gpwasr10

Hey guys, new here. I am in Colorado and have a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 403 Olds Black and Gold. It was a beautiful car but unfortunately the breaks went out, and I used a tree to stop it... it was that or a house.... I wrecked the hood, bumper, drivers side fender, and the drivers side door. So I decided to replace all of that and went ahead with starting to restore it only to find that someone had “restored” it before... and badly... Bondo... everywhere on the main body and the frame is... weathered. Other parts are real good though.

With the price of the parts I need... I could buy a pretty nice Third gen. and get the Fuel injected goodness with a lighter body. ‘Sides these are the “Chickens” I grew up with. But the choices seem slim in Colorado so far so I guess that leaves time to save up funds and part out my second gen. These cars have a ton of potential and look like a hoot to drive.

Right now I am thinking ‘89+ T/A or GTA but might go older depending on condition. T-Tops are a big plus but I understand the later model t-tops came with the smaller plant. The engine will likely get a rebuild so milage is not a huge concern, but I would like a strong running example. I am thinking the 5.7 but how much can the 5.0 be hopped up OOC? Also, what should I look for in a 3rd gen?

Looks like a great site for information so far guys! Thanx!

tom3

I'd sure recommend an 89 or newer. These cars were upgraded every year and the 89 had a better auto trans and a bit better camshaft. Get the 5.7 engine.

mike_c

iTrader: (13)

'89 was the last year you could get T-Tops and the 5.7. I'd only settle for the 5.0 if you were really wanted a car with a 5 speed or a 90-92 car with T-tops. Best of luck on your search.

EDIT: I think a very few '90 cars had a 350 and T-tops too, I could be wrong though.

gpwasr10

What kind of chedder should I hit the market with? I am going to look for an '89 5.7 t-bar roof color not important, around 100,000 mi. or so. I think these were all Autos with the 5.7 so no issue there, and it will be getting a shift kit anyways.

What was standard equipment on these? I am guessing AM/FM Casette, cloth int., tilt, A/C (though I would prefer one without and will likley remove this anyways). Pwr windows and door locks. Alloy wheels (high tech or WS6 GTA wheels?). Sound about right?

mike_c

iTrader: (13)

Hard to say, because it depends what you're looking for, but I think these are pretty accurate for the market right now.

Old clunker needing lots of work: 0-2K
Tired runner: 2-5K
Nice driver: 5-9K
Mint cond. low miles etc; expect to pay at least 10K, if not more.

Of course, it all depends on the individual car, options, how bad you want it, and how bad the other guy wants to sell it.

mike_c

iTrader: (13)

All GTA's came pretty much loaded with the 5.7 TPI and auto trans (unless it was a 5 speed, then it got the 5.0), WS6, 4 wheel discs, 3.27 posi rear, power windows/locks and seats, AC, AM/FM cassette and some even had factory CD players.

Not all regular T/A's were WS6s and some had rear drum brakes, I think most had a 305, and they usually weren't optioned as highly as GTA's .

T-tops and the 350 aren't all that common, but most of them were built in 1989 with a few in 87, 88, and 90. There were no cars with a 350 and factory T-tops in 91-92.

If you want a 350 with T-tops, an 89 is your best bet.

91RamAir Formula

89 was not the last year for 5.7 and t tops but the choices are fewer with this option after that year I have a 91 formula 5.7 w t-tops check out denver.craigslist.org for some also come over to MHTG.net for other colorado thirdgenners.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Welcome!! Glad to see more people getting into to our beloved 3rd gens.

Make sure to come over to our colorado club site as Mark said... We'd love to help you with your project.

www.mhtg.net

ranone21

iTrader: (3)

I have an 89 trans am... It is fully loaded and t-tops too.... It has the 305 in it but seems to have lots of power... mine was 500.00 but it needed a very long list of repairs,,,, love mine though.... good luck on your search!

gpwasr10

Str8 Panels, rust free, all the hard to find trim parts, sound block. These are the orders of the day. I am thinking of rounding in about 3-4 grand for the hunt. If I come in well under this on a sweet deal, then thats more cash for the rebuild kit, paint, apolstry, etc... If I get a 5.0 then it better be a 5 speed ;-).

ranone21

iTrader: (3)

mine is an auto/overdrive but wish it were a five speed...hmmmmmm,............ wonder if the switch is a hard one? I will be rebuilding things eventually

gpwasr10

not really to hard, just need a clutch and a tranny and a case of suds

klause83z28

GP, love your name. I never noticed it untill today. Gotta love fellow com-bloc gun owners. If I had a GTA it would be an 88-89. I know everybody loves the less complicated and less finicky speed density cars, but my heart stays with mass air. Even if you got a turd 305 tpi, the mass air ecu can keep up with a mild cam change. plus you have the roller cam to boot.

Cheers!!!