Show-stopping 1991 Firebird Packs LQ4 Power, Modern Handling Bits

Channel your inner Michael Knight as you cruise in this stunning LQ4-powered, third-gen Firebird.

The third generation of the Pontiac Firebird doesn’t get as much respect as the other eras due largely to the fact that tightening regulations caused a massive downturn in the output of American performance cars. That can be easily cured with an engine swap, but once you add more power, you will likely want to install suspension that can handle the power and brakes that can get the car stopped from higher speeds. In the end, that is a whole lot of work that can often prove to be too technical or too costly for many people.

Fortunately, there is a 1991 Pontiac Firebird available for sale in the LS1Tech marketplace right now and not only is it remarkably clean for a car of this age, but the current owner has upgraded just about every area under the sleek body. This stunning third gen was posted by QuickShift, who is looking to sell the car in order to finance another project and this could be a dream come true for anyone looking for a vehicle of this caliber.

The Introduction

When the OP first listed his 1991 Pontiac Firebird for sale in the marketplace, he provided a long list of details on the build which we will discuss in a minute, but he also provided some background on the car.

Can’t believe I’m even considering, but gauging interest in my 1991 Pontiac Firebird. I’ve owned this thing for 8 years now and it’s my baby. Just looking to pursue another dream of mine at the moment. Clean and clear title in my name. Some specs are as follows, but more can be discussed with serious buyers.

No track times as this was a street car only. It has been very reliable and hauls ***. Heat works great, but there is no A/C. Paint and body is a solid 8 out of 10. Was painted back a good 15 years ago, but professionally detailed about 2 years back. Fiberglass hood has some stress cracking near the front but not super noticeable unless you’re on top of it. Drivers door has a small ding right along the body line but again, not super noticeable. This is a great opportunity to get into a well-known and well-built third gen Firebird. If it doesn’t sell by spring I will just continue to drive it and update it more. Pretty firm at $15,500. It’s not worth getting rid of for less.

The OP also included an array of pictures of the car inside, outside and under the hood, and from every angle, it looks phenomenal. Really, you don’t need the details to appreciate the build just based on the pictures, but here is a rundown of what all has been done to this 1991 Firebird.

Modern Power

Under the hood of this 1991 Pontiac is a 2006 LQ4 V8, topped with worked LS6 cylinder heads and fitted with a Tick Torquemax S3 camshaft, a FAST intake manifold and Stainless Works 1 7/8 LT headers. The engine is speed density-tuned to deliver 450 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels, making it considerably quicker than any stock third generation car. Also, for those who worry about this kind of thing, the engine looks great nestled down between the strut towers, making this a “hood-up car” at the local cruise spot.

The power from that great-looking engine is sent to the rear wheels by means of a Viper-spec Tremec T-56 manual transmission fitted with a brand new MCLeod street extreme clutch and a spooled Moser 12 bolt axle with 4.10 gears.

Putting the power to the ground is a set of 17-inch Weld RTS S71 wheels with Mickey Thompson Street ET Rs providing traction.

Handling to Match

In addition to the big, modern power, the owner of this Firebird added a long list of chassis upgrades to allow this Firebird to handle and stop a whole lot faster, in addition to being better-suited for the extra ponies.

Up front, this sweet third gen has Wilwood 13-inch rotors under 4-piston calipers, Spohn coilovers and  Lakewood 50/50 shocks, BMR tubular K member/A-arms while the rear features stock springs with QA1 adjustable shocks. Mind you, that is just the beginning of the list. Check out the sale thread for a look at all of the aftermarket components.

The Perfect Interior

On the inside, this 1991 Pontiac Firebird a full Autometer gauge cluster that fits like its original while looking far more modern, a retro-style Billet Specialties steering wheel and a set of leather-wrapped Corbeau FX1 seats. Combine those items with the fresh carpeting and headliner and you have yourself a cabin that looks like the car just came out of the showroom.

If you have been dreaming about a third gen Firebird with modern power, modern handling bits and a simple-but-comfortable interior, look no further than this 1991 Pontiac in the marketplace.

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com