $3,160 (5.0L / 4 bbl.) penalty; buyers who selected the 5.0L TBI T/A engine were hit with a $3,610 tab for all the “Recaro goodies”

  • June 10, 1983 brought the introduction of the 5.0L HO engine in the T/A; rated at 190 hp, the engine was basically a “package option” with many other features tacked on as well

  • Other features of the HO package included the WS6 suspension package, the MM5 manual transmission, and a 3.73 rear axle ratio; specific suspension pieces and tuning were also part of the package

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 7.9 seconds, 16.1 seconds @ 85.0 mph (quarter-mile) Engine: 5.0L HO V8

  • T/A production for 1983 dropped to 31, 930 units, a drop of some 20,000 units over the previous year


  • 1984 marked the fifteenth (15th) anniversary for the T/A..... naturally, Pontiac didn’t disappoint the faithful masses......

  • Powerplants remained limited to five liters (5.0L), with the base engine checking in at 150 hp and the 5.0L HO motor showing 190 hp; the TBI “CrossFire” engine was dropped from the books for 1984

  • For the first time, an optional aero package could be ordered for any T/A for $199 extra; it was a no-cost feature in the Y84 Special Edition Recaro T/A package

  • Again available in only black/gold, the Recaro T/A featured full leather trimmed seats for the first time as part of its luxury interior; the price for the package was, however, reduced to $1,621

  • 1984 also was the first year that the “Trans Am” logo was applied to the rear bumper on the RH side

  • Wheel design were again shifted as the finned 15” wheels lost their aero covers this year; the standard wheel was a deep-dish high-tech aero design, with the finned cast aluminum wheels a no-cost option

  • First seen in October 1984, the 15th Anniversary T/A was the second in the line of famous “anniversary cars”; produced in very limited quantities (1,500), the 15th T/A was the ultimate 1984 T/A

  • The 15th T/A featured virtually every option in the books; the 5.0L HO was the standard powerplant; priced at $3,499 more than a regular WS6 T/A, most cars went out the door with @ a $17,500 sticker price

  • Mechanically, this model was the first F-Body to sport 16” wheels and tires; the VR50 Goodyear “Gatorback” tires were used on 16” white “flush” high-tech aero wheels; some tests complained that the suspension was not up to the level of the tire/wheel combo

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 7.8 seconds, 16.2 seconds @ 86 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.0L HO V8

  • T/A production for 1984 rebounded to 55,374 total units, including the 1,500 Anniversary cars


  • 1985 marked the first major “restyle” for the third generation T/A; both the interior and exterior of the car were treated to a thorough makeover

  • The aero panels were made standard fare on the T/A and were much more integrated into the car’s design; the hood was new and featured “louvers” and “extractors’ front and rear, replacing the former asymmetrical “power bulge” found through 1984

  • Another exterior feature was the newly designed front fog lamps in the lower front fascia; likewise the rear end got a new treatment as well, featuring neutral density tail lamps replacing the previous “louvered” look

  • The interior was also all new, featuring a softer, kinder appearance over the stark, hardened effect of the previous years; everything from the dash layout to the door panels got a thorough update

  • Standard powerplant was still the four-barrel 5.0L, but a new engine came on line: the LB9 5.0L Tuned-Port-Injected V8; borrowing the then-new injection system from the Chevy Corvette, the new engine brought 205 hp to bat in 1985

  • The other optional T/A engine was still the 190 hp, L69 5.0L HO, coupled with the MM5 manual transmission only; the new fuel-injected V8 was available only teamed with the automatic

  • The WS6 package was also upgraded with beefier pinnings, whereas the “old” WS6 settings became the T/A-standard Y99 package; the new WS6 setup utilized 16” wheels and tires for the first time

  • This year marked the first appearance of the third-generation T/A in a monochromatic paint scheme (a credit delete option); this look was especially appealing on cars with the new-for-1985 “AeroWing” rear spoiler

  • T/A wheels were again shuffled, with 1985 being the year of the high-tech turbo aluminum wheel in both 15” (deep-dish) and 16” (flush-face) diameters; a no-cost option on the T/A was a new diamond-spoke design, a wheel which would see major applications in the future

  • The T/A had no separate Recaro model option for 1985, although the Recaro seats were available as a separate option, along with the Lear Siegler custom front bucket seats as well

  • No factory limited edition T/As were built for 1985, but there was an official Daytona 500 Pace Car for that year; a two-tone white and charcoal color, the car featured a special hood bird decal and all the appropriate lettering and graphics

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 7.6 seconds, 15.6 seconds @ 87 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.0L L69 HO V8

  • 0 to 60 mph @ 7.79 seconds, 16.07 seconds @ 84.5 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.0L LB9 TPI V8


  • Production for 1985 clocked in at 44,028 units..... a bit down from the previous year’s totals, but still respectable


  • For the T/A, the 1986 model year was basically, the year of the brake light......

  • Federal regulations mandated the use of a center mounted stop lamp on all 1986 model US cars, and the T/A got one too...... right in the middle of its hatchback glass

  • Basically a year of minor changes and adjustments after the previous year’s overhaul; the T/A still received some worthwhile updates

  • 1986 was the first year for the basecoat/clearcoat paint system on the T/A, providing a more luxurious and longer-lasting exterior finish; a total of thirteen colors were available for the top Firebird model

  • Some interior additions included the use of new back-lit graphics on the instrument panel, a new electronic day/night rear view mirror, and the use of a new 140 mph speedometer on TPI-equipped cars

  • Standard engine was the 160 hp, 5.0L 4bbl V8; the LB9 TPI V8 was optional at 190 hp, derated due to emissions regulations, whereas the L69 5.0L HO was dropped soon after the start of the model year

  • Transmission selection was either manual or automatic on the base engine, and automatic only on the TPI motor

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 8.2 seconds, 16.23 seconds @ 87 mph (quarter mile)
    Engine: 5.0L TPI V8

  • T/A production rebounded to 48,870 units in 1986, a slight increase over the previous season


  • 1987 brought with it the first real return of performance: the L98 5.7L TPI V8 engine...... and, along with it, a new model: the Trans Am GTA

  • Available as an option on the T/A, the GTA brought to bat the 5.7L engine as standard equipment, as well as the WS6 suspension package, and a list of other performance upgrades; the exterior likewise was exclusive to the model as well: a monochromatic exterior scheme contrasted by gold accents, including the wheels

  • The T/A came with the base 5.0L TBI V8, rated at 160 hp; optional were the 205 hp 5.0L TPI and the 210 hp 5.7L TPI "twins".....

  • Manual transmissions were limited to the smaller V8 engines; the big 5.7L V8 was offered with the automatic only

  • A mid-year option on the T/A was the Ultima articulatng bucket seats; these were standard on the GTA models; the basic interior configuration continued as before

  • Wheels were again shuffled on the T/As..... standard was still the 15” high tech wheel, but the previous 16” flush “aero” wheels were dropped in favor of a new deep-dish, high-tech aero design; also optional were the 16” diamond-spoke aluminum rims

  • The 1987 model year marked the last year the Firebird models were produced at the plant in Norwood, OH; it was closed in August 1987, leaving only the Van Nuys, CA plant in production

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 6.8 seconds, 15.10 seconds @ 92 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.7L TPI V8

  • Overall T/A production in 1987 clocked in at 32,875 units, including 9,481 Trans Am GTA models


  • 1988 saw continued refinement in the T/A line, as option packages and standard equipment levels alike were thoroughly shuffled; the GTA remained optional for the T/A, although it was touted more as a separate model
  • This was the first popular year for two future option “mainstays” on the T/A: the monochromatic paint scheme and the diamond-spoke aluminum wheels
  • The GTA model was fully contented for 1988; the only options were exterior color, engine selection, T-tops, leather trimmed seats, and the digital dash package
  • Standard powerplant for the T/A remained the 5.0L TBI engine; the 5.0L TPI received a power boost for this year: manual-equipped cars got a “hotter” camshaft and were rated at 215 hp, whereas the automatic cars were rated at 190 hp
  • Still standard in the GTA and optional for the T/A was the 225 hp L98 5.7L TPI engine; it remained teamed with the 700R-4 overdrive automatic
  • New for the GTA was a new Notchback rear decklid treatment; available after December 1987, the new decklid transformed the car’s stance and gave the appearance of a “fastback” styled rear end
  • Also new for the T/A in 1988 was the availability of the 1LE Performance Package, a unique suspension package that transformed cars equipped with it into road-ready, street-legal autocross racing cars; only three (3) T/As left the factory so equipped in 1988
  • Performance times: 0-60 mph @ 7.1 seconds, 15.5 seconds @ 85 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.7L TPI V8
  • 1988 production spiraled down to a total of 18,558 units, including 9,765 GTA models

  • 1989 was yet another anniversary year for the T/A, and, naturally, Pontiac didn’t disappoint; the Twentieth (20th) Anniversary T/A was released in a limited run of 1,555 units

  • Based on the GTA model, the 20th T/A sported a Pontiac-massaged version of the famous Buick 3.8L V6 Turbo engine from the recently departed Buick Regal Grand National; with a laughingly listed output of 250 hp, these cars were the fastest T/As since the days of the SD455

  • The other T/A models..... base Trans Am, and the GTA..... soldiered on with only minor changes for the year; for example, WS6 cars received new ZR-rated Goodyear Gatorbacks, instead of the previous season’s VR-rated tires

  • 1989 marked the first year that a CD-equipped stereo was available in the T/A; the GTAs with this unit did not use the steering wheel radio controls, but instead used the standard T/A leather-wrapped wheel

  • The GTA’s Notchback option was cancelled before the start of production in 1989, ensuring that it would become a rare option due to its single year of availability

  • The N10 dual converter exhaust option first appeared this year for 5.0L cars with the five-speed transmission, and for the 5.7L engine as well; utilizing two separate catalytic converters forward of the mufflers, this option added ten (10) hp due to the decreased backpressure in the exhaust system

  • Again, the 5.0L TBI, in uprated 170 hp form, was the standard engine in the T/A; the TPI engines were optional; power ratings were inched upwards this year once again

  • The 5.0L TPI engine was rated at 190 hp with the automatic, but the addition of the five-speed transmission and its required dual converters jumped the output up to 225 hp; the GTAs standard 5.7L engine sported 235 hp with the dual converters, and 225 hp with the single exhaust

  • The 1LE Performance Package was again available; twenty-six (26) units were built; all the Anniversary T/As were also built to 1LE specifications as well

  • Performance times: 0-60 mph @ 6.72 seconds, 15.64 seconds @ 92.8 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.0L TPI V8

  • 0-60 mph @ 6.44 seconds, 15.13 seconds @ 94.3 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 5.7L TPI V8


    0-60 mph @ 5.5 seconds, 13.5 seconds @ 100 mph (quarter-mile)
    Engine: 3.8L V6 Turbo

  • Production in 1989 slipped again to 15,717 units, including the 1,555 Anniversary T/As and 8,435 GTA models


  • The 1990 T/A introduced several new features to the line, including the first use of a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, a.k.a. the ubiquitous "airbag", in the Firebird line

  • The instrument panel accessory switches were also redesigned and their mounting panels were cleaned up; the difficulty of operation was one subject Pontiac had received a lot of input on

  • The T/A "dispatched" the 5.0L TBI V8 in 1990, and the 5.0L TPI engine was the standard offering, with the GTA’s 5.7L TPI being the only optional powerplant

  • Power numbers were again revised on the 5.0L engine; the automatic-equipped cars were rated at 200 hp, whereas the five-speed models were listed at 225 hp for the 5.0L TPI engine

  • Again, the N10 dual converter exhaust system was standard on both the five-speed 5.0L cars and the 5.7L TPI engines as well

  • Engine management systems were changed as well this year; a new Speed Density system replaced the previous Mass Air Flow air/fuel metering system on TPI-equipped cars

  • The 1LE package remained available for 1990, but only four (4) units were built

  • Performance times: Not Available (N/A)

  • T/A production plummeted below the previous year’s total with only 1,938 total units built; this figure included 884 GTA models; the short model year played a part in the total number as well, as the cars were really only offered for half the normal model year


  • 1991 brought about the last facelift for the third-generation cars; inspired by the Banshee show car of 1988, the 1991 T/As were unique, to say the least

  • Also improved were Pontiac’s construction methods; new adhesives were used to complement the body welds during the car’s assembly, producing the “tightest” third-generation car to date

  • The revised aero package was for the first time semi-functional; the front fascia featured ducts to channel air to the front brakes for cooling

  • The standard T/A 5.0L TPI engine received a 5 hp boost to 205 hp with the automatic and 230 hp with the five-speed manual transmission; the optional 5.7L TPI engine received a similar boost to 240 hp

  • For the first time in the T/A and GTA, the removable hatch roof was N/A with the 5.7L engine; only 5.0L cars were permitted to have this option

  • A new requirement for the top TPI engines in the T/A and GTA was the Performance Enhancement Group; this grouped the previously optional dual converter exhaust with the engine oil cooler and the performance axle ratio

  • Also available was a new Performance Axle Ratio package, featuring the performance axle ratio, aluminum propshaft, specific fuel tank with high wall reservoirs, specific fuel sender, wide-strainer fuel pump, and specific 12-inch front disc brakes but it was not available with A/C; this package featured some of the components of the 1LE Showroom Stock package, which was also still available...... sixty-two (62) 1LE T/As were built for 1991

  • The GTA model retained its fully contented status, albeit at a stiff price.....$24,530; base price for the standard T/A was $17,530

  • T/A standard underpinnings were an upgraded F41 package and, for the first time, standard 16-inch wheels and tires; the WS6 Performance Package was still optional, with its P245-50ZR/16 performance Goodyear tires

  • SLP Performance Engineering made its first official appearance in 1991; a dealer-ordered package, the SLP kit featured new performance parts engineered for maximum performance from the TPI engines.....claimed power increases amounted to 50 hp across the board on cars equipped with the performance kit

  • Also returning to the line for the first time since 1969 on a “factory” basis was the T/A Convertible; the T/A was available in 5.0L TPI trim only, the big 5.7L engine was not offered

  • Total convertible production for the year was 950 Firebird convertibles and 555 T/A convertibles; the Formula and GTA models were not offered as “droptops”

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 6.36 seconds, 14.86 seconds @ 96.07 mph (quarter-mile)

  • Engine: 5.7L TPI V8

    0 to 60 mph @ 7.0 seconds, 15.4 seconds @ 91.3 mph (quarter-mile)


  • Engine: 5.0L TPI V8 (five-speed manual)

  • Production for 1991 benefited from the extended production year; a total of 7,034 T/As were built for the year, including the 555 convertibles and 2,035 GTA models


  • For 1992, the T/A line was basically a carry-over; the main changes were cosmetic..... new body colors, new interior colors, etc.

  • The previous year’s structural improvements were expanded to include more insulation in the doors, dash, and rear hatch areas to further improve the car’s structural integrity

  • Again standard was the 5.0L TPI engine, with the Performance Enhancement Group standard on manual-equipped 230 hp 5.0L TPI and all 240 hp 5.7L TPI models

  • This year, the T/A got a different gold “GTA” wheel and body decal option, but the standard equipment list was as before

  • The GTA got a new Beige interior color option, replacing the previously used Camel; several new colors were also added to the model, including Jamaica Yellow; the standard equipment list was the same as previous years

  • Unfortunately, the retail prices were not: the T/A listed for $18,105 (coupe) and $23,875 (convertible), whereas the GTA listed at a staggering $25,880

  • Again, T-tops were N/A in 5.7L T/As and GTAs, although a special 5.7L Formula model was available with them, in conjunction with the 16-inch diamond-spoke wheels

  • The 1LE Showroom Stock package again made a small showing for 1992, with only nine (9) T/As equipped with this option

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 6.20 seconds, 14.68 seconds @ 94.1 mph (quarter-mile)

  • Engine: 5.7L TPI V8

  • With the new fourth-generation cars on the horizon, 1992 production sagged again to a dismal 1,705 units produced; this figure included 663 convertibles and 226 GTA models


  • 1993 marked the debut of the fourth-generation Firebirds; the mode line was pared down to the base Firebird coupe, Formula, and Trans Am models….. GTA, R.I.P.

  • Production began in Ste. Therese, Quebec, Canada in November 1992, but it was late spring 1993 before cars began arriving at dealerships

  • Changes abounded both inside and out; the exterior was basically a re-skin, with wheelbase and other exterior dimensions carried over from the previous generation

  • This year marked the first use of non-metal body panels; the rear quarter panels and the hood were steel, but the rest of the car’s body was either polymer composite material or Reaction-Injection-Molded (RIM) plastic

  • The exterior freshening carried the “Banshee” look to a new extreme, with a new pointed snout flanked by twin air openings on the “base cars”, while the T/A sported a new aero extension kit with twin round fog lamps centered below the peak of the nose

  • Mechanically, the new cars were graced by much new technology, both under the hood and around the rest of the car; the new LT1 engine was rated at 275 hp, a 35-hp improvement over the previous L98 engine, and was available with a manual six-speed transmission for the first time

  • The 5.7L LT1 engine was the only V8 engine offered in the T/A (and Formula), and for the first time in three years, it was available on car equipped with T-top roof panels

  • 4-wheel ABS was included for the first time as standard equipment; the WS6 suspension package was dropped as an option for the T/A, but the tires were upgraded to Goodyear’s new Eagle GS-C radial

  • The front suspension was changed to a Short and Long Arm arrangement (SLA), and deCarbon mono-tube shocks were used as well; the new steering system featured a rack-and-pinion setup for the first time

  • Inside the T/A was fitted with an all-new interior, which included a standard passenger-side airbag; a locking glovebox was added, along with a cupholder mounted in the center console for convenience

  • Four new colors were added for this year: (48) Dark Green Metallic, (54) Yellow, (71) Medium Red Metallic, and (91) Gray Purple Metallic

  • Performance times: 0 to 60 mph @ 5.6 seconds, 14.10 seconds @ 98.45 mph (quarter-mile)

  • Engine: 5.7L LT1 V8

  • The base retail price for the 1993 T/A was $21,395; production increased five-fold over the previous year, with the T/A clocking in at a total of 5,121 units built for the year


  • The 1994 models bowed on September 21, 1993; minor changes were made across the entire Firebird model line and the T/A was no exception

  • Biggest news was the return of the Convertible to the lineup; all models were available in droptop form

  • Powerplant choices remained at one: the 5.7 liter LT1 V8, rated at 275 hp; both the manual and automatic overdrive transmissions remained available as well

  • Traction control was offered for the first time on T/As equipped with an automatic transmission; this tranny was also new, as PMD installed the all-new 4L60-E electronic automatic starting in 1994

  • Engine electronics were also altered, as PMD returned to the Mass Air Flow engine metering system; the Speed Density system used since 1990 was discontinued

  • New this year was the appearance of an “optional” T/A: the Trans Am GT was a fully-contented version of the T/A, complete with many interior options as standard fare along with its own special rear air foil on the outside

  • The T/A coupe checked in at $20,319, the Trans Am GT tallied a total of $21,819, and the T/A GT Convertible set buyers back a cool $26,789

  • Anniversary time once again..... Introduced on January 27, 1994, the 25 th Anniversary T/A was offered as a $995 option for T/A models, including the new convertible

  • Mimicking the original 1969 T/A, the 1994 model featured a bright white exterior with a blue cheatline stripe down the center of the car; along with the usual interior identification, this was the first fourth-gen T/A to feature the 16” five-spoke wheels

  • The 25th Anniversary T/A continued the trend of limited production specialty cars; production was limited to a run of only 2,000 copies: 1,750 coupes and 250 convertibles

  • Performance times: Not Available (N/A)

  • Firebird production for 1994 was greatly improved due to the complete year of sales time; including the Anniversary cars, the T/A racked up a total of 12,469 units and an additional 713 convertibles were produced as well


  • The 1995 model T/As were basically carry-overs, with a few new additions sprinkled throughout the lineup

  • Powerplant choices again remained at a single engine: the 5.7 liter LT1 V8, rated at 275 hp; both the manual and automatic overdrive transmissions remained available as well

  • Traction control was expanded to both transmissions on the T/A; for the first time, the Traction Control option was available on manual transmission cars

  • The new five-spoke 16" aluminum rim from the '94 25th Anniversary car was introduced for all V8-equipped Firebirds and the T/A could have them chrome-plated; also new "all-season high-performance" P245/50-ZR16 tires were added as well

  • The T/A's lineup was again shuffled around, as the Trans Am GT of the previous year was dropped from the line this time around..... the lineup was back to the Trans Am Coupe and Convertible

  • Two new exterior colors were introduced this year for the T/A: Medium Dark Purple Metallic and Bright Silver Metallic

  • Also two new leather interior colors were added as well: a Bright Red available for all models, and a Bright White, which was available on convertibles only

  • The T/A coupe checked in at $21,184, and the T/A Convertible set buyers back a cool $27,239

  • Performance times: Not Available (N/A)

  • Trans Am production for 1995 seesawed from the previous year's totals with the T/A registering a smaller total of 10,943 units and the convertibles increasing almost four-fold..... with a total of 2,402 produced


  • ONE PHRASE FOR YOU...... RAM AIR...... 1996 marked the return of a pair of legendary Pontiac monikers to the Firebird lineup

  • The Ram Air induction package returned officially as the WS6 Performance and Handling Package; this marked the first use of the WS6 nomenclature since the demise of the 3rdGen models in 1992

  • Powerplant options this year remained at one..... the 5.7L LT1 V8..... but in two guises: the "standard issue" engine uprated to 285 hp thanks to some exhaust system improvements..... and the WS6 engine rated at 305 hp, thanks to its much-improved engine breathing system

  • Traction control was expanded to both transmissions on the T/A; for the first time, the Traction Control option was available on manual transmission cars

  • The WS6 Performance Package was available as a complete option package on both the T/A and the Formula models; it consisted of the special air intake and hood system, new 17x9-inch rims and 17-inch performance tires, dual pipe catalytic exhaust system, aluminum exhaust tips, and specific suspension tuning
  • ..... this option added $2,995 to the price of the T/A, but was not offered on the Convertible
  • Exteriors received an optional new color: Red Orange Metallic, while the interiors were treated to a new Taupe shade available on all models

  • For 1996, the T/A coupe checked in at $21,414, and the T/A Convertible set buyers back a cool $27,364

  • Performance times: Not Available (N/A)

  • T/A production sank from the 1995 numbers to a smaller total of 7,936 units and the convertibles decreased as well, to a total of 917 cars


  • Again, 1997 was basically a carryover year for the T/A, following the excitement of 1996

  • New colors for the year included Bright Green Metallic and Bright Purple Metallic, which was introduced at mid-year

  • The federally-mandated Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) were standard for the first year on all Firebird models, with the lamps themselves incorporated into the parking lamp assemblies

  • On the inside, the T/As were again basically fully contented, but one notable option was the introduction of the Monsoon 500-watt, ten-speaker stereo system for the audiophiles of the auto world

  • The Ram Air Performance Package returned again, although for the first time it was made available from convertibles as well; the convertible cars didn't get the 17-inch wheels and tires, but did get all the other goodies..... albeit at a slightly lower price: $2,995 versus $3,345

  • Powerplant options again were the same..... the venerable 5.7L LT1 V8 soldiered on in both the "standard issue" 285-hp engine and the 305-hp WS6 mill version

  • For 1997, the T/A coupe stickered at $22,884, and the T/A Convertible rose to $28,444

  • Performance times: Not Available (N/A)