1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 271

Air Cleaner /!\ CAUTION: - Operating theengine with the cleaner off can air cause you or others to beburned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame the engine if backfires. If it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could beburned. Don't drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off. I NOTICE: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace theair filter. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" the Index. in If the air cleaner off, a backfire can cause is a damaging enginefire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have theair cleaner in place when you're driving. I 6-18