Can anyone explain f body cars (years?)

[OrangeMustangGt]

what ive needed to know for a while is: What is the difference between the firebird,trans am, ect. I can figure out camaros, rs,z28, and ss. With 97 being the last year of the lt1. I know that the years are the same as far as the engine being switched in 98, but how do you tell what kind of pontiac your up aganst? thanks

 

[kenJG]

for 1998+ there are basically 3 models:

1. firebird V6
2. firebird formula V8
3. firebird trans am V8

in my opinion the formula V8 is the nicest looking. It looks almost the same as a T/A except it has a much smaller (and nicer looking) wing. In my opinion the T/A wing is too big and ugly looking. You can also get the WS6 option on the Formula V8 or T/A.

 

[The Hitman]

Here's how to tell the 93-97.
Firebird V6 - Small wing that sits on the rear deck. Firebird printed above the bird in the taillights. The Wheels. The Word FIREBIRD under the trim panel on the doors. No foglight holes in front bumper.

Firebird Trans Am - BIG WING, tall off the deck. Trans Am above the bird in the tails. Bigger wheels. Trans Am on the doors. Two large foglights in the front bumper next to the license plate.

Firebird Formula V8 - V6 Wing. Nothing printed above the bird. V8 Wheels. Nothing printed on the doors. No Foglights (like V6). Formula or Formula V8 scripted on the right side or rear bumper and on some models on the driver side headlight as well.

 

[95cobra50]

gotta watch out for thoes firehawks too. Its tagged with firehawk, TA wing, and the ram air is set up differently.

 

[allenpark94gt]

not sure about the 80's years....but

93-97
All v8 cars had the LT1 motor, body styles changed in 93, LT1 had crappy optispark distributor
v6 cars had the 3.4

98+
all v8 cars had the LS1....coil per cylinder
v6 cars had the 3.8

 

[OrangeMustangGt]

ok i get it, is there an easy way to tell the diff using the spoilers? someone told me that the 98+ years all had a raised spoiler, and the lt1's had the ones right on teh deck lid. Also, what is a fire hawk and what years was that?

 

[95snoozer]

honeycomb rear teail lights.... ls1

but i have 3 friends with the honeycomb conversion on their lt1

you can tell from the frot clip where it meets the hood. too

 

[xr8d302]

the firehawk, when you see it, unless it's been repainted, you'll know it's a firehawk. Most of them came in bright as hell yellow and red - both clearly said firehawk on them. I don't know if there's that much different under the hood, besides the ram air set up, but I know they look a little intimidating.