Firehawk Evolution

The lineage of the Firehawk can be traced to it’s roots at Street Legal Performance (SLP) in Ste. Therese and LaSalle, Quebec, Canada. SLP was started by ex-drag racer Ed Hamburger in 1987 and he negotiated a deal with GM to design and fit a performance package for the Pontiac Firebird. Known as the SLP “Firehawk” , both Firebird Formula’s and Trans Ams were converted to Firehawks from 1991 to 2002, with the exception of the 1998 model year. The first test cars were built in 1991, and then limited production was available to the public in 1992. In 1995 the 315 bhp LT1 engine was powering both the coupe and convertible bodies, then, in 1998, Pontiac replaced the LT1 with Corvette's all-aluminum LSI engine.

Firehawks were pretty expensive back in the early 90's when they first came out. If you had purchased stock in the parent company, ExxonMobil, instead of buying a Firehawk, you would be a wealthy person. A typical firehawk sold for about $39,995 in 1991. If you had bought that amount of stock at the same time, it is now worth over $404,000. But it is not as much fun to drive a stock certificate!

How do you tell a real firehawk? All* Firehawks have an option code:
B4U : 1991-1992
R6V : 1993-1997
WU6 : 1999-2002
* 1997 LT4 Firehawks do not have the R6V code. Verify via the VIN

Year by year productions numbers and other details

2002: 1501 total, 202 convertibles. Came with a 335-345 hp LS1

In the fourth generation F-Body cars, SLP built its Firehawks only on Trans Am or Formula versions of the Firebird. A WS6 model could not be used, as key Firehawk components including SLP's own forced induction system and twin-scoop composite hood were added. The revised induction system, hood-mounted heat extractors, and a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system helped boost the LS1's output to 335 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Addition of the Blackwing airlid and Donaldson filter in early 2002 boosted the final horsepower to 345.
Other standard equipment in the 2002 Firehawk package included upgraded suspension components, 17x9 painted aluminum wheels and Firestone Firehawk 275/40ZR17 SZ50 EP tires. MSRP for the base Firehawk package was an additional $3,999. That standard Firehawk package could be augmented with a number of options. Some are appearance items, like chrome-plated wheels and decorative floor mats. But for better road-handling performance, you could upgrade to either a Bilstein Ultra Performance suspension system ($1,099) or a 1LE suspension package with Koni double-adjustable shocks ($1,899). Finally, an Auburn high-torque performance differential was also available ($899) to help plant the LS1's power on the ground.

2001: 540 total, 45 convertibles. Came with a 335 hp LS1

2001:10th Anniversary: 139 of the 540 got 10th anniversary badging. 335 hp LS1

All 10th anniversary cars were black and the option was purely an appearance package including gold painted Firehawk 17 x 9" wheels and golden hawk center caps. Twin gold stripes were applied and were decals although the pilot cars had painted stripes. On the door and tail there are special decals indicating the 10 Anniversary model. On coupe models SLP added a new rear spoiler. It resembled the IROC Trans Am spoiler being a wider whale tail. Under the rear bumper is a pair of cast exhaust tips painted gold. Pricing added $1899.00 for the 10th Anniversary package on a Trans Am. coupe and $1399.00 extra for the 10th Anniversary Trans Am convertible.

2001 10th Anniversary, X-Men Edition: 1 total. 335 hp LS1

Owned by Troy W. Craythorn and built by SLP Engineering Inc. This one of a kind vehicle was built by SLP under direction of 20th Century Fox and Marvel Comics. This was the prototype for the 10th Anniversary Firehawk. It had X-Men-themed graphics on the hood and sides.

2000: 741 total, 78 convertibles. 330 hp LS1

1999: 719 total, 75 convertibles. Moved from LT1 to a tuned 327 hp LS1

1998: Firehawk cancelled for 1998 due to safety certification problems If they did exist, this is what one looked like

To clarify what has become a confusing situation for certain enthusiasts, SLP Engineering, Inc. did not produce 1998 model year Firehawks at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada production facilities. SLP did however add Firehawk content to 6 1998 model TransAms and Formulas. That work was performed at the Troy, Michigan facility. The 6 vehicles were purchased locally from Pontiac/GMC dealers, converted in Troy, then used for 1998/9 model year marketing and sales activities. In addition, it should be noted these vehicles do NOT contain the GM RPO WU6 option code. While these vehicles do contain Firehawk content, they are NOT considered production Firehawks by SLP.

1997: 163 total, 18 convertible. 310 hp LT1 and 330 hp LT4

Firehawk LT4, this was 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 to be limited to 100 cars, 70 went into SS Camaros and 30 went into Firehawks. (1 test vehicle and 29 production vehicles).

1996: 86 total, 9 convertible. 315 hp LT1

1995: 743 total, 102 convertibles. 315 hp LT1

1994: 500 total, no convertibles. 315 hp LT1

1993: 201 total, no convertibles. 300hp LT1

1991/1992: 25 total, 1 convertible. 350hp L98 Tuned Port Injection engine.
The only Gen 3 F-Body Firehawk. 1-8 were late 1991’s, 9-27 were 1992’s (numbers 18 and 23 were not built). 11 had the competition package which included a Brembro brake kit and Recaro seats.

Thanks to firehawk.org, firehawkregistry.com, is-it-a-lemon.com, transamworld.com, firebirdgallery.com and supercars.net for providing information to build this page

Page 1 - Overview
Page 2 - Factory RPO codes
Page 3 - 2002 SLP Productions numbers
Page 4 - Mods, updates and engine specs
Page 5 - Firehawk History Lesson - You are here
and click here or check out page 5 of the Chevelle to see documented proof that Mobil 1 is amazing oil