Firebird: Why Everyone Knows This Hood
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Thumbnail image is Burt Reynolds' Firebird when it went up for auction on bringatrailer.com/ (check em out!) It sold for $240,000!!
The Pontiac Firebird--It’s the famous muscle car with a big ole fire-chicken on the hood--the car that gave birth to the Trans Am. The fire breathing, tire burning, highway ripper from Smokey and the Bandit. From it’s humble pony car origins, to the airbrushed phoenix of the 70’s, to the round and ugly as heck final generation Trans AM in 2002… What happened to this magnificent beast? What finally killed off the Firebird? Join James Pumphrey as he tells gets us up to speed on the Firebird!
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@TheyCallMeMrMaybe 2 жыл бұрын
The Firebird's history is basically "better than a Camaro but not allowed to be better than a Corvette."
@tambakoverlanders 2 жыл бұрын
GM's bureaucracy sucked.
@purwantiallan5089 2 жыл бұрын
@@tambakoverlanders 👍👍
@ryanrake2714 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
*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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
hell yeah i had one with POP UP AND DOWN HEADLIGHTS 😁 so much better looking than the Catfish
@purwantiallan5089 2 жыл бұрын
@@AaronJensen2375 Camaro Firebird with 1000bhp could be lit
@purwantiallan5089 2 жыл бұрын
@@richardbaumgart2454 👍👍
@densepit188 2 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
and even the GTA and the pace car with the Grand National V6
@aaron-gu4sw Жыл бұрын
He did the 3rd gen dirty I love my car
@l00k4tstuff 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@WS6silver 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
That’s a good one 😂😂
@BurnPerimeter 2 жыл бұрын
@@MaxxVelo ugh race-ism 😒
@aestheticswim3397 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
Nice analogy. I got another one. The Camaro is the girl you wanna marry, the firebird is the girl you wanna bang.
@wordenentertainment1997 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
🖤
@sebastiankjrsgaard9783 2 жыл бұрын
Do u have an Instagram or something showing the progress? Awesome story and an awesome build!
@ek8710 2 жыл бұрын
Seconding for insta, perhaps consider making a few youtube vids detailing your progress :D
@fpmotors666 2 жыл бұрын
Nice
@wordenentertainment1997 2 жыл бұрын
@@ek8710 I have been considering on doing a KZfaq 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 KZfaq series on my Trans Am.
@ughmas 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I agree. He fizzled and barely touched in the 3rd Gen which I firmly believe were better than most of the 2nd Gen.
@saucygoat8287 11 ай бұрын
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.
@LEE-337 2 жыл бұрын
*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 25 күн бұрын
I agree with u
@bavarianbanshee 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Amen brother!!
@callsignsleepwalker7231 2 жыл бұрын
Right?! I’ll I’m going to go buy another one rn lol I drive an 89 formula
@Pantheragem 2 жыл бұрын
@@callsignsleepwalker7231 My friend had that same car, with a 5 speed. He still misses it, nearly 20 years later.
@datgio4951 2 жыл бұрын
You gotta thank this fucking channel for ruining everyone’s dream of owning any kind of car 😀 (at a reasonable price)
@mikeboy337 2 жыл бұрын
@@callsignsleepwalker7231 third gen looks absolutely amazing lol. Hope to get one of those one day
@camarossdriver 9 сағат бұрын
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. 🤠
@TechNoirJapan 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@sharkrider0149 2 жыл бұрын
As a Pontiac guy, I have prayed for this day for so long.
@bas7905 2 жыл бұрын
Prayed... really?
@dpkingyt 2 жыл бұрын
As a Pontiac guy, I am so happy that people get to know Pontiac
@bas7905 2 жыл бұрын
@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!
@AllPanicNoDiscoChannel 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I was waiting on a Knight Rider reference but I guess not
@Seth98Long 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@Seth98Long GTA was better than the Corvette of the same era.
@ldmtag 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, and you can also do engine swap. And it looks good, definitely the best looking Firebird gen
@ldmtag 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@DeadBread. 2 жыл бұрын
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 Ай бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ryanhawkins7391 2 жыл бұрын
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!!!!
@Dude101p Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
love a good screemin chicken
@brendenhinspeter2939 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I was bummed as well :(
@DeathracerXD 2 жыл бұрын
I bought an 85 recaro editon beccause of it
@buffmaxima8612 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely 💯
@GTRfiend26 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@LMacNeill 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Thatonepontiacfanatic1997 2 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@austinkleeman4260 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I feel like every content creator on KZfaq pretends the 93-97 fbody LT1/LT4 cars never happened
@spyhunt3r007 2 жыл бұрын
@@bryannorris7209 RIGHT! NOT EVEN ONE PICTURE!! THEY DO LOOK BETTER IN MY EYES!! BUT OH HOW THE LT1 SUCKS!!
@thelastpontiac4396 2 жыл бұрын
this video crap
@thelastpontiac4396 2 жыл бұрын
@@RollinRetro99 I agree 100 percent.
@RollinRetro99 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
I also thought it lacked a lot of the pep up to speed normally has.
@UberLummox 2 жыл бұрын
Because anything after '72 is depressing, disastrous, and dismal.
@EdsonH1011 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@captainunderpants200 10 ай бұрын
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.
@workingorder2189 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Exactly
@angelabrams4175 2 жыл бұрын
Ikr!
@Trenton-om9qs 2 жыл бұрын
I wish Pontiac was still around and would bring this car back. This car deserves its place with the other legendary muscle cars.
@TechDove 2 жыл бұрын
Look up trans am depot, they convert 5th and 6th gen Camaros into firebirds
@meegstomtom 2 жыл бұрын
@@TechDove trans fendered camaro. Lol. But they do look sweet.
@engineerisengihere44 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@meegstomtom that’s what firebirds are already they were always made off of the Camaro chassis
@meegstomtom 2 жыл бұрын
@@lucasswearingen377 I know. Lol still find it funny.
@1Neddles 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@Robert_Z_ 2 жыл бұрын
I just recently purchased a solar gold 79 trans am and I just absolutely love it.
@icefoxx1523 2 жыл бұрын
*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 2 жыл бұрын
4th gen babyyyy
@icefoxx1523 2 жыл бұрын
@@jrtishner YESSS
@Blue_Wizarded 2 жыл бұрын
He didn't, he called it a firehawk. He was wrong.
@icefoxx1523 2 жыл бұрын
@@Blue_Wizarded firehawk and ws6 were 2 different trims
@Blue_Wizarded 2 жыл бұрын
@@icefoxx1523 I know...
@TheBulletTrain 2 жыл бұрын
Hell yeah! Love the Trans-Am. Sad you went through the whole 3rd Gen without talking about the Hoff and Kitt from KnightRider!
@sippycup489 Жыл бұрын
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!
@fracturedkoi1 Жыл бұрын
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!
@HunterRouth 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@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 2 жыл бұрын
Let's get some engineers that can break through the marketing and penny pinchers and produce some sweet cars out for the enthusiasts!
@ARG0T 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
*and theres beer in Texarkana*
@michaelf.2449 2 жыл бұрын
@@ARG0T I mean the hemi ain't even a hemi so does it even matter
@SnapdWrench 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
@@SnapdWrench hi Spectr4l, have u watched 2022 FA Cup lately? Everton crushed Boreham Wood, 2-0.
@SnapdWrench 2 жыл бұрын
@@purwantiallan5089 what are you on about?
@purwantiallan5089 2 жыл бұрын
@@SnapdWrench just asking about FA Cups last week dude.
@vertrox3435 Жыл бұрын
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
@phoenixproto3149 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@klyvemercado2001 2 жыл бұрын
Lol they forgor about the funny Robot Rock headass mf with the super cool red scanner bar at the front
@Nebulasecura 2 жыл бұрын
Clicked faster than the bandit!
@Absolewtly 2 жыл бұрын
Oh lady dim dim, make me your slave.
@Bharathsujay 2 жыл бұрын
@@Absolewtly soriii vroo slavery is baNneddd 🌝
@nassermansour5706 2 жыл бұрын
Brooo slavaarie Baad Bro What am I doing lol
@Wardyg 2 жыл бұрын
0
@jimster1577 2 жыл бұрын
By far one of the coolest cars I've ever owned. Surprisingly well engineered to go fast.
@nikoladamjanovic2313 2 жыл бұрын
And to rust faster
@CTRaptor 2 жыл бұрын
@@nikoladamjanovic2313 yes true
@derpinguin7003 2 жыл бұрын
Well engineered American cars?
@longshotmaster 2 жыл бұрын
@@derpinguin7003 no one goes straight fast , better than us
@jimster1577 2 жыл бұрын
@@nikoladamjanovic2313 That wasn't my experience. But I don't live where rust is much of a problem.
@mannysr67 Ай бұрын
Laughed my a55 off. Great video. When I was a kid, I got a matchbox first gen, and knew it was the coolest car ever and I had to have it! IMHO 67-68 are the beeeest years, but I respect all you other bird lovers out there.
@s197_cipo 2 жыл бұрын
I've been waiting for this video!!! Thank youuuuu
@Carman0007 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Yes... the decal for my 79 z28 that goes around the hood scoop was tough
@jordanharkema1495 2 жыл бұрын
‘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 2 жыл бұрын
I have a 90 GTA as well. The best 3rd Gen imo. Classic style with the new interior.
@michaelf.2449 2 жыл бұрын
The formula Ws6 2001 is prolly the sexiest car ever made I love em
@angelgjr1999 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
You can make them much faster too. Stock power ain’t the limit
@engineerisengihere44 2 жыл бұрын
@@angelgjr1999 my top 2 muscle cars are either a 69 charger or the 2nd gen firebird
@matttilley7140 2 жыл бұрын
Oh my, I comment for the firebird/trans am up to speed so many times. This is a beautiful moment for me. Thank you 💙💙
@jimgessner6071 Жыл бұрын
The '74 Fire Chicken is my favourite--the Gen 2 FC interior was a chef's kiss.
@corporalderp2175 2 жыл бұрын
As an owner of a 98 Firebird WS6 I can verify the Firebird is badass. A true muscle car
@dpkingyt 2 жыл бұрын
Nice I always wish I can have a 1965 Pontiac GTO even tho I am just 14
@HighSockDavid 2 жыл бұрын
Same here 79 trans am owner I love this car
@sporadiceel6246 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised that not many people talking about knight rider
@raoulduke3000 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
True but it did have a 350 and 305 engine option. He failed to mention that by a long shot.
@billyboots3730 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@billyboots3730 Yeah for sure im currently working on a v8 3rd gen myself
@Praderanoire 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@onetonpun 2 ай бұрын
"kids keep stealing hood ornaments." " I got an idea, make the whole hood the ornament. Let them steal that."
@sharklegs 2 жыл бұрын
Honestly the 3rd gen firebird is an 80's styling icon, i dont see why people beat on it it looks incredible
@tedlampros9612 2 жыл бұрын
Ikr I own a 84 ta
@modfoxv10 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
@@HighSockDavid Harder to tune than what?
@HighSockDavid 2 жыл бұрын
@@MichaelRCarlson than the old carbureted engines or the ls engines from the 4th gen
@keenanwengert423 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Turd gen
@ProdigyAutomotive 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@keenanwengert423 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
@@keenanwengert423 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
@keenanwengert423 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@nicholasbenson4704 2 жыл бұрын
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👍
@holdenberries8405 2 жыл бұрын
i waited for this video for soooo long. thank you.
@veoh8095 2 жыл бұрын
I own a 4th gen. I’ve been waiting for this video for SOOOOO LONG. People will know what car I drive now!!
@daedevillewrestling 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Cocaine for sure
@frederickstone8421 2 жыл бұрын
@@marcusaurelius652 spot on, dude's nose looks red as rudolph
@daedevillewrestling 2 жыл бұрын
@@marcusaurelius652 or maybe he has a cold?…
@MysticWolfAZ 2 жыл бұрын
Please, keep James OFF camera! He makes great videos painful to watch.
@davidames4299 2 жыл бұрын
I noticed too. Sounded drunk or sick or like he was about to cry or throw up
@swalling22 2 жыл бұрын
I love up to speed. Never will get old seeing James host this show 👍👍
@charbee1220 2 жыл бұрын
Another great video, literally the best channel on KZfaq by miles 👌🏻
@kwaitefuni9152 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
same! Donut should make people hear more about Redline, such a great over the top racing movie
@destroyerboss514 2 жыл бұрын
Honestly the WS6 trans am is my All time favorite Pontiac, but the Firebird is a close second. Absolutely amazing car
@abmeraz86 2 жыл бұрын
Same here, if I was to buy a Pontiac....that would be it.
@Burnout366 2 жыл бұрын
Trans Am is a trim level for the Firebird. So you're doubling down. I approve :)
@devonlambert9131 2 жыл бұрын
A ws6 t/a is a firebird, trans am is an options package
@Hundl 2 жыл бұрын
I dig your astrokeeps characters :D Awesome work!
@johnterpack3940 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@MAVJ 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
@@MAVJ haha my t-tops leaked like crazy
@jaydenmatthews5913 2 жыл бұрын
ITS ABOUT TIME YOU DO THE FIREBIRD, BEEN WAITING YEARSSSSS
@clinttheboss2117 Жыл бұрын
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.
@chetmcghee8958 2 жыл бұрын
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
@CountPantsulon 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
I was wondering about that, pretty big to skip...almost avoided 80s in general
@spectrebird3984 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@carl5426 2 жыл бұрын
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
@quesochecko 7 ай бұрын
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
@fredericopinto2943 Жыл бұрын
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.
@thepugchugzchannel4511 2 жыл бұрын
Pontiac trans am.. personally my favorite car of all time. It’s crazy to see the story of where it came from
@matthewwiles7067 2 жыл бұрын
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?
@jasonhiebert2032 Ай бұрын
I have a red 1993 4th gen Firebird Trans am. I love it and it turns heads everywhere. Not many left😊
@drbobiwsky 9 ай бұрын
Daddy had a pontiac trans-am firebird, unfortunately, his brother wrapped it around a tree ... I never got to see it, wayyy before I was born, but I always wanted a Firebird, the pictures are beautiful, and I grew up watching Smokey & The Bandit
@DirtyBird01 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
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)
@solidtenpin 2 жыл бұрын
Been daily driving a 2002 TA since 2004, and I get at least one compliment or thumbs up every time I drive it.
@HighSockDavid 2 жыл бұрын
Same here I drive a ‘79 ta and you do get a lot of attention best part about 4th gens is that they have crazy power
@NarbyNoobs 2 жыл бұрын
I have waited YEARS for this episode!! Almost crapped my pants when I saw it!! Thanks guys!
@Jwoll944 2 жыл бұрын
Man I have been waiting for this video. Thanks Donut!
@JoCaTen 2 жыл бұрын
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
@revelare_xvii6269 2 жыл бұрын
Pontiac’s death still leaves a hole in my heart to this day.
@bradwhite5884 2 жыл бұрын
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?
@josephsandoval8385 2 жыл бұрын
Finally, an episode about my car, I love pontiac and have a 76 pontiac trans am with a 455, 4 speed Manuel.
@xX78952Xx 2 жыл бұрын
This is awesome. My first car was a little red ‘96 firebird. V6, but still a hell of a ride for a newbie.
@The_True_ 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Around a living room? Dumb description
@The_True_ 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
Trans ams weren't fiberglass
@The_True_ 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@40ozPres 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
Cam and compression, that's exactly what the 403 needs!
@xNIGhtfiGhtERx 2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely love the Yoked in the Rear!
@leonardosolorio9609 Жыл бұрын
you are doing a good job James!
@johnnymason2460 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@itspabbs 2 жыл бұрын
My dad's first car was a '69 Firebird. He still has it and it's awesome!
@raym7441 Жыл бұрын
Wish you guys would bring this series back. Miss you...
@kennedypuckettmusic2067 2 жыл бұрын
My favorite is the fourth gen 1998 and up models because of the style and engine
@mustangdee_8760 2 жыл бұрын
Why do everyone who does a review of the firebird always skip over the LT1 (93-97)? I know it's not as superior as the ls1 but the LT1 sure paved the way and was impressive outside of the quirky opti spark. I have a 96 firebird formula t-top with 80k miles and the low end torque never gets old from light to light.
@genthba 2 жыл бұрын
Based on the coverage of the 98-02... they probably didn't even know it existed. haha. Was hoping for a more positive take on the 98-02, one of my favorite cars ever made. I love both the LT1 and LS1 4th gen birds.
@mustangdee_8760 2 жыл бұрын
@@genthba 4th gen is definitely my favorite. I personally lean towards the lt1 due to it being the underdog. With some longtubes, 100-125 shot nitrous, and a gear in the rear those lt1 cars was a beast and that's on a stock motor.
@MinofDeath 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@Eddy_-eh9xx 2 жыл бұрын
I was waiting for this video, I’m 16 and my first car is a 1980 Pontiac firebird and it’s amazing to drive
@shadowgaming2349 2 жыл бұрын
Just got my 96 Firebird drivable after 5 years, feels and handles great. 🤙
@diligenceautomotivellc.8631 2 жыл бұрын
"I agree with the emissions laws" is a strong sentence for a VW guy haha
@ProjectMaelstrom 2 жыл бұрын
weeeeellll lets saaaay that VW never broke any emission law OK ? nothing to see here
@Firebert79TA 2 жыл бұрын
and a guy with an illegal engine swap in California (the Corolla)
@aspiceronni4462 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Donut for making your video sponsor segments so entertaining. Easy to watch.
@ShawnAndGusRock 2 жыл бұрын
Seriously awesome video. I have a G6 and I’m all about throwing Pontiac love. Would you guys ever consider doing a whole episode about Pontiac in general? Upvote this so they can see it guys!!
@throwaway_james 2 жыл бұрын
So great you guys finally did this! Just got my first car, a 1979 Trams Am and I've been waiting forever
@C4_stephen 2 жыл бұрын
My neighbor's Pontiac Firebird has the words "Firehawk" on it. I thought it was just the name for his car or something cheesy but I guess it's a trim which is kind of cool that I know now. 💯
@emilianogranados8938 2 жыл бұрын
This is literally one of the coolest cars ever. One of my dream cars!
@mattbush3201 2 жыл бұрын
I love the firebird. I bought mine right before my 21st birthday coming up on owning it for 2 years this June.
@johnracy2871 2 жыл бұрын
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 2 жыл бұрын
fuck no, dont do that. why tf would you get an epic v8 car, that has an history like yours, and electrify it?
@ididntthink3486 2 жыл бұрын
@@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 2 жыл бұрын
@@PedroHenrique-ih1fl woops, second account. Still me.
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