1988 Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird (1988) – Ultimate Guide

Introduction

The sporty F-body Firebird had 17 major changes and engineering highlights for 1988.
Base models shared an improved Tuned Port Induction (TPI) system on V-8 engines, which also had new serpentine accessory belt drives.
Base model features:
- standard 15×7 in. deep-dish Hi-Tech Turbo or diamond spoke aluminum wheels
- a redesigned four-spoke steering wheel
- an AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and clock
- Pallex cloth interior trim
- a new Camel colored interior
- monotone paint treatments
- a choice of two new exterior colors (Silver Blue Metallic or Orange Metallic)
Formulas had new 16×8 in. Hi-Tech Turbo cast-aluminum wheels and a new 5.0-liter throttle-body-injection (TBI) V-8 engine that was also standard in the Trans Am.
All TPI 5.0-liter and 5.7-liter engines now came with full-gauge analog clusters and a 140-mph speedometer.
New features for GTA models included:
- a remote deck lid release
- a power antenna
- a right-hand visor-vanity mirror
- power windows
- power door locks
- body side moldings
- air conditioning
- tinted glass
- a lamp group
- the Pass Key theft deterrent system
- controlled-cycle wipers
- a rear window defogger
- cruise control
- tilt steering
- an AM/FM stereo with cassette and graphic equalizer
- steering wheel-mounted radio controls
- integral rear seat headrests
- Metrix cloth interior trim (optional for the Trans Am)
In addition, leather-trimmed articulating front bucket seats were a new GTA model option.
Base Firebirds featured:
- a 2.8-liter MFI V-6
- a center high-mounted stop lamp
- complete analog instrumentation
- a full-length console with instrument panel
- side window defoggers
- a front air dam
- the GM Computer Command Control system
- a hatch “pull-down” feature
- rectangular-shaped concealed quartz halogen headlights
- monochromatic paint
- a UM7 Delco ETR AM/FM stereo
- cloth reclining front bucket seats
- a folding rear seat
- a four-spoke steering wheel
- a lockable storage compartment
- P215/65R15 BSW tires
- a five-speed manual transmission
- “wet-arm” cast-aluminum wheels
Formulas added or substituted:
- a 5.0-liter EFI V-8
- a body-color aero rear deck lid spoiler
- a domed hood
- Formula graphics
- 16×8-in. Hi-Tech aluminum wheels
- the WS6 special performance suspension
- two-tone paint and striping
Trans-Ams added or substituted:
- a body aero package
- hood and front fender air extractors
- hood air louvers
- fog lamps
- soft ray tinted glass
- the Y99 Rally Tuned suspension
GTAs added:
- the 5.7-liter TPI V-8
- four wheel disc brakes
- air conditioning
- cruise control
- dual power mirrors
- power articulating front bucket seats
- power deck lid release
- power door locks
- power windows
- a Delco UT4 ETA “touch control” AM/FM stereo with cassette and anti-theft feature
- a special performance suspension
- a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- steering wheel radio controls
- P245/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle tires
- a four-speed automatic transmission
- 16 x 8-in. gold-colored light-weight diamond-spoke aluminum wheels

I.D. NUMBERS

IDENTIFICATION

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

CHASSIS

OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

1988 Firebird Notes

1988 Automotive Notes

GM news:
Ford news:
Chrysler news:
AMC news:
Other makes news:
Top American Automobile Corporations for 1988

1. General Motors 3,181,657 2. Ford 2,011,007 3. Chrysler 1,104,002 4. Others 150

Top model year production for 1988

Ford 1,331,489 Chevrolet 1,236,316 Pontiac 680,714 Oldsmobile 535,015 Dodge 489,645 Buick 458,768 Skyhawk 29,134 Skylark 54,792 Century 113,258 Reatta 4,708 Regal 129,997 LeSabre 136,040 Estate Wagon 9,624 LeSabre Wagon 3,723 Electra Wagon 5,901 Electra 92,513 Riviera 8,625 Plymouth 336,070 Mercury 298,859 Lincoln 280,659 Chrysler 278,287 Cadillac 270,844 Allante 2,569 Cimarron 6,454 Seville 22,968 DeVille & Fleetwood 152,513 Eldorado 17,775 Fleetwood Brougham 53,130 Avanti 150 Acura 128,238