GICATA

This isn't so much a restoration question but I am looking for opinions and advise in the interest of my 83 TA's originallity. I suppose I’m being wishy-washy, but I have a notion to put this car back to all stock.

The story goes like this: I ordered this car from my hometown dealer (which has since closed) when I graduated from high school, and patiently awaited it’s arrival which came 7 or 8 weeks later. I had spec’ed my own options and couldn’t wait to crank the stereo and bang the 5 speed!! It is a WS6, 4WPDB, Fresh Air (hood) 305 carb (LG4) 3.73, T-Top, A/C, Red with Charcoal interior Trans Am. I still have the Pontiac Sales Brochure, the window sticker and all the owners documentation as well as the original registration application.

Over the years I have street and drag raced it a lot, however I have kept it in a garage in winter (to avoid the Illinois salt) and out of rain so it’s still in pretty good shape. Oh it has a couple stone chips and a couple little dings along the left side, but no real damage has ever occurred and the body is still all original. Also assembly line original are most all the parts on the car…wipers, brakes, lights, paint, interior, most of the drivetrain and even that stereo system.
I have modified the engine, but the original block, heads and cooling system are still there as is the driveshaft and axle. I still have most of the parts that were taken off when I was a kid wanting to race it, only the Y pipe and Cat got away, as well as the original muffler that developed an internal rattle.
None the less it’s still a decent original car with 63K on the clock.

So with all that said my question is this…should I bother to put all the electronics back on it? My thoughts are that I’ll do all the work only to find that some or many parts don’t function anymore. I think most of us took the computer trash off because there were too many problems with it and we don’t all necessarily have the proper tools to diagnose the trouble codes.
Should I drop my 406 in it? I would have to get a different hood.
Should I do the chassis/suspension upgrades? We all know how flexy these cars are. I’ve kept it mostly stock this long…

It has the potential to be a great driving car, and so far little potential to be a real, valuable, collector car.

Does original really matter so much?

GerryCat09

iTrader: (1)

I personally would put it back to stock condition, but thats just me. I think with all the documentation you have, original window stickers and all, it would be a great car to restore, and since you have most of the original parts go for it. Its all about what your into, I know my Trans Am probably won't ever be a desirable RARE car to colectors, but I'm restoring to stock condition anyway. Just my opinion.

M3rcury

im having this same dilemma with my 84 camaro z28 and recently posted pics and a poll so hopefully i can get some influences on my decision...and i wish you good luck with yours

pontiacguy1

My thinking is that you have a 26 year old car that is numbers matching, and has all the original documentation with it. If it were me, I would put it back to as near original as you could.

There are tons of these cars out there that can be had for cheap to modify. If you want to build a hot rod, go get another car and do it. That's my 2 cents worth, but you do what you want. It's your car.

As for M3rcury... I guess I mis-diagnosed your car. The VIN decoder said Sport Coupe Z28, but going by appearances, your car is indeed a sport coupe with a later Z28 hood on it. I know that the front ends with the three horizontal slots in them only came on the sport coupe or berlinetta, and not on the Z28. If I had your car, I wouldn't think twice about modifying it to whatever I wanted. The first thing that I would do if I were you is to try to find your build sheet or service parts identification tag, and see what the car actually came with. You could easily upgrade to a different rear end with better gears and a posi unit, and even 4 wheel disc brakes.

See if you can find that service tag. It might be on the underside of the glove box. It should have the same VIN number as the car body on it. Then you can look up the numbers and see what you've really got.

GICATA

So after 24 years or so of sitting in boxes in garages, what are the chances the ECM and Carby are any good? The humidity here in wounderful Cesspool South Carolina is extremely hard on steel parts.
I guess I can open all the stuff up and see how it looks...would this thing run without blowing the CEL up?

89RS_82Z

iTrader: (2)

ECM should be ok, carb a good rebuild, i wouldnt worry to luch about the exhaust, that one of the easier things to overlook when going all original

GICATA

Okay...so I go back to "Fed laws original" (gag*choke) how well did the ECM or PROM adjust to a larger cam and slightly higher comp?
I know I know...not original, but necessary damn it!!
The cam is mild...like 260 or 262 comp...I cant remember but I can go find the card in my tool box.

89RS_82Z

iTrader: (2)

my friend put a 278 in his carb 305 and it didnt like it at all, he went with vac advace and an eddy 600.....you can get someone to reburn the prom to work with that cam, so you can still have that cam......if you can get away with it, do a few minor mods that will help open it up some, like a free flowing exhuast and maybe some work to the factory air cleaner....i dont think many people would turn their nose up to an all original with headers and a full exhaust......for the air cleaner maybe a taller filter so you got a gap between the lid and the base (that would be a cheap mod that would go perfect with the 83 era)......IMO that shouldnt hurt you to much at shows

howy03

iTrader: (2)

my car is much like yours,given to me by my father who bought it new 46,000 original miles.I decided I want to enjoy the car on weekends so I have completely upgraded the suspension, polished the stock rims,got a 350 sitting in the garage and I am about to paint the car close to stock color but a metalic pearl.I will be replacing all original decals so after its done it will look basically stock but alot more fun to drive.I have all the old parts but may get rid of them as I plan on keeping the car.but you could always upgrade and keep all parts and return to stock anytime in the future.I say make some upgrades and enjoy the car.

87_Injected

Can we see pics of the car?

avro206

I'd say in your case no. Orginal for originals sake is nuts.

Other wise no one would ever modify their "original" car. And it's not rare to start with.

I'd say my 89 Formula 350 is more rare--I have tons of mods and would never return it to stock. I would have a hard to time keeping any car 100% stock.

1. 82-84s are the least popular 3rd gens--with the exception or Recaros and 15ths.

2. How much fun will it be with the 145hp LG4? None

3. It won't be worth anymore then it is now.

GICATA

I'm embarrassed to post pics as it's sitting in the garage semi-disassembled and covered with 3 years of dust and kid toys (I have a daughter and a packrat wife) and a really dated set of aftermarket rims (yuk!) but I can snap a cell phone shot if really necessary.
...........................................

I know it isn't worth squat, that's partly why I still have it! Too bad I didn't buy a $15,000 60's Mopar or Camaro muscle car back in 83!

...and no 150 horses aren't much fun. It was running 83 or so mph stock and 96+ modified. Not really that fast I know, but waaay more fun.

I have regained interest in the car since I busted up my leg and can't ride my dirtbike anymore and really want to get it back on the road in any form. It has always been my baby, but hasn't always been on the top of the priority list. These days I am more interested in cruising it with my daughter than dragracing/street racing it, but I still love the rumpity small blocks!! AARRRGG!!!

Thank you all for the input, that's why I posted...people, please continue to post up what you think.

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

Originality definetly matters, as there are less and less originals as time goes on.

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

GICATA...I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a black and gold '82 Trans Am that I bought about 4 years ago or so. It's pretty much all original except for the drivetrain. I have the same charcoal interior that is pretty nice for it's age and surprisingly still have the original radio with the analog tune and mechanical push button memory. It's pretty much complete, but was originally a crossfire injected car. All that is long gone from previous owners. Tranmission is a 4speed auto, and the rear is a 9-bolt posi. Oh, and the front end was damaged but the previous owner had everything fixed however the cowl tag is missing. So I have a non matching numbers car and a missing cowl tag, so I will never achieve total originality. Basically I've decided to keep the car as stock looking as possible, including all of the crossfire injection parts, which has taken me forever to get and the original turbocast rims and hubcaps which I also had to find since those were also long gone when I bought the car. I will keep the drivetrain upgrades though. Oh, my engine is also a 406 SBC and you should not have any problems with hood clearance if you decide to drop yours in. I also swapped out my PMD seats for a set of Recaro seats. So basically if you want to keep the stock looking appearance but have a better performing car drop in the 406. You can always keep the old parts if you ever decide to go back original. I don't have that option so I guess it doesn't bother me as much...but I have contemplated on putting a 305 back in. But at a glance, nobody would tell the 406 isn't the stock engine unless you told them.

ROBERTDMERRILL

iTrader: (1)

I say kept it original. Make it nice like when you first bought. As a early teenager of the 80's (I was born in 71') these 80's cars are our only link to the past. Sure the 60's and 70's cars are true classics and great but the 80's cars are what we grew up with.

pontiacguy1

I also don't have a numbers matching car, and mine is a 15th anniversary car. I am going to restore it back to complete stock appearance, and even use a 305 block, but will beef up the internals some with a slightly hotter cam, some port work, modified feedback carb, etc... just to put a few more ponies under there.

If either of these cars still had the original engine in there, I would restore them back to stock. As it is, I am going to do everything possible to maintain the stock look. And even a correct-year 305 block and heads, but just try to modify it slightly. It won't be a real barnstormer, but should have 30 or so HP over the stock L69.

IROCKET4U

I agree with most others here--considering you are the original owner and have all paperwork your car is probably worth more than you think. Keep it as original as you can. These cars are starting to gain popularity with collectors and with time (remember, they produced a ton of f-bodies) the values will start to shock a few people. Every car that goes to the JY or is sitting in someones yard rusting away technically improves all of our values.
--Look at the IROC convertibles--they have really shot up over the past couple years (only 4000 built).

GICATA

Just for kicks, I'm thinking 6 grand waxed up and put together mostly original...I may be wacked out though. But I really wish it was worth a lot more. Maybe someday.

I know it's worth more than the poor white Z28 laying on its roof stripped that I see on my way to work everyday. Been there for 7-8 years.

kizz

iTrader: (1)

Attrition: (noun): A reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death.

The rate of attrition among thirdgens has always been high, and continues to be high even 17-27 years later, because the cars are cheap and still plentiful and the general public doesn't care about "Camaros".

I'm all about originality because I'm all about nostalgia for what seems to have been a simpler era before the world went downhill (ugh, I'm not old enough to be saying stuff like that yet!). The cars that filled the parking lots, streets, and freeways of the 80s (and my memory) are unmodified original cars, so that's what I like seeing, to get some good vibes from back then. Someone else may tell you to hollow it out and make a drag car out of it, or anything else inbetween, but it's your choice.

If you try to restore the 83 T/A back to stock, I think you'd be doing some good work, and you'd be "swimming upstream" against attrition. That's my take. Keep us posted.

kevin89formula

I got my formula new on my 16th birthday...so I also know how you feel about your car.

I think you should biuld your car to enjoy it NOW. Are you ever going to sell the car? if your like me.. no... so build it to have fun with it.
besides..deciding what kind of build and what parts to use are half of the fun!

I also agree with the point Avro206 was trying to make, nothing fun about a 16 second "muscle car"..

L695speed

I say put it back stock. I thought about going the sleeper route with a 383 stroker backed by a T-56 and upgrade the brakes and suspension (1LE if I could find the parts), but then I realized that these cars are fewer and far between at least in original condition. I don't have the money for the paint and motor work at the moment but eventually I will rebuild the original motor (still have the block and cam no heads) and get the car painted. They are not worth anything now but look back a couple decades and Ferrari GTOs, Duesenbergs, Superbirds, Hemi Cudas, 427 Cobras etc. were all in these car's position at one point or another. These cars will not be worth as much as those ones are but I could see making your money back on a restoration (especially if do most of the work yourself and get parts while they are still cheap) in a few more years for nice ones.

pontiacguy1

With L695speed!

They aren't making any more of these, ya know! Once the abused ones are all gone, and the junkyards start to not have these things so much anymore, then they will become more valuable, especially if original.

Look at the 2nd gen cars, 1976-1979. About 10 to 12 years ago, you could find 10 or more of the late 70's trans ams in almost any junk yard you went to. Those cars were plentiful and really cheap. They were so plentiful abd cheap that I used parts from them to hop up my 1982 Toyota truck! They are now not so common to find in junkyards, and their value has started to go up. Have you priced a 1978 or 1979 Trans Am in good shape lately? The prices for those things have about doubled in the last 10 years!

L695speed

Thanks Ponitacguy for mentioning the second gen cars. There is one up the road from me that was restored. Black and gold, in color don't think its a special edition car. The guy wants 22 grand for it no tirekickers... Those cars are indeed flying up in price. 1970 TA went for 24 grand at Barrett Jackson a couple years ago. Now would be lucky to find a nice one for less than 40. Same goes for the 79 10th anniversary bird. Those are selling for 50+ if optioned right and in really nice shape, original or restored.

Now to get rid of the last couple unoriginal add ons that were put on by Dad. Got rid of the cellphone, and the lone Recaro seat (was aftermarket so don't go ballistic). Now I just need to get rid of the antenna mount for that cell phone (glued on and if go the wrong way you can shatter the hatch) and the tow bar. Tow bar is coming off on Spring break. I have the numbers matching block but that will probably be one of the last things put back in....if do the body and interior first and it looks great then no one really cares what you have underneath. I am shooting for a number two car. Don't want a number one trailer queen.

kevin89formula

Yes a 70 TA is worth some money, still considered part of the muscle car era..
but come on.... how long would this guy have to wait for a 83 305 equipped car to reach that kind of money? 20 more years....great he's driving around an original 305 turd for 20 years, and then when your an old man in a wheel chair he can sell it and get his 20 or 30 grand back that it took to restore it.
there is a reason the car is not in stock condition, because it was an 83 145hp 305..


Yes late 70's f body's are making a come back, but everyone saw that one coming for the last 5 to 10 years....only the specialty models and cars like the year one bandit and other built similar to the year one car specs are bringing in the big big bucks. does everyone realize what kind of money and the kind of quality in the work it takes to build a car that would sell for 40 or 50K?

here is a relevant question....Gicata is this a car you are selling for an investment in 20 years? or is this a weekend car to cruise in?

L695speed

Kevin you have to remember that the dealers were desperately trying to get rid of Superbirds and the like. They were on used car lots for years for the prices that we see third gens today. 3-5 grand. The point I was making was that ALL CARS ALL were at some low point for value at some point. I recall looking through old magazines and seeing million dollar cars selling for 3 grand. I was not declaring that these cars will be worth millions of dollars. I was saying I could see them being worth what the second gens are now in 10-15 years. Besides if one knows what they are doing and are careful and do all the work themselves it won't cost 20 grand to restore one of these cars. I was looking around for the interior, weatherstripping and engine rebuild. I could probably do the interior and weatherstripping myself and pay just for parts. The engine I will have to send out at this point and that would cost about 1000-1200 maybe less. Paint if I do all the body work myself would cost me 2000. Take it all apart and send it in then get it back and put it back together myself. I would say you could restore these cars for 10 grand easy. These cars are already selling for that in great shape. Original means all the original options and looking the way it left the factory. Obviously climate and care would be needed for original paint to survive. You can restore a car like mine which was original with the usual wear and tear attrition and restore it and call it original.

One final note. THERE ARE WORSE CARS THAN THESE BEING RESTORED NOW.....PACERS, PINTOS, MUSTANG IIs AND GREMILINS anyone?

Timothayyy

iTrader: (2)

Just do whatever you want with the car. Youve had it all these years, I wouldent worry about keeping it original.
You obviously did all those modifications to make it faster, so why take a step back and make it slower?
Seems like a step backwards to me. Dont worry about making it more valuable or anything, just worry about enjoying the car.

Just my

86WS6

iTrader: (1)

Old saying, Opinions are like butt's, everyone has one, and everyone's is different. Since the car has been with you since new, and it sounds like a pretty solid car, it's understandable that you want to make it exactly as it was when you bought it. You are in the postition to make it what ever you want it to be. If it were mine, since it has already been altered, I would restore and maintain it in good condition, not totally stock, but a nice driver. I would avoid making any modifications that will involve cutting, welding, or modifications that will be difficult to reverse in the future. Bolt-on mods that will make the car dependable and fun to drive would be high priority. You mentioned being interested in cruzing rather then racing, so build a nice near stock looking cruizer. The cost's and agravation of trying to return the car to exactly the way it was when you bought it will far outweigh the cost's of making a comfortable and dependable car. If you do a full factory stock restoration, then what will you do with it? Haul it around on a trailer and polish it... Thirdgens, with the exception of some rare models, are still available as near perfect originals, and can be bought for a reasonable price. Back in the 70's I owned a 1970 Shelby GT350. I was young, and wanted to drive the car on a daily basis. The 1970 model was a carry over from left over inventory of 1969 models. Shelby Automotive retitled the cars as 1970 models, sold them, and compeleted the line. My car was one of 247 made, and one of 13 made with those exact options. Pretty rare! The car was a decent driver, all the numbers matched, but it was not original. The prices in the mid 70's were in the 4K to 6K range. My car had 96,000 miles on it in 1976when I sold it to a collector, who did a full restoration to original specs. He spend 30K in 1976 dollars to restore the car to perfect condition. He had a lot more money than I had! The car is in a private collection today, is has not been driven on the highway since the late 70's. That particular car has a value of between 70K and 90K today. I had a lot of fun with that car, but did not do anything to it that would prevent it from being a good canidate for restoration. On the other hand, I seen several Shelby's go to the crusher, because the owners had cut and modified them to the point, that all they were good for were parts cars, and when the parts were striped, the cars were distroyed. </p>

GICATA

I really have no plan to sell the car, except that when I get too old and blind/decrepid to enjoy it at all I might let it go. I have also considered giving it to my daughter. We had a family friend when I was a kid who had bought a 69 'bird and kept it till the 80s wherein he gave it to his daughter. I don't know, kids tend to trash first cars though.

I would love to give it a good makeover with good suspension parts and CCC compatible engine mods. I already have a 262 Comp cam in it and some ratty shorty headers I could have refinished. Would this be considered resto-mod? lol


You mention some of the old muscle cars...being an avid gearhead, I read and shop talk a lot about them. I too can remember the winged Mopars sitting on lots forever at cut rate prices, even going home with some of the dealer principals and sales managers. Most of the overpowered, gas hog, rust bucket, rattle traps languished in forgotten'ville till rich people started to collect them. (Reggie Jackson started it as I recall) Now even a junker 4 door "muscle car" named tub of s+*% (snakes?) is worth more than my cared for TA, grrrrrrr!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I'm probably not a very good opinion source because my two 3rd gens will never be restored to original again - the first because it was a V6 car, the 2nd because it's getting an LS1/T56 and structurally modified. The 2nd is probably the greater shame, because it was a numbers-matching car when I started to take it apart. But, 300k+ miles LG4 Berlinettas will probably never have collector value, regardless of how rare they become.

It's pretty much an all-or-nothing proposition, though. Either put it all back to original, or do what you want with it. If you have any thought of a restore-to-original, I wouldn't do the 406 (even though you could run it off of the original CC carb) because you'd need subframe connectors, which would structurally detract from its originality.

On the other hand, even at B-J's, the custom cars tend to go for more dough than the restored-to-original's.

GICATA

This car will probably be kept around for years...I have no want to sell it now after all these years. It is worth only what I might get for it if the right person came along as I wont let it go to some kid or local ******* looking for "a rid spertskor to inpress 'is womans". I will probably still be entertaining this debate in 20 years.

It has always been a cruiser, a brawler, and it's lucky to not have been crashed yet in some midnight drag race gone wrong. It would be fun to stab my 406 in it and add all the chassis upgrades and go Mustang hunting. (It used to eat the 80s 'stangs for lunch) I have the knowhow and the time to make it a screamer or a true sleeper...or a modest original survivor. Stock these were kind of wimpy, although they have big potential.

I just get to thinking about all the muscle cars that have been found in a garage in original survivor condition...I guess I'm a day dreamer huh?


I know this thread is kind of foolish, but I feel a general opinion is a valuable measuring too pointing to the value and overall attitude of third gen interest. Any one car can be spiffed up and sold for good $ if the right market is looking...but overall these are gearhead cars that loose their virginity like teenage gals were in the mid 80s. HA! This car could be a prude for the next 20 years hoping to meet the right person, or go out and party like a BonJovie groupie I guess!

Thanks for all the comments so far, I appreciate them all. I'll get it out and cleaned up and post a couple pics...it has some minor storage mold issues to address.

GICATA

After some deliberation, I've decided to warm over my old T/A with some horsepower and chassis upgrades. I still have all the OE parts in boxes so when the mood hits me I can put it back to original.

For now I have put my 406 SBC in it, and am cleaning the interior as there was some mold from sitting in the garage for 5 years on blocks.

As time and money permits, I'll get SFCs, new performance level struts/shocks, tires and brakes. I may do more, but this work should take all of 2011.

Here are some pice from installing the engine last fall and taking the interior out of it this springs.

GICATA

I did find the build sheet under the driver's seat...looks like I've been sitting on it for 28 years...it's in bad shape, but I think I can press it and laminate it. I do still have the owners wallet, the dealer copy of the window sticker and the sales broschure from the dealer.

GICATA

A shot of the engine, I don't really have the funds for a pollished aluminum full tilt motor, but it runs strong and the hood will be shut anyway.
1970 400ci 4 bolt, RPM, Comp 270, Sportsman II angle plug heads with some home done simple port work, 5.7 Eagle rods, a Holley 770 v/s, Comp roller rockers, high torque ministarter and Cyclone headers.
It needs a better fuel pump, better headers and exhaust, and a double pumper, but for cruising to the ice cream shop with the wife and kid it will do fine.

L695speed

I got an email about this and thought...I don't remember this one. Sure enough...its two years old LOL. Glad to know another earlier car is being redone. I gave up with the original route on mine as well. I have a T56 sitting in my garage, the car is a bare shell. Going to upgrade the chassis, suspension, and brakes. Putting in a 383 stroker when I get that far. The goal is to make it look factory original, but upon second glance you know something is up. And I mean you'd have to know these cars to know its not stock. The changes in appearance inside and out will be subtle.

GICATA

lol! Yeah, I've had a rough 3 years....but everything is finally coming around.
My car will be as close to stock and original as I can keep it, yet the mods will make it more enjoyable for me.

the solitaire

Even though I'm generally on the side of traditionalists trying to keep a car as close to original as possible, I think the F body cars make it just too tempting to inlcude just a few minor tweaks and modifications when you're rebuilding one.

These few tweaks and mods then clear the way for more serious mods for the sake of driveability.

I personally see no harm in replacing the stock brakes with another set of 10.5" brakes, and the stock shocks and springs with something with a little better performance.

Same goes for the exhaust. Replacing the catalytic converter with a better flowing model and fitting a nice cat back doesn't make any sense with the stock boat anchor headers and the factory Y-pipe, so in order to be able to enjoy the parts you just paid for, it's very tempting to fit headers and a decent Y-pipe, and I guess that's where modified starts and the car stops being stock.

Personally I'd prefer slightly modernising certain aspects of the car to improve handling, safety and at least throw in a set of decent seats, even if that would mean sacrificing the "bone stock" status. I prefer enjoying driving the car over having it sitting in the garage being original and all.

-srs-

I think the key is KEEP WHAT YOU REPLACE. Modding is fine as long as you can take it back to stock.

LAFireboyd

iTrader: (3)

I've had similar thoughts about my car throughout the years, and a few years ago I came to the same decision that you did, so, naturally, I think you made the right decision... at least, the decision that seems to be right for you.

I've always been a proponent of originality, up to a point. I like and respect originality, at least, the "look" of originality, so I prefer to keep my vehicles looking the way they were created to look, interior and exterior(even under the hood, where possible). Besides, in my opinion, aftermarket parts are rarely as tastefully-designed as original parts, which makes it easy to like and appreciate originality.

But due to "signs of the times," there were limitations in regards to performance when the car was produced that can be improved upon today, and those are the things I change to make the car better, safer, more comfortable, more powerful, and even more efficient, all of which make it more fun to drive... all while keeping the car looking like the car it was designed to be.

The thirdgen's "look" was at the forefront of styling for the modern era. Everything else followed in its footsteps. And nice thirdgens still turn heads... not because they look dated, but because they look distinctively different than cars today--without looking dated. Their look has transcended the times. Then in the '90s, technology flourished, but designs, in general, flopped, in my opinion, which is probably one of the reasons many designs began going "retro" in the 2000s.

So the thirdgen's "look" is what's most important about it... nothing better before it, and few better after it. So it will be a "time capsule" simply for that reason, and that's where its originality is/will be important. But drivetrains? TPI's "look"(there's that word again) is unique and special, but anything else? Not a chance, other than for the sake of "originality."

But while I can appreciate that, I'm not a "collector" and will never be one. I'm never going to "show" my car. I wouldn't own a car that I didn't intend to drive or feel I couldn't drive. I have mine because I like it, and I like driving it... anywhere, anytime, no matter the distance. When it's sitting around for long periods of time collecting dust, it's only because I don't have time for it, not because I'm letting it age into a "vintage" product.

Throughout the years, people have suggested I sell it, and I've had offers for it, but I know someday I'd wish I still had it. And now that Firebirds are truly "extinct," I'll never be able to get a new one. Like you, I've had mine since it was brand new, and I've managed to hang onto it all these years... and through some pretty tough times. So why get rid of it now? I never will. But I see no reason to keep it performing like it's from the Jurassic era.

Edit: On a tangent...

Today's car manufacturers seem to think it's perfectly ok to do what I've suggested, making them better; they're doing it too. They've taken the asthetic design characteristcs of their original classics, Challenger, Thunderbird, Mustang and Camaro, and they've revived them using today's technology, creating cars that they weren't able to create 40 years ago. So why is it wrong to do that with thirdgens? It's not, in my opinion.

What's the future hold for those models? If there's a 6thgen, will it be a modern revival of the 2ndgen? Followed by a 7thgen that's a retro-thirdgen? Probably not. Most-likely, the 5thgen and cars like it are on their last hurrah, as new performance cars eventually fall by the wayside to a "green" future, leaving only the hot rodding community/activity as the only examples of "muscle" left to be found. Or if they do continue into their next generations, their evolutions will probably begin from a clean slate, giving the manufacturers a chance to take the models in different directions than they originally went... sort of like the latest Star Trek movie, which took the original characters and created a brand new timeline in which they could create all new stories, rather than just re-hash the original stories... all while still keeping the classic characteristics of its original characters. Hey, the movie worked, and so do the cars.

When we see classic hot rods at car shows, most-often they're done-up in very flashy, very modern ways, yet I never hear anyone say, "aww, what a shame that car isn't original." Yeah, like the bucket of bolts it probably was back then? Instead, people are adamantly-positive with their adoration and enthusiasm for what's been done to the car. So, again, why is that so wrong to do to a thirdgen?

There's nothing wrong with modernizing classics. And a nicely-kept thirdgen, regardless of originality, will still be worth more than a trashed original, so why shouldn't a person be able to change one if that's what he wants to do? After all, he'll be saving a car, keeping a "classic." So make your changes. The car will still be a thirdgen, and it will still represent the best of the '80s. Done well, people will still be in awe of it, regardless of originality.

Krik

iTrader: (4)

Ask yourself what you want from the car. If you want a timeless classic then restore it to stock. If you just want a hot rod to throw around modify the hell out of it.

Its your car, enjoy it your way!

GICATA

No rust or mold under the carpet, looks as good as it probably did 28 years ago so it's going back together and get on with some chassis mods. I want to take it to a road course and just enjoy a few laps, not that it will be all that fast.

GICATA

Back on the street, way too tall:

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Only if you care about returning it to stock. For me stock is boring.

I don't plan on returning the car to stock, not even to sell it. If I sell it, it will be sold as a rebuilt LT1 6spd car with intake, heads, and cam mods, full exhaust and ahost of other mods. And it will sell for MORE than it would if it were stock with equivalent mileage.

That is not so say that I don't enjoy seeing pure stock cars. Its like a time machine trip to see them if they are in near factory perfect condition.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

There is something to the stock look. I see older movies and tv shows that show some of the priceless muscle cars as "beaters". I guess there were plenty to go around back then. My take is some minor mods, like valve train, intake, heads, and exhaust, but keep it rather stock to the eye. I think in an other decade, the third gen will be some real car show stuff.

-srs-

Even if you're not going to return it to stock, someone else will. My uncle builds hot rods for a living. One of his customers paid $250 bucks for a set of blown rear factory shocks just so he could have them rebulit and have a truly restored car. Don't get me lying about what model car it was because I don't remember. (late 60's Dodge I think)

The fist thing he suggested to me when he saw my car was to box up those kinds of parts when I replace them.

GICATA

Added new stoppers today, drilled rotors and Hawk HPS pads:



Would like to have a larger system, but this will have to do. Suspension is next!

83TransAmRECARO

looks great

Red90IROC

Looks great gicata! I read the whole story, quite an inspiration.

GICATA

Thanks a lot!

jaygt

iTrader: (4)

good for you . enjoy YOUR car. why care about the next guy that gets your car when your gone.
thats like guy that put his 81 trans am pace care in his garage for 20 years never seeing light so i can come along and buy it for way less then what he paid for it in 83. sad dont be that guy.