(Note from Rocky: All images you see below are found in Firehawk-Fiercest of the Firebirds)
As a passionate researcher of the Pontiac brand and a student of its history—particularly the V8 years—there’s plenty that have I learned so far, and certainly much more to go. The Firebird references I consider personal favorites are Michael Lamm’s The Fabulous Firebird and Gary Witzenberg’s Firebird! America’s Premier Ponycar. I feel they are extremely well researched, packed full of the factual hardcore information that I crave, and are written in ways that are easy to follow and comprehend.
The cover image is vibrant and colorful, and contains some of SLP’s best work.
I began reading Lamm’s and Witzenberg’s books at a very young age and I remain as impressed today as I was with them back then. Their completeness in all aspects set a level of excellence for me in all Firebird books I read. In fact, I was so inspired by the efforts of those authors that I strove to deliver similar excellence in the Firebird books that I wrote. Hopefully you feel I accomplished that.
SLP got its start producing emission-legal performance parts for TPI-powered Firebirds, Camaros, and Corvettes during the mid-to-late 80s. Cars like this ‘88 or ‘89 Formula 350 was a test mule that SLP distributed to the motoring press to showcase performance capability.
Growing up a Firebird fan during the ‘80s and ‘90s, I knew that the new-for-‘87 Formula 350 was special, but being several years shy of driving age when it was introduced somewhat muted its effect on me as an enthusiast. The tuned-port cars grew on me as I matured and I read every magazine that contain a road test article about them.
The photography within Firehawk-Fiercest of the Firebirds is simply outstanding.
Then I obtained my learner’s permit in late-1991. It was about that point that I began dreaming about purchasing a new vehicle when I turned 16. Naturally I wanted a Firebird and while most may have preferred the Trans Am or even the ultimate GTA, I was drawn toward the Formula 350’s understated brawniness. I also found the revised front and rear treatment that debuted for the ’91 quite appealing.
Like many a 16 years old, my first car wasn’t exactly new. In fact, I wrote a previous blog post about the ’75 Grand Prix that became my first vehicle. As much as I appreciated my GP, like many young auto enthusiasts, I fantasized about purchasing a new vehicle. While that wouldn’t occur until 2001, I was vigilant about driving my classic Grand Prix to my local Pontiac dealerships to look at the newest Firebirds. I also thumbed through every new magazine issue on the newsstand looking for the latest information and/or test drives.
When the Firehawk was introduced during the 1991 model year, I instantly fell in love with its menacing appearance and aggressive stance.
As excited as I was about the Formula 350 at that time, I began reading about an all-new Firebird package developed by Street Legal Performance (or SLP). I first became familiar with SLP during the late ‘80s like most other Pontiac hobbyists by reading about the company in many popular auto magazines such as High Performance Pontiac. Article after article reported the excellent results achieved with SLP’s high-quality bolt-on components aimed at increasing output of GM’s Tuned-Port-Injected 305 and 350-ci V8s in the Firebird, Camaro, and Corvette.
I immediately thumbed through the book to see what awaited me and when I came across page 36 and saw photos of third-gen Firehawks in production, I knew this book wouldn’t disappoint.
SLP’s Firehawk was a complete performance machine that started life as a 1LE-equipped Formula 350, which was then heavily modified an included a hand-built 350-ci V8, 6-speed manual transmission, Dana 44 rear axle, and 17 x 9-inch wheels. An available competition option included massive Brembo brakes as well as other pieces that completed the transformation from ponycar to supercar.
SLP looked to expand Firehawk package availability to the Trans Am as well for 1994. Several pilot cars were built and that included this special Firehawk-version of Pontiac’s 25th Anniversary Trans Am. Mac details it in his book.
Once I saw the photos of the new Firehawk in print, I was in love with it. Only 25 third-gen Firehawks were produced during the ’91 and ’92 model years, and my passion toward them hasn’t waned. I strongly aspire to own one someday. With my interest in the first models, I have always maintained a keen awareness of SLP’s Firehawk during the fourth-gen era as well. I strongly considered ordering a Firehawk in 2001 but ultimately decided upon the Pontiac’s WS6 package only because I preferred its aggressive dual-scooped Ram Air hood over SLP’s more subdued version.
It’s not often that we see in-plant photos of SLP’s Firehawk production facility, but Mac’s book includes several behind-the-scenes views.
Always looking for something new to further my Pontiac knowledge, I seek material that’s on par with the detail that Lamm and Witzenberg incorporated into their books. In 2013 I learned that a Canadian author and Firehawk enthusiast named Mac Logan had written Firehawk- Fiercest of the Firebirds. It contained 220 pages of self-published content describing in great detail SLP’s ’91-02 Firehawks as well as other SLP-produced vehicles and packages. Production was limited to just 1,000 copies.
Freshly-finished Firehawks in route to their delivering Pontiac dealers.
Judging by the excellent reviews I’d read and the beautiful sample images I’d seen, Mac’s book seemed quite insightful and something I felt I needed to add to my literature collection. I fully intended to purchase a copy but was so engrossed in writing my own Firebird books at the time that I simply put it off. I knew production was limited, however, so I realized that I had to act soon before all new copies disappeared, Before I knew it, it was 2017 and I still hadn’t purchased a copy of Mac’s book.
In addition to producing Its Formula-based Firehawk, SLP was contracted by Pontiac to produce its Comp T/A package during the mid ‘90s.
Shortly after launching PontiacV8.com, I received an email through the website. It was from Mac Logan and he was interested in purchasing my ‘70-81 Firebird book. He’d asked if I’d read his Firehawk- Fiercest of the Firebirds yet. I sheepishly replied that I hadn’t but that purchasing a copy was on my shortlist. He suggested that as opposed to sending ourselves monetary payment for the other’s book, what if we’d exchange them instead. He offered to review my book on his Facebook page. I, in turn, offered to review his Firebird on PontiacV8.com. How could I pass that up?!
In 1997, SLP produced 29 Firehawks with the potent LT4 engine. Mac outlines conception to production in his book.
If you’re like me, free time for reading a book cover to cover is limited. My family, my day job, and writing articles consume every waking moment. Rarely do I have time to sit and read an entire magazine article without being pulled away, let alone a complete book. I figured that I could finish Mac’s book over the course of several days.
To celebrate the Firehawk’s tenth anniversary, SLP developed an attractive black-and-gold package to commemorate the feat. Here we see several on the transporter.
I anxiously awaited the arrival of my copy of Firehawk- Fiercest of the Firebirds. As soon as it arrived I removed the book from its padded envelope and found the cover image even more attractive in person. Inside I was greeted by a very nice personalized inscription. And my copy was not-so-coincidentally numbered 455.
Mac’s book is limited to just 1,000 copies. How fitting is it that my book happened to be numbered 455?
Although I didn’t have time to read the entire book at that very moment, I quickly thumbed through the photos inside to gain a better idea of what awaited me. As soon as I found ‘91-92 Firehawk production photos that I hadn’t seen before, I immediately knew that I was in for a treat! Once I was able to sit with Mac’s book, I read it with great interest—chapter by chapter. Every free moment I found myself taking in a section until all 220 pages were read. I was amazed at its level of detail and how well it was written. I can tell you that Mac’s research on the subject is nothing short of spectacular. He worked with the Hamburger family as well as several key insiders at SLP and GM, and with our friend Jim Mattison at PHS Automotive Services. Saying I am impressed with what Mac accomplished is a sincere understatement.
In addition to telling the Firehawk story, Mac goes into great detail on the unique features for each model year. Virtually any question you might have is well covered.
To purchase Mac’s book, you can contact him via his Facebook page or simply go to his website. There, you’ll find autographed copies for $49.95 USD. And you can even customize your copy by requesting a specific book number (assuming its available) that matches your Firehawk’s specific vehicle build number.
SLP’s Firehawk maintains a strong following and this photo demonstrates why. It simply doesn’t get much better than this!
I consider Mac’s Firehawk- Fiercest of the Firebirds a must-have for anyone inspired to learn more about SLP Engineering and its fire breathing Firehawk. I can honestly say that I walked away knowing much more about the ’91-02 Firehawks than I had before. And I highly suspect that you will, too. I’m proud to say that Mac’s outstanding effort has earned his book a position next to Lamm’s and Witzenberg’s in my personal literature collection.