It looks like I'm trading my 91 ragtop for a restored 81 Turbo Trans AM Nascar pacecar.
www.krif.com/seans81.jpg

Does anyone know if there is a VIN decoder or any good online resources for information on second Gen F bodies?
I'm supposed to be picking it up saturday so unfortunately I don't have time for PHS documentation.

 

Post your 2nd Gen questions here:
http://discussions.gmforums.com/foru...33&forumid=248
Gregg
http://www.1le.org

 

tta1415,
What do you want to know?
The vin on this car should have X87, not W87. That will tell you that it is an 1981 NASCAR Trans Am.

Later,

George

------------------
1970 Trans Am Ram Air III
1974 Trans Am 455
1979 Trans Am convertible 403
1981 Trans Am 301 Turbo (heavy modified)
1989 20th Anniv. Turbo Trans Am #231

 

From the "nobody asked you for your opinion" department:

I'DA KEPT THE RAGTOP.

 

81 turbo pace car.you better be buying for collectors reasons,if not you must be crazy.those cars were dog slow,they had the good performance on paper but in the real world they were slower then ****

------------------
1987 Trans AM GTA
305 5SPD
Hypertech airfoil
gutted maf
kn filter
High Flow Cat,
3"Walker pipe
Dynomax Super turbo Muffler
TB Coolant bypass

 

In 1981, the NASCAR turbo pace car, released around February, was a limited run of 2000 copies with a base price of $12,244.
a 1981-style full hood bird decl was used with black accents, (not charcoal). This decal was featured along with Recaro seats(black with red inserts and carpeting), turbo lights, HATCH ROOF<, and white turbo cast alum. rims. the the decals were shipped inside the car for the dealer to install if the customer desired. THE X87 code is not a dead give-away to the pace car, as the code also applied to the special edition trans am's also which was available with or without turbo. 15 special edition coupes were made with the new 5.0 chevy built motor and the manual tranny, and only 932 made with the t-tops, 5.0 and manual tranny. no 5.0 equipped car got an automatic.hope this info helps.. I'd look at the rpo codes REALLY CLOSE, because without the t-tops, this could be a clone...(hope not..)
good luck, tigger


------------------
89: stock 305TBI, strut tower brace, MSD6AL, k&n filters,
stripes by AutoTrim Design,
optima wheels,
Kenwood kdcx615s deck,
MBQuart dkd146 4x6,
MBQuart Q series components in custom plates in rear pillars
2 JLAudio 500/2 sub amps
2 JLAudio 300/2 mid/high amps
2 12" soundstream SPLMules in 4 cubic ft box
audiosource 3.1 control center/EQ
154.1db in 1-2 street class

 

Well I got the car and while it is in excellent shape it is dog slow.
I will say It looks really cool parked next to my 89TTA
http://www.krif.com/dean/St.%20Ignac...8/P6280006.JPG
I'm pretty sure I'll be replaceing the 4.9 litre turbo with a 3.8 turbo at some point (soon).
I just wish there was a bit more I could do to the engine.

[This message has been edited by tta1415 (edited July 05, 2001).]

 

Very nice looking bird man...it really does look good beside the 3rdgen. Also, big deal if it's slow, not every car is a dragster.

 

Tigger84TA89Bird,
X87 for 1981 is just for the Recaro Edition NASCAR Pace Car! Special Edition (black cars with the factory gold striping and gold bird inserts) Trans Am are just like all the other Trans Ams that year! W87s! I have seen Sean's Trans Am in pictures. It is correct! I know, I use to own one! And I also own a 1981 Special Edition Turbo Trans Am! And as for dogs, I beat any 1980 Trans Am, as well as any 1982 Trans Am! Only when the 305 H.O. Trans Ams came out (1983), is when the new Trans Ams could take me again! What times do you have for your car?

tta1415,
I tell ya, the second gen Trans Ams are one of the finest cars out there! Short deck, long hood, and various engines/paint are what make these cars so great! Email me if you have any questions: WarbirdTA@hotmail.com
I can even help with some parts for you car! Like you, I'm thinking of a 3.8 turbo swap! Did you know that the Buick 3.8 was the standard engine in 1981 for the Firebird? Just get the engine mounts off those cars!
Saw your pictures off the TTA maillist! Looks like you guys had a great time! Great shots with Linda Vaughn! I got some with her and me at the SEMA show in Las Vegas with the Hurst Hauler Trans Am! Even with me in the car! Great gal!!!!

Later,

George

------------------
1970 Trans Am Ram Air III
1974 Trans Am 455
1979 Trans Am convertible 403
1981 Trans Am 301 Turbo (heavy modified)
1989 20th Anniv. Turbo Trans Am #231

 

tta1415,
Just looked at you picture you posted here. I gotta question for you. Did you get the original air box for the car? That open element air box that you got on now will rob you of some power! You are drawing in hot, I repeat hot air from the turbo! I never put one of these on, but I know that even with the stock air box, if the paper/vinyl tube (from the air box to the plastic air scoop in the fender)was missing, it still drew in hot air! Just pop your hood after driving, and put your hand by the air element, you'll see what I mean!
Also, put in a tranny kit, you'll get some great second gear chirps! Ha!

Just trying to help,

George

------------------
1970 Trans Am Ram Air III
1974 Trans Am 455
1979 Trans Am convertible 403
1981 Trans Am 301 Turbo (heavy modified)
1989 20th Anniv. Turbo Trans Am #231

 

HI George.
I already figured as much with the air cleaner but unfortunately sean didn't give it to me.
I'll email him and ask if he still has it.
The car already does chirp second, I assumed it has a kit in it I'll check the receipts sean gave me (he gave me $13,000+ worth or receipts with the car!)
Believe it or not I had an 81 Firebird with a 3.8 in it, ironically enough I swapped it out for a V8 back in 91 or so.. too bad I didn't keep the motor mounts huh