Firebird: Why Everyone Knows This Hood

[@WS6silver]

A wise man once said "a Camaro looks like it can kick your a**, but a Trans Am looks like its coming over to do it" So glad you guys finally put this one together!

[@MaxxVelo]

You can get away with calling an FRS a Brz or a Saturn Sky a Solstice. But if you call a Firebird a Camaro be ready to throw hands.

[@Ox78]

That’s a good one 😂😂

[@BurnPerimeter]

@@MaxxVelo ugh race-ism 😒

[@aestheticswim3397]

@@MaxxVelo BRZ drivers are cock blockers, One time coming home from work my uncle was picking me up in his Mustang and we’re on the freeway there was a lotus Elise right next to us and we wanted to run it guess who comes out of nowhere to fuck it all up a damn brz

[@dookiebooger9967]

Nice analogy. I got another one. The Camaro is the girl you wanna marry, the firebird is the girl you wanna bang.

[@TheyCallMeMrMaybe]

The Firebird's history is basically "better than a Camaro but not allowed to be better than a Corvette."

[@tambakoverlanders]

GM's bureaucracy sucked.

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@tambakoverlanders 👍👍

[@ryanrake2714]

pretty much. I don't get it though. If it was so good that they had to tune it to be worse than the corvette... Instead, why didn't chevy/ gm use that as motivation to make the corvette better

[@lukemerhige3297]

I have a 78 trans am and an 81 corvette and the trans am is definitely a better vehicle breaks way less way easier to work on gets more looks too

[@wordenentertainment1997]

Funny thing is that the Firebirds and Trans Ams in the 70's and 80's had overall better performance than the Corvette and saved you thousands. Even a fully optioned 79 Trans Am was cheaper than a 79 base Corvette with little to no options.

[@geodude3966]

You forgot to mention the one feature that made the Firebird 10x cooler than both the Camaro or the Mustang. POP UP UP AND DOWN HEADLIGHTS!

[@AaronJensen2375]

*facepalm* Why didn't I realize this while watching this. James, there better be a part two to this Up To Speed real quick!

[@devonlambert9131]

How did they not fit that in there? 4th gen bird headlights are some of the coolest pop up up and down headlights out there. C4 vette headlights are badass as well

[@richardbaumgart2454]

hell yeah i had one with POP UP AND DOWN HEADLIGHTS 😁 so much better looking than the Catfish

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@AaronJensen2375 Camaro Firebird with 1000bhp could be lit

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@richardbaumgart2454 👍👍

[@densepit188]

Kinda sad they skipped over the 3rd gen and didn’t mention the WS6. I also really liked the yellow anniversary TA’s. Didn’t seem like he gave Trans Am Depot the respect they deserve either, those guys are incredibly passionate about what they do and build some really badass cars that deserve way more attention and respect in my opinion. It’s cool to finally get this as a Pontiac guy though.

[@matteblackexterior]

and even the GTA and the pace car with the Grand National V6

[@l00k4tstuff]

I was fortunate to own an 88 GTA, bought new, for 14 years. Loved that car. Cruised comfortably at 85mph. Would do donuts on command. A mechanic I knew undid the factory de-tuning, improving the way it reacted. On hard acceleration would chirp hitting second. At over 100mph you could feel the ground effects kicking in, and it was a little unnerving when a defect in the road broke that momentarily, and equally amazing how quickly it recovered and the vehicle was sucked down on to the road. Was comfortable to drive at 150mph (was clocked at 168 once). The aerodynamics were so good over 40mph that in a moderate rain storms the rain was swept off the front windshield (no wipers necessary), and you could see the envelope close behind you. Replaced the stock tires with something more grippy - it was a heavy vehicle and that extra traction helped get off the line and stay between the lines on the turns. There were some little issues with it - it was a hard top, but the engine torque twisted the frame enough that the place where they would cut out for the t-top would regularly tear, so I had to get that welded and painted a few times. And you could only get it in an automatic. Other than that, loved that car.

[@purwantiallan5089]

The 88 GTA back then was as cheap as Skyline GTR R32.

[@wordenentertainment1997]

Amazing video! Ever since I was five years old I wanted one after seeing the Bandit for the first time and I promised myself that I would buy one like it. Fast forward to 2019 when I was 21 and an opportunity came along that would be life changing. My Grandparents' neighbor had a 79 Special Edition Bandit Trans Am outside for many years and I would go over to see it many times. Sadly the owner passed away and her son asked me to make him an offer since he knew how much I wanted a Trans Am. It was in need of a frame-off restoration and I offered $3,000 for it since it was a rare Y84 SE Bandit T/A with the Pontiac 400 and 4-speed transmission. He said that if I promised to show him the progress and let him see the car when its done, he would let me have it for $1,000 along with all of the parts for it. I am working hard to restore my dream car and pay tribute to the original owner and the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds.

[@HunterRouth]

🖤

[@sebastiankjrsgaard9783]

Do u have an Instagram or something showing the progress? Awesome story and an awesome build!

[@ek8710]

Seconding for insta, perhaps consider making a few youtube vids detailing your progress :D

[@fpmotors666]

Nice

[@wordenentertainment1997]

@@ek8710 I have been considering on doing a KZbin series on my Trans Am restoration. I haven't made much progress on the car since buying the car, but I plan on making more progress this year. I do have Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for your suggestions and for giving me more motivation to do the KZbin series on my Trans Am.

[@ChadKCarter]

The third gen had Knight Rider, and was actually up to that point was the most aerodynamic car GM ever produced. The C6 Corvette has the same drag coefficient and they spent months in a wind tunnel designing it.

[@275Marco46]

I was waiting on a Knight Rider reference but I guess not

[@Seth98Long]

Yeah like I had a 1991 GTA, really surprised that he just glanced over it. Their suspension was the best out of the camaro/mustang class, the aerodynamics were the best in the industry, and the car had huge torque figures for the time with the 5.7l V8. I thought that the Knightrider was sure to be mentioned because of so much time spent on Smoky and the Bandit, but i guess not. Kind of disappointed in this one.

[@willybones3890]

@@Seth98Long GTA was better than the Corvette of the same era.

[@ldmtag]

Yes, and you can also do engine swap. And it looks good, definitely the best looking Firebird gen

[@ldmtag]

@@275Marco46 I literally watched this whole video (up to the time I paused it to write this comment) just to hear the Knight Rider reference. So disappointed! KR is what shaped my second imaginary life when I was a kid and a teen. KR and french car comedy Taxi. Even more than Fast and Furious. Actually, FaF is a joke, I rarely took inspiration from it.

[@bavarianbanshee]

At first I was a little annoyed at how hard James ragged on the third gen, but then I realized that if more people think they suck, the price of parts will stay down. So keep it up!

[@thelastpontiac4396]

Amen brother!!

[@callsignsleepwalker7231]

Right?! I’ll I’m going to go buy another one rn lol I drive an 89 formula

[@Pantheragem]

@@callsignsleepwalker7231 My friend had that same car, with a 5 speed. He still misses it, nearly 20 years later.

[@datgio4951]

You gotta thank this fucking channel for ruining everyone’s dream of owning any kind of car 😀 (at a reasonable price)

[@mikeboy337]

@@callsignsleepwalker7231 third gen looks absolutely amazing lol. Hope to get one of those one day

[@saucygoat8287]

You did 3rd gens dirty so I just have to say; My first car was an 86’ Trans Am and I loved it so much that I still own it lmao. My dad had a yellow 79’ Camaro z28 around the same time I got it and I preferred my “mullet bullet”. Sure they aren’t the most powerful when it comes to muscle cars, but I’ll never understand why people hate on them so much; They sound great, look great, and are quite a bit quicker than people give them credit for when you’re actually behind the wheel. You just feel fast when you’re sitting in a 3rd gen, even if the car isn’t “fast” lol.

[@purwantiallan5089]

I also ever had bought the 1969 Camaro Z28 Coupe, and it also looks fantastic.

[@ughmas]

As a diehard firebird fanboy, thank you for making this episode!!! so much enjoyment in 20 minutes - although I am a more than a little disappointed that you skimmed over the third gen - there is a lot of interesting stuff to talk about there, especially the Turbo v6 TTA, and the formula vs the mustang, and the 91-92 FIREHAWK????? the later third gens preformed significantly better than the later second gens, in both power and handling

[@dg11306]

I agree. He fizzled and barely touched in the 3rd Gen which I firmly believe were better than most of the 2nd Gen.

[@brendenhinspeter2939]

So glad you guys finally did a Firebird episode! I’ve been silently begging for this one for a while now. Gotta say I’m a little bummed out you guys didn’t mention Knight Rider. The show basically had a modded ‘82 Trans Am as a main character! That show made the third gens my favorites, closely followed by the Bandit Trans Ams.

[@julianstechsation]

I was bummed as well :(

[@DeathracerXD]

I bought an 85 recaro editon beccause of it

[@buffmaxima8612]

Absolutely 💯

[@GTRfiend26]

Same here. I had an 89 GTA 5 speed and an 84 Formula because of watching Knight Rider as a kid. Super bummed that they literally omitted this part in this episode because most Gen X/Millennials remember watching Knight Rider as a kid...

[@RoachOverlord]

Gen 1 and 2 took up about 75% of the video. I really wish they went into more depth with 3 and 4, because (for better or worse) they were just as much a part of the Firebird's history as the first two gens.

[@sharkrider0149]

As a Pontiac guy, I have prayed for this day for so long.

[@bas7905]

Prayed... really?

[@dpkingyt]

As a Pontiac guy, I am so happy that people get to know Pontiac

[@bas7905]

@Phoenix Phoenix, No worries buddy, im with u, its completely useless. No matter the subject. But yeah, to me in this case it just seemed a bit extra ridiculous because its about something as trivial as a subject for a donut media video.. but like you said, the subject doesnt really matter, its all a complete waste of time. And i didnt think you were rude, so no worries there either!

[@austinkleeman4260]

This episode had so much more potential. Mostly jumped over the 3rd gen and missed Knight Rider. Also went straight from 3rd gen to late 4th gen. Completely skipped the lt1. But I’m glad we did get a firebird episode!

[@RollinRetro99]

I was a bit disappointed too. I've been waiting for this video for well over two years. I feel like we got kinda shafted tbh.

[@bryannorris7209]

I feel like every content creator on KZbin pretends the 93-97 fbody LT1/LT4 cars never happened

[@spyhunt3r007]

@@bryannorris7209 RIGHT! NOT EVEN ONE PICTURE!! THEY DO LOOK BETTER IN MY EYES!! BUT OH HOW THE LT1 SUCKS!!

[@thelastpontiac4396]

this video crap

[@thelastpontiac4396]

@@RollinRetro99 I agree 100 percent.

[@DeadBread.]

One day I was riding the bus home, and at the stoplight I saw a Collector's Edition sitting there. I didn't know what it was at the time but i actually got kinda excited when I saw the same bright yellow paint with the wings on the hood.

[@tireroastersgarage]

I remember seeing these cars as a kid. have one now that I’ve been building over the years and I love the yellow angry bird scheme 😂

[@QMaverick1]

I still love the 80's Firebirds. Not for the power, but I actually love the way they look (and the pop-up headlights). Always wanted to see what'd happen if you cram a WS/6 v8 from the final generation of Firebird into one . . . Sounds like fun to me!

[@jeremybennett5547]

You should do it! Make the dream happen! I just picked up an 88 Firebird for $575

[@ryanhawkins7391]

As a trans am owner I have been waiting a long time to see an up to speed on these great cars! BUT how could you forget about KITT and Pop up headlights!!!!

[@HonkeyKong101p]

Right? I kept expecting James to break 8nto song POP UP UP N DOWN HEADLIGHTS! 🤣he just didn't seem to interested in this segment. Like he was bord and dragging all the way through it. Maybe he was just tired

[@burtzum4253]

love a good screemin chicken

[@IceFoxTrainSpotting]

*You forgot about the WS6 performance package* *Returning to the Firebird lineup in 1996, the WS6 performance package included upgraded shocks, firmer springs and bushings, larger front and rear anti-roll bars, 17-inch wheels, dual oval exhaust tips, and that all-important functional Ram Air induction system*

[@jrtishner]

4th gen babyyyy

[@IceFoxTrainSpotting]

@@jrtishner YESSS

[@Blue_Wizarded]

He didn't, he called it a firehawk. He was wrong.

[@IceFoxTrainSpotting]

@@Blue_Wizarded firehawk and ws6 were 2 different trims

[@Blue_Wizarded]

@@IceFoxTrainSpotting I know...

[@workingorder2189]

Y'all forget to mention the Firebird was K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider. Still glad you gave Pontiac some love. Also, please do a vid on the Mercury Cougar and Oldsmobile Cutlass.

[@borla4491]

Exactly

[@angelabrams4175]

Ikr!

[@LMacNeill]

My best friend in high school had a '75 Firebird Formula 350. (This was in the mid and late 1980s). Of course, by '75 the Firebird was way down on power, but it was still a very cool car -- fire engine red with a white interior. Absolutely beautiful in pristine condition.

[@chetmcghee8958]

I saw one of the new Camaros with the fire bird body kit and stuff on it I was so confused and amazed but now it makes sense, was very cool to see in person

[@SnapdWrench]

Wow! I'm glad you're doing a video on the great Firebirds! My grandpa owned and still owns a few Trans Am's that he bought way back in the 80's. My dad drove a 82 Trans Am throughout high school and College. This makes me want to restore my grandpas Trans Am that he keeps in his shed. Thanks Donut!

[@thepugchugzchannel4511]

That would be wonderful to see another 82 trans am on the road. Maybe post some videos of the old gal and try and get some people interested in it. See if you could maybe start a go fund me or something so you could work on it without issues of money. Try and reach out to some channels and see what they could do to help you. Submit pictures of the cars to subreddits, Facebook groups, anything to get traction. I’m the owner of an 83 trans am as well as a 73 trans am. These cars are my loves as my uncle used to work for GM as a head rep. He got the 83 for free with his last name embroidered into the headrests and the gage clusters have all his buddies signatures on them.

[@SnapdWrench]

@@thepugchugzchannel4511 Thank you! It was running at the beginning of fall. Needs to be rewired, new brakes, new paintjob, etc. No major issues as it was parked in a shed when my dad finished college. I could very well get enough funding to restore it.

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@SnapdWrench hi Spectr4l, have u watched 2022 FA Cup lately? Everton crushed Boreham Wood, 2-0.

[@SnapdWrench]

@@purwantiallan5089 what are you on about?

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@SnapdWrench just asking about FA Cups last week dude.

[@RollinRetro99]

As much as I love donut, once they got past the Burt Reynolds Era second gen it feels like they just gave up on the video. Nothing about the 2nd gen Turbo Trans Am, a slight mention at the 3rd gen TTA when it was the fastest stock American car on the quarter mile in 1989, nothing about Knight Rider, nothing about the LT1 Trans Ams (I don't even think they showed an LT1 T/A in the video) and a light dusting over the facelifted 4th gen ignoring the WS6 and the 1999 30th anniversary special edition. I know it's probably not many peoples favorite car, and maybe not that many care about it. But being a 4th gen Trans Am owner myself I was really looking forward to you guys delving into it like I know you to do and I have to say I am a bit disappointed. Regardless, the jokes and footage were great as always.

[@rdhanded2]

I agree. Nothing about the 3rd gen being the aerodynamics king, the 3rd gen Firehawk which was a legit supercar, the crazy 80s digital dash option, or even Pop-Up Up and Down Headlights! No real T-Top love, no Knight Rider talk, no 1LE or B4C mentions. The whole thing just kind of felt phoned in compared to a lot of their videos.

[@Mike-xq6ce]

Right dude? With donuts recent merch designs i can't believe we didn't get a whole 5 minute segment about t tops and a new song\shirt.

[@engineerisengihere44]

@@rdhanded2 haha. I love getting water all over the place from leaking T-tops, despite this, still one of my favorite cars out there.

[@jamesstuart3238]

I also thought it lacked a lot of the pep up to speed normally has.

[@UberLummox]

Because anything after '72 is depressing, disastrous, and dismal.

[@Trenton-om9qs]

I wish Pontiac was still around and would bring this car back. This car deserves its place with the other legendary muscle cars.

[@TechDove]

Look up trans am depot, they convert 5th and 6th gen Camaros into firebirds

[@meegstomtom]

@@TechDove trans fendered camaro. Lol. But they do look sweet.

[@engineerisengihere44]

With the way things are heading, I would like to keep my memory of pontiacs being big muscle cars rather than small electric crossovers

[@lucasswearingen377]

@@meegstomtom that’s what firebirds are already they were always made off of the Camaro chassis

[@meegstomtom]

@@lucasswearingen377 I know. Lol still find it funny.

[@1Neddles]

Hey. Thanks for featuring Firebirds at last. I have a 76 Trans Am. It’s a bit of a shame that you described the 69 Trans Am as having a shaker hood, then put up shots of an early second gen T/A when you were referring to the first gen model! I love your videos, please keep them coming!

[@613Builds]

🔥🦅 bird is THE word 🏎 thanks for telling the John Delorean and 1964 Pontiac banshee and X. (EDIT) : you didn’t talk enough about the pace cars nor about the turbo 2nd & 3rd gens

[@TheBulletTrain]

Hell yeah! Love the Trans-Am. Sad you went through the whole 3rd Gen without talking about the Hoff and Kitt from KnightRider!

[@jimster1577]

By far one of the coolest cars I've ever owned. Surprisingly well engineered to go fast.

[@nikoladamjanovic2313]

And to rust faster

[@CTRaptor]

@@nikoladamjanovic2313 yes true

[@derpinguin7003]

Well engineered American cars?

[@longshotmaster]

@@derpinguin7003 no one goes straight fast , better than us

[@jimster1577]

@@nikoladamjanovic2313 That wasn't my experience. But I don't live where rust is much of a problem.

[@jordanharkema1495]

‘90 GTA owner here, glad you guys finally covered the Firebird! As much as you dog in the 3rd Gen it did do a lot for the platform. Switched from rear leafs to coils and beefy sway bars for cornering, introduced the 1LE pack for road coarse racing, brought fuel rail port injection to the cars, and most importantly: pop up headlights.

[@thebigpicture2032]

I have a 90 GTA as well. The best 3rd Gen imo. Classic style with the new interior.

[@michaelf.2449]

The formula Ws6 2001 is prolly the sexiest car ever made I love em

[@angelgjr1999]

Mustang SVT Cobra is better. But yeah the firebird is cool. To bad GM nerfed it so it wouldn’t be faster than the corvette.

[@nick_terrorx]

You can make them much faster too. Stock power ain’t the limit

[@engineerisengihere44]

@@angelgjr1999 my top 2 muscle cars are either a 69 charger or the 2nd gen firebird

[@Thatonepontiacfanatic1997]

Great video, just wanted to add a few things you missed 1993-1997 pontiac firebird had the lt1 v8 same as the c4 corvette at the time it was again slightly de-tuned made around 275 hp and around 305hp with the ws6 package. The ls1 wouldn't become available till 1998 with a update to the cars front end and some other minor changes it would run that engine till its demise in 02

[@TheMccarthy327]

Ya only reason I watched this video is because I thought they would talk about it I have a 97 ws6. Pretty pathetic for a carvChannel just skip that whole arrow body LT1 and go straight to the 98 with the LS.

[@EdsonH1011]

I love my 02 Trans Am! Had it since 2010 and was my first car and still is my car with a bit over 105K miles now. Recently bought an 86 Trans Am though 🤘🏻 wish it still stuck around.

[@HunterRouth]

The Bandit will live on forever. "I always wanted to experience everything and go down swinging. And there's one thing they can never take away: Nobody had more fun than I did." - Burt Reynolds. R.I.P. Bandit. Someone call GM to bring back the Pontiac.

[@HunterRouth]

@Spencer Ellis If someone could convince them to beat out Dodge the same way they do things. They might have a shot. EV is kind of all hype anyway. There's no way it will currently last unless Government institutions really come down on companies. It's not practical in our time and won't be for a while unless there is a huge breakthrough. When Pontiac was on their last leg all of their cars (GrandPrix, G8, G6, Solstice) were all kickass cars with killer engines. They could have a real shot if they tried. I'm so tired of seeing Challengers, Chargers, Camaro's and Mustangs everywhere. They aren't really cool anymore. They just look the same every year practically with no throwback to the past. Modern Muscle Cars should be way cooler than they are but they aren't anymore. Charger isn't even a Charger. It's just a sedan car with a giant motor.

[@danmanthe9335]

Let's get some engineers that can break through the marketing and penny pinchers and produce some sweet cars out for the enthusiasts!

[@ARG0T]

@@HunterRouth Made me feel better about the EV situation, lol. Fucking sick of all these hybrids and EV's everywhere. The Challenger was the sole true muscle car of the 2010's and early 2020's but now that Dodge is canning the HEMI V8, there's no hope for them either lol

[@EJMags]

*and theres beer in Texarkana*

[@michaelf.2449]

@@ARG0T I mean the hemi ain't even a hemi so does it even matter

[@Carman0007]

Restored two of these cars with my dad (a 1977 and 1979), they're so iconic (also setting the flaming bird decal on the hood is on of the most difficult decals I have ever put on a car)

[@Snowman--gt9qj]

Yes... the decal for my 79 z28 that goes around the hood scoop was tough

[@sporadiceel6246]

Gotta say I really love the third gen! I love K.I.T.T., and while it's by far the slowest generation of firebird, it's got alot of appeal design-wise.

[@stevenanthony2404]

I'm surprised that not many people talking about knight rider

[@raoulduke3000]

exactly, design-wise it stood the test of time. To me, it is still on of the best-looking cars ever made, especially from the US. but perhaps this is the problem for many, it rather looks like a European or Asian sports car from the 80s and not like a typical US muscle car.

[@GKz_Smoke]

True but it did have a 350 and 305 engine option. He failed to mention that by a long shot.

[@billyboots3730]

@@GKz_Smoke which was a unique design at its time, the tpi system produced huge torque figures, even at low hp. They dropped the ball on this episode.

[@GKz_Smoke]

@@billyboots3730 Yeah for sure im currently working on a v8 3rd gen myself

[@captainunderpants200]

The Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am is a core memory from my childhood. I rewatched that movie recently, and it holds up really well. Best car movie ever. RIP Burt and Jackie.

[@TechNoirJapan]

Thanks for this episode, it was interesting. I do have to say though, the third gen Firebird 1982-1992 is the best and of course the GTA variant with the digital dashboard, mostly because the 80s aesthetic and all things 80s is the best 🚗 You forgot to mention the 1982 Firebird was the Firebird of choice for Hasselhoff in Knightrider, plus there is a mod community that makes the same dashboard and kit from the Knightrider series on sale. In addition the Pontiac Firebird Banshee of 1988 was one of the best concept cars out there, it had CG GPS and a lot of things that saw the future of what cars would be like today. It was also in Knightrider 2000 film with the Hoff. Camaro 1982-1992 third gen is the second best in 80s aesthetic, you can also sense that Nissan 300ZX 1983-2000 took some slight design ques from the headlights and tail lights of the Camaro IROC-Z.

[@Nebulasecura]

Clicked faster than the bandit!

[@Absolewtly]

Oh lady dim dim, make me your slave.

[@Bharathsujay]

@@Absolewtly soriii vroo slavery is baNneddd 🌝

[@aegypter1n]

Brooo slavaarie Baad Bro What am I doing lol

[@Wardyg]

0

[@corporalderp2175]

As an owner of a 98 Firebird WS6 I can verify the Firebird is badass. A true muscle car

[@dpkingyt]

Nice I always wish I can have a 1965 Pontiac GTO even tho I am just 14

[@HighSockDavid]

Same here 79 trans am owner I love this car

[@DudePerson5]

I wish James would mention the third gen firehawk. It was made from 1991-1992 and made 350hp. The third gens where also revolutionary for having drag coefficient as low as .28 and where known as having exceptional handling.

[@jurpo6]

Turd gen

[@ProdigyAutomotive]

I agree, I've owned a bunch of the cars and once you free up a little horsepower they're amazing cars. Great handling, drifts well, they have a great wheelbase and it's the lightest v8 Camaro/Firebird generation I'm pretty sure.

[@DudePerson5]

@@ProdigyAutomotive for sure, they where definitely innovative and I feel kind of upset that they completely skipped over them. Whatever tho, they basically have no internet presence because mostly older people own them and don't race or drift them.

[@ProdigyAutomotive]

@@DudePerson5 You pretty much always see at least one at the drag strip and they're always fast. He didn't even mention Knight Rider, which played a huge role in the Firebird's success. I think they're beautiful cars

[@DudePerson5]

@@ProdigyAutomotive yeah, unfortunately they're mostly used for drag racing and I never see them at my local drift course or on the street. Which I find strange, because they are the most underpowered generation but are by far the lightest and best handling.

[@LamontRustamova]

I owned a 76 TA 6.6l...black with red interior, 8 track player and *stereo* (one speaker in the dash and one in the back deck). Red interior, t-roof...loved that thing...Once you cleared 100mph, and opened them four barrels...that rear end would suck down and it just went! Good memories

[@SippyCup_Official]

I had a 96 trans am firehawk. Fully built NA. Over 500 at the wheels and with its t56 tranny it consistently pulled the front wheels off the ground in first AND second! Firebirds will always be some of my favorite cars!

[@MAVJ]

Finally! Been waiting for the firebird. My first car was an 89 5-speed rusted out death trap that I loved more than anything 😅

[@cooperhuck7712]

My first was an 88 with the 5 speed, t-tops and the 305. Rusted to shit and a death trap just like yours but man did I love that thing

[@MAVJ]

@@cooperhuck7712 at the time I wished mine had t-tops since a friend of mine had an 02' with them. But looking back now and judging by the rest of the car, I can't imagine the shape they would've been in.😂

[@cooperhuck7712]

@@MAVJ haha my t-tops leaked like crazy

[@daedevillewrestling]

Feels like James is ready to walk out of this one. Maybe he was just really tired or a little sick when they filmed. Hope he’s feeling alright ❤️💪🏽

[@marcusaurelius652]

Cocaine for sure

[@frederickstone8421]

@@marcusaurelius652 spot on, dude's nose looks red as rudolph

[@daedevillewrestling]

@@marcusaurelius652 or maybe he has a cold?…

[@MysticWolfAZ]

Please, keep James OFF camera! He makes great videos painful to watch.

[@davidames4299]

I noticed too. Sounded drunk or sick or like he was about to cry or throw up

[@veoh8095]

I own a 4th gen. I’ve been waiting for this video for SOOOOO LONG. People will know what car I drive now!!

[@vertrox3435]

I know the fourth Gen isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I actually love the big Ram-Air scoops, especially the ones you got with the W6 package. Looks rad

[@mustang8206]

The 4th gen Firebird was awesome

[@sharklegs]

Honestly the 3rd gen firebird is an 80's styling icon, i dont see why people beat on it it looks incredible

[@tedlampros9612]

Ikr I own a 84 ta

[@modfoxv10]

Only children beat on its looks... blew in the engine in my first car...89 IROC.. traded straight across for an 87 TA 5.0.. looked like a GTA.. but was soooo slow.. but soooo pretty

[@HighSockDavid]

@@modfoxv10 what are you talking about I’m 19 and I think the 3rd gen is awesome and it had kitt in the 80s the only thing is it power was pathetic and was harder to tune

[@MichaelRCarlson]

@@HighSockDavid Harder to tune than what?

[@HighSockDavid]

@@MichaelRCarlson than the old carbureted engines or the ls engines from the 4th gen

[@carl5426]

You guys didnt guve third gens enough love! They handled great! Also their was a shift from crank hp to wheel hp around that time too so they werent as tame as ya think

[@kwaitefuni9152]

You mentioned the movie Smoky and the Bandit and it's influence. I just wanted to mention that in anime the Trans Am from Redline is next level. Not an exact model, but inspired by that era of Pontiac. Insanely wicked. Would love to see a Redline video in the far future!

[@0Blueaura]

same! Donut should make people hear more about Redline, such a great over the top racing movie

[@nicholasbenson4704]

My dad bought his first car at 18 years old in 1982, it was a 78 trans am that’s got the 400, positrac rear end, snowflake wheels, and other than the t-tops it was a the same color way as the one from satb. He still has it, been sitting in a barn for 20 years and once I’m more skilled and have some money I plan on making it good again👍

[@rhyenmiller7256]

I’ve been waiting for this video for years

[@DirtyBird01]

I LOVE my genuine 2001 WS6 Trans Am!! The way the car looks and feel makes it feel like you're in a spaceship

[@jeffreyknapp8860]

My dad has a 99 ws6 he bought new in 99, I was born in 2003, a year after he met my mom, and he still has it, 19 years later, I’ve been trying to get him to fix it up, hes the one who got me into cars, and I’m in aircraft maintenance school now (thought you’d appreciate a little story)

[@CountPantsulon]

You skipped the bit about the '80/'81 Turbo 301ci Trans Ams! They had the offset hood bulge that had boost indicator lights, and a 2.92:1 final drive. They were rated at 250hp at 4000 rpm and 345 lb-ft at 2000 rpm.

[@fatrat137]

I was wondering about that, pretty big to skip...almost avoided 80s in general

[@spectrebird3984]

81 Turbo T/A owner here, they were actually rated from the factory around 200 ~ 210 hp but if given the right upgrades they can make 250, at least from the crank. Also they had 3.08 final drive. You got the torque right! In fact that was 25 ib-ft more than the W72 400's from 78 and 79 albeit being turbo there was lag. Honestly history and info of this engine turbo or not could practically be their own video documentary!

[@CountPantsulon]

@@spectrebird3984 I used to have an '81 ex-Turbo, many moons ago. I had to look up the specs, and went with the first result I found, so thanks for the correction! When I got it, it had a N/A 301, but the firewall label said "TURBO" and I had crazy plans for it before financial matters took it from me. I went to high school with the guy I got it from, and the guy he got it from, who bought it back from the mechanic I sold it to, after the second 301 I had put in went for a crap. Still my "One that got away," some 20 years later.

[@jaydenmatthews5913]

ITS ABOUT TIME YOU DO THE FIREBIRD, BEEN WAITING YEARSSSSS

[@holdenberries8405]

i waited for this video for soooo long. thank you.

[@fredericopinto2943]

My first car was my Dad's 1979 Firebird Formula with the 301 four barrel engine with a manual transmission. Man after watching Smokey and the bandit 200 times and learning how to drive stick I felt so cool.

[@destroyerboss514]

Honestly the WS6 trans am is my All time favorite Pontiac, but the Firebird is a close second. Absolutely amazing car

[@abmeraz86]

Same here, if I was to buy a Pontiac....that would be it.

[@Burnout366]

Trans Am is a trim level for the Firebird. So you're doubling down. I approve :)

[@devonlambert9131]

A ws6 t/a is a firebird, trans am is an options package

[@thepugchugzchannel4511]

Pontiac trans am.. personally my favorite car of all time. It’s crazy to see the story of where it came from

[@40ozPres]

My father owned a 79, together we put heads and a cam in the Olds 403 in it. It was pretty rusty but only had 74k miles on it. I blew up my MK4 Jetta and daily drove it, my pocket hurt but I fell in love with that car. And I think they look cooler than the Camaro, with more and better engine options

[@Firebert79TA]

Cam and compression, that's exactly what the 403 needs!

[@camarossdriver]

I just bought a darn near MINT 1977 Black & Gold Trans-Am. I’ve only wanted one for 4 decades…well…it was totally worth the wait! In MY opinion,I think it’s the best looking car ever produced. 🤠

[@itspabbs]

My dad's first car was a '69 Firebird. He still has it and it's awesome!

[@jjhoops023]

I actually like the visuals of the 3rd gen. My uncle had 2 of them (he bought the second one after destroying the transmission doing burnouts) they had the direct injection v8. I had no idea the turbo V6 was an option. That sounds pretty awesome imo

[@Frantissimo]

I agree I wish they would've gone a little more in depth besides saying they were dookie lol sounded bias but I'm just glad they finally did something on the firebird they always mention it but never do a take on it

[@redslate]

3rd gen was the most aerodynamic of them all. There was even an aero version with specialized wheels that had a drag coefficient of 0.29 (better than the 'vette)!

[@Lykoloo]

The turbo V6 was a limited edition pace car replica, they only made ~2500 of them. They're like 20k in average condition now.

[@JoCaTen]

the firebird, seen a Trans Am GTA once in my life, in a country where classic muscle cars are rare af but man is it gorgeous

[@shadowgaming2349]

Just got my 96 Firebird drivable after 5 years, feels and handles great. 🤙

[@romeo-0016]

Fun fact: Burt Reynolds couldn't drive a manual, but they had to have a manual for most of the stunts. So if you look at the shaker hood when Bert Reynolds is in the car, it says 6.6 litre. But the stunt cars had t/a 6.6 on their shakers, meaning they were the manuals.

[@lukejones0826]

I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it

[@The_True_]

My mom wrapped her GTO around someone's living room, and my Dad's Trans Am was by far the most terrifying fiberglass rocketship I've ever driven, especially on the old gravel roads of Kentucky just, outside of Bowling Green ironically enough. Oh, and I was the kid that my parents made live in the basement, but I'm an only child... 😳

[@marcusaurelius652]

Around a living room? Dumb description

[@The_True_]

@@marcusaurelius652 It's called a turn of phrase. Usually you wrap a car around a pole or a tree, she slid off the corner into a house. Dry humor is lost on grumpy folk.

[@brianbird3756]

Trans ams weren't fiberglass

[@The_True_]

@@brianbird3756 this one was. I remember it had been modified, not sure to what extent, so when we moved to California it had to be sold. My Dad bought another one, same year, and it was nothing like the first one performance wise.

[@thrashefe3523]

Sad that you never mentioned about Knight Rider, It made the 3rd gen cool!

[@theevilbeard]

man, I've always wanted a 4th gen WS6. I loved the look of the hoods on them.

[@fracturedkoi1]

I currently own a pewter 2001 Firebird v6 and absolutely love it. I plan on keeping it on the roads for as long as I possibly can. It’s a head turner, man!

[@charliered420]

I think one of my favorite Firebird Trans Ams would be the pilot episode version of KITT, designed by Jon Ward (exterior) and Michael Scheffe (interior). (Though later, Michael redesigned the exterior to the more familiar look we know)

[@michaelknight2721]

Correct.Muchael Schieffe really had a great imagination designing KITT into the car we all remember and still love today.Knught Rider always will be iconic and showed us the most beautiful car ever made.

[@johnnymason2460]

It's about time. The Firebird should have been covered a long time ago. It's one of my favorite cars ever. Without the Firebird, "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Knight Rider" would not have existed. And that would have been disastrous.

[@throwaway_james]

So great you guys finally did this! Just got my first car, a 1979 Trams Am and I've been waiting forever

[@kennedypuckettmusic2067]

My favorite is the fourth gen 1998 and up models because of the style and engine

[@Neechi420]

Yeaaah man.. Had a 77, 78, 87, 95, 98...My favorite was the 95, 6speed LT1 Converted to a LT4 plus all the bolt ons and motor work, double clutch, aluminum drive shaft, Richmond rear end, etc...woooooo good old days...

[@Neechi420]

RUSTANG EATER 😎🔥🦅💪🏽😛

[@quesochecko]

My favorite gen is the 3rd gen. I loved its style. And then universal made me want it even more when I saw Knight Rider. They made it look even more futuristic then it already looked and in my opinion made the 82-92 firebirds age better. I just love em

[@tomaslopez2940]

YESS!!! I'VE BEEN ASKING FOR THIS VIDEO FOR SO LONG!!!! Wait, why are you sad about the 80's gen? It wasn't powerful, but it did have Pop-up up n down headlights! Also, I'm glad you mentioned Trans-am Worldwide! They do more than just appearance packages though! Check out the 455 Super Duty!

[@DavidGavinETC]

For real, he kind of dogged on third gens a bit. And didn’t mention anything about the 92 Firehawk which was badass too

[@mannyboidotexe]

Yes, finally some love for Pontiac!

[@TheHorseyGuy]

I've been waiting for this one, and I'm very happy to see it finally here!

[@johnterpack3940]

One of my biggest regrets in life is letting go of my '77. It's still my favorite of the 30-odd cars I've owned. And still the fastest. Probably the only car that can pull off a blood red interior.

[@Praderanoire]

I rebuilt a 68 Cougar XR7 with my dad and love that car. Had to replace the factory disc/drum brakes with a Wilwood Dynapro kit because it was way too heavy for drum brakes... Don't ask how I know. Love your content!

[@_Justnoble__]

The first generation Firebird is by far my favorite muscle car.

[@arzaluzx]

The first Firebird and the first Cougar are the best looking pony cars. I would say it´s a shame they are overlooked but on the other hand that has kept the prices relatively reasonable

[@matthewwiles7067]

Catfish camaro is 1998-2002. And the 93-97 birds had LT1s, not LS1. Also the 1985 Firebird was the most aerodynamical car GM had tested to that date. How did you not mention KITT from knight rider?

[@phoenixproto3149]

17:54 Actually you're somewhat incorrect there. The 1992 SLP Firehawk made a pretty substantial 360 hp, and was also a 3rd gen Firebird, although very few were made. Also in terms of styling, the 3rd gen is one of the sleekest, sexiest versions, especially the earlier models from '82-'84 in my opinion.

[@DamonFrancia2005]

Lol they forgor about the funny Robot Rock headass mf with the super cool red scanner bar at the front

[@sporkfindus4777]

Finally!!!!! What took you guys so long?!? A true American icon!! 🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@clinttheboss2117]

Didn't even mention my LT1, the swan song of the small block chevy. I've owned mine since 2002 and with 150 shot of nitrous and some sticky tires it was rowdy. I also had a 79 turbo Trans Am with a turbo 301 v8. Might have missed it. Really enjoyed the video.

[@johnracy2871]

My dad had a 76' Formula. Modified the suspension himself to give it more forward rake and improve handling. Used it to run beer from NY to Penn with his buddies in a Mustang and Camaro listening to Rush. It's in a barn on my uncles property in Rochester to this day. Some day, once we have time, we want to electrify it. Lightning Bird!

[@PedroHenrique-ih1fl]

fuck no, dont do that. why tf would you get an epic v8 car, that has an history like yours, and electrify it?

[@ididntthink3486]

@@PedroHenrique-ih1fl I figured that would piss some people off. My dad and I aren't sentimental. Don't get me wrong, I like fashioned performance cars. I race a spec NA Miata, and my dad races a formula ford. But, EVs are fun. Also, the car's not exactly in pristine barn find condition. It's in a barn, but it has chickens living in it. Very little would be staying original no matter what. It would be more mod than resto, but there are plenty of cleanly restored firebirds out there. The history doesn't disappear along with the V8, it just gets a new chapter.

[@ididntthink3486]

@@PedroHenrique-ih1fl woops, second account. Still me.

[@revelare_xvii6269]

Pontiac’s death still leaves a hole in my heart to this day.

[@bradwhite5884]

Yeah, wish GM brought it back when they reveal the concept of the latest Camaro good few years ago, around 2007 to 2010, maybe it could of saved Pontiac, but we would never know, do we?

[@thewisebanana29]

I’m so glad the fire chicken finally got the attention it deserved 😀😀😀. Thank you, Donut. -From a TA/Firebird owner.

[@justmeandthethree]

A buddy of mine bought one of those monster V8 Trans Ams back in the late-90s, and it was beast. He let me drive it home from the dealer while he followed in his '93 Camaro. It was a very fun 80-mile ride, but I was afraid to open it up. I floored it once and ONLY once during the trip.

[@Robert_Z_]

I just recently purchased a solar gold 79 trans am and I just absolutely love it.

[@Bayfire-ki9du]

Kinda disappointed that they didn't mention either Turbo Trans Am. Especially the 89 TTA. Arguably the best 3rd gen. Edit: I must have missed it originally but they did talk about the 89 TTA. Just not with much emphasis.

[@TorqueKMA]

to be fair, most people just swapped them for 400's (2nd gen anyway)

[@jordanharkema1495]

He did, he mentioned that a 3rd Gen had a 3.8 turbo v6 and that’s the TTA

[@jokergordon8446]

17:54

[@thebigpicture2032]

Best 3rd Gen is the Firehawk.

[@jordanharkema1495]

@@thebigpicture2032 from a stock performance standpoint I agree. Not a big fan of that 91-92 facelift they did on the 3rds that the fire hawk also had though.

[@unchartedchartz]

Let's go!!! I've been waiting for this one, I have an '88 Formula Firebird that I restored with my dad. Edit: just finished the video, I don't appreciate the 3rd gen slander James...😆

[@LEE-337]

*Wait! You made a whole video about the Trans Am and didn't mention KITT? I don't care if KITT is fake. Put some respek on his name.*

[@TH3G4STERS]

I agree with u

[@bravotroopergaming9122]

Yeah!!! Kitt is the reason my first car may just be a 1985 Trans Am😏I don’t care about horsepower. Honestly the fuel efficiency is really nice 😂😂😂 plus, the looks are 10/10

[@onetonpun]

"kids keep stealing hood ornaments." " I got an idea, make the whole hood the ornament. Let them steal that."

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

my 1st car that I bought with my own money when I was 15 in 1981 was a 1967 metallic blue/black vinyl top/black vinyl interior Firebird with the 326 HO, scored it for $1200 & it was an excellent car my sophomore/junior year in high school but I traded up to a 1978 Bandit Trans Am my senior year which I drove all the way up to 1998 when I finally sold it - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS ✌☮

[@BlackTransAmdude]

I used to own a third Gen Firebird Trans Am, god I missed that car 🥲

[@Adrian-mq5ld]

one of the best looking cars ever made

[@carlos64030]

Quite frankly, I've always thought the 3rd gen body style looks SOOOOO much nicer than the 4th gen... particularly the 1987 - 1992 GTA. I have a 1991 GTA and a 1997 Trans Am Ram Air WS6. To me and most people, the GTA is way sexier. Anyhoooo... fun video! On a side note, I want a 1977 Trans Am to add to my Bird cage.

[@SkylerB17]

honestly i like all the stylings of the firebird, and i definitely like the 4th gen better than that eras camaro. i think its pretty sick. its super aggressive looking and over the top and i love it. looks evil as heck and i want one. side note: i wonder what pontiac would have done since 2008 if they hadnt been shut down. 🤔

[@MinofDeath]

Long looked forward to this video as a Firebird Trans Am guy. I had a 1979 Trans Am in college a 1996 Trans Am and just bought a 1999 Trans Am 2 years ago. Just can't believe you didn't mention Pop Up and Down Headlights. Disappointed but overall great video. Loved the 2nd generation look but the 4Th gen brought the power!

[@thegreatunknown2983]

You missed the reason early third gens had the hood bulge. They were gonna put a turbo on a Pontiac 302, but GM limited Pontiacs engine options to Chevy V8s.