1990 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.0 TBI from North America

Summary:

Bad ass

Faults:

On my 2nd radiator.

Used to be the show car for the Orion music company.

Starter.

Ignition.

New front end assembly.

Transmission went out at 75,000 miles.

General Comments:

Not much off the line.

I can take corners at about 90 mph!

One thing I don't understand.

It shifts 6 times, 700 R4 6 speed auto?

If anybody knows why email me at jason_cannon2@excite.com.

K&N air filter system makes about 10 more horse which put me up to 180?

That kinda sucks. Email me and tell me what ya think.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st March, 2001

27th Apr 2001, 22:55

Need more than a K&N, if you want cheap performance. Jet air foil, heavy duty cap, rotor, ignition wires, fabricated smoother air induction using PVC and cut pieces from the original tubing to make it work.

All this gave me 19 rear wheel ponies! Not bad for about a 100 bucks. Get a track auto cap and rotor, don't waste your money on a brand name, they are all the same.

19th Mar 2004, 18:53

I would sell it and get a 1990 with the 5 speed and dual cat exhaust. You will now have 230 horses to play with, and also have a chance against the mustangs...

11th Nov 2005, 15:31

It's the poor gearing that is doing it on your model. Also, the 5.0 TBI was one of the first OHV V8's to break the 25 mpg barrier -- something that makes more sense today than it did when this car was new! So it had only 170 hp, but it has tons of torque and is a penny-pincher on gas even by today's 5.0 standards.

1990 Pontiac Firebird Formula from North America

Summary:

Smart car to buy for the insane driver!

Faults:

Alternator, starter, and battery.

Head-lamp door (power wire shorted across the bell housing).

Power antenna went out.

Transmission started slipping recently (not too bad considering the mileage; it will be rebuilt).

Spoiler cracked (high school kids couldn't find a better place to sit, and I couldn't find a better place to park, $#@^%#@%#).

General Comments:

This has been a great car. Reasonable gas mileage for an American sports car. I would suggest the 5.7TPI, because the 5.0TPI just doesn't have enough torque to get it moving although rolling starts, and sharp corners are a blast! I nearly rolled it going 130+; Thank goodness for the WS6 suspension!

The best part about the car is its dependability. All the problems have come by way of high mileage and daily use. I easily put on 300+ miles a week.

Oh yes, if it weren't for the autotrans & posi-traction, I wouldn't even think about driving it in the snow!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2001

31st Aug 2001, 18:57

I love my Maui Blue '90 FBF. I am interested in where, if not the dealer, did you get a replacement power antenna. Mine just went out. Otherwise, this has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. JMilkay123@aol.com.

6th Sep 2001, 23:20

Totally understand about driving in the snow... not a fun time.

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