Pontiac Firebird (third Generation) - 1991

1991

All Firebirds received re-styled noses loosely fashioned after the "Banshee IV" show car while Pontiac was developing the all-new Fourth Generation platform. The Trans Am's ground effects were re-styled as well, and were made available on the base model Firebird, but NA on the Formula. The Trans Am and Firebird Formula received a new fiberglass-constructed, flat, wrap-around wing, The Trans Am and GTA received updated two-piece tail lights with "PONTIAC" scripted in orange across the panels, and the center, high-mounted stop lamps were moved to inside the top edge of the rear hatch.

The FORMULA was the only third Gen F-body to get to T-tops with a 350 Engine starting in MID year 1991 & 1992, to get a FORMULA 350 T-top car the black cross laced wheels (as installed on the Trans AM) were mandatory.

Due to its lighter weight and improved aerodynamics the Firebird Convertible was finally available through GM's normal ordering procedures. ASC still converted T-top cars into convertibles but the ordering process was simplified and dealers would no longer need to have the cars drop shipped to ASC in Michigan. The Convertibles were offered with one of three engine options: LHO 3.1L V6, the L03 5.0L V8 for the base Firebird, or the LB9 5.0L V8 Trans Am only.

An improvement on the T-top cars was introduced mid year on all F-bodies. T-top cars now came with new seals which greatly reduced leaks into the passenger compartment.

Beginning in 1991, SLP (Street Legal Performance) modified a factory-built Formula into what they called the "Firehawk". Once a Formula had been ordered or purchased, this limited-availability option (RPO code B4U) could be specified, and the vehicle was sent to SLP to be modified. No two cars SLP produced were alike; they all were special orders. SLP had anticipated making 250 of these special Firebird Formulas, but in fact, only 27 were ordered; and of those, only 25 were ever built (numbered 1–25 for hardtops – with numbers 18 and 23 never being built – and the only Firehawk Convertible was numbered 27 which was the only non-formula). Of those 25 Firehawks, 21 were "Mandatory" Red, 1 Aqua, 1 White, 1 Blue, and 1 Green; 11 had the Competition Package, 3 came with Aluminum Engine Blocks, 1 had T-Tops, and 1 was a Convertible.

FIREHAWK SPECIFICATIONS

Standard Features: $39,995

• SLP modified 350 engine rated at 350 hp @ 5500 rpm and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) @ 4400 rpm
• 17"X9.5" Ronal alloy wheels with Firestone Firehawk SZ P275/40/ZR17 tires
• ZF 6-speed manual transmission with carbon fiber clutch
• Stainless Steel catalytic converter and exhaust system
• A Dana 44 rear axle with 3.54:1 Posi-gears
• Special Firehawk badging, decals and numbered plaque

Competition Package: $9,995

• Cross-drilled 13 in Brembo Ferrari F-40 brakes
• Full roll cage minus the back seat
• Aluminum hood
• Recaro racing seats with full harnesses by Simpson and rear seat delete.

Engine:

• 4-bolt main engine block
• Forged steel crankshaft
• 1053 alloy, forged steel "Pink" connecting rods
• Light-weight, high-silicon, cast aluminum pistons
• Steel billet hydraulic roller camshaft
• High-output aluminum cylinder heads with stainless steel valves
• Port injection intake manifold designed by Ray Falconer

Performance:(according to SLP brochure)

• Weight-to-power ratio: 9.7 lb per hp
• Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 4.6 seconds
• Quarter mile: 13.2 seconds @ 107 mph (172 km/h)
• Top speed: 160 mph (260 km/h)
• Skid pad: 0.88g on full tread

Motor Trend test results:

• Acceleration (0 to 60 mph): 4.9 seconds
• Quarter mile: 13.4 seconds @ 105 mph (169 km/h)
• Braking 60–0: 135 ft (41 m).
• Skid pad: 0.94g
• Slalom: 68.3 mph (109.9 km/h)