What is a Firehawk?

Since So many people seem to be oblivious to what a Firehawk is, I thought I'd put some information about the vehicle here.

Firehawk - available as an upgrade to the Formula model starting in 1993. The package included 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.

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 transmission, and no T-tops or convertible, and they were then sent to SLP for modification. Production was limited to 100 cars.

Q: What's the difference between the '94s and '95s?

A: 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). 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 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.

SLP claims 4.9sec 0-60 and 13.5@103mph in the 1/4 mile.

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1995 Pontiac Firehawk SLP
Year 1995
Make Pontiac
Model Firehawk SLP
Engine Location Front
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Weight 3472 lbs | 1574.9 kg

Performance
0-60 mph 4.9 seconds.
Top Speed 160 mph | 257.4 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine
Engine Configuration V
Cylinders 8
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Displacement 5735.00 cc | 350 cu in. | 5.7 L.
Horsepower 315.00 HP (231.8 KW)
Torque 342.00 Ft-Lbs (463.8 NM)
HP to Weight Ratio 11.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter 55.3 BHP / Liter
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Transmission Information
Gears 6
Transmission Manual

Dimensions
Produced 720
Exterior
Length 196.001 in | 4978.4 mm.
Wheelbase 102.001 in | 2590.8 mm.

Tires / Wheels
Tires Front : 215/40R17
Rear : 215/40R17