1992 marked the final year for the third generation Pontiac Firebird. With the fourth gen Firebird around the corner, changes from the 1991 model were minimal. Extra attention was paid to squeaks and rattles with the use of extra bonding materials, and a new color called Jamaica Yellow was offered for 1992 only.
Trims for the ’92 Firebird were Base, Formula, Trans Am, and GTA (Grand Turismo Americano). The GTA featured a unique look and performance/comfort upgrades like bucket seats with inflatable air lumbar support and seatback bolsters.
There were four engines offered. The Base came with the 3.1-liter V-6 making 135hp, while three V-8s were offered. A TBI 305 cid V-8, a TPI 305 cid V-8, and a 350 cid (5.7L) V-8 making as much as 230hp were the choices.
The GTA trim offered style and performance, but due to a shortage in disc brakes, some of these were sold with rear drums. If you are looking at a used GTA, check the rear brakes. Only 274 GTAs were built for 1992.
1992 was only one of two years that the Firebird SLP Firehawk was offered for the third gen Firebird. It started life as a Firebird Formula model and was tuned by Street Legal Performance (SLP), which upgraded the heads, pistons, cams, connecting rods, intake manifold, and crankshaft. The engine now put out 350 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
SLP also installed a ZF 6-speed manual, Dana 44 rear axle and stainless steel exhaust system. Some were event outfitted with a Competition Package, which removed the rear seats and installed a roll cage, aluminum hood, and Recaro race seats with Simpson harnesses.
The Firehawk was produced in exceptionally small numbers. In fact, between 1991 and 1992, only 25 were built, and only one of those was a convertible.