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Thirdgen FAQ
The third generation of the F-Body was introduced for 1982, as a major redesign with a more modern look and a lighter, better-handling car. In a move that would later happen across almost all GM models, the Firebird switched from Pontiac-designed engines to the same Chevrolet engines that powered the Camaro. This was also the only generation of F-Body to be available with a four-cylinder, the Iron Duke. The last Firebird to be built with an engine not available in the Camaro was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, which had a turbocharged 3.8 L Buick V6, derived from the Buick Regal.
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Q:What parts will interchange between third and fourth generation FBodies?
A:Rear suspensions are identical (lower control arms, panhard rods, torque arms), rear ends will also interchange physicaly (fourth generation are 2" or so wider, and can have ABS / ASR). Center consoles can also be swapped in from a fourth gen with light modification, seats are bolt in, dashboard fits but requires extensive modification, door panels can be made to fit. Fourth generation "LS1" brakes are also a common swap on to third gen's.
Q:What is there to making my fuel injected third generation FBody carburated?
A:The biggest hurdle is fuel delivery. Fuel injected third gens use fuel pressures higher then what carburetors can tolerate. To resolve this you can use a return style 3 port fuel pressure regulator. A better way of doing this is to just dump the stock fuel pump in exchange for a pump made for a carburetor. Either way slight wiring modification is necessary as normally the computer controls the fuel pump activation. On dual fan cars, the computer controlled fan needs to be rewired to a temperature or manual switch on the dash. Also, you need to swap to a regular style distributor rather then a computer controlled one.
Q:My TH700R4 automatic transmission is acting weird, whats up?
A:The TH700R4 is controlled by a Throttle Valve (TV) cable that attaches to the throttle body. This cable controls part throttle shift points and shift firmness, and the entire transmissions behavior in general. To use the "auto adjust" you press the metal tab in and slide the plastic sleeve of the cable all the way down, then release the metal tab. Then you extend the throttle body from closed to wide open a couple times, you should hear some clicks as the cable adjusts. More often then not this doesnt work (for me at least), and I have to set the cable on my own. I have found that the farther in the cable is, the higher RPM the tranny will shift at (it can get pretty rediculous). If the cable is too far out, the tranny will shift at really low RPMs. It should be noted that a TV cable way out of adjustment can tear up your transmission.
The third generation of the F-Body was introduced for 1982, as a major redesign with a more modern look and a lighter, better-handling car. In a move that would later happen across almost all GM models, the Firebird switched from Pontiac-designed engines to the same Chevrolet engines that powered the Camaro. This was also the only generation of F-Body to be available with a four-cylinder, the Iron Duke. The last Firebird to be built with an engine not available in the Camaro was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, which had a turbocharged 3.8 L Buick V6, derived from the Buick Regal.
Sections
Resources
Models
Drivetrain
RPO Codes
Q:What parts will interchange between third and fourth generation FBodies?
A:Rear suspensions are identical (lower control arms, panhard rods, torque arms), rear ends will also interchange physicaly (fourth generation are 2" or so wider, and can have ABS / ASR). Center consoles can also be swapped in from a fourth gen with light modification, seats are bolt in, dashboard fits but requires extensive modification, door panels can be made to fit. Fourth generation "LS1" brakes are also a common swap on to third gen's.
Q:What is there to making my fuel injected third generation FBody carburated?
A:The biggest hurdle is fuel delivery. Fuel injected third gens use fuel pressures higher then what carburetors can tolerate. To resolve this you can use a return style 3 port fuel pressure regulator. A better way of doing this is to just dump the stock fuel pump in exchange for a pump made for a carburetor. Either way slight wiring modification is necessary as normally the computer controls the fuel pump activation. On dual fan cars, the computer controlled fan needs to be rewired to a temperature or manual switch on the dash. Also, you need to swap to a regular style distributor rather then a computer controlled one.
Q:My TH700R4 automatic transmission is acting weird, whats up?
A:The TH700R4 is controlled by a Throttle Valve (TV) cable that attaches to the throttle body. This cable controls part throttle shift points and shift firmness, and the entire transmissions behavior in general. To use the "auto adjust" you press the metal tab in and slide the plastic sleeve of the cable all the way down, then release the metal tab. Then you extend the throttle body from closed to wide open a couple times, you should hear some clicks as the cable adjusts. More often then not this doesnt work (for me at least), and I have to set the cable on my own. I have found that the farther in the cable is, the higher RPM the tranny will shift at (it can get pretty rediculous). If the cable is too far out, the tranny will shift at really low RPMs. It should be noted that a TV cable way out of adjustment can tear up your transmission.
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