1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 84
1996 Pontiac Firebird Manual
Page 84 highlights
This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you or downshift, you can damage the clutch transmission. MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMVENDEDSHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH (kdh) Engine 3800 L36 (Code K) Acceleration Shift Speed 1to2 13-16 (21-25) I 2to3 t 3to4 32-37 (51-59) I 4to5 45-47 (72-75) I St06 WA 21-28 (34-35) Limited-Slip Rear Axle If you have this feature, your rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rew wheels has no traction and the other does, the limited-slip feature will allow the wheel with' traction to move the vehicle. If your speed drops below 20 mph (30 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance. .~ 2-35