Pontiac Firebird

The first generation Pontiac Firebird had a characteristic “coke-bottle” styling. Unlike its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro, its bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end and its rear “slit” taillights were inspired by the Pontiac GTO. The base model firebird came equipped with the OHC Inline 6 and a 1bbl carburetor.The next model, the Sprint, had a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). But most buyers opted for one of the V8 engines: the 326 in³ (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the “H.O.” (High Output) engine of the same displacement, but with a four-barrel carburetor and producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 400 in³ (6.6 L) from the GTO with 325 hp (242 kW). A “Ram Air” option was also available in 1968, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a different camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 H.O., but the engine peaked at a higher RPM. The 230 in³ (3.8 L) engines were subsequently replaced by 250 in³ (4.1 L) ones, the first developing 175 hp (130 kW) using a single barrel carburetor, and the other a 215 hp (160 kW) engine with a four-barrel carburetor.