1997 Pontiac Firebird

1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe In its fourth generation, the Firebird Trans Am received the venerable 5.7 liter V8 derived from the C5 Corvette and in the Pontiac, detuned to 285 horsepower.  1997 was the last year of the fourth gen before a mid generation facelift that would add a new hood, front fascia and many other cosmetic and mechanical changes, but the 5.7 liter stayed.  For consignment, a 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe with a little bit of help from some forced air components under the hood and some distinctive pinstriping on its Polar White panels.  Exterior A WS6 style hood has been added to this car which adds aggressive and functional ram air dual scoops that protrude higher over the hood than that stock version would in 1997.  The nosepiece houses a pair of inset fog lights and begins the pinstripe coverage with a design in the center and a stripe that follows the shape of the scoops and rides next to them almost to the cowl.  A forward leaning C-pillar after the T-tops combines with a sweeping rear wing to create a look that defines this F-body sports car.  In Trans Am tradition, the taillight flanks a continuous black bar across the back over a smooth bumper cover that is sculpted to accept quad exhaust tips.  Pinstripes run over the front fender to the door, break, and then pick up to ride just below the shoulder line and on the deck lid.  Another one rides the midline of the door, visually connecting the bumper cover seams front and rear.  16-inch 5spoke wheels wear 245/50ZR16 tires with a late 2021 date code.  Imperfections include peeling paint and chin scrapes on the nose, flex cracks on that piece as well, and various scuffs and scratches on the body.  There are some mismatched shades of white and the headliner that faces up under the T-tops has holes through wear and exposure.  Interior Standard and clean molded plastic and vinyl panels make up the inner doors which house a variety of gray plastic switches.  Black leather sport seats are contoured to provide side support to occupants and along with the 2+2 leather seats in back, present in very good condition.  The grippy steering wheel leads to a simple gauge cluster on the dash with the tachometer overlapping the speedometer and system readouts just below that.  In the center, three vents are above the factory AM/FM/CD radio with EQ and underneath is the simple climate control panel.  Black molded plastic tops the center hump and surrounds the T-shifter and indicator panel in front of a cupholder and storage bin.  Like the rest of the interior, low pile gray carpet is in good condition and the bottom side of the headliner is also intact, while tinted T-tops allow in some light.   Drivetrain Under the hood, a relatively clean engine bay houses the 5.7 liter with not much room to spare.  The fuel injected engine includes a Procharger with two intercoolers, tucked behind a headlight and forces air into the throttle body.  The radiator shroud and reservoirs take up most of the front as the engine is fitted under the cowl.  Further back, a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle.  Power disc brakes are found at all four wheels.  Undercarriage Driver quality conditions underneath with some typical surface rust and road dirt, but a noticeable absence of dripping oil or build up grease.  The frame bracing tightens up body flex for improved handling. The exhaust leaves the engine and joins into a single pipe, then into a Flowmaster muffler in the back where exhaust pipes split in four exhaust tips.  A torque arm is present in the back along with coil springs which are also used in the front.  Drive-Ability The exceedingly comfortable F-body is a great alternative if you have a hard time entering and exiting a Corvette and the back seats can accommodate the kids, grandkids, or several smaller adults.  The 5.7 provides decent horsepower and the boost factor comes in