🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Firebird

Year:

1987

Third Generation Start Year:

1982

Third Generation End Year:

1992

Platform Code:

F-body

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of 1987 Pontiac Firebirds seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information to save time and money on vehicle maintenance and repair.

Uniqueness:

Vehicle-specific, not generic; directly mirrors dealership technician manuals.

Content Format:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.

Digital Benefits:

Easy to use PDF, searchable, printable, no loss or damage to physical books.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All 1987 Pontiac Firebird Models

Repair Scope:

A-Z Comprehensive Repairs

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical for factory service manuals covering a full model year and all variants.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Diagnosis, service, repair, specifications, and tune-up procedures for all available engines.

Control System:

Engine control, emissions control systems, and potentially other electronic control modules.

Mechanical:

Comprehensive mechanical systems, including internal engine components, chassis, and body.

Fuel Service Specifications:

Fuel system components, fuel pressure, injector service, carburetor (if applicable), and related specifications.

Emission Control:

Detailed information on emission control systems, components, diagnosis, and service.

Intake Exhaust Cooling:

Cooling system operation, diagnosis, repairs, and exhaust system components.

Lube:

Lubrication system service, oil types, capacities, and filter information.

Ignition Starting Charging:

Ignition system components, starting system, charging system (alternator), and related diagnostics.

Auto Transmission:

Service, diagnosis, and repair procedures for automatic transmissions.

Clutch:

Clutch system service and repair for manual transmission models.

Manual Transmission:

Service, diagnosis, and repair procedures for manual transmissions.

Transfer Propeller Shaft:

Driveshaft and universal joint service.

Drive Shaft:

Driveshaft and associated components.

Differential:

Rear axle differential service and repair.

Axle Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including components, alignment, and shock absorber service.

Tire Wheel:

Wheel and tire specifications, rotation, and balancing.

Brake Control:

Brake system hydraulic control, proportioning valves, and ABS (if equipped).

Brake:

Front and rear brake system service, including pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid.

Parking Brake:

Parking brake system operation and adjustment.

Steering Column:

Steering column assembly, ignition switch, and tilt mechanism.

Power Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump, hoses, and rack/gearbox service.

Air Condition:

Air conditioning system components, refrigerant, and service procedures.

Suppl Restraint System:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - airbags, if equipped for the model year.

Seat Belt:

Seat belt mechanisms, retractors, and anchors.

Engine Immobilizer:

Information on the engine immobilizer system, if it was an option or standard.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control system components, operation, and diagnosis.

Wiper Washer:

Windshield wiper and washer system diagnosis and repair.

Door Lock:

Door lock mechanisms, power locks, and keyless entry (if equipped).

Meter Audio Visual:

Instrument cluster, gauges, and audio system components.

Horn:

Horn system operation and diagnosis.

Windshield Glass Mirror:

Windshield, glass, and mirror assembly service.

Instrument Panel:

Instrument panel construction, removal, and installation.

Seat:

Seat assembly, adjustment mechanisms, and upholstery.

Engine Hood Door:

Hood and door assembly, hinges, latches, and alignment.

Exterior Interior:

Body panel repair, trim, weatherstripping, and interior trim components.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including lighting, power accessories, and complex circuits.

Multiplex Can Communication:

Information on multiplex communication systems or early forms of CAN bus if applicable to the 1987 model year.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common fault identification.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems and components.

Installation:

Procedures for removing and installing various parts and components.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, including troubleshooting charts.

Depth:

Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and serious DIY mechanics.

Data Type:

Specifications, torque values, clearances, wiring schematics, and diagnostic data.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print specific pages or sections.

Image Enhancement:

Allows users to blow up images for enlarged printing.

Binding:

Digital (PDF), no physical binding.

Paper Type Implication:

User's choice when printing; no inherent paper type.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Multiple engine options were available for the 1987 Firebird, including: 2.8L V6 (LH7), 3.1L V6 (LG6 - Turbo-Hydramatic 700R-4 transmission), 5.0L V8 (LB9 - Tuned Port Injection), 5.0L V8 (L69 - High Output, often carburetor), 5.7L V8 (8th Gen F-body with Cross-Fire Injection was phased out by 1987, but some LT-1 variants might be relevant in performance models like Trans Am GTA, though this would be less common for base manuals).

Horsepower Torque:

Horsepower and torque figures varied significantly by engine. For example, the 2.8L V6 typically produced around 135 hp, the 5.0L L69 V8 around 215 hp, and the 5.0L LB9 V8 around 215 hp. Specific figures for each engine are detailed in the manual.

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel injection (TPI, CPI) and carburetor systems were used depending on the engine option.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Available with manual transmissions, likely including 4-speed and 5-speed options.

Automatic Transmission:

Available with automatic transmissions, most commonly the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R-4 (4-speed).

Transmission Service:

Manuals cover fluid types, capacities, filter changes, seal replacements, and internal transmission repair.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Coupe (2-door hardtop) and Convertible (optional).

Curb Weight:

Curb weight varied by engine and options, typically ranging from approximately 3100 lbs to 3400 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Information on safety systems and structural integrity, though official NHTSA ratings from this era are less comprehensive than modern standards.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard; optional front and rear disc brakes on higher trims or performance models. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was available.

Restraint Systems:

Standard lap and shoulder belts. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for driver's side airbag was becoming more common or available as an option.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM radios with cassette players were common. Higher-end options might have included graphic equalizers or premium speaker systems.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option, providing enhanced braking control during emergency stops.

Early Electronics:

While not modern connectivity, the manual covers complex electrical systems including early engine control units (ECUs) and sensor networks that manage engine performance and emissions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but the manual will provide the exact recommended interval based on driving conditions and engine type. Synthetic oil use might allow for extended intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Generally recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on transmission type and usage. Manual will specify fluid type and interval.

Engine Oil Type:

Viscosity grades like 5W-30 or 10W-30 were common, depending on climate and engine. The manual will specify the exact GM specification (e.g., GM-101-M) and viscosity.

Coolant Type:

Conventional green ethylene glycol coolant. The manual will specify the correct GM coolant and mixture ratio.

Common Problems 1987:

Potential issues include aging electrical connectors, vacuum hose degradation, fuel injector issues (TPI), catalytic converter clogging, and wear on suspension components. The manual provides diagnostic procedures for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac, as GM's performance-oriented brand, positioned the Firebird as a sporty coupe and performance car, successor to the original Firebird/Trans Am lineage.

Third Generation Development:

The third-generation Firebird (introduced in 1982) featured a radical aero-dynamic design, lighter weight, and improved handling compared to its predecessors. The 1987 model year represented a refinement of this platform.

Manufacturing Plant:

Primarily produced at GM's Van Nuys, California assembly plant.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editor Picks:

The third-generation Firebird, especially performance variants like the Trans Am and GTA, received considerable praise from automotive publications for its styling and performance in its era.

Manual Certification:

This is a factory-produced manual, directly used by authorized technicians, signifying its accuracy and completeness.