1991 '1LE' Trans Am
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
1991 '1LE' Trans Am
I recently purchased another Trans Am not really knowing much about it but once I decoded the SPI tag I noticed it has a 1LE package, I did search some topics and it seems to be a fairly rare code, but I just wanted to confirm that this is what I have?
#2
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Kitchener, ON
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Nice one. 91 TA with 305 TPI 5 speed, 3.42 posi, cross lace wheels, no A/C. It's a 1LE all right, and yes it is rare.
How's the condition? Got any pics?
How's the condition? Got any pics?
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
I purchased the car as a rolling chassis to use the body tub to restore my GTA. There is no engine, transmission, certain interior components are missing. Some of the under hood wiring is missing. There is no heater or fan on the firewall.
Kind of between a rock and a hard place with this one now.
Kind of between a rock and a hard place with this one now.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Kitchener, ON
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Well, in that case I would suggest that you keep the rear compartment door that has the SPID sticker on it in a safe place for possible future use. The VIN on the metal plate on the dash will match the VIN on the SPID sticker.
It might be a long time in the future, but hey, 2nd gens were worthless scrap just 15 years ago. A 91 1LE Trans Am is one exotic bird, and you have the documentation to prove it. Someday, it will be worth restoring. That's not what you wanna hear in your case, but that's the way I see it.
It might be a long time in the future, but hey, 2nd gens were worthless scrap just 15 years ago. A 91 1LE Trans Am is one exotic bird, and you have the documentation to prove it. Someday, it will be worth restoring. That's not what you wanna hear in your case, but that's the way I see it.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
To be honest after finding out what this car originally was I'd personally rather restore it. Seems alot more interesting than my GTA. My problem is how little I know about these cars, I'd have to see another one to make a list of whats all missing. Then I would have to find all the parts.
Trending Topics
#8
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
To be honest after finding out what this car originally was I'd personally rather restore it. Seems alot more interesting than my GTA. My problem is how little I know about these cars, I'd have to see another one to make a list of whats all missing. Then I would have to find all the parts.
The shocks were different but they wouldn't have lasted and are a replacement part. There is a how to on this site about modifying stock spindles to convert to the 12" discs.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
The GTA I am restoring is an 88 digital dash auto a/c, so pretty much nothing is the same except the wheels and maybe springs. The original plan was to strip this chassis(91) down to the shell and transfer all my parts off my 88 rusty shell. That is out the window now. I don't think I can justify stripping this particular Trans Am down anymore than it has been. It just seems to unique from a collector's stand point.
I'll see about getting this one back into shape.
I'll see about getting this one back into shape.
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,725
Received 773 Likes
on
520 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Sounds like a nice car or could be a nice car. I hope you do save it. Good luck and keep us posted!
#12
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Perhaps I'm the naysayer, but without the original drivetrain, what's the point of saving it It's only ever going to be correct and original to a certain extent ever again. At best it could only ever be worth maybe what, 50% of what the same car would be with the original drive train? These cars aren't know for catastrophic failures that require the original engine block to be replaced like cars from the 50s and 60s so with so many to choose from which do still have their original drivetrain, why save this one?
That said, I would put it on the back burner somewhere as a future project and not destroy it even personally, I'm just playing devils advocate. But with NOS parts prices on the rise and reproduction parts virtually non-existent, it's certainly not worth restoring for another 10-15years or more I'd think. The return on investment would be so upside down it would be ludicrous and simply a labor of love at this point. Which is fine if that's your thing, it is mine so who am I to judge haha!
That said, I would put it on the back burner somewhere as a future project and not destroy it even personally, I'm just playing devils advocate. But with NOS parts prices on the rise and reproduction parts virtually non-existent, it's certainly not worth restoring for another 10-15years or more I'd think. The return on investment would be so upside down it would be ludicrous and simply a labor of love at this point. Which is fine if that's your thing, it is mine so who am I to judge haha!
Last edited by 92GTA; 09-23-2014 at 07:39 PM.
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
I know where you're coming from and I respect that. At the very least I am going to keep it a manual shift car. That way pieces can still be simply unbolted and replaced.
To anyone in the London/GTA ON area, I've made a list of the basic parts this car would need to bring back into service as a 91 T/A and not as an 88 GTA.
Luckily the chassis and suspension are intact including the bigger front brakes with aluminum calipers.
- 1991 Engine and body wiring harness for an A/C delete manual transmission T/A with power accessories and radio. I'm not sure if AC wiring harness will work also?
-Center console for a 91 stick shift
-analogue instrument cluster around 100 000km mark (car has 98XXX km)
-A/C delete parts such as heater box, controls, pully etc.
-Complete T5 conversion kit. I have the cross brace and some brackets misc hardware.
-Aluminum drive shaft
That's just from me looking it over really quick.
To anyone in the London/GTA ON area, I've made a list of the basic parts this car would need to bring back into service as a 91 T/A and not as an 88 GTA.
Luckily the chassis and suspension are intact including the bigger front brakes with aluminum calipers.
- 1991 Engine and body wiring harness for an A/C delete manual transmission T/A with power accessories and radio. I'm not sure if AC wiring harness will work also?
-Center console for a 91 stick shift
-analogue instrument cluster around 100 000km mark (car has 98XXX km)
-A/C delete parts such as heater box, controls, pully etc.
-Complete T5 conversion kit. I have the cross brace and some brackets misc hardware.
-Aluminum drive shaft
That's just from me looking it over really quick.
#14
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada/Qc/Montreal
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Red 86 Iroc-z / Black 90 Iroc-z
Engine: Mild 350 / Vortec L31
Transmission: TH700R4 / TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 2.73
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Post pics of the shell!!
And even if the 305/t-5 are missing and other parts just swap ls/t-56 or somthing nice with good aftermarket parts all around and the cars proply worth even more. its the 1le in the vin that will be important. dont get me wrong for sure a all orginal 1le would be worth more. but yours would of probly needed every thing rebuilt or replaced so as a resto/mod it will defintly be worth somthing even if it is not original.
And even if the 305/t-5 are missing and other parts just swap ls/t-56 or somthing nice with good aftermarket parts all around and the cars proply worth even more. its the 1le in the vin that will be important. dont get me wrong for sure a all orginal 1le would be worth more. but yours would of probly needed every thing rebuilt or replaced so as a resto/mod it will defintly be worth somthing even if it is not original.
#15
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Post pics of the shell!!
And even if the 305/t-5 are missing and other parts just swap ls/t-56 or somthing nice with good aftermarket parts all around and the cars proply worth even more. its the 1le in the vin that will be important. dont get me wrong for sure a all orginal 1le would be worth more. but yours would of probly needed every thing rebuilt or replaced so as a resto/mod it will defintly be worth somthing even if it is not original.
And even if the 305/t-5 are missing and other parts just swap ls/t-56 or somthing nice with good aftermarket parts all around and the cars proply worth even more. its the 1le in the vin that will be important. dont get me wrong for sure a all orginal 1le would be worth more. but yours would of probly needed every thing rebuilt or replaced so as a resto/mod it will defintly be worth somthing even if it is not original.
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Lots of good ideas and suggestions here. As far as engine goes its going to be getting the new 355 L98 out of my GTA- FOR NOW. Because I'm not made of money and have too much invested in that engine as it sits.
Big decision I need to make soon is if I should install my digital dash and wiring in this car. As most of you know its either all or nothing, As of right now I have not been able to locate a complete wiring harness for a 91 stick shift with ac delete locally. I'm at no loss because the wiring is hacked and only the dash carrier and pad is in the 1LE car. The only harness that I found un-damaged and complete was the headlight harness.
Big decision I need to make soon is if I should install my digital dash and wiring in this car. As most of you know its either all or nothing, As of right now I have not been able to locate a complete wiring harness for a 91 stick shift with ac delete locally. I'm at no loss because the wiring is hacked and only the dash carrier and pad is in the 1LE car. The only harness that I found un-damaged and complete was the headlight harness.
#17
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Kitchener, ON
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
I was at Cory's junkyeard in London about a year ago. They had a plain Camaro in there without A/C. I was going to take the heater box for the future, but I really don't intend to delete A/C. They wanted $80 for it.
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
I did check with them after you mentioned this, every now and then we order used parts from them at my work. At the time they did not know the status of that particular part, they also never called me back.
Does anyone know if I can run the digital dash with the correct AC delete system in the car including controls. IE; is the HVAC stand alone and does not tie into the digital dash input or outputs in any way?
Does anyone know if I can run the digital dash with the correct AC delete system in the car including controls. IE; is the HVAC stand alone and does not tie into the digital dash input or outputs in any way?
#19
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Kitchener, ON
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Why not just use the pushbutton A/C controls from the digital dash setup, but delete the A/C gear underhood?
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
#20
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 0
Received 57 Likes
on
31 Posts
Car: 1989 Camaro-1LE
Engine: TPI(s)
Transmission: 5 speed (MM5, MK6)
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.73
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
a 1991 1LE TA that isn't a Player's car. Not many of those around.
Good project car.
Good project car.
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Why not just use the pushbutton A/C controls from the digital dash setup, but delete the A/C gear underhood?
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
I'm slowing gathering parts, pretty sure I have a line on a complete AC delete system. I needed a fuel tank as the filler necks were compromised on both my 88 and 91 TA's. So I picked up a nice plastic tank out of a 99 LS1 as a complete drop out. Much nicer to work with IMO.
#22
#23
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 0
Received 57 Likes
on
31 Posts
Car: 1989 Camaro-1LE
Engine: TPI(s)
Transmission: 5 speed (MM5, MK6)
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.73
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
1991 was an odd year spanning two production years. It's been a while since I dug through my numbers. But suffice to say ... maybe 20 1LE TA's in Canada in 1990/91.
Mark.
#24
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Though a low number, it's more than I would have thought. I'll have to start looking at 5 speed TA's. For some reason, I see a lot of 5 speed GTA's for sale which is okay since they have everything the 1le does except the bigger front brakes.
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Looking for an aluminum drive shaft and grey seats for my 1LE Trans am if anyone has anything in the London Ontario area that would be great. I have black seats to trade if someone would like black?
I would also be interested in a complete T5 set up- but this is something that is not needed until spring time if its in a parts car sitting outside. I also have a perfectly working 700 R4 & converter to work in as a trade if desired.
I would also be interested in a complete T5 set up- but this is something that is not needed until spring time if its in a parts car sitting outside. I also have a perfectly working 700 R4 & converter to work in as a trade if desired.
Last edited by JJ88GTA; 02-14-2015 at 12:49 PM.
#26
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Why not just use the pushbutton A/C controls from the digital dash setup, but delete the A/C gear underhood?
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
Not sure if the non-A/C controls would work with a digital dash. My guess would be yes because both use vacuum control motors for mode and recirculation. But the blend control on the pushbutton style uses an electric motor, I assume the non-A/C cars use the convetional cable style. I'm sure it could be retrofitted fairly easily.
This is what I decided to do. Makes more sense and I already have everything I need to do the job.
#27
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
That would be such a tough call... Honestly, you need soo much for the car to put it back to original, it would probably cost you more to try to find the right parts than just mod it, install a LS engine... The Tail lights alone will set you back about $500 for ok ones...
I will tell you that standard base Firebird tail lights should get you through a pinch I believe I used the same wire harness, all I had to change was the turn signal lights and it otherwise just plugged in...
I will tell you that standard base Firebird tail lights should get you through a pinch I believe I used the same wire harness, all I had to change was the turn signal lights and it otherwise just plugged in...
#28
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Actually I guess I am lucky- I have the tail lights for the car! I just stripped the car down before I took those photos to check for any hidden rust or damage. As far as the actual car its self, its mostly there. HVAC is gone and the center console & radio pod. Wiring is hacked. Everything else from the interior is there. The only exterior parts missing are the fog lamps and original wheels.
#29
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
LOL that car looks like it'd be fairly easy to restore. True the original parts are long gone, but who cares unless you're trying to take it to barret jackson or list it as some pristine collector vehicle on Ebay. If a person wanted to fake it, it'd only take a couple seconds to mill or polish the VIN numbers off a 305 block and T5 and who would ever know the difference?
Funny part is that I've got most of the parts it'd take to complete restore that car, just laying around, but decent rollers never pop up around here.
Funny part is that I've got most of the parts it'd take to complete restore that car, just laying around, but decent rollers never pop up around here.
#30
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA, 91 1LE TA
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Just so its out there- I would be willing to sell this 1LE to a very serious collector who would be interested in it.
Last edited by JJ88GTA; 03-17-2015 at 02:19 PM.
#31
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 1991 '1LE' Trans Am
Is that the once red car now painted black in the pictures?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bjpotter
History / Originality
47
01-22-2019 12:27 PM
sailtexas186548
Exterior Parts for Sale
14
02-29-2016 08:40 AM