Firebird XS 1989
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: washington state
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird v6 1992 formula v8
Engine: 3.1, 350 TPI
Transmission: both 700 r4
Firebird XS 1989
I purchased a 1989 Firebird XS for the wife. By looking through the form I see that they were only manufactured for Cal. Does any one have an Idea how many were manufactured??
Thanks for all your help.
Thanks for all your help.
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
XS, that is a new one to me... Take a pic and post it... Definately an interesting find...
XS was a term that Oldsmobile gave to some of their cars back in the 70's, but I have never seen a Firebird XS...
Also, what engine, and options...
John
XS was a term that Oldsmobile gave to some of their cars back in the 70's, but I have never seen a Firebird XS...
Also, what engine, and options...
John
#3
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: NJ,USA
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: GMPP 350 V8
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
The XS was built in 89 IIRC for the L.A. area market. It was basically a "regular" firebird with Firebird XS badges on the fenders.
#4
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Kind of like the RS was back in 87 & 88 then.
JOhn
JOhn
#5
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: NJ,USA
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: GMPP 350 V8
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Exactly. IIRC their was also an SCE made in 1994. It stood for Southern California Edition.
Mr.TurboTA is pretty knowledgable about the XS's and the SCE's.
Mr.TurboTA is pretty knowledgable about the XS's and the SCE's.
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Arcadia ,Ca
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82 firebird s/e 83 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L 305ci 4b carb.....CFI
Transmission: TH200C....700R4
I was at the j/y a while back and saw a firebird xs,didnt know about it but yanked the badges off nonetheless.........it would be intresting to know more about that bird...........
Trending Topics
#9
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by Dr.NickRiviera
XS= Xtra Slow??
Kinda like RS=Real Slow??
XS= Xtra Slow??
Kinda like RS=Real Slow??
thats to funny! Ive never heard of a XS either,
#10
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Kingman, AZ
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well guys,
To start with, the big first thing it had, was the Trans Am Aero Package, without the Trans Am hood and taillights.
The other thing was, it was first released to three major areas to see if it would take. It did. It became known as the Sport Appearance Package.
Starting out with 1989 Firebirds with just the 6 cylinder engine, later in years, it came with the 305 TBI engine as well.
This was an option over the base Firebird.
In the Los Angeles area, it was known as the Firebird XS (with Firebird XS badges on the front fenders).
In the Sacramento (again, in California), it was known as the Firebird SSA (with Firebird SSA badges on the front fenders).
There was another market, Denver, CO., but to date, I have never seen any kind of badge for that one.
It was released to see if people would want the Trans Am looks, with the base Firebird performance.
Seems to have worked out very well!
I have a NOS set of Firebird SSA badges, as well as a set of used Firebird XS badges.
These cars get around, huh?
Hope this helps,
George
To start with, the big first thing it had, was the Trans Am Aero Package, without the Trans Am hood and taillights.
The other thing was, it was first released to three major areas to see if it would take. It did. It became known as the Sport Appearance Package.
Starting out with 1989 Firebirds with just the 6 cylinder engine, later in years, it came with the 305 TBI engine as well.
This was an option over the base Firebird.
In the Los Angeles area, it was known as the Firebird XS (with Firebird XS badges on the front fenders).
In the Sacramento (again, in California), it was known as the Firebird SSA (with Firebird SSA badges on the front fenders).
There was another market, Denver, CO., but to date, I have never seen any kind of badge for that one.
It was released to see if people would want the Trans Am looks, with the base Firebird performance.
Seems to have worked out very well!
I have a NOS set of Firebird SSA badges, as well as a set of used Firebird XS badges.
These cars get around, huh?
Hope this helps,
George
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 firebird ssa
Engine: 2.8mpfi
Transmission: Auto 700r4
SSA and XS info.
the ssa was only manufactured in Sac and the xs in LA. there isent much diffrence except for the name. only about 750 were made of each during the 89 year for about 3 or so months. the cars not much in engine power but because of the amount made they hold a value of around 10k to possibly 20 if its still compleatly original and in mint condition.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: washington state
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird v6 1992 formula v8
Engine: 3.1, 350 TPI
Transmission: both 700 r4
Xs Firebird
The Factory radio is long gone.
Where did you get the info on how many were made?
Really the only thing that I have done was to put GTA tires on it.
I will keep the orginals which are still in great shape
I was going to put a Trans AM hood and lights and painted it green for the wife.
And put a rear window defroster on it.
I don't think I will mess with it.
Actually been working on a rear window defroster switch.
Thanks for the help
Where did you get the info on how many were made?
Really the only thing that I have done was to put GTA tires on it.
I will keep the orginals which are still in great shape
I was going to put a Trans AM hood and lights and painted it green for the wife.
And put a rear window defroster on it.
I don't think I will mess with it.
Actually been working on a rear window defroster switch.
Thanks for the help
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 firebird ssa
Engine: 2.8mpfi
Transmission: Auto 700r4
XS info
i got the info from a guy who said he was a salesman for the firebird ssa. i dont know if he realy was the salesman for it or if he was just tryin to look cool around an ssa owner. so im not so sure on what the real specs are.
i would check out www.pontic.com for the history thing they have. im gana have one done on my car when i have the time and money to do so.
i would check out www.pontic.com for the history thing they have. im gana have one done on my car when i have the time and money to do so.
#15
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Kingman, AZ
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All the cars were made in Van Nuys, California, which is in Southern California!
They were not manufactured in Sac!
I have never seen one going for 10 to 20 grand used!
Where did you get this info?
George
They were not manufactured in Sac!
I have never seen one going for 10 to 20 grand used!
Where did you get this info?
George
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Originally posted by Mr. TurboTA
I have never seen one going for 10 to 20 grand used!
Where did you get this info?
I have never seen one going for 10 to 20 grand used!
Where did you get this info?
#17
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Or-eh-gun
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans-Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: WC-T5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.27
could you get a base bird with ground affects that was not an SSA or XS?
my sister had an 89 base bird with ground effects (2.8 auto ttops). we sold it to a guy in wyoming or somplace that had a TA get tboned to death. he was going to swap out the drivetrain (and presumably hood+spoiler+taillights)
was this an XS/SSA that i let go ?
my sister had an 89 base bird with ground effects (2.8 auto ttops). we sold it to a guy in wyoming or somplace that had a TA get tboned to death. he was going to swap out the drivetrain (and presumably hood+spoiler+taillights)
was this an XS/SSA that i let go ?
#19
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Kingman, AZ
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have seen '89s with no emblems on them.
The thing that I don't know is, were the emblems installed by the dealer? Or factory?
Also, I have never been able to find out if they used an emblem for the Denver area.
So, it is possible that it could have been from that area.
Hope this helps,
George
The thing that I don't know is, were the emblems installed by the dealer? Or factory?
Also, I have never been able to find out if they used an emblem for the Denver area.
So, it is possible that it could have been from that area.
Hope this helps,
George
#20
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Starting in 1989 You chould have gotten a Firebird with the ground effects from any dealer. It did NOT get the T/A hood or the Aero Spoiler, but otherwise it used the same ground effects as a trans Am, They used option this through 1992 on the base firebird. In 1991 & 1992 it was much more common to have the option, so much so that its unusual to see a base firebird without the ground effects.
John
John
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Arcadia ,Ca
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82 firebird s/e 83 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L 305ci 4b carb.....CFI
Transmission: TH200C....700R4
Originally posted by aaron7
I always wondered where my FirebirdXS emblems came from!
I always wondered where my FirebirdXS emblems came from!
#26
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Kingman, AZ
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When the cars first came out, they were only to those three areas.
I don't know when they were able to be sold at any dealership, but they were sold anywhere after awhile. Slaes must have been good enough, cause later,they did sell at any dealership.
In 1991, you could get the 305 TBI engine as an option.
George
I don't know when they were able to be sold at any dealership, but they were sold anywhere after awhile. Slaes must have been good enough, cause later,they did sell at any dealership.
In 1991, you could get the 305 TBI engine as an option.
George
#28
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: washington state
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird v6 1992 formula v8
Engine: 3.1, 350 TPI
Transmission: both 700 r4
Firebird Xs
I actually started this thread. A little over a year ago.
Well it is really to bad my 89 Xs was totalled by a rearend accident. I will be parting it out in a few weeks
Well it is really to bad my 89 Xs was totalled by a rearend accident. I will be parting it out in a few weeks
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird XS
Engine: 2.8l MPI
Transmission: auto 4 speed
Im just wondering if their is anyway to tell if your 89 bird is a real xs, because mine doesnt have the badges or anything.
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: washington state
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird v6 1992 formula v8
Engine: 3.1, 350 TPI
Transmission: both 700 r4
Xs Package
Actuaaly it had the trans am ground effects and the bumpers. Most base firebird came without the GFX. Without the Trans am Rims, hood and tail lights, or performance package.
I believe a six cylinder 2.8 auto in 1989
I believe a six cylinder 2.8 auto in 1989
#34
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird XS
Engine: 2.8l MPI
Transmission: auto 4 speed
Originally Posted by aaron7
Mainly the package WAS the XS emblems... so if you don't have them, then why would you think you had an XS?
#37
Re: Firebird XS 1989
For my first car I was lucky enough to buy a 1989 firebird xs ive read some stuff about them but wanna know how many were made any ifno will help thanks
Last edited by hulk619; 05-06-2014 at 04:33 PM.
#38
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Firebird XS 1989
Whoa 6 year old thread!
But seriously... it was a dealer slapped on emblem. Unless you can find the company that made those emblems for GM I doubt you'll ever get production numbers.
But seriously... it was a dealer slapped on emblem. Unless you can find the company that made those emblems for GM I doubt you'll ever get production numbers.
#40
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Firebird XS 1989
This posting that you replied to was last active (posted in) in 2006. So actually I was off, it's 8 years old.
#41
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Firebird XS 1989
Ok, you have my dander up, by chance do you still have the SPID in the center console?
#44
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (24)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: washington state
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Firebird v6 1992 formula v8
Engine: 3.1, 350 TPI
Transmission: both 700 r4
Re: Firebird XS 1989
Wow I started this thread in 2005. My xs was wrecked in 2006.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Roblyons
Interior Parts Wanted
3
08-30-2015 12:07 PM