1988 Pontiac Firebird

• 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

1988 Firebird Notes

1988 Automotive Notes

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• Top American Automobile Corporations for 1988

• Top model year production for 1988