History / RestorationGot a question about Third Gen (1982-1992) Camaro or Firebird history? Where can I find these original parts? What is this option or RPO code? Those questions, answers, and more!
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I just registered yesterday,so forgive me if this question is answered somewhere. I checked out a post here about production numbers but the only info listed is a 7000+ number that includes TA's and GTA's for 1987,
I have a '87 GTA hardtop 5.7L that I purchased new. I have always wanted to now how many were built. I paid 19.7K for the car and the dealer was upset that he was obligated to that price when the car came in. I had ordered it months before.
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I looked at the page directed to and it looks like scrambled eggs to me.
Is the correct answer nobody but GM and God knows and it's probably the latter.
That is a page of each RPO code, like the L98 code for a TPI 350.
There is no way to get an accurate count of RPO combinations. My 1 of 1,769 is based on the lowest RPO code production figure know. Only 1,769 white GTAs built.
Without knowing your RPO codes, we can't narrow it down any, other than knowing the 7,818 L98 GTAs were built in 1987.
You can be certain yours is 1 of 7,818, if you are sure it is truely a GTA. But it sounds like you are the original owner, so you at least know it is a real GTA & not faked by a previous owner.
You can narrow it down by options your car has.
Yes I am the original owner. A little confused here, if the 7818 number is just GTA's with the L98 option than that's what it is,but what I gather from what your investigation has found is the GTA in '87 was just offered in the Trans Am car lineup, So your figure is probably close.
My car has the 4 wheels disc brakes,the GTA interior,TPI vette motor,ect. The car was ordered loaded except I opted for the analog gauges instead of the digital setup. The car has the recaro like velour seats and integral spoiler.
I could write down all the codes from the center console tag, is this something I should look into further? I just thought the 7818 number was a lot bigger than I expected. My dealer was kind of upset that I bought the car for less then sticker. I had ordered it months earlier and had a signed quote. The dealer thought at the time the car was a rare bird so to speak. Thx for your help,appreciated greatly.
Roger
Edited: Stephen just saw your "white" reference. So I guess the 7818 figure is correct. My car color was the most popular so the figure is probably 4000+ I think. There could be a difference in whether it has the digital or analog gauges I guess but I could do some checking like you did.
Update: I just noticed the interior trim codes. Mine is red cloth,did I miss it or is it listed??
Last edited by 87_5.7L_GTA; 05-26-2009 at 10:56 PM.
Yeah....Look through your RPO and look for the lowest single number.
My 1 of 1,769 is based on the lowest RPO production figure for my car.....White.
OK Stephen here's what I found quickly,my trim code is 72D(carmine) with a production number of 1537. I guess that somewhat answers my question for my car. The only other option that might reduce it by a large amount is the gauges option. Thanks for all your help.
It is complicated. If I recall correctly, in '87, the GTA was an option of the Trans Am. In '88 it became a stand alone model. However, even so, when I look at the build numbers for my '88 GTA, it still shows as a 1 of a total Trans Am/GTA builds.
Stephen is right. Look for the lowest number of rpo's ordered that you have in your SPID and that tells you the uniqueness of your car.
I've never been able to figure the differences between the 3 different black cloth....3 different camel cloth & 3 different carmine cloth RPOs. It seems that nobody can explain what it different between the 3 of each.
So I just go by my white body color. What color is your 87? Any pics anywhere?
I've never been able to figure the differences between the 3 different black cloth....3 different camel cloth & 3 different carmine cloth RPOs. It seems that nobody can explain what it different between the 3 of each.
So I just go by my white body color. What color is your 87? Any pics anywhere?
Great pics. The flame red color is very attractive. I've only seen it myself on a few occasions. Sometimes, it looks burgundy, but I have also seen it take on a burnt orange tinge, if you know what I mean, especially in the bright sun!!
Lucky you to have two. I have a long story to tell about this car but for later. I leased a '02 Porsche 996 for five years. I just got my GTA back this weekend and you know what,nothing beats an American Hi-po V8. I know from experience now, I wouldn't trade my GTA for anything except maybe a V12 Ferrari,just kidding.
Yeah, but my only problem is that one had an engine fire So, I'm doing a ground-up restoration on that one. The other - well it shows up this week.
Anyway, I am absolutely incredibly impressed that you are the original owner of your GTA. I hear you about the Porsche. My wife and I talked about sports cars (I even saw a Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer for about $77,000 US and my wife said, "if you want it, you can have it". There were a few other caveats of course).
Anyway, for me the enjoyment is in turning the wrenches myself. Plus the parts don't mean a talk to the loans officer. So, for the blend of style and fun, the GTA does it for me too.
Yeah, but my only problem is that one had an engine fire So, I'm doing a ground-up restoration on that one. The other - well it shows up this week.
Anyway, I am absolutely incredibly impressed that you are the original owner of your GTA. I hear you about the Porsche. My wife and I talked about sports cars (I even saw a Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer for about $77,000 US and my wife said, "if you want it, you can have it". There were a few other caveats of course).
Anyway, for me the enjoyment is in turning the wrenches myself. Plus the parts don't mean a talk to the loans officer. So, for the blend of style and fun, the GTA does it for me too.
GTA50,
That's way cool and yes I suprise myself sometimes.
The reason is that Thirdgens were quite largely produced (well over a million). Firebirds themselves were about a third (very rough estimate). The total I did on GTAs for their entire production run was about 32,400 (the number is from memory, so don't crucify me if it isn't entirely accurate).
I can quote to a Mustang collector that my GTAs are of less than 378 for Canadian models and get a "yawn" and then a commentary about 1/4 mile times, yada, yada, yada
OK Stephen here's what I found quickly,my trim code is 72D(carmine) with a production number of 1537. I guess that somewhat answers my question for my car. The only other option that might reduce it by a large amount is the gauges option. Thanks for all your help.
I just finally found my sticker which was in the dash pocket, I thought it was missing all this time.
Anyways, looks like my car is the exact same as yours.
L98 engine
74U Flame red metallic
72D Carmine interior
I also have the analog gauges.
The only difference I see between mine and yours is mine has the door map pockets. From what I can see by your pics, it looks yours doesn't have them.
So, I'm doing a ground-up restoration on that one. The other - well 
