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Firebird VS TransAm

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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 09:33 PM
  #1  
ThraxXx's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L Fuel Injection
Transmission: Automatic 4speed /w OVerdrive
Firebird VS TransAm

Whats the difference between the two. Is it just the body style?

I noticed that the T/A has these small foglights on the groundFX and the firebird has these black vent like things. Are there any other differences between the two?
Old Jan 15, 2004 | 09:39 PM
  #2  
Matto'85TA's Avatar
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From: Eastpointe, MI
Car: 2001 Trans Am WS.6, 1985 Trans Am-RIP :,(
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R-4
TA's were the higher level model so they got the better options(PW,PL,PM, digital dash), bigger base engine, etc. Exterior wise TA's got the gfx and spoiler, different rims and fender vents(except on GTA's and TTA). Because of all this though the TA's were also heavier, I believe the GTA's were the heaviest of the thirdgens.

Matt
Old Jan 15, 2004 | 10:53 PM
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br()bert's Avatar
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From: Philly
Car: 85 firebird
Engine: Pos 2.8 pulled and replaced with a 350 tpi motor converted to carb.
Transmission: 700r4, vette servo,shift kit, hayden 15"x8" trans cooler.
gta=great tubby ***
Old Jan 15, 2004 | 11:06 PM
  #4  
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From: Hill AFB, Utah
Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA Notchback
Engine: 305ci, 5.0L, TPI, HO
Transmission: Borg Warner T5 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 9-Bolt Positraction Rear w/3.45 Grs
Originally posted by br()bert
gta=great tubby ***
That's not very nice.:nono:
Old Jan 15, 2004 | 11:12 PM
  #5  
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From: Philly
Car: 85 firebird
Engine: Pos 2.8 pulled and replaced with a 350 tpi motor converted to carb.
Transmission: 700r4, vette servo,shift kit, hayden 15"x8" trans cooler.
just a joke
Old Jan 15, 2004 | 11:17 PM
  #6  
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From: Hill AFB, Utah
Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA Notchback
Engine: 305ci, 5.0L, TPI, HO
Transmission: Borg Warner T5 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 9-Bolt Positraction Rear w/3.45 Grs
I know man
Old Jan 16, 2004 | 08:44 PM
  #7  
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From: Naperville, IL
Car: 89 Iroc Hardtop
Engine: LB9 w/G92 Pkg
Transmission: T5 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 9-Bolt, 3.45
Originally posted by br()bert
gta=great tubby ***
I thought it was Grand Theft Auto. I remember those cars were stolen a lot when they were new.
Old Jan 16, 2004 | 09:36 PM
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83ho86tpi's Avatar
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From: clearwater
Car: trans-am
Engine: tpi
Most firebird owners will tell you that a firebird and a trans-am are the same thing, but the trans-am and some formula owners know better. I got nothing against firebirds, i love em, but who wouldnt want more options and a better package on their car?
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 12:26 AM
  #9  
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From: Philly
Car: 85 firebird
Engine: Pos 2.8 pulled and replaced with a 350 tpi motor converted to carb.
Transmission: 700r4, vette servo,shift kit, hayden 15"x8" trans cooler.
its simple really. some people(myself included) like the firebirds better. Imo ground fx are ugly as hell. I remember whne i was looking to buy a 3rd gen, i passed up buying 3 trans ams because they are not what i wanted. Formula's? I love their hoods, hate the rear spoiler. Its all in what you,personaly , want and are looking for.
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 12:28 AM
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally posted by 83ho86tpi
Most firebird owners will tell you that a firebird and a trans-am are the same thing, but the trans-am and some formula owners know better. I got nothing against firebirds, i love em, but who wouldnt want more options and a better package on their car?
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 03:05 AM
  #11  
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From: SoCal - South OC
Car: '84 Trans Am; '88 GTA
Engine: Vortec 355ci TPI
Transmission: TH-700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
My 84 TA was fully optioned however the exterior looks like a base model - no GFX (more like an '82). How do you explain that? Did the dealer order a fully optioned TA but opted for a base look as some sort of credit?
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 05:15 AM
  #12  
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From: surrey b.c. canada
Car: 89 Iroc
Engine: lb9
Transmission: wc t-5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.08 posi
persoanlly i love the look of a trans am gta, but an 89 iroc still is tops in my book
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 11:21 AM
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Tonyrodz's Avatar
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From: NJ
Transmission: auto
You can get the same options on a Formula as you can on a T/A except for the gfx and digital dash.
My Formula was loaded--except no gfx(T/A's only)and digital dash. Had the 350 tpi and 3.27's--that was all I needed anyway!
Attached Thumbnails Firebird VS TransAm-stripping-formula.jpg  
Old Jan 17, 2004 | 11:45 AM
  #14  
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally posted by Mr.84TransAmer
My 84 TA was fully optioned however the exterior looks like a base model - no GFX (more like an '82). How do you explain that? Did the dealer order a fully optioned TA but opted for a base look as some sort of credit?
The GFX were optional so the car was ordered without them.
Old Jan 18, 2004 | 07:19 PM
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Firebird you haven't made a decal of the blue firebird with the 383 above it have you. perfect decal for the sail panel. I would buy two if you made any.
Old Jan 18, 2004 | 07:32 PM
  #16  
ator's Avatar
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From: Michigan
Car: 92 Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4, 3.73 rear
My Formula has everything I want and nothing I don't want.

Has: 5.7, black mesh rims, GTA style spoiler, power windows/locks, performance suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes

Doesn't have" Leather seating, power seats, t-tops]



Old Jan 18, 2004 | 08:58 PM
  #17  
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Ator you are a very lucky person. just about every car guy wants to add or subtract or upgrade something for their toy. not many of us have here have the perfect car. aren't we all jealous
Old Jan 18, 2004 | 09:21 PM
  #18  
ator's Avatar
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From: Michigan
Car: 92 Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4, 3.73 rear
Yes I was lucky to get what I wanted, but as far as upgrading goes, I did upgrade the gears, I will be upgrading to a cold air intake along with a few other things. But mainly I didn't want T-tops, I've seen too many leaky ones and too many idiots who say "whats this" and open em while moving. Also, I hate leather seats in hot weather. I love the rims so I won't be upgrading those. So I guess I lucked out.
Old Jan 18, 2004 | 11:19 PM
  #19  
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From: St. Louis, MO, USA
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700 R4
Originally posted by 83ho86tpi
Most firebird owners will tell you that a firebird and a trans-am are the same thing, but the trans-am and some formula owners know better. I got nothing against firebirds, i love em, but who wouldnt want more options and a better package on their car?
Heh, I guess I'm an exception. I know the diff, but a lot of people that don't own any of the above always call my car a Trans Am and I just say that'd be nice if it was, but it's just a Firebird.
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 12:03 AM
  #20  
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From: NWOhioToledoArea
Car: 86-FireBird
Engine: -MPFI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Originally posted by br()bert
its simple really. some people(myself included) like the firebirds better. Imo ground fx are ugly as hell. I remember whne i was looking to buy a 3rd gen, i passed up buying 3 trans ams because they are not what i wanted. Formula's? I love their hoods, hate the rear spoiler. Its all in what you,personaly , want and are looking for.
I think it was smokey n the bandit that made the Firebird more popular. It was a TA but it was a Firebird Trans Am.

I really don't think the general public has ever disconnected them. When you think hot car you think of the 2nd gen Firebird TA.
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 03:15 PM
  #21  
Zepher's Avatar
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From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Originally posted by ator
My Formula has everything I want and nothing I don't want.

Has: 5.7, black mesh rims, GTA style spoiler, power windows/locks, performance suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes

Doesn't have" Leather seating, power seats, t-tops]

It's also my understanding that 90-92 cars with the 5.7 engine didn't have the option for T-Tops either, so if you wanted T-Tops, you'd have to settle for the 5.0.
Sometimes I wish I had a hard top, but I like to be able to look up and see the sky.
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 08:37 PM
  #22  
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From: Arizona
Car: 1983 Firebird SE
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: TH700R4
Heh, I guess I'm an exception. I know the diff, but a lot of people that don't own any of the above always call my car a Trans Am and I just say that'd be nice if it was, but it's just a Firebird.
I know that feeling VinJo. I have a 1983 Firebird SE and the people I work with are always like "so hows your Trans Am?".
LoL, however I am putting some 4th gen Trans Am badging on it
when I get my 1989 Trans Am ground effects put on this month and get it all painted up. I havent found a set yet, but I would like to put on some 91-92 Z28 rocker pannels as well.
Attached Thumbnails Firebird VS TransAm-firebird.jpg  
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 08:42 PM
  #23  
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1983 Daytona Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
I know how both of you feel. My RS is my daily driver (82 is off the road for now) and people say nice Pontiac (I wish!)
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