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1993
1993 was the first model year of the fourth generation F-Body. The L32 (3.4L) V6 was the engine for the base model. The standard transmission was the Borg-Warner T5 manual, with a 4-speed automatic (4L60) available as an option. The braking system for the first of the fourth gen.'s included 10.7" discs with single-piston calipers in the front and 9.5" drum brakes in the rear.
1994
The F-Body could seem unchanged for the 1994 model year to the untrained eye. The only significant change was the overhaul and redesign of the transmission. The 4L60 became the 4L60-E, making it computer controlled. This offers better shifting from a performance standpoint.
1995
1995 was the turning point in the V6 F-Body. The standard engine was still the L32; however, some plants began using the L36 (3.8L). These 3.8 '95s are rare, due to the fact that only certain California plants began using it. The only transmission available for these rarities was the automatic 4L60-E. 3.42 gears and an open differential were also on these models. Although major changes were made with the engine during this model year, available brakes, steering rack, and driveshaft remained the same.
1996
In 1996, the L36 was the only available V6 engine. Transmissions remained the same for 1996, with the BW T-5 still the standard transmission and the 4L60-E remaining an option. New alloy wheels were available for the Firebird, complimenting the 'Bird very well compared to its predecessor. The Y87 package became available during this model year, including rear 11.4" disc brakes, an Auburn brand LSD, wider tires (235 versus 215), dual exhaust, and automatics were granted 3.42 gearing. GM brought back the RS package for the Camaro, giving it ground effects and a complimenting 3-piece spoiler add-on.
1997
The 1997 models received a new interior design. While seeming subtle on the Firebird, the Camaro was blessed with a whole new dash. Digital odometer and tripometer were placed in F-Bodies as well. Camaros also benefitted redesigned tail lights, featuring a new amber section for the turn signal. The Y87 package remained unchanged from the previous year. 1997 was also the last year in which the RS package was offered on the Camaro. While the Camaro lost its appearance package, the Firebird gained its own. The W68 package gave the Firebird stlyish ground effects, Y87-inspired exhaust with aluminum tips, and fog lights.
In addition to the standard changes in the 1997, the Firebird GT was offered. The components included for this package included the "Extreme Sport Suspension Package" (upgraded front sway bar, 32 mm, and panhard rod), Zexel-Torson LSD, a Hurst shifter, cold air intake, and a performance cat-back. Appearance changes for the GT package dubbed the Firebird with striping and badging, 17x9 wheels, ground effects, and custom floormats for the GT pakcage.
1998
The F-Body received a major face lift for the 1998 model year. Both the Camaro and Firebird were given completely redesigned front ends. The headlights were an obvious change; the Firebird gained two more headlights and the Camaro changed from the quad-design headlights to a sleeker composite reflector design. The Camaro kept it's recently changed taillights, but the Firebird's rear end did not go unchanged. New honeycomb taillights were put behind the 'Bird. Brakes were drastically upgraded for the 1998 year. New 11.9" dual piston brakes took over the front, while rear 12" single piston brakes were placed in the rear. This was the first time rear disc brakes were standard on the V6 F-Body. The L36 also received an altered air intake system. The airbox was changed to a lid-style, using a larger filter than the previous design. The Y87 package was still available as well as the W68 package on Firebirds. The Camaro was gifted with the Sport Appearance Package, giving it the same 3-piece spoiler and ground effects.
1999
Changes in the 1999 model year excluded the exterior of the car, leaving design the same as the previous year. The differences in this model were in mechanics. The angled intake manifold was replaced with a straight one. The throttle was given a makeover as well. A drive by wire system was used for the new throttle, replacing the previous cable-controlled throttle. This helps throttle response, using the three sensors to oversee pedal position. The driveshaft was also remodeled, replacing the two-piece steel unit with a one-piece steel. Although this sounded good at the time, GM later released a warning that speeds in excess of 125mph can cause transmission fluid to leak out. This happens when the tail shaft extension seal vibrates. Y87 equipped cars were given a PCM update, fixed the throttle lag. All other Y87 options remained the same as previous years, with the exception of the LSD. The new LSD for 1999 was the Zexel-Torsen unit. This was the last model year for the Second Gear Start (SGS) option commanded via push-button.
2000
The exterior of the F-Body was once again unchanged for the 2000 model year. The new changes included tubular exhaust manifolds, and a new fix for previous throttle lag. Although this fix was used for the Y87 package in 1999, it was now available on all models. Automatic cars across the line were programmed to start in 2nd gear when the gear selector is placed in 2nd. This made the SGS option obsolete. The Y87 performance package remains unchanged from the previous year. However, some automatic equipped cars were produced with rear axle ratios of 3.42 with or without LSD as a No Cost option.
2001
2001 saw very few notable changes from the previous V6 model. The Y87 package remained unchanged, as well as all other factory options. The GMPP Firebird GT model was changed, in that its wheels were dropped. These wheels were now available on all WS.6 Trans AMs. SLP now offered a package for each the Camaro and the Firebird. SLP offered its own Camaro RS package, re-introducing the same factory RS package from previous years. The Firebird was given SLP's version of the GT. This would be the last year for the GT package, and the only year SLP offered these two packages as a factory option.
2002
2002 would prove to be the last year for not only the fourth generation F-Body, but the F-Body as a whole. GM decided this would be the last model year for the F-Body due to lacking sales. New for the 2002 year, an in-dash CD player complete with upgraded speakers became standard on V6 Camaro models. The last of the V6 Firebird was given standard equipment that had previously been options. These included power mirrors, antenna, windows, and locks.
taken from fullthrottlev6.com FAQ section
1993 was the first model year of the fourth generation F-Body. The L32 (3.4L) V6 was the engine for the base model. The standard transmission was the Borg-Warner T5 manual, with a 4-speed automatic (4L60) available as an option. The braking system for the first of the fourth gen.'s included 10.7" discs with single-piston calipers in the front and 9.5" drum brakes in the rear.
1994
The F-Body could seem unchanged for the 1994 model year to the untrained eye. The only significant change was the overhaul and redesign of the transmission. The 4L60 became the 4L60-E, making it computer controlled. This offers better shifting from a performance standpoint.
1995
1995 was the turning point in the V6 F-Body. The standard engine was still the L32; however, some plants began using the L36 (3.8L). These 3.8 '95s are rare, due to the fact that only certain California plants began using it. The only transmission available for these rarities was the automatic 4L60-E. 3.42 gears and an open differential were also on these models. Although major changes were made with the engine during this model year, available brakes, steering rack, and driveshaft remained the same.
1996
In 1996, the L36 was the only available V6 engine. Transmissions remained the same for 1996, with the BW T-5 still the standard transmission and the 4L60-E remaining an option. New alloy wheels were available for the Firebird, complimenting the 'Bird very well compared to its predecessor. The Y87 package became available during this model year, including rear 11.4" disc brakes, an Auburn brand LSD, wider tires (235 versus 215), dual exhaust, and automatics were granted 3.42 gearing. GM brought back the RS package for the Camaro, giving it ground effects and a complimenting 3-piece spoiler add-on.
1997
The 1997 models received a new interior design. While seeming subtle on the Firebird, the Camaro was blessed with a whole new dash. Digital odometer and tripometer were placed in F-Bodies as well. Camaros also benefitted redesigned tail lights, featuring a new amber section for the turn signal. The Y87 package remained unchanged from the previous year. 1997 was also the last year in which the RS package was offered on the Camaro. While the Camaro lost its appearance package, the Firebird gained its own. The W68 package gave the Firebird stlyish ground effects, Y87-inspired exhaust with aluminum tips, and fog lights.
In addition to the standard changes in the 1997, the Firebird GT was offered. The components included for this package included the "Extreme Sport Suspension Package" (upgraded front sway bar, 32 mm, and panhard rod), Zexel-Torson LSD, a Hurst shifter, cold air intake, and a performance cat-back. Appearance changes for the GT package dubbed the Firebird with striping and badging, 17x9 wheels, ground effects, and custom floormats for the GT pakcage.
1998
The F-Body received a major face lift for the 1998 model year. Both the Camaro and Firebird were given completely redesigned front ends. The headlights were an obvious change; the Firebird gained two more headlights and the Camaro changed from the quad-design headlights to a sleeker composite reflector design. The Camaro kept it's recently changed taillights, but the Firebird's rear end did not go unchanged. New honeycomb taillights were put behind the 'Bird. Brakes were drastically upgraded for the 1998 year. New 11.9" dual piston brakes took over the front, while rear 12" single piston brakes were placed in the rear. This was the first time rear disc brakes were standard on the V6 F-Body. The L36 also received an altered air intake system. The airbox was changed to a lid-style, using a larger filter than the previous design. The Y87 package was still available as well as the W68 package on Firebirds. The Camaro was gifted with the Sport Appearance Package, giving it the same 3-piece spoiler and ground effects.
1999
Changes in the 1999 model year excluded the exterior of the car, leaving design the same as the previous year. The differences in this model were in mechanics. The angled intake manifold was replaced with a straight one. The throttle was given a makeover as well. A drive by wire system was used for the new throttle, replacing the previous cable-controlled throttle. This helps throttle response, using the three sensors to oversee pedal position. The driveshaft was also remodeled, replacing the two-piece steel unit with a one-piece steel. Although this sounded good at the time, GM later released a warning that speeds in excess of 125mph can cause transmission fluid to leak out. This happens when the tail shaft extension seal vibrates. Y87 equipped cars were given a PCM update, fixed the throttle lag. All other Y87 options remained the same as previous years, with the exception of the LSD. The new LSD for 1999 was the Zexel-Torsen unit. This was the last model year for the Second Gear Start (SGS) option commanded via push-button.
2000
The exterior of the F-Body was once again unchanged for the 2000 model year. The new changes included tubular exhaust manifolds, and a new fix for previous throttle lag. Although this fix was used for the Y87 package in 1999, it was now available on all models. Automatic cars across the line were programmed to start in 2nd gear when the gear selector is placed in 2nd. This made the SGS option obsolete. The Y87 performance package remains unchanged from the previous year. However, some automatic equipped cars were produced with rear axle ratios of 3.42 with or without LSD as a No Cost option.
2001
2001 saw very few notable changes from the previous V6 model. The Y87 package remained unchanged, as well as all other factory options. The GMPP Firebird GT model was changed, in that its wheels were dropped. These wheels were now available on all WS.6 Trans AMs. SLP now offered a package for each the Camaro and the Firebird. SLP offered its own Camaro RS package, re-introducing the same factory RS package from previous years. The Firebird was given SLP's version of the GT. This would be the last year for the GT package, and the only year SLP offered these two packages as a factory option.
2002
2002 would prove to be the last year for not only the fourth generation F-Body, but the F-Body as a whole. GM decided this would be the last model year for the F-Body due to lacking sales. New for the 2002 year, an in-dash CD player complete with upgraded speakers became standard on V6 Camaro models. The last of the V6 Firebird was given standard equipment that had previously been options. These included power mirrors, antenna, windows, and locks.
taken from fullthrottlev6.com FAQ section
