The 3rd Generation Firebird was designed with an emphasis on efficiency following two fuel crises. The Firebird shed a significant amount of weight and featured one of the most aerodynamic shapes in production at the time. While the efficiency target was a success, these design choices made for a great performer as technology advanced, and horsepower didn't have to come at the sacrifice of efficiency.

Wet nitrous systems are the most popular option since they provide the extra fuel to support the added nitous, and don't require any modifications to the fuel injection system (no custom programming of the computer to add fuel when the nitrous is activated). Dry nitrous systems are generally used in racing applications in combination w/ the HP or Dominator ECU w/ custom calibration to add the extra fuel using the fuel injectors (in an EFI application).