Firebird VS TransAm
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 758
Likes: 1
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?
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?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 745
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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
Matt
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 2
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 ***
gta=great tubby ***
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 49
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 ***
gta=great tubby ***
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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?
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 0
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.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
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?
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?
Member

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 495
Likes: 4
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?
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!
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!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
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?
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?
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
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]
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]
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
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?
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?
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.
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,113
Likes: 6
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.
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 really don't think the general public has ever disconnected them. When you think hot car you think of the 2nd gen Firebird TA.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
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]
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]
Sometimes I wish I had a hard top, but I like to be able to look up and see the sky.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 13
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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