A classic car like the Pontiac Firebird requires special care. However, that doesn't mean it can only be serviced by a pro. If you want to save hundreds or thousands of dollars on maintenance costs, pick up a copy of this Pontiac Firebird Trans Am S/E repair manual. Made with DIYers in mind, it's a great resource for those who aren't professionals but have a genuine interest in classic car upkeep. You'll get all the info you need for keeping 1982-1992 Pontiac Firebird F-body models in tip-top shape, including guides for tune-ups, engine overhaul and system inspections and cleaning.

This Firebird maintenance manual by Haynes is great for any Firebird owner, whether it's your daily ride to work or a complete restoration job. Like any good Firebird enthusiast, you'll be happy to take some of the maintenance tasks into your own hands with the help of this guide, which covers all 1982-1992 Pontiac Firebird F-body models, including:

• Firebird Base Model
• Firebird Trans Am, 1982-1992
• Firebird S/E, 1982-1992
• Firebird Formula, 1982-1992

Engines covered:

• 2.5L L4 inline four-cylinder
• 2.8L V6
• 3.1L V6
• 5.0L V8
• 5.7L V8

Transmissions covered:

• 4-speed manual
• 5-speed manual
• 3-speed automatic
• 4-speed automatic

For the years covered in this manual, the Firebird is available in three models: Firebird, Firebird Trans Am, and Firebird S/E. Engines available include the 2.5 liter in-line four-cylinder engine (L4); 2.8 liter and 3.1 liter V6 engines; and 5.0 liter V8 engines; available as standard or optional equipment, depending on year and model. Four and five-speed transmissions and three and four-speed automatic transmissions are available as standard or optional equipment, depending on year, model and engine. The Front suspension is an independent modified McPherson strut type with a coil spring mounted between the frame crossmember and the lower control arm. The rear suspension consists of the torque arm, track bar, coil springs, shock absorbers and lower control arms. The hydraulic brake system consists of disc brakes at the front and either drum-type or disc brakes at the rear depending on model. Power brakes are standard equipment.

All vehicles covered in this manual are equipped with hydraulically operated front and rear brake systems. All front brake systems are disc type, while rear brake systems are drum brakes on some models and disc type on others. A quick visual inspection will tell you what type of brakes you have at the rear of your vehicle. The hydraulic system consists of two separate front and rear circuits. The master cylinder has separate reservoirs for the two circuits and in the event of a leak or failure in one hydraulic circuit, the other circuit will remain operative. A visual warning of circuit failure or air in the system is given by a warning light activated by displacement of the piston in the brake distribution (pressure differential warning) switch from its normal "in balance" position. The parking brake mechanically operates the rear brakes only. It is activated by a pull-handle in the center console between the front seats.

Above: Pattie Schwatka of Apple Valley, CA, and her son Michael Maestas of Albuquerque, NM, own these four red Pontiac Trans Am convertibles, which are mostly used as show cars. Pattie and Michael have been collecting T/As for a few years and, at one point, owned seven of them!