FireFox?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Merritt Island, FL, 32953
FireFox?
Hey guys,
I came across an individual the other day who claimed to own a GTA Firefox, claimed that they were very rare SLP built cars, only 443 made. I know a good bit about Firebird history, and I can't say I've ever heard of this....anyone out there know if this car actually exists?
Thanks,
TGBP
I came across an individual the other day who claimed to own a GTA Firefox, claimed that they were very rare SLP built cars, only 443 made. I know a good bit about Firebird history, and I can't say I've ever heard of this....anyone out there know if this car actually exists?
Thanks,
TGBP
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 0
From: Orland Park, IL, USA
Car: 88 IROC-Z
Engine: L98
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.45
fire fox or firehawk??????? 2 different beasts. Ill tell you right now that as far as i know no Firefox's were sold to the public so if thats what this guy is telling you he is full of it. a firehawk on the other hand is possible and is also a really bad a$$ 3rd gen with about 360hp.
Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne Beach, Florida, USA
Car: 1991 Formula Firehawk (Clone)
Engine: 350 with Firehawk Package
Transmission: 700R4
...there were no Firefox's sold to the public...they were concept cars for shows, and there were no GTA Firehawks...
...there were 25 1991-1992 Firehawks built by SLP..24 were Formulas and one was a Trans Am Convertible....
...and that my friend is a rare beast indeed...
...there were 25 1991-1992 Firehawks built by SLP..24 were Formulas and one was a Trans Am Convertible....
...and that my friend is a rare beast indeed...
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Factory experimentals. They can be defined as one off engineering exercises designed to push the envelope. Pontiac has been at this for decades and it continued
into the twighlight years of the third generation platform. In the years preceding the introduction of the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, Ponitac was busy building excitement. Some
of the exercises included a 3.8 liter high output Turbo Trans Am that delivered 360 hp and 412 lbs of torque. The 3.8 liter HO drivetrain consisted of a ZF six speed and a
Dana 44 rear with 3.92 gears. Pontiac also examined twin turbocharging with a 5.7 liter red and black Trans Am equipped with a set of Garrett T-3 turbos. This 5.7 liter was
fed by 16 fuel injectors, three GNX fuel pumps, two air meters and two GNX intercoolers. The drivleine pieces were the same ZF six speed spinning 3.73 gears. The twin
turbo put out 605 hp and 700 lbs of torque. It was among these factory supercars from Pontiac that the original Firefox was born. This sinsiter 5.7 liter black GTA came
with the the ZF six speed and heavy duty Dana rear end as well as suspension modifications. It was the ultimate GTA and the impetus for another tire scorching Firefox
three years later.
The Firefox II, based on a 1991 Trans Am was built by Ponitac in conjunction with TDM Technologies. TDM is an automovive engineering support firm based in
Livonia, Michigan. This incarnation of the original Firefox differs from the original in several areas. The Firefox was powered by a beefed up Tuned Port Injected 5.7 liter
with aluminum heads and a bumped up compression ratio of 10.5:1. The Firefox was also given several tried and true TPI modifications. Airflow into the TPI engine was
aided by porting the runners from 1.375 to 1.750 inches in diameter while fuel injector flow rates were increased. Rounding out the enigne modifcations were roller tip rocker
arms and specific valve timing. The restrictive stock exhaust manifolds were removed and a set of Edelbrock headers were
installed to remove the spent gases. The Firefox had provisions for a catalytic convertor but this prototype was not so
equipped. Horsepower levels were an impressive 328 hp at 4500 rpm and a stump pulling 395 lbs of torque at 3500 rpm. It is
needless to say that these levels of performance would decimate stock driveline pieces. As was the case with the original
Firefox, the shifting duties were handled by a Corvette ZF six speed tranny with power being channeled to a limited slip rear
with 3.91 gears. Residing in the rear of Firefox II is a suspension that F-body owners have wanted for the last 10 years, an
independent rear suspension. This all aluminum independent rear suspension required the fuel tank to be removed and
replaced with a small fuel cell fitted in the luggage compartment. It also required a compact muffler mounted snuggly behind
the IRS assembly. The IRS was apparently considered for the 1989 20th Anniversay Turbo Trans Am and the original Firefox
but has never made it on a production F-body due to cost and complexity. The rolling stock was also upgrade to handle the
increased performance. The Firefox II rode on sticky 275/40/17 Goodyear Eagle ZR40's and 17 inch BBS 3 piece rims with a
honycomb design similar to the GTA's stock WS6 rims.
The Firefox II's performance times were quite impressive and it could be considered the ultimate third generation Trans Am ever. 0-60 times were 5.2 seconds with the
quarter mile time coming in at 13.5 seconds at 103.2 mph. The IRS equipped Firefox delivered skidpad times of .93 g while racing through the slalom at 67.0mph. According
to Motor Trend, these times were slightly off the mark of a 1991 ZR-1 at 68.6 mph These times put the the Firefox in LS1 Corvette,
SS, Firehawk, and Cobra territoy. In retrospect, the legacy the original Firefox and Firefox II left were that the lessons Pontiac
learned from these cars undoubtedly made there way into the fourth generation Formula's and Trans Am's. It also showed that TPI
5.0 and 5.7 liter cars could be modified to deliver awesome levels of performance and power. In the end, these are the purposes of
factory experimental cars, to bring innovations to new models and show enthusiasts where the envelope lies so we can get there
and even surpass it.
I got that info off a web page some time ago but they have been since shut down. If you want I can email you the pictures too.
James
------------------
If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy
88 GTA Notchback with 91 gfx and ROH Snypers
Aftermarket T-56 (pain in the A$S but worth it)
Lots of things to do still
into the twighlight years of the third generation platform. In the years preceding the introduction of the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, Ponitac was busy building excitement. Some
of the exercises included a 3.8 liter high output Turbo Trans Am that delivered 360 hp and 412 lbs of torque. The 3.8 liter HO drivetrain consisted of a ZF six speed and a
Dana 44 rear with 3.92 gears. Pontiac also examined twin turbocharging with a 5.7 liter red and black Trans Am equipped with a set of Garrett T-3 turbos. This 5.7 liter was
fed by 16 fuel injectors, three GNX fuel pumps, two air meters and two GNX intercoolers. The drivleine pieces were the same ZF six speed spinning 3.73 gears. The twin
turbo put out 605 hp and 700 lbs of torque. It was among these factory supercars from Pontiac that the original Firefox was born. This sinsiter 5.7 liter black GTA came
with the the ZF six speed and heavy duty Dana rear end as well as suspension modifications. It was the ultimate GTA and the impetus for another tire scorching Firefox
three years later.
The Firefox II, based on a 1991 Trans Am was built by Ponitac in conjunction with TDM Technologies. TDM is an automovive engineering support firm based in
Livonia, Michigan. This incarnation of the original Firefox differs from the original in several areas. The Firefox was powered by a beefed up Tuned Port Injected 5.7 liter
with aluminum heads and a bumped up compression ratio of 10.5:1. The Firefox was also given several tried and true TPI modifications. Airflow into the TPI engine was
aided by porting the runners from 1.375 to 1.750 inches in diameter while fuel injector flow rates were increased. Rounding out the enigne modifcations were roller tip rocker
arms and specific valve timing. The restrictive stock exhaust manifolds were removed and a set of Edelbrock headers were
installed to remove the spent gases. The Firefox had provisions for a catalytic convertor but this prototype was not so
equipped. Horsepower levels were an impressive 328 hp at 4500 rpm and a stump pulling 395 lbs of torque at 3500 rpm. It is
needless to say that these levels of performance would decimate stock driveline pieces. As was the case with the original
Firefox, the shifting duties were handled by a Corvette ZF six speed tranny with power being channeled to a limited slip rear
with 3.91 gears. Residing in the rear of Firefox II is a suspension that F-body owners have wanted for the last 10 years, an
independent rear suspension. This all aluminum independent rear suspension required the fuel tank to be removed and
replaced with a small fuel cell fitted in the luggage compartment. It also required a compact muffler mounted snuggly behind
the IRS assembly. The IRS was apparently considered for the 1989 20th Anniversay Turbo Trans Am and the original Firefox
but has never made it on a production F-body due to cost and complexity. The rolling stock was also upgrade to handle the
increased performance. The Firefox II rode on sticky 275/40/17 Goodyear Eagle ZR40's and 17 inch BBS 3 piece rims with a
honycomb design similar to the GTA's stock WS6 rims.
The Firefox II's performance times were quite impressive and it could be considered the ultimate third generation Trans Am ever. 0-60 times were 5.2 seconds with the
quarter mile time coming in at 13.5 seconds at 103.2 mph. The IRS equipped Firefox delivered skidpad times of .93 g while racing through the slalom at 67.0mph. According
to Motor Trend, these times were slightly off the mark of a 1991 ZR-1 at 68.6 mph These times put the the Firefox in LS1 Corvette,
SS, Firehawk, and Cobra territoy. In retrospect, the legacy the original Firefox and Firefox II left were that the lessons Pontiac
learned from these cars undoubtedly made there way into the fourth generation Formula's and Trans Am's. It also showed that TPI
5.0 and 5.7 liter cars could be modified to deliver awesome levels of performance and power. In the end, these are the purposes of
factory experimental cars, to bring innovations to new models and show enthusiasts where the envelope lies so we can get there
and even surpass it.
I got that info off a web page some time ago but they have been since shut down. If you want I can email you the pictures too.
James
------------------
If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy
88 GTA Notchback with 91 gfx and ROH Snypers
Aftermarket T-56 (pain in the A$S but worth it)
Lots of things to do still
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 854
Likes: 44
From: Batesville, AR 72501 USA
Car: '88 Bright Red GTA UPC 81U
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1
James is right on the money with this post. I have a road test of the 2nd Firefox (1991) on my web page, but still have not located a test of the original car in its initial guise. I have found an HPP magazine editorial from an editor who drove the car, and will be posting it soon.
Sadly, according to Jim Mattison of PHS.... both of the Firefox prototypes were destroyed by Pontiac years ago. The only car left that hints at their content is the blue 1991 twin-turbo Trans Am that Pontiac still has and shows on occasion. It has a twin-turbo 5.7L and also the six-speed and the IRS as well. Very hairy looking beast.....
------------------
Frankie Rider, 2
The GTA Source Page
-----------------------
1988 GTA Red 5.7L Hatchback
1988 GTA Black 5.7L Notchback
1988 GTA Gunmetal Metallic 5.0L Hatchback
1981 Trans Am WS6 5.0L..... slated to be replaced by Chevy SB400
1980 Turbo 4.9L Trans Am WS6
Sadly, according to Jim Mattison of PHS.... both of the Firefox prototypes were destroyed by Pontiac years ago. The only car left that hints at their content is the blue 1991 twin-turbo Trans Am that Pontiac still has and shows on occasion. It has a twin-turbo 5.7L and also the six-speed and the IRS as well. Very hairy looking beast.....
------------------
Frankie Rider, 2
The GTA Source Page
-----------------------
1988 GTA Red 5.7L Hatchback
1988 GTA Black 5.7L Notchback
1988 GTA Gunmetal Metallic 5.0L Hatchback
1981 Trans Am WS6 5.0L..... slated to be replaced by Chevy SB400
1980 Turbo 4.9L Trans Am WS6
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
post a picture of it!
------------------
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/battstas/cars/transams.html" TARGET=_blank>Pics of my Trans Ams together
</A>
'98 Trans Am #907, 3.23 4A, Chrome Wheels. 62,000 miles.
'86 Trans Am WS6 Silver, 305TPI, 16" CharcoalGray Cross-lace Wheels. 168,500 miles.
'99 Isuzu Rodeo V6 2WD 20,000 miles
'99 Honda VFR800fi 5,000 miles
San Marcos, TX
t_batts@hotmail.com
ICQ 30038716
AOL= Batts2798
MSN= t_batts@hotmail.com
CURRENTLY: the '86 was rearended in Austin (about 3K worth of damage), and is undergoing repairs.
Future MODS Include:
383 engine, built 700R trans, and 3.23 gears for the '86. Borla exhaust for the '98.
------------------
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/battstas/cars/transams.html" TARGET=_blank>Pics of my Trans Ams together
</A>
'98 Trans Am #907, 3.23 4A, Chrome Wheels. 62,000 miles.
'86 Trans Am WS6 Silver, 305TPI, 16" CharcoalGray Cross-lace Wheels. 168,500 miles.
'99 Isuzu Rodeo V6 2WD 20,000 miles
'99 Honda VFR800fi 5,000 miles
San Marcos, TX
t_batts@hotmail.com
ICQ 30038716
AOL= Batts2798
MSN= t_batts@hotmail.com
CURRENTLY: the '86 was rearended in Austin (about 3K worth of damage), and is undergoing repairs.
Future MODS Include:
383 engine, built 700R trans, and 3.23 gears for the '86. Borla exhaust for the '98.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Tampa,FL,U.S.
Ive got a picture of that Blue TDM twin turbo TransaM in an issue of Road&Track.(The engine looks kike a plumber built it 
I can scan it,but I dont know how to post it 
------------------
1990 Trans Am GTA,Black/Black Leather,350,auto 3.23,Dual Cats,SLP Package,SLP Torque Converter/Shift Kit,Fastchip,GSC's,
G-tech 0-60 5.1 1/4mile 13.6@104
Previous Thirdgen
1986 Camaro IROC-Z
I can scan it,but I dont know how to post it ------------------
1990 Trans Am GTA,Black/Black Leather,350,auto 3.23,Dual Cats,SLP Package,SLP Torque Converter/Shift Kit,Fastchip,GSC's,
G-tech 0-60 5.1 1/4mile 13.6@104
Previous Thirdgen
1986 Camaro IROC-Z
DAMN, IRS, I want it
------------------
www.TransAmGTA.com
1992 GTA (226 made), 1 of only 18 "Dk. Jade Met." 92 GTA's, My Window Sticker, LB9, 700R4 4-Speed, T-Tops, Grey Leather, every available option except G92, J65 and U1A.
Current Mods/Upgrades: 80 Series Dual Outlet Flowmaster, TPIS Air Foil, K&N Air Filter, and Mobil 1.
Future Mods/Upgrades: None but a complete restoration.
Best Track Time: 14.6sec@96.6mph
"If it ain't broke, fix it til it is!"
Webmaster www.TransAmGTA.com
My 3rdGen Firebird Message Board!
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited March 12, 2001).]
------------------
www.TransAmGTA.com
1992 GTA (226 made), 1 of only 18 "Dk. Jade Met." 92 GTA's, My Window Sticker, LB9, 700R4 4-Speed, T-Tops, Grey Leather, every available option except G92, J65 and U1A.
Current Mods/Upgrades: 80 Series Dual Outlet Flowmaster, TPIS Air Foil, K&N Air Filter, and Mobil 1.
Future Mods/Upgrades: None but a complete restoration.
Best Track Time: 14.6sec@96.6mph
"If it ain't broke, fix it til it is!"
Webmaster www.TransAmGTA.com
My 3rdGen Firebird Message Board!
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited March 12, 2001).]
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
black5.7GTA, send the pic to me... I'll post it!
------------------
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/battstas/cars/transams.html" TARGET=_blank>Pics of my Trans Ams together
</A>
'98 Trans Am #907, 3.23 4A, Chrome Wheels. 62,000 miles.
'86 Trans Am WS6 Silver, 305TPI, 16" CharcoalGray Cross-lace Wheels. 168,500 miles.
'99 Isuzu Rodeo V6 2WD 20,000 miles
'99 Honda VFR800fi 5,000 miles
San Marcos, TX
t_batts@hotmail.com
ICQ 30038716
AOL= Batts2798
MSN= t_batts@hotmail.com
CURRENTLY: the '86 was rearended in Austin (about 3K worth of damage), and is undergoing repairs.
Future MODS Include:
383 engine, built 700R trans, and 3.23 gears for the '86. Borla exhaust for the '98.
------------------
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/battstas/cars/transams.html" TARGET=_blank>Pics of my Trans Ams together
</A>
'98 Trans Am #907, 3.23 4A, Chrome Wheels. 62,000 miles.
'86 Trans Am WS6 Silver, 305TPI, 16" CharcoalGray Cross-lace Wheels. 168,500 miles.
'99 Isuzu Rodeo V6 2WD 20,000 miles
'99 Honda VFR800fi 5,000 miles
San Marcos, TX
t_batts@hotmail.com
ICQ 30038716
AOL= Batts2798
MSN= t_batts@hotmail.com
CURRENTLY: the '86 was rearended in Austin (about 3K worth of damage), and is undergoing repairs.
Future MODS Include:
383 engine, built 700R trans, and 3.23 gears for the '86. Borla exhaust for the '98.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY U.S.
Is it the pic of the firefox where it shows the back end? That is the only pic i had, I will try to find it. It was a nice looking car. The pic i had was a black GTA, and in between the taillights it said firefox. If i can find it, i will post it.
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota FL
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Hehe...I have the original Motor Trend article!!!
In that article, they featured both the dark green Firefox and one of the original Firehawks. I also have a test of the Twin Turbo Trans Am...if memory serves, 640hp, and 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.
Can you say traction limitations??? If anyone has any questions about these cars, post them here, and my lazy butt will get up and grab the articles 
In that article, they featured both the dark green Firefox and one of the original Firehawks. I also have a test of the Twin Turbo Trans Am...if memory serves, 640hp, and 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.
Can you say traction limitations???
If anyone has any questions about these cars, post them here, and my lazy butt will get up and grab the articles Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 854
Likes: 44
From: Batesville, AR 72501 USA
Car: '88 Bright Red GTA UPC 81U
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1
OK, folks, here they are.
The "original" 1989 Firefox GTA.....
..... the 1991 Firefox II, based on the Trans Am platform.....
..... and the 1992 Twin-Turbo Trans Am (taken at Road Atlanta in 1998).....
Beautiful cars, all.....
------------------
Frankie Rider, 2
The GTA Source Page
-----------------------
1988 GTA Red 5.7L Hatchback
1988 GTA Black 5.7L Notchback
1988 GTA Gunmetal Metallic 5.0L Hatchback
The "original" 1989 Firefox GTA.....
..... the 1991 Firefox II, based on the Trans Am platform.....
..... and the 1992 Twin-Turbo Trans Am (taken at Road Atlanta in 1998).....
Beautiful cars, all.....
------------------
Frankie Rider, 2
The GTA Source Page
-----------------------
1988 GTA Red 5.7L Hatchback
1988 GTA Black 5.7L Notchback
1988 GTA Gunmetal Metallic 5.0L Hatchback
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bjpotter
History / Originality
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Jan 22, 2019 12:27 PM
19821992, 3rd, body, car, concept, f, firebird, firefox, fourth, gen, generation, gta, independent, indeprndent, prototype, rear, suspension, trans
