1990 Pontiac Firebird Oil Type & Capacity
The 1990 Pontiac Firebird oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.1 T, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.0 E, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 E, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.0 F, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Formula, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am, 5.0 F, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Trans Am, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.1 T, Standard: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.0 E, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 E, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.0 F, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Formula, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am, 5.0 F, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Trans Am, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 3.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 3.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 3.1 T, Standard — 3.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.0 E, Standard — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 E, Standard — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.0 F, Standard — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Formula, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Standard — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am, 5.0 F, Standard — 5.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Trans Am, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Firebird
🛞 1990 Pontiac Firebird Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1990 Pontiac Firebird Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1990 Pontiac Firebird Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1990 Pontiac Firebird Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
14.5 quarts (13.72 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1990 Pontiac Firebird take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Base, 3.1 T, Standard uses 5W-30; Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Base, 5.0 E, Standard uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 E, Standard uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.0 F, Standard uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Formula, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Standard uses 5W-30; Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Standard uses 5W-30; Trans Am, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Trans Am, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1990 Pontiac Firebird?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 3.1 T, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 3.1 T, Standard holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.0 E, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 E, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 E, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.0 F, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Formula, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am GTA, 5.0 F, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am GTA, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am, 5.0 F, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am, 5.7 8, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Trans Am, 5.7 8, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1990 Pontiac Firebird?
Most 1990 Pontiac Firebird owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Pontiac recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1990 Pontiac Firebird?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1990 Pontiac Firebird. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.