Tuners: 1997 SLP Firehawk LT4

This will be a very rare bird; just 25 to 30 SLP Pontiac Firehawks will emerge with the pumped 330-horsepower LT4 V-8 first seen in the '96 Corvette Grand Sport. The quick-revving LT4, with its increased-flow-rate injectors, reworked ports, bigger valves, high-lift cam, and higher-compression pistons, was created as a special optional variation on the standard LT1 small-block V-8. SLP Engineering got its hands on the last 150 or so of these hot engines and while some slid into about 100 30th-anniversary Camaros, a few of the blueprinted strays will go into this special number of Firehawks.

This engine combines with the Borg-Warner six-speed and the hottest version of the Firebird chassis to produce a barn's worth of hoot. Every quick-shifting trip is a basso symphony of V-8 vocalizations that blasts grins onto faces. A Hurst shifter clips the six-speed's long throws into precise snicks with no apparent gain in effort, enhancing the driving experience.

The excellent acceleration test numbers just begin to communicate the LT4's gusto, because getting the 275/40ZR17 tires to hook up requires a delicate launch with just 1500 rpm on the tach.

Despite the high-grip, low-profile tires and firmer suspension, the Firehawk remains relatively comfortable for enthusiasts. It carved our 600-foot slalom with a 65-mph pass and clung to the skidpad at 0.85 g. Although the rear axle tends to dance on rough surfaces and the harder bushings cause some additional thumping, this is a factory-style hot rod that a performance driver could use for daily commuting.

But it does have a drawback: It's practically a traffic hazard. We had to factor in an extra half-hour on gas station trips for handling questions from the car-crazed.

If low-altitude scouting is the mission with an occasional hunk of Mustang flesh as an in-flight snack, this bird is the hot ticket.