1995 Pontiac Firebird Coupe from North America

Summary:

Well built American sports car, just needs better performance for a 3.4 V6

Faults:

Alternator 30k, tension pulley at 75k, engine check light at 100k comes on and off, fan motor at 120k, all pretty normal for an American car.

General Comments:

This car has been pretty reliable for 135,000 miles. I drive it daily and take it a lot to 105mph on back roads. It's only a 3.4 V6 auto, it is a shame my previous 94 Honda Civic DX was faster in 0-60 and in top speed - 118mph my Firebird on a good day can only do 110mph.

The Pontiac does good mpg - on the highway 29mpg and the city 20mpg. Just change your transmission oil every 30k and sparkplugs and engine oil at 5k with 5w-30w, and the car will be just a good as any import.

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

Review Date: 19th March, 2001

25th Apr 2001, 16:48

Can any one tell me if is possible to exchange from a 3.4v6 to a 5.7v8 and what things should I have to change with it.

10th May 2001, 19:49

You know that Japan limited horsepower because they were afraid of starting a power war in between the extremely competitive Japanese car companies. A Skyline can easily be tweaked to run at its normal power level, around 400+ horsepower. American cars use displacement and the Japanese use technology.

23rd Nov 2001, 08:51

Yes, all cars can be tweaked to perform at levels higher than advertised, especially a low tech small block, but it all costs money. You can also tweek that little V-6 to outrun a V-8, it just takes money and knowledge.

As for swapping engines, sure you can. It's going to cost you though. Get rid of the car and buy a mid 90's LT1 car. I got my SLP Formula Conv for 8800 buck about a month ago. Look for the good deals, they are there.

20th Aug 2006, 14:04

The Firebird governor only allows 110mph. Higher speeds could be possible, but restricted in this vehicle. It is a very heavy car, however, and it has a small engine (3.4 v6) for it's size (about two tons with passengers), so I wouldn't recommend going any faster anyway.