1991 Pontiac Trans am problems
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
First generation (1967–1969)
The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($24,361 in 2023 dollars) and the convertible was $2,903 ($28,519 in 2023 dollars).
The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.
The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches (4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered to start in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). The power output of the other engines was increased marginally.
There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the "Ram Air III," a name never used by Pontiac). The Ram Air IV was rated at 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing applications that were not available in production cars.
Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows was replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.
In March 1969, a US$1,083 ($8,998 in 2023 ) optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.
Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.
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Common 1991 Pontiac Trans am problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1991 Pontiac Trans Am, several common problems have been identified:
- Interior Noise in T-Top Cars: T-top models of the 3rd gen Firebirds, like the Trans Am, can experience various noises from the interior over time. The lack of a solid roof in T-top cars contributes to this issue, causing flex and resulting in unwanted sounds inside the vehicle.
- Structural Weakness and Interior Quality: Owners have highlighted structural weaknesses in the third-gen Firebirds, leading to issues with bracing and durability. Additionally, the interior parts, particularly the plastic components, are prone to premature failure, impacting the overall quality and longevity of the vehicle.
- Overheating: Trans Ams are known to overheat if the front air dam is tweaked back or missing. This issue can lead to cooling problems and affect the engine's performance, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper airflow and cooling mechanisms in these vehicles.
- Power Hatch Pull Down Motors: Dead power hatch pull-down motors have been reported as a common problem in some models of the Trans Am. This issue can affect the functionality of the rear hatch, causing inconvenience for owners who rely on this feature.
- Leaky T-Tops: Another common complaint involves leaky T-tops in the Firebird models, including the Trans Am. Water leaks can lead to interior damage, affecting the comfort and condition of the vehicle, especially during rainy weather or car washes.
These common problems with the 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA highlight various issues that owners have faced over time. Addressing these issues promptly and with the appropriate solutions can help maintain the performance, comfort, and longevity of these iconic vehicles.
Is 1991 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
Very reliable, handles great, anti-lock brakes would be nice. It is comfortable for me, but my mom and dad have trouble getting in and out of it, because its so low, but the looks are worth it!
What year is the most sought after Trans Am?
With only 1,555 ever made, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am remains one of the most sought-after muscle cars on the market. This special edition 20th anniversary model was the official pace car for the 73rd running of the Indianapolis 500.
How much horsepower does a 1991 Trans Am have?
205 hp @ 4,200 rpm
Used 1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 205 hp @ 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 285 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm |
What is the rarest Trans Am?
1969 Trans Am
The '69 Trans Am is among the rarest of the rare 'Birds with fewer than 700 built—only eight were convertibles and all were Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes.
What is the best year of Trans Am?
- 7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
- 3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.
How much horsepower does a 1991 Trans Am have?
205 hp @ 4,200 rpm
Used 1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 205 hp @ 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 285 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm |
Is a Trans Am a muscle car?
One of the most anticipated muscle car come-backs ever imagined, now on a modern platform… the rebirth of a muscle car legend. Reimagining the most popular American Muscle Cars of the past, Trans Am Worldwide is now taking orders on the most recent in their modern-day muscle car line up, the 70/SS.
Was the Trans Am a fast car?
Since GM's manual transmission couldn't quite handle the power, a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission was used. According to several media reports, the factory turbocharged 1989 Pontiac Trans Am could accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
1991 Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Pontiac Trans am complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Pontiac Trans am.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAS UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Pontiac Trans am problems:
common 3rd gen problems - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Mar 29, 2004 ... And what TA said, its not just Trans Ams.. all Firebird models can have that problem. GTATransAM's Avatar. GTATransAM , 03-30-2004 07:56 AM.
1991 Pontiac Firebird Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Problem with your 1991 Pontiac Firebird? Our list of 21 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1991 Pontiac Firebird.
Hood stuck on 1991 firebird - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Apr 30, 2007 ... , 04-30-2007 03:18 PM. Supreme Member. Re: Hood stuck on 1991 firebird. Common problem. How it works: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1991 Firebird Idle Issues - EGR, Plugs, Wires ...
Feb 15, 2011 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
1991 Pontiac Firebird 3.1 V6 starting issues, help need! | Firebird ...
Jul 21, 2011 ... When one injector goes bad or shorts out it causes the entire bank of injectors on that side of the engine not to function. Get a volt meter and ...
Other years of Pontiac Trans am
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