1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 30th Anniversary (Fourth-Gen)
Historical Context and Development Background
Corporate and Design Intent
The 30th Anniversary Trans Am arrived in 1999 as a celebration of three decades since the Trans Am nameplate bowed in 1969. It was based on the refreshed fourth-generation F-body, which received its major mechanical leap in 1998 with GM’s all-aluminum LS1 V8 and a sharper, more integrated nose. The commemorative package channeled the 1969 Trans Am’s white-with-blue-stripes livery while bundling Pontiac’s WS6 performance hardware—functional Ram Air induction, freer-breathing intake and exhaust, and 17-inch rolling stock—into a limited-production halo.
Styling and Package Details
Every 30th Anniversary car wore Bright White paint punctuated by dual Blue stripe graphics, blue-tinged 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, and specific badges. Inside, white leather seats with blue accents and “30th” embroidery, along with unique floor mats and badging, set it apart from standard WS6 Trans Ams. The functional Ram Air hood, part of the WS6 package, is the visual centerpiece—an unmistakable cowl drawing cool air to the LS1.
Motorsport and Competitor Landscape
While the commemorative model itself wasn’t a factory racing homologation, the Firebird/Trans Am lineage is steeped in American road racing and high-performance street culture. In period, the 30th Anniversary stood against Ford’s contemporary Mustang SVT Cobra (320 hp DOHC 4.6) and in-house performance rival Chevrolet Camaro SS, all orbiting the Corvette C5’s performance benchmark. The 30th Anniversary Trans Am also served in pace-car duties at major stock-car events, underscoring Pontiac’s performance marketing of the era.
Engine and Technical Specifications
The WS6-equipped 30th Anniversary Trans Am employs the Gen III small-block LS1: an all-aluminum 5.7-liter V8 with cathedral-port heads, a composite intake manifold, and sequential port fuel injection. In WS6 trim for 1999, it was factory-rated at 320 hp and 345 lb-ft, breathing through a functional Ram Air hood and lower-restriction intake and exhaust components versus the standard Trans Am.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine configuration | 90° V8, OHV, aluminum block/heads (LS1) |
| Displacement | 5,665 cc (346 cu in) |
| Induction type | Natural aspiration with functional WS6 Ram Air intake |
| Horsepower (factory rating) | 320 hp @ ~5,200 rpm |
| Torque (factory rating) | 345 lb-ft @ ~4,400 rpm |
| Redline | ~6,200 rpm |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Compression ratio | ~10.1:1 |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.90 in x 3.62 in (99.0 mm x 92.0 mm) |
Transmissions included the Borg-Warner/Tremec T-56 six-speed manual and GM’s 4L60-E four-speed automatic. Limited-slip differential (RPO G80) and performance axle ratios were typical, with manual cars commonly receiving shorter final-drive gearing. WS6-spec 17x9 wheels wore 275/40ZR17 rubber—Goodyear Eagle F1 being typical fitment in period.
Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics
In classic F-body fashion, the car mixes a torquey, eager V8 with a straightforward chassis: short/long-arm front suspension, a torque-arm live rear axle with trailing links and a Panhard rod, and big, confidence-inspiring brakes. The WS6 intake snaps the throttle response to attention; there’s perceptible induction roar as the hood scoops go to work at speed. The LS1’s midrange is generous, so real-world pace comes easily without constant downshifts.
Steering and Road Feel
The recirculating-ball feel of older GM muscle is long gone here; the fourth-gen’s rack-and-pinion provides a reasonably quick ratio and good straight-ahead stability. On quality tarmac the nose keys in obediently; on broken surfaces, that solid rear axle will occasionally telegraph its displeasure, but grip is ample with WS6 tires.
Suspension, Brakes, and Balance
Autocrossers learned to respect the platform’s natural balance: modest understeer on turn-in that can be trimmed with throttle. The 1998–2002 braking hardware—aluminum twin-piston PBR front calipers over vented rotors with rear discs—was a meaningful upgrade over earlier fourth-gen cars and stands up well to enthusiastic use, particularly with high-friction pads and fresh fluid.
Gearbox and Throttle Response
The T-56 six-speed’s throws are weighty but precise, and the ratios complement the LS1’s broad torque band. The 4L60-E automatic is durable when maintained, delivering clean, decisive shifts in stock calibration. With either, the Ram Air intake lends a distinctively hard-edged intake note as revs rise past the midrange.
Performance Data
Period instrumented testing of WS6 Trans Ams provides a solid proxy for the 30th Anniversary cars, which share the same mechanical package and weight envelope.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | Approximately 5.2 seconds (manual coupe) |
| Quarter-mile | ~13.8 sec @ ~104 mph |
| Top speed | ~160 mph (gearing/drag limited) |
| Curb weight | ~3,450–3,700 lb (coupe–convertible) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Brakes | Front: twin-piston PBR calipers, vented discs; Rear: single-piston discs |
| Suspension | Front SLA (short/long arm); rear live axle with torque arm, trailing links, Panhard rod |
| Gearbox | T-56 6-speed manual or 4L60-E 4-speed automatic |
Variants and Production
The 30th Anniversary package was offered only on the Trans Am, in coupe (T-top) and convertible forms, and bundled the WS6 Ram Air hardware as standard.
| Variant | Production | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| 30th Anniversary Trans Am Coupe (WS6) | 1,065 units (approximate published figure) | T-top body, white with dual blue stripes, blue-tinted 17-inch wheels, white/blue leather interior with 30th embroidery, WS6 Ram Air hood and intake |
| 30th Anniversary Trans Am Convertible (WS6) | 535 units (approximate published figure) | Power soft-top, identical livery and interior treatment to coupe, WS6 hardware standard |
| Total 30th Anniversary production | 1,600 units (approximate published figure) | All finished in white/blue with commemorative badging and WS6 equipment |
Transmissions were available across both body styles: the T-56 six-speed manual and 4L60-E automatic. A serialized interior plaque and specific badging identify authentic cars.
Ownership Notes
Maintenance and Service Intervals
- Engine oil: GM’s period guidance allowed up to 7,500-mile intervals in normal service (3,000 miles severe); many owners favor shorter intervals for performance use.
- Spark plugs: long-life factory plugs were rated for up to ~100,000 miles under normal conditions.
- Coolant: Dex-Cool with 5-year/100,000-mile service guidance in period.
- Transmission/differential: periodic fluid service is prudent, especially for cars driven hard; follow factory schedule and adjust for use.
Known Quirks and Wear Items
- Headlamp motor gears: nylon gears can strip; brass-gear rebuild kits are a common fix.
- Window regulators and lock actuators: typical F-body electrical wear items.
- Rear axle (10-bolt) durability: fine for stock power on street tires; repeated drag-style launches and sticky tires can stress the unit.
- Clutch hydraulics: high-heat use may reveal master/slave wear; bleeding and periodic replacement help consistency.
- Interior trim: light-colored 30th upholstery requires careful cleaning; console plaques and WS6 hoods/wheels are desirable and worth safeguarding.
Parts Availability and Restoration
Mechanical parts interchange broadly with LS1-era F-bodies, so consumables and drivetrain components are straightforward to source. Original 30th-specific items (blue-tinted wheels, embroidered seat skins, exterior striping) are much scarcer and command premiums. Restoration difficulty is moderate: body and chassis service is conventional, while concours-correct cosmetic items require patience and documentation.
Cultural Relevance and Market
The 30th Anniversary Trans Am distilled Pontiac’s pony-car heritage into a single, highly visible package. Its white-and-blue livery paid an explicit nod to 1969, while period pace-car duties at major NASCAR events amplified its visibility. Among fourth-gen Firebirds, the commemorative models sit near the top of the desirability tree thanks to their specification, limited numbers, and clear visual identity.
Collector interest favors low-mileage, unmodified examples with documentation, original wheels/hood, and the manual gearbox. Public auction results have consistently shown a premium over equivalent standard WS6 cars, especially for pristine coupes and convertibles with original paint, intact striping, and full provenance.
FAQs
What engine does the 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am have?
An all-aluminum 5.7-liter LS1 V8. In WS6 Ram Air trim for 1999, it was rated at 320 hp and 345 lb-ft.
How many 30th Anniversary Trans Ams were made?
Period production figures widely cited by Pontiac sources total approximately 1,600 units: about 1,065 coupes and 535 convertibles.
Is the 30th Anniversary package the same as WS6?
The 30th Anniversary cars include the WS6 equipment as standard, plus unique white/blue exterior, blue-tinted 17-inch wheels, commemorative interior trim, and specific badging.
What are the performance numbers?
Representative magazine testing for WS6 manuals reported about 5.2 seconds 0–60 mph, quarter-mile in the high-13s around 104 mph, and roughly 160 mph top speed.
Known issues to watch for?
Headlight motor gears, window regulators, clutch hydraulics (manuals), and rear axle durability under hard launches. Inspect for originality of 30th-specific components and correct striping.
Did the 30th Anniversary Trans Am serve as an official pace car?
Yes. The model was used in pace-car roles at high-profile stock-car events in period, which helped cement its cultural footprint.
What distinguishes it from a regular 1999 Trans Am WS6?
Unique white-with-blue stripes, blue-tinted wheels, embroidered white leather interior, commemorative badges/plaques, and the limited-production build—mechanically it shares the WS6 Ram Air specification.
