After a year of big changes in 1982, the Pontiac Firebird remained largely unchanged going into the 1983 model year, but there were some mild engine improvements.

The base “Iron Duke” inline-4 still made 88 horsepoiwer, but the V-6 was now available in a High Output configuration that made 125 horsepower. A non-HO V-6 was offered that made 102 horsepower. Moving up to the V-8s, buyers could still get the carbureted 5.0-liter with 145 horsepower or the Crossfire-injected version that made 165 horsepower. 1983 also saw the addition of the “L69” High-Output 5.0-liter V-8. It was a four-barrel carbureted unit similar to the engine found in the Camaro Z28. It made 190 hp when new.

Trims were still made up of base, S/E, and Trans Am for 1984. Inside the cabin, a T-style shifter was installed that rounded out a very mechanical-looking interior, with aeronautical-style gauges. Pontiac now offered a four-speed automatic, and the SE was available with the five-speed manual gearbox. The four-cylinder models were paired to a four-speed manual.

Once again, buyers could get the RPO Y84 or Recaro T/A special edition. It featured a black-and gold paint scheme, the 145-hp carbureted V-8, WS6 performance package, and new tan leather Recaro bucket seats.

Pontiac offered just 2,500 1983 Firebird Daytona 500 Pace Car replicas. They featured a two-tone paint scheme, “Pace Car” decals along the side, and a special W62 ground effects package. Most came with the Crossfire-injected V-8, while just over 500 came with the carbureted V-8.