For those who dont know, Iam 3rd gen less right now. I was looking at an 89 GTA, I dont know any codes yet, however I do know this-
5.7L
TPI
new hedders, intake, ignition.
The guy was saying something about a corvette engine. Does anyone have a guess how much HP? How well do these cars move when stock? Thankyou all, for this info is much needed!!!

Ryan

 

dude, first of all, check the VIN. i believe that if the 8th digit is "8", then its a 5.7 "L98". you wanna make sure of that. second of all, they came with 245 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque stock (correct me if i'm wrong). were they mid-high 14 second cars? something like that... hope this helps

 

I bought my GTA new in 1989 and with the dual cats. It was rated at 235 HP. I believe the ET was around 15 seconds and the lower 90's stock. Still have the car and I'am going to do two more mods to it. The ZZ4 cam and flat top pistons. I have numerous SLP parts on it along with Brodix street heads and the Edlebrock TPI manifold. I had the original cam reground by Chet Herbert around 1990. It's been 11 years since I was last at the track. However if I remember correctly I was around 102MPH and high 13.7's with street tires. My compression is around 9 to 1 so that is why I will install the flat top pistons. Just trying to square it away after all these years and have a new prom burned. Hopefully when all is said and done I will have 300HP at the rear wheels. Allen

 

.

 

Gran Turismo Americano
Yes you are correct in the order.
www.gtasourcepage.com is an EXCELLENT page to find out tons of info.

 

I thought it stood for "Got Taken Again"!

 

If your looking at a GTA, then you want to make sure its a GTA, and not a firebird with GTA nameplates. Look in the center console for the option label. The deciding code is " Y84 ". If that code isnt there, then its not a GTA. Keep us posted on what ya do. always welcome to have another 3rd gen in the fold (especially another GTA, he he he ).

 

Thankyou all foe the info... I was suspose to test drive yesterday, however we were playing phone tag, you all know how that goes??? We are going to hopefully meet on sat. I will definatly let you all know.. Thankyou again, Ryan.

 

OK go look at the car get the vin and rpo codes if you can at least the VIN will be there. If it doesn't have the RPO codes in the center console it doesn't mean its not a GTA it just means if it is the center console was swapped out. Other easy tells is the map pocket will have GTA stitched on it not the standard firebird logo. You should also have a gold bird (not silver) in the center of your tail lights, there should also be a gold Pontiac emblem on drivers side headlight pocket, of course the GTA seats with articulating headrest, and th emost obvoius the GTA badges which are readily available to stick on any firebird you want these days. These are some of the obvious clues. Not all GTA's had the 5.7L though so you want to make sure its not the 305 version.

 

On my 1889 GTA the map pocket has the gold firebird emblem. Below that is an emblem that says Performance Suspension. I think a key identification point is the emblem in the tail light center piece. It is a gold etched bird but also it's a seperate emblem that is glued in place. It fits flush within a recessed pocket of the tail light center piece. Good luck with your choice. Parley

 

everyone is wrong...... GTA stands for "grand theft auto"

jk, thecoolone got it right......its gran turismo americano

 

Yes it is some what true about the GTA engine being a vette engine both are L98 engines the diffence would be vettes had aluminum heads.To tell if it is a GTA check thecode in the arm reast and gold bird on rear taillights and on the map holder it should be a gold bird also the pontiac emblem should be gold on th drivers side head light the steering wheel should have controls for the radio i could go on longer but that should help! Does that one have T-Tops cause 89 was the first and last year of the 5.7 and T-Tops to much torque is whatr they say

 

If its a real GTA is will have RPO Y84.

 

...I have to correct you on that one. I have seen SPID labels of RPO codes for 88-90 GTA's with t-tops and 350's(CC1/L98). 1987 had them as well later in the production year even tho they weren't supposed to be offered in 1987.
Nice pic of the GTA tho, is it yours?

This statement is 100 percent true and is the only thing you want to guage your purchase by.

 

Yup all mine fully loaded with all the options in 89 except the noch back and aluminum spare

 

IS the crooked license plate standard? J/K

 

No took bracket off cause i think front plates look gay on this car but got pulled over and cop thought diffrent needless to say i tossed the plate bracket B4 that happened

 

If your 1989 GTA had the notchback (AA8) it would be a very rare car. Only one was produced that year. 1988 was the year AA8 was offered. Did yours have the factory CD player(U1A) or the digital dash? There were 3 US and 1 Canadian export that I have came across personally that had factory digital dash(U52). Thats a very rare option for that year.

 

..just a sidenote, if your car is an 89 GTA you should have the N64 option for aluminum spare. It may have been swapped out but more than likely it still is there in your car. In 89 they painted the rims black and they really look like a steel wheel. Take a magnet out and try to stick it to the rim. I bet in your case it will not stick. Just a hunch.....

 

the spare would look like this if i had it

 

If you have an 89 GTA then you would never have the picture of the wheel you just posted. In 1989 the N64 aluminum spare was changed from the spoked variety you have posted to the solid black painted aluminum spare. The new N64 rim was introduced due to clearance issues with the new 1LE and rear PBR calipers. All thrid gens from 89 through 1992 that had N64 had the solid aluminum wheel painted black. Did you even try the magnet out yet???

 

No no magnet i got that pic off the old frankie rider site. So what your sayin is that the aluminum spare looks like a regular steel doughnut ? ill have to try the magnet

 

Yeah, pretty much whats posted. But I'll essentially sum it up.

ALL GTA's had the following.
Gold Firebird emblem in the center section of the Tail lights. (Except 91-92's, they had "Pontiac" silk screened in gold centered between the two tail lights)
GTA: TransAm emblems on nose and fenders
Gold firebird emblem on sail panels
Gold Crosslace 16x8 rims
"ventless" Fenders.
Power Lumbar Seats

GTA's COULD have the following.
Steering wheel Radio Controls (no 87's, 88-89 could have them, 90+ got the Airbag so no controls)
Digital Dash optional (not offered in 89, or the following years)
88' Notchback (optional)
Split rear seats.
Either GTA or Gold Firebird Logo embroidered on the map pocket.
5.7L TPI (L98) / Auto was standard.
5.0L TPI (LB9) / Manual optional
5.0L TPI (LB9) / Auto Optional (peanut cam)
Dual Cats (became standard later in 91)

I believe this to be a fairly complete and accurate list. I have read over the FAQ and TA GTA info on www.transamgta.com . I do not know everything however, so I may have forgotten to include some info.

 

I must give it to you all, Your pretty smart when it comes to the facts... I wish I didnt work so much, I still havent gotten out there to test drive, Iam just happy that the guy is sorta a freind, so he is holding it for me. I was going to get all the codes just for the reason every one is saying, Is it a real GTA? I will keep you all posted.. Thankyou again. Ryan

 

I've seen many people mis label GTA's and non-GTA's as either/or, but rarely are they trying to pass off a clone. In fact, I haven't seen ANY GTA clones for sale ever. They've all been either mis labeled, or just missing the badges cause of a repaint.

 

Yea im missing my sail panel birds from getting it repainted they needed to be replaced any whoo . i will end up getting a whole new set

 

Man, I wish I could say this.... I've been to many shows since the birth of my website, and had somebody come up and drag me off to a car somewhere that was not a legitimate GTA that was for sale. It happens more often that one would think.

The most common instances I've noted of late are in the 1991 and 1992 convertibles... I saw the blood literally drain from a guy's face one time in Ohio when I produced the 1992 Firebird convertible order sheet at a show after he took "flagrant" issue with me over the website's claim that no GTA droptops were built in '91 or '92.

I think this situation will get even worse as the cars get older and hard to find.

But good luck, Ryan... and I hope this car is what you hope it is. The folks here on this board can help you out right quick if you find you need it for verification.

 

I have an interesting take on this. I have a GTA that was missing most of the GTA significant parts. I did have digital dash, steering wheel radio controls, 5.7 with 3.27 rear and aluminum driveshaft, all of these could be special ordered and still not be a GTA. My RPO sticker was missing from the center compartment, I had a gold bird on map pocket and not the GTA pocket, my center tailight has a solid gold firebird that was obviously stuck on there at some point. I had no Pontiac badge in drivers side headlight gold or otherwise, most obvious were the seats were in nice shape but standard fair not GTA power lumbar. I did have the GTA badges minus the sail panel ones and most noticablly body wise I had NO vents in fenders. The car was researched through Pontiac Historical Society so I could figure out what happened. What I found out was my car was original GTA ordered from the factory, the car was stolen and most of the GTA stuff was stripped from it. So there are many examples out there of weird stuff that happens. I was relieved to find I had a true GTA so as I start replacing stuff thats missing I dont' have to feel like I am cloning or misrepresenting what I have.

 

I thought an easy way to tell if its a GTA is the side vents, if a V8 and no side vents GTA, if side vents and V8 Trans Am. Correct me if im wrong.

 

As stated--anything can be changed.
Look at my car? GTA or not?

 

another

 

last

 

it's a reg T/A that has the GTA goodies on it. also has the 3.27 4 wd rear, 350 tpi motor and aluminum spare. Still have to put the dual factory cats on it.
I'm not trying to fool anyone that it's a real GTA but it easily could pass as one-so be careful when looking over a car you're looking to buy.

 

Hey Tonyrodz I also noticed you had a hood from 82-84 T/A or 87-92 Formula I really like those hoods have one on my 83 crossfire T/A. Is that the original engine and if so I didn't know you could get a 350 in 86 and one more way I could tell yours apart from a GTA is, I cant tell if you have it anymore but there should be at least a mounting spot for a center high mount stoplight on the top glass of hatch in 87 first year for GTA it was moved down to the spoiler

 

I should've clarified a little better. The car originally came as an 86 T/A w/305 tpi, auto, 3.27's, 4 wheel discs and ws6. My 89 Formula 350 was totaled so I just used that to build the T/A.
The only thing original on the 86 is one door(soon to be changed) the rear disc brake setup--I'm going to put my pbr's on-so in reality it's an 89 w/an 86 title.
The hood came from my 89 but I have a glass hood that I'm going to put on--so the bulge hood will be for sale soon.
I mixed and matched alot of different parts from different years--for my own personal taste, but I think anyone should build their car how they like it.

 

I DEFINITELY NEED TO TALK TO YOU . I NEED THIS STUFF FOR MY 89'GTA. WHAT KIND OF HORSIES WILL THIS GIVE. DO YOU RACE? HOW MUCH. THIS SOUNDS SOOOOOO COOL (YOUR PARTS). FILL ME IN BROTHER.

 

If this was the same guy, he was claiming a 92 GTA vert on cardomain and I told him there was no such a car. He didn't believe me, and I told him he had been ripped off.

 

Hehehehe. The thread is over 3 years old.

 

how can i tell if my 91 gta has a 5.7 or 5.0. everyone says that you couldnt get the 5.7 with t tops. any help? thanks.

 

You couldn't get the 5.7 w/ the t-tops and a GTA in 91. The 8th letter of the VIN would be an 8 if it was a 350, F if it was a 305.

 

Even though some dont view it that way. I believe that the Formula was actually meant to be the Firebirds answer to the Trans Am. Meaning the Formula, Formula 350 is equal to the GTA's.

The Formula inthe 70's had dual ram air scoops that were originally meant for the TA. But they decided on going with the cowl hood instead. Thus leaving the dual ram air setup to be used as a Firebird Formula model. The 70's style Formula's were the equals to the TA's with exception of appearance. What I mean is same engine and suspension pakcages or damn near close to it, just different looks.

 

The Formula was the Answer to the Mustang LX when it came to Thirdgens. It was the budget racer, all go, no show.

 

Somebody needs to do their Formula homework! Firstly, the T/A and GTA ARE Firebirds...Secondly, the Formula was started as a budget racer/ insurance beater. Much like the "Heavy Chevy" program for the 71/72 Chevelles. No SS logos, but all the HiPo goodies of an SS. Insurance companies, the Safety Police, and Ralph Nader made it all but impossible for a lot of people to buy performance muscle cars in the early 70's. Thats partly why muscle cars died out for a while. Gas shortages and emissions did the rest.

In '69, the first T/As were rare, fast, and horribly expensive. In 1970, they spead out the T/A's performance options a bit. T/A's were still expensive to buy and insure, were loaded with options, and got heavier. Pontiac had to come up with an alternative to the T/A moniker to keep its perfomance alive, but sorta underground. Anyone serious about racing wants to cut down weight, right? There was an obvious gap. The Formula was born as a cost effective no nonsense Firebird, with all the power and grace of the T/A and none of the glitz, just a non-functioning* ram air hood. Yep, it was supposed to be on the T/A, but got scrapped for the "Shaker". By 1981, the Formula was irrelevant. Engine perfomance sucked. Pontiac had the 301, Turbo 301, and Chevy 305 as engine choices. They could barely sell T/As that year. For '82, the Formula had to go into history.

It returned in '87 B'cuz much like the Formulas of yore, Pontiac needed an Insurance beater and a fair competitor against the stripped down, dirt cheap Mustang LX 5.0. Ford sold tons of 'em. Pontiac had nothing but loaded Trans Ams and the Heavily optioned GTAs....Chevy had nothing but the loaded up Iroc and heavily optioned Iroc-Z
OPTIONS = HEAVY = SLOW = NO BRAGGING RIGHTS = POOR SALES = BAD BOTTOM LINES!
Sorry, I mean absolutely no offense to GTA owners or Iroc-Z owners.

 

Actually, the 89 and later had PBR calipers, so the rear was different. It was still aluminum, but painted black.

Here is a pic of my 89 & my 87 GTAs spares. 89 spare on the left, 87 spare on the right.

 

Stephen, Im gonna be starting a new thread about "Factory Aluminum Goodies" in the history/resto....could you possibly post this pic in it with any info you've got on these two types and anything else Alum you know about/data, Thanx much!!!

 

Feel free to Save & use that pic in the thread.

All I know of is...

I pulled the black one out of my 89 GTA, with PBR calipers, and it is aluminum.

The silver aluminum one, is out of my 87 GTA, with non-PBR clipers.

There is something, dunno what, that prevents the silver aluminum ones from fitting on the PBR calipers.

 

IM CURIOUS IF I CAN GET REPLACEMENT CLOTH SEAT COVERS FOR MY 89 GTA REAR IS WHAT I NEED.

 

When the seller start saying it has a corvette engine that is the time to really start questioning the sellers BS.

 

Stephen the 10 spoke aluminum spare doesn't fit on cars with PBR calipers because the wheel is 14"(I have one in my '83 Z28).They changed to the 15" aluminum spare to fit cars with PBR calipers

Big Al there was an functional ram air hood option(WU-3)for the 2nd Gen Formula.And the all the hoods were fiberglas/composite up to '75.But you're right about the Formula "budget racer" idea,similar to the '68 Roadrunner,and again in '87 when it was brought back to compete against the 5.0 Mustangs.