Hi all,
New to this forum but I have owned 4 3rd gen f-bodies in the past. Looking to get into a 3rd gen 'vert again or possibly an early 4th gen. I have the opportunity to look at two 3rd gen cars. First is an 89 GTA with the 350, auto. No report on miles yet. owner says its in good condition and is asking $4500. The other is a 1991 T/A 305 auto. new paint with near mint interior. Just turned 91K. He is asking $7000 which seems high to me.
I know both are pretty rare birds but which would you rather have given the info I provided above. The 91 would probably be the tighter of the two as far as structure goes given Pontiacs improvements.
Thanks in advance
Wes

 

I have since found that the 89 GTA has 112,000 mile. Original owner, original paint. scratches at base of rear bumper and nose from pulling into steep driveway. front leather seats worn and need to be re-covered.

 

I'd go for the 'vert (try to talk him down!)... but then, I may be a tad biased.

 

Id go for the gta and talk him way down, i wouldent pay more than 3k unless its modded.

 

Try to talk down the vert. You'll have much more fun

I'm biased.

 

1989 with a 350, that was my choice, and a better price... Clear favorite. They are both verts? I read that too quickly. I'd say the 91 isn't rare in my own opinion

Bill

 

Only 555 produced in 1991. Certainly not common either...

 

If the vert is white, I think it has been repaired. Thats the price and description from when I was looking 6-7 months ago. Car slid under the back of truck and crunched the front end. I thought about buying it before paint, but couldn't do it. Ask him about any repairs and get some pictures for me.

Kevin D.

 

Here is where I am at. In California everyone has a convertible. Well, almost everyone. A third gen convertible in great shape is unusal and (I hope) distinctive. The GTA is all of those things with a hard top. It also seems to me that there is more performance to be had with the GTA. I simply lust after them.

Now however, the sun is coming out every day and the temp is near 70 or above. The convertible is pretty awesome about now.

It's a wash really but I think it is because I have not had a GTA that I would go for that now.

~shrug~

 

Stock there's almost no performance difference between the two. Maybe ~10-15 hp depending on if the vert has the same crappy 2.73 gears as well as lacking the g92 mine did.

 

That's the thing. The GTA is a 350.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 305 especially that premium gas near me is 2.75+ a gallon.



I want the performance but want the economy of a 305 AND a convertible. A GTA with a T-top gives me 2 of those 3.

 

Sorry to offened all the 91-92ers but those are the worst looking 3rd gens of them all. The front bumper tells the truth with those. Go with the 89 GTA. Ill never get rid of my 89 formula and GTA's are way cooler. Go to the GTA Side of the force.

 

I'm talking stock. There is almost no difference between the two as far as performance or "Gas Guzzling" ability.

Once you start modding...then that's another story.

 

The dual exhaust is claimed as a significant HP adder on those late 80s models, if you follow the true dual exhaust thread elsewhere on the forum, you can mod that as well.
I prefer having the 350 as it is the most widely used performance SBC, I'd say.
The newer verts look nice, but I think in terms of the V6 in some of those late verts, it's only looks. Show and no go

 

Well, the official years can be seen floating around here, but I'd agree to correct that, I may instinctivly be thinking of Camaros as well, I have seen my share of third gen droptops but the Bird over a Camaro always runs in lower numbers
WHICH is why I'm always looking to see more like mine. Ran across a Deville last night that was red with white sim-con and custom wheels, same vintage and style as mine. Those things catch my eye.
The same night, a car carrier drove by work that had a black 80s Biarritz Caddy on it with several new models in the back... I'd longed to grab a photo of that...it was too odd! (I'm a former owner and fan)
BILL

 

In matters of taste, there is no wight or wrong. According to my tastes, they are the sweetest. How can you not like a nose like this?



No answer required.

 

Monochromatic themes are certainly welcome in the world of car enthusiests, but at the same time, I love the tradition of contrasts like two tones and chrome bumpers, side moldings, etc.
Initially I had planned on adding the late 3rd gen moldings and nose (seem to recall reference to Batman for the style--possibly MotorTrend had referred, prior to production)
Anyway, I felt the 88/89 black rubstrip style that has a more verticle face is just as appealing and helps to date the car better too. should add, for a TA, those noses differ as well of course. I love the hood bulge so mine would be required!
Bill

 

Well, that may be true although I doubt a stock 305 matches a 350, even if they are both TBI cars. Another thing I consider is the suspension. The GTA will have a stiffer suspension (stock) and better handling peformance. Isn't that a WS6 suspension on the GTA?

I would love to drive one to be able to verify that.

To review:

• 305 vs. 305. You make the call but in terms of performance, "there is no replacement for displacement."
• TBI vs TPI vs Carb: Performance potential would seem to favor the latter two.
• Convertible or T-Top: What is your use case for this car? Sunny days and cruising or 1/4 miler.

 

Another thing crossing my mind while reading is that according to my promo vid collection, a dealer intended VD (Laserdisc) points out the GTA is the highest end Firebird model offered and was priced over $20K
It is the luxury model though, well equipped and heavier as a result. Still, one heck of a car
Bill

 

You mean even if they are both TPI cars? There is a 25hp difference between the 91 lb9 and 89 l98. Which won't be noticeable on the street. (untill you start modding and if you actual race at the track). The suspension is the exact same. Spring rates, sway bar sizes, everything. They'll both have the ws6 package. The GTA would be faster just because it has a roof and 25 more hp but for a daily driver or weekend cruiser that wouldn't matter anyways...

 

Its a matter of preference. I cant stand the 91-92 nose or gfx, but some people like it.

The suspension could be the same, I havent looked at the 2 cars in question. In any case, the GTA came with the WS6 stock, the TA it was optional so they could both have the same suspension. I'd take a 350 over a 305, but you could change that later if you wanted to. From owning one of both (89 350 vert, 86 T-top car with 91 G92 305), the 350 has a bunch more torque. The 89 is faster, but not by a whole lot... but enough to win a race.

Given the choice, pick the car that is in better shape, IMO, unless you really want an 89 for the different look or you want an 89 350.

 

The GTA being a top dog, It should be expected most all options are on hand
-B