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What models
are/were available?
What's the difference between the '93s
and '94s?
What's the difference between the '94s and
'95s?
What's the difference between the '95s and '96s?
What's the difference between the '96s and '97s?
What's included in the B4C police package?
What's included in the 1LE performance package?
What's included in the WS6 performance package?
What's included in the F1-Camaro/Firebird-GT package?
What special aftermarket tuner cars were available?
Why pay more for the Firehawk/SS option than a supercharger would
cost?
What models are/were available?
Chevrolet:
Camaro - base model which comes
with a Series II 3800 3.8L V6 engine rated at 200 HP. Prior to 1996, the
standard engine was a 3.4L V6 with 160 HP with the 3.8L being an option in
mid-1995. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is
available. A performance package (Y87) is also available starting in 1996 which
includes a posi rear, rear disc brakes, 3.42 gearing in the A4, exhaust
pipes/tips on both sides, and sport steering ratio.
RS -
appearance package available starting in 1996 for the base Camaro (V6) only. It
includes ground effects and an up-level spoiler. "RS" badges are located on the
front fenders and rear passenger bumper.
Z28 - high end model
which comes with the 5.7L V8 (LT1) engine rated at 285 HP. Prior to 1996, it
was 275 HP, but the a second catalytic converter added 10 more HP. A black roof
treatment was standard on all 1993 and 1994 Z28s, and 1995 models and later
offered a roof that was the same color as the rest of the body as an option. A
6-speed (Borg-Warner T-56) or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is
available. The suspension and brakes are enhanced for improved handling. Two
available Preferred Equipment Groups make the car either moderately or fully
loaded. "Z28" badges are located on the front fenders and rear passenger
bumper. In 1993, an Indy 500 Pace Car version (with automatic transmission) was
made with a black and white paint scheme and
multi-colored paint stripes along
each side of the car.
SS - available as an upgrade to the Z28
model starting in late-1995 (as a 1996 model). The package include a functional
ram air hood scoop and reworked exhaust manifolds resulting in 305 HP and 335
ft-lbs of torque. An optional freer flowing exhaust system brings HP to 315 and
torque to 342 ft-lbs. The stock wheels and tires are replaced with 5-spoke 17"
ZR-1 style wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires. Hurst shifter and Torsen differential
were available options. Bilstein shocks, stiffer rate springs/bushings, and a
larger front sway bar make up the optional Level-II suspension. The stock
spoiler is replaced with sleeker looking one. "SS" badges replace the "Z28"
badges on the front fenders and rear passenger bumper. All cars were shipped as
stock Z28s to Street Legal Performance (SLP) Engineering where the above
modifications were made through 1997. After that, GM made the modifications on
its own assembly line.
SS/LT4 - available only in 1997 with all
of the standard and optional SS equipment, but the LT1 was replaced by a
balanced and blueprinted LT4 engine with 330 HP. Additionally, they got a new
stainless steel exhaust system and exhaust manifolds, and a new Bilstein
performance suspension set-up. The cars had to be special ordered as 30th
Anniversary cars with a 6-speed tranny, and no T-tops or convertible, and they
were then sent to SLP for modification. Production was limited to 100 cars.
30th Anniversary - appearance package upgrade available only in
1997. All white exterior (plus white 5-spoke 16" wheels) and two orange stripes
(about 6" wide) running from nose to tail. The interior got white leather
appointments and hound's-tooth seating surfaces with 30th Anniversary logos. A
'96 Brickyard 400 Pace Car version got teal and gold decals on each door and
rear quarter panel. 1000 of 30th Anniversary Z28 cars were sent to SLP for
conversion into SS's (with 100 of the 1000 being SS/LT4's).
Convertibles - available on all models starting in 1994. The
Z-rated tires are a must in order to avoid a speed governor.
Pontiac:
Firebird - base model which comes with a
Series II 3800 3.8L V6 engine rated at 200 HP. Prior to 1996, the standard
engine was a 3.4L V6 with 160 HP with the 3.8L being an option in mid-1995. A
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is available. A
performance package (Y87) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a
posi rear, rear disc brakes, 3.42 gearing in the A4, exhaust pipes/tips on both
sides, and sport steering ratio.
Formula - high end model which
comes with the 5.7L V8 (LT1) engine rated at 285 HP. Prior to 1996, it was 275
HP, but the a second cat converter added 10 more HP. A black roof treatment was
standard on all 1993 and 1994 Z28s, and 1995 models and later offered a roof
that was the same color as the rest of the body as an option. A 6-speed
(Borg-Warner T-56) or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is available. The
suspension and brakes are enhanced for improved handling. Two available option
packages make the car either moderately or fully loaded. "Formula" badges are
located on the front driver headlamp and rear passenger bumper. 1993 and 1994
car badges also had a "V8", and white cars with the white wheels for those same
years got badges on the front-lower part of each door. A performance package
(WS6) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a ram air hood and
intake, freer flowing exhaust, and upgraded suspension.
Trans Am
- same setup as the Formula, but with specific nose (fog lights and air dam),
tail (contoured lower valance), and side ground effects. It has same rear
spoiler as the Formula, although an "up-level" spoiler is an available option.
A performance package (WS6) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a
ram air hood and intake, freer flowing exhaust, and upgraded suspension.
Trans Am GT - available only in 1994, same as the regular Trans
Am, but with all the options including "up-level" rear spoiler and GS-C tires
coming standard on the car. All 1993 Trans Ams had the GT treatment as
standard, but they were not referred to as GTs. In 1995 and after, the
treatment got broken down into a number of options like on the Formula.
Firehawk - available as an upgrade to the Formula model starting
in 1993. The package include a functional ram air hood scoop and reworked
exhaust manifolds (starting in 1995) resulting in 305 HP and 335 ft-lbs of
torque (300 HP and 325 ft-lbs prior to 1995). An optional freer flowing exhaust
system brings HP to 315 and torque to 342 ft-lbs. The stock wheels and tires
are replaced with 5-spoke 17" ZR-1 style wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires. Hurst
shifter and floor mats were available options starting in 1995. Bilstein
shocks, stiffer rate springs/bushings, and a larger front sway bar make up the
optional Level-II suspension which was an available option starting in 1996
along with a Torsen differential, up-level (Trans Am) spoiler, fog lamps, and
car cover (all separate options). "Firehawk" badges replace the "Formula"
badges on the front fenders and rear bumper. Badges are also added to the
front-lower doors. Stickers showing the HP rating were placed on each side of
the hood scoop from 1993 to 1995. All cars were shipped as stock Formulas to
Street Legal Performance (SLP) Engineering where the above modifications were
made through 1997. After that, GM made the modifications on its own assembly
line. Production is limited: 1993 = 250, 1994 = 500, 1995 = 1,000, and 1996 =
500. Twelve 1994 Trans Am GTs were shipped to SLP as pilot cars and were
equipped with the Firehawk setup, of which two are 25th Anniversary
convertibles and three are 25th Anniversary hardtops. Some of these pilot cars
also had headers installed bringing them up to 325 HP (although it's more like
340 HP).
Firehawk/LT4- available only in 1997 with all of the
standard and optional Firehawk equipment, but the LT1 was replaced by a
balanced and blueprinted LT4 engine with 330 HP. Additionally, they got a new
stainless steel exhaust and exhaust manifolds, and a new Bilstein performance
suspension set-up. The cars had to be special ordered with a 6-speed tranny,
and no T-tops or convertible, and they were then sent to SLP for modification.
Production was limited to 100 cars.
Comp T/A - available only in
1995 and 1996 as a Trans Am with all of the standard and optional Firehawk
equipment. Silver exterior (plus 5-spoke 17" x 9" wheels and BFG P275/40ZR/17
Comp T/A tires) and a gray stripe (about 6" side) running from nose to tail.
The floor mats and headrests got Comp T/A logos stitched in to them. Logos were
also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors and on the front driver
headlamp. Production was limited to 200 cars (72 in 1995 and 128 in 1996).
25th Anniversary T/A - appearance package upgrade to the Trans
Am GT available only in 1994. All white exterior (plus white 5-spoke 16"
wheels) and blue stripe (about 6" wide) running from nose to tail. The interior
got white leather seats and appointments with 25th Anniversary logos. Logos
were also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors. Production was
limited to 2000 cars (1750 coupes and 250 convertibles).
Convertibles - available on all models starting in 1994. The
Z-rated tires are a must in order to avoid a speed governor.
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What's the difference
between the '93s and '94s?
Main mechanical differences include:
a change from Multi-port to Sequential Fuel Injection (including an upgrade
from 22 lb. fuel injectors up to 24 lb. injectors), a change from Speed Density
to Mass Air Flow (MAF) Control, the EPROM computer chip became soldered to the
main computer board making it no longer removable, the 4 speed automatic (4L60)
was upgraded hydraulic controls to electronic controls (4L60E), 6 speeds got a
3.42 rear (up from 3.23 in '93), the first gear ratio of the 6 speed was
changed so that the overall ratio in first gear was almost identical for both
years, a change from single wire O2 sensors to 3 wire heated ones, the air
openings on the exhaust manifolds are in a different place, and a
damper was
added to the yoke assembly on the prop shaft (this actually
went into
production in the later '93 LT1 cars). Additionally, the '94 Pontiac Formulas
and Trans Ams with automatic trannys had a switch added to the center console
allowing the selection of "normal" or "performance" mode.
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What's the difference
between the '94s and '95s?
No major changes were made to the
'95 cars. Goodyear 245/50 16" RS-A All- Season tires became an available option
on the LT1 cars. On the Formulas and Trans Ams, 5-spoke 16" polished aluminum
wheels became standard (chrome option is set for next year). On Z28s. the black
roof and side mirror treatments can be deleted such that they will be the same
color as the body of the car. In mid-year '95, a version of the Buick 3800 3.8L
V6 is being offered as an option in the base Camaro and Firebird (estimated at
200 hp). A power antenna was added to the hi-end stereo package and the Pontiac
steering wheel was redesigned (which was actually taken from the Grand Prix).
The Trans Am GT (name) was dropped and the wild wing and upgraded
stereo/performance options which made up the 94 GTs became an option to add to
the base Trans Am. The Formula badges on driver headlamp and rear bumper only
said "FORMULA" (whereas they had "FORMULA V8" in the past).
The
camshaft, distributor, and drive mechanisms for the distributor and water pump
are different. The changes were basically made to improve the distributor by
adding a ventilation system that is connected to the air intake. This draws air
through the distributor to eliminate moisture buildup in the optical mechanism.
With the low distributor mounting, plus the water pump being directly overhead,
there was a tendency for moisture and coolant to seep into the distributor
leading to the infamous "optispark" problems. The drive mechanism between the
cam, distributor, and water pump was also improved.
California, New
York, and Mass. emission options add an extra catalytic converter connected at
the end of the driver's side header pipe. This gives an estimated 10 HP extra.
But such an increase was not advertised.
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What's the difference
between the '95s and '96s?
Dual catalytic converters became
standard on all Z28s, Formulas, and Trans Ams. This raised the advertised HP up
to 285 from 275 for all such cars. The oil cooler (KC4) was dropped altogether.
Recyclable cooper/lead bearings replace cadmium/lead bearings. Low-resistance
ignition wires were designed to improve idle quality and cold-start
performance. A redesigned ignition coil has half of the primary inductance as
the previous coil allowing the primary current to "pour in" much quicker for
much improved output at higher RPMs. Revised pistons used a new positive-twist
top ring that improved the piston-to-cylinder seal and reduced blow-by
emissions at high speeds. The pushrods were no longer hardened as they were in
previous years. The exhaust manifolds got tri-layered stainless steel gaskets
for improved durability and reduced leaks. The biggest change was that of the
on-board computer. 1996 was the first year of OBD-II ECM technology to better
diagnoses engine problems. This was good for reliability, but bad for some
modifications in that some heavy modifications to the engine could result in a
Service Engine Soon light. OBD-II also required oxygen sensors just before and
after the catalytic converter for before and after measurements. Although the
ones after the converter really only measure the performance of those before
it.
Physically there's not much different. The exhaust tips on the
Pontiacs changed from the dual-circles to single oval outlets on each side. The
year brought a number of new packages. The Buick 3800 3.8L V6 was the only
engine in the base Camaro and Firebird. There was also the return of the
Ram-Air Pontiac (originally debuted on the late '60s GTOs). This was part of
the WS6 performance package. It's just like the Firehawk except the openings on
the hood are a little more forward. The package had a freer-flowing exhaust,
tighter suspension (32mm front sway bar, 62 Nm front springs, 23-30 Nm
variable-rate rear springs, and new valved shocks), and 17" 5-spoke wheels. HP
was rated 305. SLP made the WS6 modifications at their plant after the cars
left GM's factory.
Other new options included a remote, factory
installed, 12-disc compact disc changer (U1S), content theft alarm requiring
keyless entry (UA6), 5-spoke chrome wheels (P05). The base Firebird and Camaro
models could get a sport package (Y87) with a posi rear, rear discs, 3.42
gearing in the A4, exhaust pipes/tips on both sides, and sport steering ratio.
It required the 235/55 16 inch tires (QBC) though. Interior colors available on
all cars were graphite, taupe (tan), and red (leather only). A new exterior
color of red-orange metallic replaced medium red. As for the 1LE option, it
came with A/C for the first time which was standard on all Z28s and Formulas.
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What's the difference
between the '96s and '97s?
No major mechanical changes. The
Chevy's got a moderate facelift in the interior with a new instrument panel and
dash more like that of the Pontiac. The Chevy's rear taillights were sectioned
differently with the outer half as the brake light (red, of course) and the
inner half being split (top and bottom) as the turn signal (amber) and revese
light (white). Additional cup holders were integrated with the redesigned
console on Chevys and Pontiacs. An auxiliary power outlet was added. The vent
and climate controls were all backlit and the instrument cluster was redesigned
with new 3-D graphics. The high-end stereo systems were also upgraded. The
Pontiacs could get the new 500-watt, 10-speaker Monsoon system and the Chevys
could get the new 200- watt, 6-speaker system (plus a 12-disc CD changer was
available for each. Daytime running lamps arrived (using the parking/turn
signal lights on the Pontiacs due to the pop-up headlamps).
As for
colors, bright green metallic replaced teal/aqua and bright purple replaced
dark purple. A new dark pewter interior replaced the graphite interior, and the
medium gray interior color was revised. Also the wipers were redesigned having
a lower profile than previously.
Engines remain the same, but the 3800
in the base Firebird and Camaro get a vibration damper. The automatic became
the standard transmission in all cars. A manual had to be specifically ordered
(like the automatic used to be). This also meant the price of the automatic was
built into the base price of the car and thus owner's opting for the manual
tranny didn't get any type of price break.
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What's included in
the B4C police package?
According to "The Genuine Camaro White
Book" by Michael Antonick, on a 93 Camaro, the B4C "special service" option
included:
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LT1 engine
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6 speed manual transmission
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3.23:1 ratio limited slip rear axle
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Single exhaust and converter with dual tail pipes
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16 inch aluminum wheels
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P245/50ZR16 blackwalls
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4 wheels disc brakes
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124 amp alternator (140 amp for '94 and on)
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150 mph speedometer
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Air conditioning
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525cca battery
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Engine oil cooler
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Performance suspension
The term "performance suspension" refers to the
suspension which normally comes on a Z28, as opposed to the suspension which
comes on the base non-Z28 Camaro or on the 1LE Z28. One other enticing thing is
the package is cheaper than the regular Z28 options in order to give law
enforcement and local government a break. Good luck trying to order one though.
First, you have to find a dealer who will do a fleet order for you. The B4C is
a "special services package" that is only orderable under a fleet number. It
has no "stated" restrictions in the order book, but currently Chevy will not
build one for a non-police department. And that means providing
documentation indicating delivery to a police station.
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What's included in the
1LE performance package?
The package required these options
(Z28/Formula, respectively):
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Basic option group (FZAB/1SA)
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A/C delete (until 1996 when A/C became standard)
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6-speed tranny or performance rear axle with the
automatic (GU5/G92)
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Z-rated tires w/ 150 speedo (QLC/QLC)
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Base stereo
and it consisted of:
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Higher rate front springs (360 lbs/in for mid-1994
and after)
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Variable rate rear springs (130-180 lbs/in for
mid-1994 and after)
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Stiffer front and rear shocks (Koni double
adjustable for 1996 and after)
-
Harder bushings (front upper/lower and rear control
arms)
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Larger diameter anti-sway bars (32mm front,
21mm/19mm rear)
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Increased cooling (for 1995 and after)
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Engine oil cooler (1993 - 1995)
The 1993 1LE cars had the same springs and deCarbon
shocks (but with much stiffer valving) as on the stock Z28s and Formulas.
Initial 1994 1LE cars received the same set-up, but sometime during model year
(between Dec 94 and Mar 95), the 1LEs received stiffer (higher/variable rate)
springs and the shock valving was slightly reduced (but still considerably
stiffer than the stock deCarbon valving). Due to the stiffer springs and
modified valving, the 21mm rear sway bar was dropped in favor of the 19mm bar
(which was the same as on the stock Z28s and Formulas). In 1996, the Koni
double adjustable shocks became standard on the 1LE cars. Increased cooling on
1995 and after models was accomplished by the addition of an air conditioning
radiator baffle even though no AC was available in 1995. Also, after 1995, in
order to get the 1LE on the Firebird or Trans Am you had to order the WS6
package.
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What's included in the
WS6 performance package?
The package was available starting in
1996 on Formulas Trans Ams only. Included in the package were:
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Ram Air hood and air intake (like that of the
Firehawk)
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Freer flowing exhaust system
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Higher rate front springs (360 lbs/in)
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Variable rate rear springs (130-180 lbs/in)
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Stiffer front and rear shocks
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Harder bushings
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Larger diameter front anti-sway bar (32mm)
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Increased cooling
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17 inch wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires
The intake and exhaust add an 30 extra HP giving
WS6 cars a total 305 HP.
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What's included in the
F1-Camaro/Firebird-GT package?
This is a package available
through most dealerships. It offers a variety of performance and
cosmetic parts from the GM Performance Group. The following is a list of the parts for
the F1-Camaro (and for the Firebird-GT) and can be ordered for your Z28 or
Formula through your dealership:
Part No. Description
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
12363906 32mm front stab. bar, bushings,
link kit, and track bar
12364002 17"x9"x50mm ZR-1 style wheels
with P275/40ZR-17 Comp T/A tires
12363998 16"x8"x66mm ZR-1 style wheels
with P245/50ZR-16 Comp T/A tires
12363902 6-speed Hurst shifter
(leather wrapped shift knob)
12363925 cat-back performance exhaust
(dual single-side outlet)
12363940 3 piece rear spoiler (primed)
12363915 4 piece ground effects package (primed)
12363978 cold air induction package
(1993, for use with MAP)
12363979 cold air induction package
(1994 and up, for use with MAF)
12363910 F1 Specialty Vehicle Package
everything above (1993)
12363911 F1 Specialty Vehicle Package
everything above (1994 and up)
123638xx coup floor mats
(xx is 94-graphite, 95-gray, 96-beige, 97-neutral)
123638xx conv floor mats
(xx is 98-graphite, 99-gray, 00-beige, 01-neutral)
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What special
aftermarket cars were available?
In 1996, the Harley Davidson
Edition Trans Am was available. Harley took a black Trans Am equipped with the
WS6 Ram Air package (without the interior from the the factory) and added
leather/fabric seats which are embroidered with the Harley Davidson logo. The
car also has Harley Davidson decals on the front quarter panels just behind the
tires. Only 40 are known to have been made with most of them being distributed
in Southern California.
In 1997, the Lingenfelter Hurst Firebird was
available. Lingenfelter took a black Firebird Formula with the WS6 Ram Air
package and added a 58mm throttle body, LPE intake manifold, LPE CNC ported LT4
heads with hardened pushrods and guide plates, Competition Cams 1.6:1 roller
rocker arms and heavy duty dual valve springs with titanium retainers, aluminum
driveshaft, Hurst shifter, shorty headers and Borla cat-back exhaust. Power was
set at 350 HP. The exterior has a wide gold stripe running the length of the
car with Lingenfelter Hurst/Firebird decals and ground effects package. Inside,
the head rests and floor mats we embroidered with logos and the car came with a
dash plaque, alarm, and custom car cover. The price tag was $44,458.
In
1997, Dennis and Kyle Mecham, of 2nd and 3rd gen Macho Trans Am fame, came back
to of produce a 20th Anniversary MACHO Trans Am. The new Macho T/A was
available in three stages: Basic, HO, and SD packages. The Basic package
included a Mecham-designed rear wing, new fiberglass hood, and painted on Macho
graphics. Power modifications include the same bolt-on parts as the Firehawks
(315 HP) and was priced around $30,000. The HO package included the Basic
upgrades in addition to a cam and head upgrade, raising power to around 400 HP
and was priced around $42,000. The SD package included the Basic and HO
upgrades in addition to larger/wider wheels, upgraded brakes, and a bored and
stroked engine producing up to 500 HP. A wide choice of options was available
for the SD and was priced around $60,000 (depending on options). The Macho
T/A's were produced at the same location (Glendale, AZ) as the originals of the
late-70's and early 80's, although the name had changed from Mecham Pontiac to
Biddulph Pontiac. The first three prototypes of the above packages were built,
with up to 20 being built in total.
The Pro-Am III Firebird was done by
a company in Chattanooga, TN. The cars are base V6 Firebirds with large "Pro-Am
III" lettering on the doors. The stock hood got a fiberglass ram air scoop
attached to the top (looking the Firehawk/WS6 hood), but it's not functional.
It also got side skirts, a dual outlet muffler, a numbered plaque, two-tone
paint, chrome 5-spoke 16" wheels (with the original base tires), and different
bumper covers.
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Why pay more for the
Firehawk/SS option than a supercharger would cost?
If your
only goal is to go fast, don't buy a Firehawk; get a crotch rocket, 454 Vega,
or any number of fast vehicles. Different people have different priorities. To
some, the Firehawk package offers the perfect balance of performance, good
looks, ability to hold its value in the long term, FULL warranty, and price.
The same goes for the SS.
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