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Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 10:36 PM
  #1  
IROCZ28KevinZ's Avatar
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From: Sedalia, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: TH-700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen 10-bolt
Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

Tonight while browsing craigslist, I found a 1987 TransAm (GTA) hardtop with a 350 for $2000. Car has 131,000 miles. I verified the VIN with the seller over the phone and it is a real TA and a factory 350 car. It needs a couple things:

-new left front fender
-driver's side door gfx looks like it's gone
-driver's side sideview mirror

Guy said he got the coolant system and brake system flushed recently. Car is black and the pics aren't the greatest, but it appears to be a fairly clean car. I didn't ask about the interior but judging by the shape of the rest of the car, I'm going to assume it isn't mint, but isn't destroyed. Probably has normal wear and tear for the age. Unsure if it has a digital dash or not. It has the GTA crosslace wheels.

Seeing how it's a factory 350 car, and possibly a real GTA, is this something that may be worth picking up? Any input is welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

Kevin
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Old Apr 5, 2008 | 12:05 PM
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Staged84's Avatar
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From: Carterville Illinois
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: L69
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

I think it would be worth it if it has a clear title and there is not a major amount of body work to do other than that fender- You don't see alot of that car around for that price.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 01:58 PM
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

Typically you can not find a TRUE 350 car for less than $3000 unless its really beat, or damaged.

I would consider it.

John
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Old Apr 10, 2008 | 01:35 AM
  #4  
IROCZ28KevinZ's Avatar
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From: Sedalia, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: TH-700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen 10-bolt
Re: Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

Took the advice and bought the car. Pics to follow as soon as this storm passes (supposedly the worst to hit the midwest in like 10 years or so I heard, nothing but rain here).

Overall the car isn't bad. Aside from the driver's seat and the usual few loose panels and worn out center console, the interior is surprisingly clean. The seat belt recall has been done, and it looks like the buckles were never touched after that. I found the owner's manual, with every other little pamphlet, that came with the car new in the back storage area, in the envelope from the dealer the car was bought new. Also found it has an aluminum spare with the tools and an untouched air canister. Oh, it has an overhead console with the original FIREBIRD flashlight.

It needs a little work, but I have seen far worse go for far more. It needs a new driver's fender and door, and neither is rotted, just dented. Easy-peasy parts to find. And of course, a new spoiler. Today, I fixed a minor issue with the tail lights (some wires back by the lights were stripped causing a short).

Again, pics to follow. Not a bad car for the price.
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Old Apr 10, 2008 | 02:49 PM
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

IROCZ28KevinZ,
How long have you been at Whiteman AFB? I owned a car that was there around 2000, the guy shipped out to Germany and then came back I know it was at an AFB in MO. It was a Blue Formula 350.

John
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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 01:55 AM
  #6  
IROCZ28KevinZ's Avatar
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Posts: 646
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From: Sedalia, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: TH-700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen 10-bolt
Re: Found an 87 TA, 5.7, for $2000

been here about 4 years...never seen a blue formula. it'd be kinda hard to miss, these cars stick out like a sore thumb amongst all the "throw-away" cars and trucks around here.
----------
Pics are now up in the "firebirds" section of the reader's rides. Here's a link:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fire...ml#post3713595

Check it out!

Last edited by IROCZ28KevinZ; Apr 11, 2008 at 01:55 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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