Camaro1984ME

I am a camaro guy and I don't really know much about firebirds or trans ams. So don't say I am stupid.

What is meant by GTA, TTA, and what makes a Formula a Formula, what makes a Trans Am, what makes a Firehawk, and WHAT MAKES A FIREBIRD?

Sorry about being stupid but please answer and clear up for me?

KlayBuRn

Q: What does GTA stand for?

A: Grand Tourismo Americano (or Grand Touring America, in English). 1987 thru 1992 Trans Am GTAs received the L98 5.7 liter (350 ci) TPI V8 (like the Corvette). The GTA came with light weight 16 inch diamond spoke alloy mag wheels and gold "Trans Am GTA" badges. The interior had new bucket seats (optional on the regular Trans Am). The 5.0 liter (305 ci) engine was also available in the GTA with a 5 speed manual tranny, but this required engine deletion of the L98 and had to be special ordered directly from Pontiac.

TTA = Turbo Trans Am, 1989 1500 Trans Ams got a v6 Turbo setup that was in the Buick Grand National :hail:
prolly the fastest stock f-body ever made

Formula, im gonna guess suspension upgrades, better motor packages...such as formula 350 (350 TPI)...
id have to say...

Firebird's = Camaro SC's and RS's
Trans Am = High end Model RS's(305 TPI, maybe a stick), and low end Z28's(305 TPI etc, etc)...and a Trans Am is the highest(comparible to my 92Z28 350 TPI G92) ?

I dunno, im a Maro guy...

deadtrend1

iTrader: (1)

also, formulas never had ground effects. I guess it was a weight reduction thing.

FyreLance

Firebird is just your base model. (See the tech data on this site.)

Many think of a Formula as kind of a sleeper Trans Am... the performance of a lot of Trans Ams but not the giveaway body styling cues. Formulas don't have ground effects and such, and as such are lighter. Formula spoiler.

Trans Am is high end Firebird, kinda like Z28 to a Camaro. (Fourth gen, SS and WS6 are comparable.) Ground effects, T/A rims, T/A wraparound spoiler.

GTA is basically the top end Trans Am... as it started out it was going to be a T/A option but made it's way into its own category. It has all of the base Trans Am options as standard plus a few GTA specific items, such as the trademark GTA rims.

"The idea behind the GTA being it's own model of Firebird rather than just an option on the TA, was that it would be the most luxurious model of Firebird ever. The GTA would have every option offered on the other Firebirds as standard equipment along with some additional GTA specific items.

Over the 6 years that the GTA was available, it would have such exclusive distinguishing characteristics as the Notch back rear hatch, a convertible option, digital dash instrumentation, fully leather equipped interior, steering wheel mounted controls, the base for which the Turbo 20th Anniversary Edition Trans Am were built, and even a station wagon concept vehicle which never made it into production. "

TTA came from 1989... it was the 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace car. It used the turbo 3.8L V6 from the Buick GN but with different heads, chip, and intercooler. There were 1,555 of these made. Considered fastest production car of the 80s...

Firehawks were a GM-authorized, third party aftermarket upgrade to the Trans Am.

(1991) was to be the first ever year for the SLP Firebird Formula Firehawk, an aftermarket upgrade that GM had authorized. It had it's own RPO code, B4U and including such things as an aluminum 383, Brembo brakes, racing harness, suspension upgrades, 17 inch wheels and a few other mods. These rare birds went for around $45,000 new in 1991 and 1992 during which there were only 25 produced.

There's also other "special edition" type-deals such as the MR MSE Trans Am, Macho Trans Am, etc.

Did that help?

KlayBuRn

Q: What is a MR MSE Trans Am?

A: These cars were created from '82 - '85 by Dennis Mecham, of DKM Macho T/A fame. He started Mecham Racing Inc. (MR) located in Glendale AZ and Tacoma WA. MSE stoof for Motor Sports Edition. The '82 models were a two tone paint scheme (split just below the doors at the rocker panel) with several colors combos to choose from. The '83, '84, and '85 models were painted similar to the 1984 15th Anniversary Trans Am with a two tone paint scheme split at the bodyline or middle of the doors. MSEs got a full width front spoiler, a low resistance "aerotail" rear spoiler, and emblems proclaiming it a Mecham Racing Machine. On the sail panels behind the doors are either MSE emblems or a big olive branch-wreathed letters MR, with Mecham Racing, USA, and SCCA champions underneath. There may be additional numbers/emblems on the drivers side headlight door, fenders, rear spoiler, or rear bumper depending on the year. MSEs also got special MR centercaps and a MR hood emblem. 500 were built in '82, 150 in '83, 50 in '84, and only a few in '85.

The stock 305 ci engine got a recurved distributor, advanced timing, and a rebuilt performance carb all good for about 25 HP. All cars came with a "Git Kit" in the rear hatch area which included a 600 Holley carb, aluminum intake manifold, Mallory distributor, Coil spark plug wires, Champion spark plugs, low restriction air cleaner, Tri-Y headers, and Y-pipe. Some cars were came fitted with a non-EGR Edelbrock intake manifold, Tri-Y headers, Doug Nash 5-speed, and a rebuilt Q-Jet or Holley 600 carb. Some even received an entire engine transplant that included a 440 horsepower 406 ci Chevy small block with various available performance combos, including a twin turbo for export use.

All MSEs came with the WS6 performance package from the factory, but a "Tallon Suspension" was optional with stiffer springs, urethane sway bar bushings, additional front cross member, Koni adjustable shocks, rear droop limiter straps, Firestone tires on Modern Wheel 15" x 7" alloys or special "Diamond-spoke" alloy rims. This suspension was capable of .90 to .95g on the skidpad. Inside included a "Duesenberg-like" leather-wrapped steering wheel (with MR insert), Motorola sound system, 160+ MPH speedometer, 8000+ RPM tach (both with MR Logos), Recaro seats, and dash or console plaque.


Q: What is a Macho T/A?

A: Macho Trans Am's were mostly built by DKM from 1978 to 1980 (see the 2nd Generation section for more details). But in addition to the MR MSE Trans Ams built in 1985, only 20 Macho T/A's were also built. They had either a large MACHO T/A on the lower doors or a smaller "Macho" decal on the doors and the front and rear bumpers. These were also numbered like the 2nd gen Machos and MR MSEs. All other modifications were similar to the MSEs.


Q: What is a "notchback" Trans Am?

A: In 1988, Pontiac offered the notchback as a factory option on the GTA. There were 718 produced. The notchback is a fiberglass piece that bolts on in place of the regular glass hatch (with the exception of a few differences). It has a small back window which comes directly down behind the rear seats (at a 75 degree angle). Then a flat area (like a trunk lid) extends to the rear of the car with a ridge running down the center. It has a spoiler, but not like the standard wrap around one. While aftermarket reproductions are found all around, an option code of AA8 was used for the factory notchback along with the 10th character of the VIN being a 'K'.

FyreLance

Birdies!

FIREBIRD:


FORMULA:


TRANS AM:


GTA:


GTA NOTCHBACK:


MR MSE:


FIREHAWK:


TTA:

FyreLance

Oh, and sorry if I used anybody's car w/out telling 'em....

GTA-SPD

Actually the Firehawks (91-92) were based on Firebird Formulas. Only 1 was a Trans Am (and it was a Vert if I recall right). The Firehawk had a ZF 6-speed (ala Corvette), the only 'stock' 6-speed third gen f-body's. They built VERY few of them (I think 25 total over the 2 years 8-91's & 17-92's) and they are much sought after by collectors.

FyreLance

Indeed, my mistake in saying Trans Am instead of Formula.

Yes, I do believe 25 is correct.


(Can't figure out why my Trans Am pic isn't working, but I'm sure you know what they look like.)

83tranzam

That wasn't a dumb question at all.

Kudos to FyreLance for the great pics.

FyreLance

Thanx

Mark A Shields

You can find a lot of info on the homepage of this site as well under FAQ and Tech Data.

JACKO

Man that was one well asked & answered question.
It sure cleared up a few ??? I had.

88Bravo

That was full of info. That should be something included in the FAQ section. Pictures as well. They should also do a section about Camaros. Is there any way to buy the MR MSE wing?? Best looking wing on a Bird.

rocky383

Actually, the fastest stock F body was the Firehawk.

:hail:IROC-Z

CamaroDriver

I don't like info like this !!!!!!!

It makes me realize how boring the Camaros are.

I have to say that Camaros get my blood pumpin', but Formulas and GTAs give me goose pimples. They're just cool as all hell.

JACKO

CamaroDriver YOU MUNGREL!! A$$h*le
"Click here for a good laugh" Man I must have done a in me pants after wathing that coz I sure left a skid mark!!

Camaro1984ME

thanx everybody for clearing that up for me but hey, i am still a camaro guy

devianb

It is not a stupid question if you don't know. Here is a basic rundown of Firebird models.

Base firebirds or SEs are v6s, some came with v8s some with 4 cylinders (82-84). They had no ground effects, 15 inch wheels, and a (82-84) TA spoiler. In California, some base Firebirds got the sport appearence package that made it look like a Trans Am, but with out the wrap around wing.

All Formulas came with V8s, 16 inch wheels, domed hood, wraparound wing, and dual cats. These were available from 1987-92.

Trans Ams had V8s, typically the 305, ground effects, wraparound wing, special hood with vents, and had the option of 16 inch wheels.

GTAs were Trans Ams with with 350s, 16 inch crosslaced wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, and all power options. These were available from 1987-1992

TTAs were turbocharged Buick 3.8l V6s in a Trans Am body. The engines were not ordinary Buick 3.8s, they were specially modified. They came in one color, white with gold crosslaced rims, and special decals on the door. Only available in 1989.

All the above had the option of t-tops as well. There were so many options back in the 80s that you could practically build any style of Firebird you wished.

92formula5speed

Looking for 1982 MSE centercaps. also original radio. call bill 740-466-7200

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Bill - you would have better luck posting in the wanted section. The radio is not MSE specific, but the center caps might be tough to find.

jhainer

from the lititure yes the radio was a mse option here is a photo of the radio.

This is list of modifications made by Mecham Racing.

• Rear air dam spoiler, that actually put pressure on rear tires at speeds over 100 mph.
• Special MSE rims, with Firestone tires, and MSE center caps.
• MSE bading on front light door, hood, sail panels, rear bumper, and interior.
• Front air dam.
• Mecham Racing windshield tint.
• Black Motor Sports Edition grafics on side door bottoms.
• Koni shocks, and special suspension including bushings.
• Recaro seats
• MSE Steering Wheel
• MSE sound system

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Wow - that's really going to be tough to find. I think the Recaros were an option because the car above in the pics and many I have seen have the charcoal PMD seats.

UnderCover89TBI

iTrader: (25)

Got a lil bit of a Pontiac firebird/trans am history lesson here...pretty cool..thanks