When the Third-Generation Firebird was introduced in 1982, Pontiac promised the masses a fantastic new suspension design that was light-years ahead of the previous epoch. Whereas the Second-Generation Firebird was known for its short-long arm IFS and coil springs, with longitudinal multileaf springs out back, the all-new Firebird featured a compact MacPherson strut suspension up front, with coil springs, lower control arms, and a torque arm in the rear.
Though by today's standards the stock suspension was still nothing to brag about, Pontiac's famous WS6 suspension package (featuring firmer shocks and springs and thicker sway bars) returned to the Trans Am as an option, and over the course of the next 10 years, the Division took great efforts to make its flagship musclecar's suspension as good, if not better, than any of its competitors in the new-car market.
Nonetheless, 17 years after the last Third-Gen was produced, the suspension that defined a generation of "Knight Riders" seems genuinely antiquated. Luckily, modern aftermarket technology has come to the rescue and can provide substantial improvements to ride and handling to these now-vintage Birds through the use of computer-designed components that were simply unavailable two decades ago.
That's why High Performance Pontiac is bringing you this Bona Fide Suspension Guide for '82-'92 Firebirds and Trans Ams. Whether you own a '87-'92 GTA, an '83 or '89 Pace Car, an '82-'84 Y84 Black and Gold S/E, or any Third-Gen in between, the manufacturers' kits in this story will help you redefine your Firebird's suspension for the street, the road course, or the autocross. The results will be a firmer ride, less body flex, better steering, and tighter response.
Let's meet the manufacturers.
Performance Suspension
Technology
(877) 224-1706
www.p-s-t.com
Suspension Kits
Performance Matched Mega/System Level 4
Fits the Following Models
'82-'92 Firebird and Trans Am
Features
• 2 lower ball joints
• 2 Polygraphite outer tie-rod ends
• 2 Polygraphite lower inner control-arm bushings
• 2 Polygraphite stabilizer links
• 2 Polygraphite sway-bar bushings
• Control-arm bumpers
• 2 inner tie-rod ends
• 2 tie-rod adjusting sleeves
• 1 idler arm
• 1 centerlink
• Ground Zero 1-inch lowering springs, set of 4 (spring rates: 600 lb/ in ront, choices of 100-140 lb/in rear)
• G-MAX lightweight tubular 1.25-inch front sway bar
• G-MAX solid 1-inch rear sway bar
• Set of 4 KYB struts/shocks
• Catapult lower trailing arms and adjustable Panhard-rod kit includes:
Polygraphite bushings and all hardware
Polygraphite rear torque-arm bushings
Benefits According to the Manufacturer
• Direct bolt-in for easy installation-no welding required
• Faster slalom times, aggressive stance, improved handling and esponsiveness, and decreased wheelhop
• Engineered to work as a complete system with the highest quality components
• Polygraphite bushings have virtually zero deflection and offer a dramatic performance upgrade over outdated rubber bushings
• Free shipping
Options and Upgrades
• Weld-in subframe connectors
Mods Required
None, 100-percent bolt-on
MSRP
$1,399
Hotchkis Performance
(888) 466-7655
www.hotchkis.net
Suspension Kits Manufactured
3rd Gen F-Body Total Vehicle System (TVS)
Fits the Following Models
'82-'92 Firebird & Trans Am
Features
• Sport coils
• Sport sway bars (1.435-inch hollow front, 1-inch hollow rear)
• Subframe connectors
• Tubular rear control arms
• Adjustable Panhard bar
Benefits According to the Manufacturer
• All-inclusive kit that has been designed and tested as a system
• No need to mix and match components
• Improves overall handling, driver control, and traction reducing bodyroll and chassis twist
• Hotchkis Sport sway bars are CNC-bent for a precise fit; feature lightweight hollow construction; and include greasable polyurethane bushings, endlinks, brackets, and all necessary hardware
• Springs provide a sporty ride and 1-inch-lowered ride height
• Each gray powdercoated spring is precision wound using the highest quality steel
• Adjustable rear trailing arms positively locate and control the rear axle
• Launches are quicker, smoother, and more consistent by reducing wheelhop
• Adjustable Panhard bar allows for easy pinion angle changes to better tune your vehicle
• Cornering and overall stability are dramatically improved through increased roll stiffness and sway-bar effectiveness
• Combination bolt-in and weld-on subframe connectors reduce cowl shake and chassis flex, improve traction, and maximize the tire contact patch
• Overall handling, driver feedback and control, and stance and steering feel are all radically improved by this easy-toinstall system
Options and Upgrades
• Premium ball-joint kit
Mods Required
Simple bolt-on installation with handtools (most components)
Subframe connectors require a small amount of welding for maximum effectiveness.
MSRP
$1,535