In our handling tests, the Firehawk didn't offer any improvement over the best marks of regular Firebirds or Camaro Z28s. Stopping distance from 60 mph was 111 feet: an outstanding performance, but not equal to the best tuner F-body. Its 0.88g performance on the skidpad only equalled the cornering power of the Camaro Z28 we tested for last year's Bang for the Buck (Aug. '94). Surprisingly, the SLP's slalom speed was only 65.4 mph, far off the F-body record, but that can be blamed on the less-than-usual grip of our alternate slalom site.
On the highway, the Firehawk's "base" suspension ride is virtually indistinguishable from stock. Those not satisfied with this level of performance can choose the optional sport suspension, featuring stiffer Bilstein shocks and progressive-rate springs (not installed on our tester).
Although the SLP Firehawk won't outrun the hottest tuner cars, it will show its taillights to an automatic-equipped Corvette (which runs 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph and 14.1 seconds at 97.2 mph for the quarter mile), and you can conveniently buy one from your local Pontiac dealership...if it knows what R6V means, that is. If it doesn't, call SLP's customer assistance line at 810/288-3066, and they'll help you out.
| TECH DATA |
| SLP Firehawk |
| GENERAL/POWERTRAIN |
| Body style | 2-door, 4-passenger |
| Vehicle configuration | Front engine, rear drive |
| Engine configuration | 90° V-8, |
| | OHV, 2 valves/cylinder |
| Engine displacement, ci/cc | 350/5737 |
| Horsepower, |
| hp @ rpm, SAE net | 315 @ 5500 |
| Torque, | |
| lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | 344 @ 4000 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Axle ratio | 3.23:1 |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 101.1/2566 |
| Length, in./mm | 195.6/4968 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 3472 |
| Fuel capacity, gal | 15.5 |
| Fuel economy, |
| EPA city/hwy., mpg | 17/25 |
| CHASSIS |
| Suspension, f/r | Unequal length A-arms/live axle |
| Steering | Rack and pinion, power assist |
| Brakes, f/r | Vented discs/vented discs, ABS |
| Wheels | 17 x 9.0, chromed cast aluminum |
| Tires | 275/40ZR17, Firestone Firehawk SZ |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Acceleration, 0-60, sec | 5.3 |
| Quarter mile, sec/mph | 13.9/103.6 |
| Braking, 60-0, ft | 111 |
| Slalom, 600-ft, mph | 65.4 |
| Skidpad, 200-ft, lateral g | 0.88 |
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