The RARE Firebird That Destroyed Corvettes - The Pontiac Firehawk

In this Rare Cars documentary, we are going over the story of the Pontiac Firebird that Dethroned the Corvette - the SLP Firehawk. This dealer special order hopped up firebird packed a NASTY built 350 small block that gave even the mighty ZR1 a run for its money.
These Firehawks were SERIOUSLY fast and one of the last true hot rods out there - but how come you never heard of them or have seen them? Stay tuned to the end to get the full story!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:07 The Background
4:28 Powerplant
5:45 Performance Figures
7:58 Why it is SO Rare
*Note, we are not historians. If you see an error in our research then please mention it in the comments!
For business inquiries or other inquiries, reach out to: [e-mail]
Sources:
-www.newgmparts.com/blog/brief...
-specialtyvehicleengineering.c...
-www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...
-www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...
-www.motortrend.com/features/h...
NOTICE: Clips used from other videos are fair use and fall under U.S. copyright law because this work is transformative in nature, and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. It is against the law to fraudulently claim a copyright on a video you do not own under the DMCA or to abuse KZbin’s copyright claim tool. Copyright concerns and takedown requests can be submitted to: [e-mail]

[@rarecars3336]

Firehawk or C4 ZR1...what would you have picked 🤔?

[@kfh1]

If I had the money, which I didn't, I would've loved to have a C4 ZR1. Hell, I would've taken a stock C4, I loved the look of those Vettes back in the 80's... I was driving a Fiero instead, that's all I could afford at the time!!! lol

[@ValkyriesMoon]

​@@kfh1 firehawk of course. I own an 02. what's funny is an 88 fiero GT t-tops pull corvette money now. My 87 gt had to get an engine swap to not feel like it's dragging its ass.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

Firehawk of course

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@kfh1 Fiero was a decent ride, I had a new '87 GT

[@driverjamescopeland]

Firehawk... simply because I couldn't afford the tires for the Corvette. Also, the only C4 ZR1 I would own, is the LT4 version... which came later. The DOHC Mercury 350 was an over-developed, over-engineered boat anchor.

[@Danpopup]

I work for SLP in the early 2000's. We were doing the Firehawks and the Camaro SS. I worked on the hoods and spoilers for both as well as building the exhaust systems. I was there until GM closed the plant in Quebec. I loved the job.

[@samueljackson2478]

Didn't SLP design the Comp Camero and Firebird?

[@daveyboy_]

Me too

[@BlackRam17]

Why did you guys go away from anything other than exhaust and an air box as far as performance goes post ‘92?

[@daveyboy_]

@BlackRam17 wjatchoo talkin bout Willis We did the diff. The tranny the engine the wheels

[@4motofanatic]

Hey Dan, I've a question for you. Being as you worked on the hoods, what did you guys use to cut the front bumper to clear the hawk hood to close. Cutting off those 2 dog ears on the factory bumper. I'm guessing a template of some kind and a hot knife?

[@earlrichardson385]

I thought the coolest thing about SLP cars was they didn’t look outrageously different from stock like some aftermarket companies. If you didn’t know any better you just thought it had wheels and exhaust until it smoked you.

[@monkeymouse1403]

SLP performance package cars looked stock other than the exhaust tips and would run with the fastest GNs at a higher mph in the quarter back in 1989 or so

[@sandasturner9529]

Sleeper looks

[@Len1977gt]

good point

[@John-np2bf]

Exactly. They looked like stock Fire Hawks with the WS6 package and Camaro SS stayed just SS. But under my hood and all around the car were factory and SLP upgrades. Fun 12 second car.

[@AudioFileZ]

Exactly. Really let the attractive lines of the car show.

[@TheMattC9999]

They should have used the Trans Am GTA as the base model. It was just so much better looking.

[@hailstorm1986]

I'm a proud owner of a 94 SLP Firehawk that I purchased from the original owner who happened to have been on the coaching staff of the 49ers in the late 90s. I absolutely love my Firehawk and never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have been able to own one as soon as I did.😇🔥🦅

[@dustinnorwood4696]

My mom bought a 94 brand new from a dealer in Houston. She would let me drive it occasionally throughout high school. Loved that car more than any other. Was sad when she sold it 7 years later. If I hadn't been a broke college student, I would have bought it off her in a second.

[@hailstorm1986]

@@YankeeWoodcraft never said that. Why would you think that?? Are you ok??🤣

[@hailstorm1986]

@@YankeeWoodcraft go get some help..

[@craigbaker9252]

I ordered #36 1997 Firehawk. I last true Firehawk hood for that year. Triple black, Hurst Shifter on the 6 speed, aluminum wheels not the chrome. I did get the full synthetic package and heavy duty rearend that I damn near blew at a red light race in north Atlanta. Speedo went to 155mph, it would do that in 5th and then still pull faster on 6th. Absolute beast of a machine. Insurance killed me and I never got a ticket. Yes it beat Corvettes and 308 Ferrari’s. Kept it 4+ years then life happened. Damn I miss that car.

[@TeamJesus515]

4th Gen Firehawk Ran air hood scoop was epic So yes video please

[@ajdahun]

You neglected a major fact regarding WHY this car was built. It had to do with a racing series called Showroom Stock. This was made to destroy anything in that racing series. And it did.

[@StoffelDilligas]

Never heard of this championship, will check it out. Thanks for mentioning it👍

[@jamesmedina2062]

Stock became showroom stock. What a deal!

[@ajdahun]

@StoffelDilligas I believe the C4 vette did not meet the criteria to race in the series, hence the firehawk.

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

It’s wouldn’t have if the C4 wasn’t kicked out for being WAY faster than everything else, especially around a corner lol

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

@@ajdahunC4 met the criteria until they realized nothing else stood a chance against them so they made them get their own series aka the corvette challenge 😂

[@mpound97]

I've ALWAYS loved the "Firehawk". I still have "Car and Driver" magazines from the early 90's that showcased this car...

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Do the 4th Gen Firehawk as well, great job on this video. Pontiac was always being treated like a red headed stepchild by GM, but always found a way to sidestep the corporate neutering.

[@Gee_Jay]

Thanx to another vid, I discovered the GREAT Looking OG, 1964 Pontiac Banshee Concepts (XP-833), The long-nosed Silver 2-seat coupe looked SO Sweet - it could have been a Pontiac Corvette sibling, like the Camaro & Firebird sharing platforms - In fact, the 1st Banshee looked even smaller & lighter - Could have been quick with a six, at entry-level price, a 2-seater below the Vette - But SO Much Sweeter than a Fiero !

[@TAWS-wq3hx]

Naw overhyped LS

[@strongislandautoenthusiast841]

I remember the Pontiac Formula Firehawk and I remember my older brother trying to build his own Formula Firehark using his Formula as the donor car. As much as I personally liked the Pontiac Trans-Am, my first sports car was the 1980 Chevy Camaro Z28 with the Air Induction hood, front ground effects, side stone guards, rear spoiler, T-Tops and rear window louvers. What a great era for sports cars and car enthusiast.

[@gordocarbo]

Love those Zs. Have an 80 or 81 Steering wheel on my 67 El

[@donaldcurtis9229]

I have a 84 Pontiac transempt.Fully loaded 305 air duction to ridgelawner 38800 miles on my car and I got a 97 Firebird formula transam.L t one build to the hill

[@donaldcurtis9229]

38803

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

Remember when Buick destroyed the Vette years before this with the GNX? Pepperidge Farms sure does...

[@thebigpicture2032]

Pontiac borrowed their engine and put them in 1989 GTA’s. Those were the fastest Firebirds ever sold, even beating the mighty SD 455 and the LS1 cars.

[@BlackRam17]

The TTA did also

[@BlackRam17]

@@thebigpicture2032they put them in the Turbo TA, which was not a GTA.

[@johnhutchison9782]

.... On the next episode of "Where Are They Now?", the Buick GNX 😜

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

@@johnhutchison9782 sponsored by Pepperidge Farm Milano double milk chocolate cookies! PS bring your own glass of milk to the party...

[@michaelm3381]

Another vote for a fourth gen Firehawk video. I have 3 fourth gen Firebirds and absolutely love these cars.

[@judgegixxer]

I remember these. I made my own version. I have a 91 Z28 1LE that I bought in 93’. A few years ago I put Zz6 350 in it with a 6 speed Tremec and and various other stuff. It’s 405hp/406ftlbs. I measured 4.4 0-60 multiple times so. It’s also red. Still have all the original parts.

[@eriklarson9137]

0-60? Ok. What was the 1/4 mile? Something that matters. Lol.

[@justins21482]

@@eriklarson9137 I mean it cant be that far off could it. Id say he got close enough. after all he said he made HIS OWN VERSION. not an exact replica

[@mikee2923]

I’ve owned a red 89 Formula 350 since 91. I always wanted to collect the pieces and convert it to a Firehawk but didn’t have the money to pull it off. But I did buy some of SLP’s performance upgrades like their intake runners. By the time I had the money to begin collecting the parts, they were discontinued. So I ended up putting a Paxton supercharger on it instead. That with all the other modifications done through the years puts it square into the same performance territory. Never raced it officially at the track, but I was able to walk away from an early LS1 Corvette back in the late 90s. My wife was able to embarrass a convertible LS1 Trans Am at a stoplight to the point the guy wouldn’t pull up next to her at the next light. It’s a nice sleeper because it appears stock and the Paxton is pretty quiet at idle.

[@judgegixxer]

@@eriklarson9137 closest drag strip to me is about a 1000 miles away. Obviously it would be around same time as fire hawk. It ain’t rocket science kid.

[@anthonylaudano9435]

MAN THATS AWSOME I HAVE A 92 Z28 THAT I ORDERED NEW BACK IN 92 AND I STILL HAVE IT TODAY WITH 19 THOUSAND ORIGINAL MILES AND I WANTED T TOPS SO I COULDNT GET THE 5.7 350TPI WITH T TOPS LOL I DONT WANT TOO WRECK THE CAR BY TRYING TO MAKE IT AS FAST AS CARS OF TODAY BUT I WILL BE DOING A FULL EXHAUST AND I LOVE TOO BUY ANOTHER 92 Z28 WITH A LOT OF MILES SO I CAN MOD THAT AND LEAVE MY ORIGINAL Z28 ALONE BUT IF I WANT TOO GO FAST I HAVE A 850HP GT500 AND I HAVE 2 SUPER SNAKES LOL BUT IF I BUY ANOTHER Z28 MY PLAN IS TOO DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID BUT MY ORIGINAL Z IS STAYING THAT WAY.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

I bought a new '98 black/black Ttop Ram Air LS1 6sp Trans Am & my best friend one uped me by getting a new '99 black/tan Ttop Ram Air 6sp Firehawk & man was that machine bad ass & mine wasnt too shabby either! Wish I still had my 1st Trans Am, an '85 black/gold SE Bandit II Edition that I got in '87 & sold in '96 ✌💖☮

[@thebigpicture2032]

I feel ya! Bought a red 2000 WS6 TA vert 6 speed and workmate went and bought a red 2000 vert Firehawk which was #02 iirc. On the bright side, it did make for a cool parking lot and lively commutes home.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@thebigpicture2032 oh yea, same here! We worked at the same place & had the 2 coolest cars in the parking lot & most times layin rubber on the way out! I also occasionally drove my 1976 Dodge California Custom van with shag carpet, CB, 8 track, mini bar & fridge, dual moonroofs, queen bed, Cragar SS mags on BFG white letter tires & a healthy 360 4bbl with side pipes! I sold it in 2014 for the right price now regret not having it...or my Trans Ams! My junior year in Hi Skool I got lucky & scored a bank repo 1978 gold Ttop Z28 for what was owed, $2000, love to have it back too

[@CelebznbodysuitNeckMaskz]

I have a 93 formula F1 now for last 4 yrs ..I'm mid 40s .I've had 6 total .. 84 trans am , 82 trans am with nos lol both auto Blk an gold non t top .. 79 t/a 10th 6.6 t top gold ..miss it .. 86 ta ,88ta , an current 93 formula f1

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@CelebznbodysuitNeckMaskz Nice...My 1st car was a '67 Firebird 326 then an '83 black T/A, '85 Bandit II & '98 LS1! Always liked those Formulas too even the Fiero Formula

[@ISLAMICSTORIES13]

I thought the trans am only came in LT1? so that generation of firebird the trans am and firehawk and ws6 all share the same LS1 just with different features?

[@ejgrant5191]

The intake maifold on those was designed by noted Engine Developer Ryan Falconer who also did other projects for GM like the Splayed Valve Indy V6 turbo stock block motor and the 1200HP IMSA Corvette GTP twin turbo V6's. They made FAR more HP than any other intake in that era. Falconer also used those V6 program heads to create his V12 motor most commonly found in experimental aircraft these days. Brilliant man.

[@monkeymouse1403]

Incorrect, the TPIS miniram made more HP, but less TQ than the SLP intake. GM later copied the Miniram as it looks almost identical to the LT1 intake that debuted in 1992.

[@joshthemediocre7824]

Before the internet i spent so much time looking through auto traders from all over the US. I've always loved a Firehawk, i've watched them go from being super steals to going through the roof in prices over the last 30 years, like everything i guess, or everything that a bunch of people think is cool. They are great looking super rare cars, but yeah i'd rather have a c4 ZR1 than any of them.

[@Zzus321]

Back when Manual transmissions ruled the World

[@adamweston4152]

Manual gearboxes still rule the world in Europe, automatic boxes are for lazy ass people.

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

Now people think driving a stick is a massive accomplishment.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Remember when they were colloquially called “standard” because they were the standard and you upgraded to the automatic. If you didn’t mind paying the upcharge.

[@Zzus321]

@@presmasterflash7555 Yup

[@jokerzwild00]

Naw, back in the 80s automatic was pretty much the norm even for ""performance"" lol cars like the Firebird. In the US anyway. Were there more sticks back then? Sure. They definitely weren't the rule though. Most people just want to get from a to b with as little fuss as possible. Comparatively few people, then as well as now, want to row through gears everywhere they go. Think about what the top selling models have been through the years. Do the kinds of people who buy those cars care to manually shift their gears? Sticks did rule in high end, non-US actual performance cars though. Porsche, Ferrari, etc. It's a shame that now even in that category various automatic shift options have taken over.

[@wizerulz]

In 1997 I bought a 4th gen 93 Firehawk, 6 speed manual, I loved that car and it had the best sounding exhaust system with dual outlets in the drivers side. Leather interior/t tops total dream car. I put a short throw shifter, roller rockers and an Aluminum SLP flywheel with the stronger LT4 clutch, that car was a true delight to drive. The 4th gen’s rode better than the third gen’s and seemed more stable SLP was commissioned by Rick Hendrick in Charlotte to build commemorative 30th anniversary Camaros so I had a great privilege to actually work for SLP in their shop in Charlotte until the build out was completed.

[@johnnyd6878]

I had an ‘83 T/A. Super fun for a high school kid in the mid 90’s

[@rarecars3336]

That’s an awesome high school car

[@billymanilli]

I daily drove an '84 TA in high school... absolutely LOVED it White with black trim, two tone grey interior, 5 speed... was SUPER CLEAN and I put Weld pro stars on it.. I got compliments all of the time on it I still have it, 25+ years later... I want to restore it to the way it was back then, but money and time just aren't things that I have right now, unfortunately!

[@samueljackson2478]

Don't forget the Callaway Sledgehammer 5.7 Twin Turbo V8 Top Speed 255 Mph .

[@jorgedacosta8957]

I heard it wasn't a stock 350 instead it was a 383, this is what I heard?

[@samueljackson2478]

@@jorgedacosta8957 To be honest yes 383, but on paper 350 SB

[@shable1436]

I was lucky enough to get to drive one regularly, my dad got one in early 90s, and i used to fly around the back roads, loosing cops all the time, it had extreme power, and handling on rails.

[@ar2043]

Absolutely love this channel and its content!!!

[@Apexmissed]

Awesome vid!

[@Kdog307]

had a 88 iroc-z z-28 and the doors would rattle on every pebble, but hell even my best friends mom had to go for a ride in it lol miss that girl(the car)

[@petertornabeni602]

This is a great video, I appreciate your work on this !

[@bitedawg]

always great videos!

[@carlos64030]

Pro tip: When you're making a video about a particular vehicle, don't show video clips and photos of a different car because you'll confuse the hell out of a lot of people that don't know any better. For example, you showed a '91 - '92 t-top Trans Am with Firehawk wheels and the Firehawk door decal numerous times. That was a clone or a tribute car because SLP never made a 3rd gen Firehawk with the Trans Am as the base, and all Firehawks were hardtops.

[@jukeboxzero1]

Yep. There's another video out there claiming the '82 Firebird was one of the 10 worst muscle cars of all time. But the picture for the video shows either a '91 or '92 Firebird which was a much better car.

[@mikeks8181]

Firehawk!!!!

[@rarecars3336]

I would have to agree

[@jonleonguerrero]

Great content. Excellent job.

[@grantman64]

Great video on the OG Firehawk!! Definitely want to see a follow-up video on the 4th-gen Firehawk, as I have a 1996 Comp T/A - which is basically a combination of Firehawk and Pontiac Trans AM WS6 hardware with specific cosmetics to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BF Goodrich's Comp T/A performance tire.

[@lee161a]

Pontiac also had an IRS project for the firebird, in the firefox II, around the same time

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

Got the article on that in High Performance Pontiac 1988. The test mule was on a black GTA TA.

[@liquidleopard4495]

And their project was using coil springs, unlike the Corvette.

[@robertf9521]

SLP continued into the 5th gen camero and may have been why GM brought back the supercharged ZL1!

[@kaefergarage]

Sure I'd like to see a video for the 4th gen of the Firebird! It'll make this complete :) I knew about the Firehawk and I enjoyed to see your video. Good quality of the provided information!

[@carlmcgarry1823]

My 97 trans am is outa sight. . Heads, brakes, Tremec 6 sp, and much more. Its still my summer only driver. 50 k miles. I love it.... Cannot give it up. Its like new, and get looks on cruise night. CM I loved the firehawk when it camre out, but didnt have the bread to buy one. Beautiful car. My choice.

[@bobbyshaftoe]

'with their transams'???? The GOAT is litterally... The Goat.

[@richki.24]

I worked with a guy that had one back in 1994/1995 ... I always asked him if he wanted to sell, he always said no ...

[@samueljackson2478]

Don't forget the last Firehawk ever made in 2009. The Pontiac G8 Firehawk 4 door sedan.

[@duanenicpon8024]

I remember the president of the Illinois Pontiac Chapter bought one...500 hp I believe.

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

This day I think that G8 should of used a different name then "Firehawk" for their top tier performance model. Funny thing is you could of only get the G8 firehawk in automatic! I mean really? Because the G8 GXP was available in stick!

[@dmo848]

Almost bought it also but I didn't cause I just got laid off at the time

[@PaulAngileri]

How have I never heard of this car?

[@samueljackson2478]

@@duanenicpon8024 500HP / 489 TQ

[@chrisperez8092]

Awesome job!!!

[@CousinSteve]

I had a 2002 WS6 and it was the best car I've ever driven. Obviously not the fastest but just the most badass

[@Kenneth-fu3js]

Great episode!!!! I loved those cars! I remember seeing it on MotorWeek!😎👍🏽👍🏽

[@brianholland2916]

Awwwww the good old days!!!

[@dasfahrer8187]

I had forgotten about this car. It was so cool when I first saw one on the street back in the day.

[@darwinortiz6394]

Great video.

[@Funtimes670]

SLP!

[@Jdub6580]

I'm not capable of scrolling past a keyword that reads Firehawk.

[@mach1mustangguy992]

this is my ultimate GM performance car beside the grand national....this is on my bucket list of cars....i saw one of these this weekend at the obx rod & custom festival

[@hambone1104]

4th gen would be great. Thank you again for your videos. Well done.

[@Graves-81_69]

I had the opportunity to drive the last generation FireHawk back in the early 2000s and I loved it more than any Corvette at the time. I think it was the best version of the Firebird that was ever produced

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

Cool cars for sure but come on, a C5 Z06 is better in every way...

[@Graves-81_69]

@@Blas4ublasphemy well yeah, but the FireHawk was a total vibe. The coolest ZO6 I had the opportunity to drive was a C6. Wicked machine!

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

@@Graves-81_69 I love F-body cars too, my first car was a 1989 Firebird, then a 1986 TPI Trans Am and finally a 2002 T56 SLP Camaro SS I own to this day. This car has been built 3 times now (3rd engine, 2nd trans, swapped rear )with really no expense spared suspension or driveline wise and I love it for the street and strip fun it delivers and all the memories I share with it. I have a Fiesta ST too and really wish my Camaro handled like that car lol.

[@Graves-81_69]

@@Blas4ublasphemy those are some serious cars my man! I bet the Camaro is a damn beast! And the Focus ST is badass as well as

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

@@Graves-81_69 TY the Camaro is currently 427CI LS3 swapped running on a speed density tune with holly sniper intake, LT headers running into SLP chambered center mount exit exhaust without cats. It sounds as good as any vehicle ever created IMO lol...

[@chriskrueger8225]

I had an 89 GTA with the 5.7TPI and T-Tops. I got rid of it about 10 years ago. I miss that car so much!

[@davidstansell3463]

That was awesome I want to hear more

[@csj9619]

My brother had a '94 Formula Firebird and that car was super fun, but I prefer the body style featured in this video as far as looks go. 275HP LT1, same as a Z-28 Camaro.

[@toddprater14]

The third gens look way better than the 4th gens..they look like a jellybean…now the 98-02 ws6 transam is definitely the better looking of the 2 , 4th gens..being gen x I have a soft spot for the 89-92 irocs and trans ams and formula firebirds ..

[@murderbirdLTX]

​@@toddprater14what ?

[@frankartale1026]

Pontiac was the best division. I had an 88 Formula 305 tpi 5spd with stock 3.45 borg warner rear and stock optional dual converter exhaust. It ran 14.3 @ 94 at the track with no mods!! with a 305 !! these cars had more power than advertised. My Formula was faster than my 5.7 89 GTA was... but not by much

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

Nice! Interesting enough I once drag stripped my 89 GTA 350 and my best time was a 14.2 at 94mph. The only mods I had done was rear LCAs and KYBs adjustable shocks. Other then that it was all stock. I actually dragged a guy who had a formula 305 w/stick and I was barely able to beat him at the line. So yes I agree both were pretty close in performance. Mind you a GTA is a bit heavier with the ground F/X and the heavier lumbar seats. So that extra 25 extra ponies helped a bit. I wish I had a hardtop formula 350 with minimal options and the WS6 suspension because that would be the super light car and I believe they would be the best strip performing cars when done right.

[@TheWolfMatt]

The Firehawk and later Camaro SS SLP were a favorite of mine growing up. I had learned about the SLP Firehawk through the dealer that I would occasionally get parts from to build my 78 Firebird Formula only to fall in love with one sitting in their showroom floor. What a beastly car to say the very least about it. Wish I was able to afford one back in the day as I'd imagine they'd probably go for about 100k if they were taken care of and low miles. Please post a 4th gen version to commemorate these. Nicely done video bud, brought me back down memory lane.

[@MichaelPendergraft-wg4it]

Yes please 4th Firehawk video please!

[@eriklarson9137]

3500 pounds. 300 crank HP? Batten the hatches boys!

[@liquidleopard4495]

Did you actually watch the video? 3400 lbs and 350+ SLP said you were getting *at least* 350hp. They never said you were *only* getting 350hp. Tire technology at the time couldn't deal with it very well. Firehawks in the IMSA Showroom Stock series were said to spin the tires on straightaways.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

I remember hearing a little about them as a teenager back then, but drove an 87 Grand Am because it was close to free. Great video, learned a ton.

[@chadwondra685]

Great video, thank you. A '93 firehawk video would be awesome!!

[@stevebecwar9286]

4th gen video

[@4yules]

firehawk cars are definitly worthy cars...they made a g8 gxp firehawk too

[@rarecars3336]

The G8 is such an underrated car

[@John-np2bf]

GM did it again in 2000 when I walked into one of my local Chevy dealerships and on the sales floor was a corvette red SLP Camaro SS. It had an all aluminum 5.7 liter LS2 rated at 320 horsepower as the stock SS. It was underrated and actually put out a bit more. The SLP Package added about 30 more HP. It also came with a lot of the same upgrades as previous partnerships such as pistons, Upgraded torque diff, crankshaft, larger intake, power steering cooler, Suspension upgrades, Brembo shocks/struts. Larger disk brakes front and rear. 17 inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Z-rated performance tires on all the way around. 3 inch exhaust with dual tips. They actually lined up the stock SS and the SLP so I could listen to them both and the SLP was much more aggressive. The interior was nice and since the car was a six-speed it had a Hurst leather wrapped and embossed with an "H" short throw shifter. They kind of tried to screw me a little on the deal and I almost walked. They asked me what else would I like done to the car to make the sale, make it right. I told them I wanted Leather seats and leather trim work on the door panels. And I wanted the SS logo embroidered in matching Red on the head rest. They sent it up the street to a custom shop and 2 days later it had a fully custom interior with nice thick leather. Not that garbage that comes from the factories. Back in 2000 The stock SS was beating Cobras and 350z's. My car with the SLP package was spanking S2000's and c4 corvettes. I enjoyed that car very much. It's only because I was starting a family and having a child that I got rid of the car. The Back seats of Camaros have always been terrible to sit in. lol You felt like you we so low and the actual seat was nothing. Thanks for making this. It took me back to 17 when I had an 84 Z28 as my first car.

[@fgeiger41]

3rd gen was my face until the last iteration where they tried to Incorporate the concept Banshee's looks. It should've been all anshee or nothing v

[@523maine]

Yes, please do a video on SLP 4th generation Firehawk and maybe Camaro also!

[@William-Bill-Munny]

I began working for Brembo NA around the time this car and the Mustang Cobra R came out with Brembo factory brakes. It was a great time to be part of the building factory specials groundswell. The SLP was a hidden gem favorite of mine, yet many still have no idea it even existed.

[@rarecars3336]

That is awesome that you were behind the scenes working on some of those projects - the Cobra R is such an awesome car. The early 2000s were those last years of really analog feeling cars still but with some refinements

[@Gee_Jay]

Just 25 third gens ever made ? - Shame ! - Please do the 4th gen too - I LOVE those 90s Firebird LOOKS!

[@rarecars3336]

Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@derekhoward5995]

Yes my step grandpa had a 25 th anniversary ta love to her about the 4 gen ta firebird

[@MatyHam86]

Whose last name is Hamberger?? Oh right mine too

[@LIsForLexi.]

Mines Reigelsperger... german?

[@boosk2127]

I remember seeing a 30min infomercial on the fireworks. Was quite impressed then

[@gringoespana]

Loved this car back in the day. Y'all do videos on imports? I had a 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4 once upon a time. Rare car, awd, all wheel steering and turbo charged 4 door. Freaking loved it

[@Paul_D_Lashley]

I had an 88 formula firebird. Those cars were beautiful but you couldn’t drive over a bump without the dash jumping, squeaking and everything rattling. The nose was always too long on them also like the front wheels needed to move a foot forward or something.

[@mc24725]

yes to a video on 4th gen firehawk

[@Flub_Kub]

It was nice to see pontiac outperform itself. This firehawk had similar specs to the trans-am in 1998-2002. Amazing!

[@user-gj9tm9xd7g]

Awesome!!

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I always liked Pontiac more than Chevy. Shame they killed it

[@komradkolonel]

There was also the 1982 Trans Am that would have had the 301 turbo V-8 that was used in the 1980-81 Trams Am Turbo. Now that engine's numbers weren't anything like the big blocks put out a decade earlier but it had enough torque to make that Trans Am both quicker and faster than the 1982 Corvette. Supposedly the Chevy brass had not only a cow but a whole barnyard when they learned what Pontiac had in mind. You could say they basically bulled the GM executives to make Pontiac use the underpowered 305 instead.

[@ValkyriesMoon]

The 301 turbo made like 210hp and alot of torque which wasnt bad for the time.

[@mikee2923]

Yes. 210 HP in an early 3rd Gen would’ve been awesome. Plus it would’ve made swapping in a Pontiac 400 or 455 a simple bolt in affair like swapping out a 305 for a 350. This was supposed to be the plan as evidenced by driver’s side bulge in the hood of all 3rd Gen T/As and Formulas similar to the 80-81 Turbo T/A. Even though the 301 turbo wasn’t very exciting in the late 2nd Gen, the 3rd Gen was about 500lbs lighter. Imagine what it would’ve been making when GM finally sorted out EFI. But of course Chevy probably cried because the Corvette was only making about the same with 350CI. They knew what Pontiac was capable of. It took Chevy until 1985 to make 235 HP with the TPI. But instead the T/A was neutered with the Chevy 305. They kept the bulge for ascetics.

[@chaseme9860]

I built a 91 SLP Formula when I was a kid back in the early 90s. One of the many cars I wish I still had.

[@StoneyBrownTV]

I've always loved the Firebird. My mother had one when I was a young child and I've always had a fondness for this car.

[@jazzandbluesculturalherita2547]

1993 4th Gen SLP Firehawk, please!

[@mikeeaton9822]

Gen 4 Firehawk vid please

[@brgable]

I bought a 95 Firehawk in 99 it had 3k miles on it. Love that car they are a blast to drive. Still own it with 32k miles on it.

[@TA1905]

Awesome, always loved the 3rd gen firehawk. I have slp parts fitted my one.

[@keith455-73]

Pontiac being under General Motors is like Texas being under the United States, yeah it is a part of it, but it is still it’s own unique entity. 👍👍😁😁

[@markmitchell758]

4th Gen firehawk video please and thank you and your welcome.

[@kfh1]

4th Gen Firehawk video please!!!

[@bluecow10]

I made the video at 4:09 thanks for using my footage!!🎉

[@allenkranawetter9482]

Just awesome. I've heard of the firebird Firehawk

[@Lynchfan88]

A close family friend got himself an '89 GTA Trans Am in white w/the tan/gold cloth interior. We took it to an aftermarket place here in our town (Cleveland, Oh..the place was Roman Chariot) and had them cut in a T-top. Granted, it wasn't a '91 Firehawk but it was still beautiful. And yes, I have heard of the Firehawk and knew all about it in '91.

[@jeffwolf8018]

Back and I believe 88 or 89 my half-brother bought a Pontiac formula 350 with a WS suspension manual transmission. That car was amazing. At the time he had the highest speeding ticket in all of Massachusetts that he got living on Cape Cod..

[@toddprater14]

No 350 cars came with a manual stock..if that car was a 5 speed it was a 305…and them years you mentioned ..the 305 cars just said “formula “ on outside doors …the 350 cars said formula 350…

[@haroldstrickland8416]

I remember being in high school & drooling over the SLP Firehawk.

[@blazinsaddlez5134]

Thanks for teaching me about the generations. My favorite dream cars or definitely mid to late 80s firebird and z28s so I'd really like to learn more if possible.

[@rarecars3336]

Glad you enjoyed! They are classics and finally starting to get the recognition they deserve!

[@VintageWheelsTV-36]

I work for SLP in the early 2000's. We were doing the Firehawks and the Camaro SS. I worked on the hoods and spoilers for both as well as building the exhaust systems. I was there until GM closed the plant in Quebec.

[@scottandrews4822]

Please do a video on the 4th gen Firehawk! Great video!

[@henrywashington3732]

I have a black 97 bird with 3.8 and T-Tops. I need that furehawk hood, cause it look sick!😮

[@johnelliott7375]

The 3rd gen eventually got my acceptance aftymy one friend who had gotten one new in 1992 and beat it every way but Sunday it was good looking, reliable, and just a great cruisers that if you did the maintenance. Great evening, great job and thanks for sharing this anomaly with me and my family/friends!

[@digitalmagicAR]

I certainly remember those. Amazing cars, great looking, factory orderable and with a warranty. The dealer brochure actually mentioned SLP but didn't show the Firehawk. The 4th gen cars were more affordable since they needed less modifications. The SLP Firehawks were fantastic until the end.

[@sethminskey]

Definitely would love to see a part 2 video on the new platform Bird

[@Brzypoint]

I am still the original owner of a dark blue 2002 (Last of the Breed) Firehawk convertible with a 4 speed auto. The build out of mine is one of 18. It has around 28,000 miles on it. I still drive it every summer on super nice days, about 500 miles a year. Never seen snow and MAYBE a handful of rainy days...It has all the bolt ons, headers, cat delete, 3" all the way back to the muller etc... and I still retain the stock parts. Made 393 RWHP with a tune. Welded subframe connectors and strut tower brace really make it a solid car, zero cowl shake! Best run in the 1/4 is 12.82 @ 108. Super fun car!!!

[@mitchellholroyd2837]

Firehawk was my dream vehicle

[@joepennRR1]

Awesome video I have a green 4th generation I'd love to see that video

[@kaoswithkc]

Enjoyed