1984 Pontiac Firebird

The Third Generation of the Pontiac Firebird was introduced in 1982, and it represented the latest in computerized engine management technology, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction. The idea of a front-wheel-drive platform had been explored, but ultimately it retained the rear-wheel-drive setup of its predecessors. Due to the fuel crises of the 1970s, fuel consumption was a priority so a four-cylinder engine was offered that achieved 34 miles per U.S. gallon.

The completely redesigned 1982 Firebird had concealed pop-up headlights, a first on the F-Body cars, a windshield sloped at 62 degrees, finned aluminum wheels with smooth hubcaps, a functional rear spoiler, and a hatchback that required no metal structure to support it or the large glass area. Its overall design was approximately 500 pounds less than the previous design, and it was the most aerodynamic production product General Motors had ever created.

Changes occurred to the powertrain for 1983, but the overall design remained the same. For 1984, the styling remained mostly unchanged but again it gained a performance boost, this time to the Firebird Trans Am model's high-output four-barrel version of the 305 cubic-inch V8. This had been a new option offered in late 1983, and for 1984 was rated at 190 hp at 4800 RPM and 240 lb-ft of torque. The Trans Am now came standard with a five-speed manual gearbox and a 3.73:1 axle ratio.

The four-cylinder engine received a swirl-port combustion chamber, cooler spark plugs, and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, helping it deliver 92 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Firebird SE came standard with an overhead valve V6 with a cast-iron block, aluminum head, a two-barrel Rochester carburetor, four main bearings, and hydraulic valve lifters. It produced 112 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 145 lb-feet of torque at 2,100 RPM.

New features on the Firebird SE for 1984 included a color-coordinated leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking brake handle, and shift lever. Additional standard features included a five-speed gearbox, a handling suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, leather map pockets, cloth seat upholstery, a tachometer, sport mirrors, color-keyed bodyside moldings, lower accent paint with striping, and P205/70R14 tires with turbo cast-aluminum wheels.

Standard equipment included a four-speed manual shift transmission, power steering, power brakes, Rally sport wheels wrapped with P195/75R14 tires, tinted liftback glass, and vinyl reclining front bucket seats.

The Trans Am models came with a five-speed transmission, rear-wheel opening flares, a rear spoiler, black aerodynamic turbo cast-aluminum wheels, and front fender air extractors.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2015