Pontiac Sunbird

Sunbird Series 2H[1]
1978 Pontiac Sunbird Sport coupe
Overview
Production	1975–1980
Model years	1976–1980
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio, U.S. (Lordstown Assembly) South Gate, California, U.S. (South Gate Assembly) Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada (Sainte-Thérèse Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door hatchback 2-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	H-body
Related	Buick Skyhawk Oldsmobile Starfire Chevrolet Monza
Powertrain
Engine	140 cu in (2.3 L) 2300 I4 151 cu in (2.5 L) Iron Duke I4 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet V8
Transmission	4-speed T-50 manual 5-speed T-50 manual 3-speed THM-200 automatic 3-speed THM-250
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97.0 in (2,460 mm)
Length	179.2 in (4,550 mm) coupe/hatchback 178.0 in (4,520 mm) Wagon
Height	49.6 in (1,260 mm) coupe/Hatchback 51.8 in (1,320 mm) Wagon

Introduced in September 1975 for the 1976 model year, the first-generation Pontiac Sunbird was developed from the Pontiac Astre subcompact, slotted between the Astre and the Ventura/Phoenix within the Pontiac model line. The Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza,[2] the Sunbird was sportier than the Astre, competing against the Ford Mustang II, Mercury Capri and imported vehicles such as the Toyota Celica and Volkswagen Scirocco.

While sharing a nameplate, the Pontiac Sunbird shared no commonality with the Australian-market Holden LX Sunbird.

Overview

1978 Pontiac Sunbird Formula hatchback

The first-generation Sunbird uses the GM subcompact H-body platform,[3] sharing its 97-inch wheelbase with the Astre. Using a rear-wheel drive configuration, the Sunbird is fitted with coil springs for all four wheels, using short and long control arms for the front suspension and a torque-arm live rear axle rear suspension; both axles are fitted with an anti-roll bar. Front vented disc brakes were standard, along with rear drum brakes.

For its 1976 introduction, the Sunbird shared its standard engine with the Astre/Vega, using a Chevrolet-designed 2.3-litre inline-four, producing 78 hp (58 kW) with a standard one-barrel carburetor; an optional two-barrel carburetor increased output to 87 hp (65 kW). A 110 hp (82 kW) Buick-supplied 231 cubic-inch V6 was also optional. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, with a five-speed manual and three-speed automatic offered as options.

For 1977, the engine line was revised, with a Pontiac-developed 151 cubic-inch "Iron Duke" inline-four introduced; 90 hp (67 kW) was produced with a two-barrel carburetor. For 1978, a Chevrolet-sourced 305 cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option on Sunbird coupes and hatchbacks. For 1980, the V8 option was dropped from the model line.

Model year changes

1979 Pontiac Sunbird Safari wagon

For 1976, the Pontiac Sunbird was offered only in a two-door notchback coupe body, sharing a body with the Chevrolet Monza Towne Coupe.

For 1977, a three-door hatchback version of the Sunbird was introduced, shared with the Chevrolet Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire. A Formula option combined the handling package with a three-piece spoiler, special body decals, chrome valve cover, and a T/A steering wheel; the option was offered with the coupe and hatchback.

For 1978, a Sunbird two-door station wagon was introduced, serving as a continuation of the previous Astre wagon (using a nearly front fascia).

For 1979, the Sunbird wagon received a new horizontal grille.

For 1980, the H-body Sunbird dropped the station wagon bodystyle and the optional V8 engine. The model year underwent a unusually long production run to provide inventory into calendar-year 1981, as it was replaced by the J2000 for the 1982 model year.

In total, 479,967 examples of the H-body Sunbird were produced from the 1976 to 1980 model years.  

Sunbird Series 2J[1]
1989–'94 Pontiac Sunbird Coupe
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Cavalier (Mexico)
Production	1988–1994
Model years	1988½–1994
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio, United States (Lordstown Assembly) Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico (Ramos Arizpe Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	J-body
Related	Buick Skyhawk Cadillac Cimarron Chevrolet Cavalier
Powertrain
Engine	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) LT2 I4 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) LE4 I4 1,841 cc (112.3 cu in) LA5 turbo I4 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) LT3 turbo I4 3,135 cc (191.3 cu in) LH0 V6
Transmission	5-speed Getrag 282 manual 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.3 in (2,570 mm) (1991–92) 101.2 in (2,570 mm) (1989–90) 103.4 in (2,630 mm) (1993–94)
Length	180.7 in (4,590 mm) (1991–94) 181.3 in (4,610 mm) (1989–90)
Width	66.3 in (1,680 mm)
Height	Coupe/Convertible: 52.0 in (1,320 mm) Sedan: 53.6 in (1,360 mm)
Curb weight	2,696–2,745 lb (1,223–1,245 kg)[9]

1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE Sedan

Production under the Sunbird name was continued until 1994. The rear fascia was redesigned in 1988, composite headlights were installed on base models, coupes got a new semi-fastback roof line, and the four-speed manual was discontinued. The base model initially had the 1984-87 front fascia with exposed sealed beam headlamps. 1989 was the last year for the convertible GT, with the Turbo engine option dropped after 1990. The trim levels on both the sedan and coupe were base, SE and GT. The Sunbird SE coupe, SE sedan and the GT coupe and convertible had four partially concealed sealed beam headlamps, a feature that originally appeared on the Isuzu Impulse, that gave the appearance of "raised eyebrows" when the headlights were on. The engines were both the carryover 2.0L 96 hp (72 kW) I4 and the turbocharged 165 horsepower 2.0L four. GM discontinued the Sunbird Safari station wagon, and 1988 was the last year models were offered.[1] The 1988 Sunbird SE sedan was listed at $8,799 ($21,772 in 2022 dollars [6]).[1]

In 1989, the base model received a smoother, more aerodynamic front fascia and the model was renamed "LE". An LE coupe joined the lineup also, with the same features as the LE sedan, but for a slightly lower price. The SE sedan was discontinued. In all models, however, a new dashboard was added. It somewhat resembled that of the larger Pontiac Grand Prix, redesigned for 1988. The most notable change from the previous dashboard is the placement of the stereo. A redesigned AM/FM stereo unit was placed high in the dash. If a cassette player or compact disc player (new for 1989) were ordered, they were relocated at the bottom of the dash.

1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE convertible, rear view

For 1990, the GT and SE coupes received a smoother front fascia with hidden headlamps. The GT convertible is discontinued, replaced by a turbocharged LE convertible, which also retains the GT suspension and steering. In all models, GM's passive seatbelt system was introduced. The seatbelts were mounted on the doors and would stretch out when latched.

1990-1993 Pontiac Sunbird GT coupe

The turbo four was deleted for 1991, replaced by the Cavalier's 3.1L V6. With Multi-Port Fuel Injection, it produced 140 hp (100 kW) at 5200 rpm, and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. Although there was less horsepower under the hood, power came much quicker and smoother than the Turbo, with about the same fuel economy. The V6 engine could be ordered in any model, save the new-for 1991 base value model. The SE coupe received the LE coupe front fascia, but the GT's fascia could still be ordered with a sport package exclusive to SE coupes.

The largest change for the 1992 model year was a revision of the base engine. The 2.0 L SOHC TBI four was replaced with the 2.0 L SOHC MPFI four resulting in a fuel economy increase and power increase. Power was increased from 96 hp (72 kW) to 110 hp (82 kW) and torque increased from 118 to 124 lb⋅ft (168 N⋅m). NOTE: The intake manifold casting is a bit thick and responds well to port matching the head with a stock felpro gasket. An SE sedan was once again available, and the base models were dropped and the convertible moved from LE to SE. The only change for 1993 was the addition of a glass rear window with defroster on convertibles.

As the Sunbird came to a close, the trims were pared down. The SE sedan, SE convertible and GT coupe were dropped for 1994. The LE sedan, LE coupe and LE convertible (moved from SE to LE), and SE coupe stood pat for one more year. The SE coupe was essentially the 1993 GT coupe with a lower price.

Most Sunbirds were built in Lordstown, Ohio and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The Sunbird was replaced by the Pontiac Sunfire in 1995.

1990 Pontiac Sunbird GT

The Sunbird GT model was introduced in 1986 as a coupe, sedan, convertible or hatchback with a 1.8 L Garrett T25 turbocharged inline-four engine of the Family II range (LA5) as standard equipment but was never installed with an intake intercooler.[1] The 1986 Sunbird GT convertible was listed at $14,399 ($38,441 in 2022 dollars [6]).[1] When the 1.8 L turbocharged engine was first offered in 1984 the optionaly listed price was listed between $1,309 ($3,687 in 2022 dollars [6]) and $1,546 ($4,355 in 2022 dollars [6]) in addition to the listed retail price.[1]

All turbos were also equipped with the WS6 performance handling package, 28mm front stabilizer bar, 21mm rear stabilizer bar, 14" aluminum alloy wheels, turbo boost gauge, four speed manual transmission, or optional automatic transmission, and a tachometer.[1] The 150 hp (112 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) of torque 1.8-liter turbo engine had been available since 1984 as standard equipment in the SE and optional in the base model and LE except the station wagon. In 1987 the engine was upgraded to the 2.0-liter 165 hp (123 kW) and 175 lb⋅ft (237 N⋅m) of torque LT3.[1]

All GTs featured semi-concealed headlamps over sealed beam halogen headlights, fender flares and "Turbo GT" badges replacing "Sunbird" badges. The sedan and hatchback were discontinued for 1988 and the interior for the coupe was redesigned for 1989.[1] The convertible was dropped for 1990 and the turbo followed in 1991.[1] Replacing the turbo four-cylinder for 1991 was GM's 3.1-liter V6 that produced 140 hp (104 kW), but was quieter and smoother than the turbo. After 1993, the GT coupe became the SE coupe when the lineup was consolidated prior to the new model arriving for 1995.[1]

From 1990 to 1992, Chevrolet sold the Chevrolet Cavalier in Mexico, replacing the Chevrolet Celebrity as its basic model offering. For 1993, the Mexican-market Chevrolet Cavalier adopted the Pontiac Sunbird body, rebranding it as a Chevrolet.

For the Mexican market, the only engine offered was a LB6 MPFI 2.8L V6 engine, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Sunbird GT was rebranded as the Cavalier Z24, standardizing the LH0 3.1L MPFI V6 engine.

For 1995, the Pontiac Sunfire was introduced to Mexico, with the Cavalier again sharing the body of its U.S. counterpart.

In Europe, the GM J platform was used by Vauxhall and Opel for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II (U.K.) and Opel Ascona (Germany and other European countries). While sharing chassis underpinnings with Sunbird, Opel and Vauxhall used their own powertrains and a slightly different exterior design; a 5-door hatchback was exclusive to the European market.

In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Camira was a rebranded version of the Vauxhall Cavalier. Though similar in design to its American counterpart, the 5-door station wagon configuration was designed in Australia (Vauxhall Cavalier wagons/estates were produced from CKD kits).

In 1989, GM began to phase out the J platform outside of North America; the Opel Ascona was replaced by the Opel Vectra, with the Vauxhall Cavalier returning as a rebranded version of the latter. For 1990, the Holden Camira was replaced by the Holden Apollo (a rebranded Toyota Camry).

In South America, the Opel Ascona was produced in Brazil as the Chevrolet Monza from 1983 to 1996; the Ascona name did not translate favorably in Portuguese or Spanish. Sharing the body of the Ascona/Cavalier sedan, the Monza was also offered in a three-door hatchback (similar roofline to the 1982-1987 Sunbird hatchback) until 1989.

The 1982–1994 Sunbird came with one of these engines:

• 1982: 1.8 L L46 carbureted OHV I4
• 1982–1986: 1.8 L LH8 TBI SOHC I4
• 1983–1985: 2.0 L LQ5 TBI OHV I4
• 1984–1986: 1.8 L LA5 turbocharged MPFI SOHC I4
• 1987–1991: 2.0 L LT2 TBI SOHC I4
• 1987–1990: 2.0 L LT3 turbocharged MPFI SOHC I4
• 1991–1994: 3.1 L LH0 MPFI OHV V6
• 1992–1994: 2.0 L LE4 MPFI SOHC I4

• Chevrolet Vega: Vega variants-Pontiac Sunbird Safari Wagon
• General Motors H-platform

• Gunnell, John, Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946–1975, Revised 4th Edition (Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2002)