Exterior
Cayenne Red Metallic base coat and clear coat adorn the straight panels of this car. Virtually no chrome and all composite bumpers and front and rear parts come together to form this aerodynamic Trans Am version. The lines of this car blend seamlessly to form the final shape, all smooth and aerodynamic, more orange than red. A few very minor faults on the trailing edge of the driver's door, but one must look hard to notice them. A fully fixed roof, somewhat of a rarity, leads back to the rear greenhouse glass that sweeps down the hatch to meet the pedestal mount spoiler that wraps its thin edges around the base of the glass. Highly polished chrome Centerline wheels in 17-inch format are wrapped by like new Falken GR8 radials on all 4 corners.
Interior
Charcoal gray bliss awaits us with a swing of the door. This hue mixes together in the door panels with their molded armrests and speaker surrounds in varying shades of charcoal gray along with some clean broadcloth for the inserts...sexy! Inside high back cloth covered buckets for the front and a 2 plus 2 bench in back, offer up comfy seating for 4. In the center a charcoal gray console races toward the dash, housing a glovebox, cup holders and the shifter on the way. As we rise upward, sculpted lines abound where temp wheels and a killer AM/FM/CD player with a built in eq are factory installed. Above are 3 eyeball vents to funnel air anywhere you want. A semicircular arch is in front of the steering wheel and underneath its padded visor we see 2 in trisecting circular gauges and a lineup of V shapes just below to convey all the vocals to the driver. Above is a black liner that is looking just terrific.
Drivetrain
A 5.7 liter LT1 V8 which puts out 285hp is under the hood. This sits in a super clean and shiny environment with little to no corrosion and presents with a high performance air intake system. This mill is fuel injected and has a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission and a 10 bolt.
Undercarriage
Some light surface rust on the usual suspects, but floor pans and rockers as well as most of the underside is a nice original painted steel with a dusting of the factory Cayenne Red showing. Independent coil spring suspension for the front, and torque arm with coil springs for the rear. Eibach lowering springs have been added to give the car a more sinister ride height. Power disc brakes are all around and single exhaust feeds to a Flowmaster muffler with dual outlet tailpipes.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth driver and some nice power. Overall, a good low milage car with blistering acceleration, surefooted handling and bias free braking. Oh and did I mention the sweet note from the exhaust? Well now I did. A fully functional skate that easily handled our test track, but with the drive kept short to prevent racking up excess miles.
Right out of 1997, this reddish/orange bird is ready to have its key turned and driven away for more fun. It's your turn in this Firebird Trans Am to be lighting the tires up.
2G2FV22P8V2228954
2-Canada
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
F-F Body
V-Trans Am/Formula
2-2Dr Coupe
2-Manual Belts & Front Airbags
P-5.7L V8 LT-1
8-Check Digit
V-1997
2-St Therese Assy Plant
228954-Sequential Unit Number