I have a 1983 Trans AM which I got from a salvage yard to originally turn into a Knight Rider Replica, may still but im moving toward restoration. I am picking up a 1985 firebird with a 2.8L V6 with 5 speed, which looks to be in good condition from the top, not sure if there are cracks in the block or anything like that yet, but it costs 325 so its good for parts.

Which car would be better as a base for restoration? the 83 TA or 85 Firebird? (also can i switch the drive train between the two easily without haveing to buy extra stuff?). I mainly bought the 85 for the turbo cast rims, but the car is in good shape once you get past the paintjob and interior. Is there any changes in the frame or suspension on the FB or TA that would make it better (handleing, durability, etc..).

 

well 83 was the year the show used. If the drivetrain in the 83 is good I would say to use it. Also check for rust, etc etc. and make the decision based on that. Ive got a 83 black/tan t/a im selling. I think the interior in the knight rider was either tan or black recaro style. Wish you luck on your conversion. Theres alot of stuff you can do to it. I personally think the dash of the knight rider and the steering wheel look ugly.

Hope all ends well

Nate

 

I would use the body with the lowest milage on it they are basically the same between all years, the newer the better with a unibody car, however depends if you do the replca I would go with the newer car.

You said you bought it from a junk yard do you have a title for it, If not you will need to use the body that has a title or can be titled.

to swap out the drive train all you need is to carry over the mounts and the trans cross member (one car I don't rember which has the bolts for the trans cross in a different location you may need to check this). I would look up the history of the bodies and look for damage that has been fixed. If you can drive them take down the road see which is tighter body wise and makes less noise.

Of course if you do a strict restoration you will want to do the 83 or at least thats what I would do.

 

I have a title for both, and only the 85 has a motor, I was planning to build a twin turbo V8, but until i can, i want to use the v6 thats in teh 85, it has dual exhaust with 4 exhaust tips which are chrome and looks nice.

the 85 is a salvage/restoration title tho, so i have to have it inspected (shouldnt be a problem tho)

I just didnt know if the body improved over the years or something like that, or if the TA had better parts

 

The T/A should have better suspension than the V6.

 

well if ur just storing it while your restoring it it shouldnt matter if it doesnt have an engine. Get a nice engine for it. As I recall single turbo is better then twin. But do what you desire. Let us know on the progress. The exhaust and good parts should be able to be switched easily from 6 to the 8. Let us know when you make a decision and how they are held up. As someone said the body, frame, suspension, etc could be different on each car.

Nate

 

NO! It was the Camel Tan Viscount interior which was 1982 only! KITT, KARR, and Knight Rider have absolutely nothing Recaro T/A related! Not trying to be an *** but I'm tired of seeing the Recaro Trans Am's being hacked up for a conversion.

If you are doing a restoration then restore the '83 T/A and convert the 85!

 

Someone hit a nerve

I thought about trying to make one of them into a Recaro, I will paint one the Black/Tan(or Gold) tho. Love that paint scheme.

KR was an 82 TA with TMD camel skin seats and tan interior

 

The 85 is a V6 car with a salvage title: don't throw any money in it. It will never be worth anything when you go to sell it someday. Use it as a beater or a parts car and fix up the Trans Am. The T/A should have better suspension anyway.

 

i second this a car with a salvage title isn't worth as much as it could be plus its a v6 use it as a daily driver