Jason E

OK, so I know this site claims 190/285 for the hp/tq for an '86 TA. However, I just received in the mail an original '86 Pontiac full-line brochure I bought on eBay, and it claims 205/270. Now, I've known forever the '86s were supposedly downgraded over '85 for emissions. Did Pontiac ever publish a later, lower claim? An '86 Hot Rod article also claims the 205/270 numbers.

Regardless, I just took the car out and it performs pretty well IMO...nice smooth torque. I have noticed this is the only car I've ever driven that feels faster at 7/10ths throttle than WOT It would be nice though if this car actually made 200+ hp, though...any help is appreciated. I'm assuming this site's info is correct, though.

TTA 1387

86 was the year of the de-tuned port. At least that's what we called them back then.

TOM-1LE

205 hp was the rating of the 1985 TPI Trans Am. As I recall, the story was that it was rated 10 hp less than the same engine in the Camaro (215 hp) because the Pontiac's lower hoodline required a more restrictive style of air intake.

It could be that the brochure you have was written sometime in 1985, before the 1986 detuning was complete or the horsepower certified. As for Hot Rod, well, like most magazines they generally get their info from the literature provided by the manufacturer (i.e. brochures).

Guest

Its not anything about an early print version, its just how it is and besides that the 85 was supposedly 210HP not 205HP. I can only say, dont confuse your paper brochure with the engine in your car. GM pulls numbers out of a hat to the nearest 5HP. In that light and comparing the Camaro and Firebird TPI ratings with those years of TPI air ducting it should have read 185HP in the brochure. Obviously, it didnt. I'd say that is somewhat close to accurate though.

Jason E

So, the answer appears to be there is no answer I'm just finding it interesting that the accepted rule I've seen on here for years is that '86 TPI Trans Ams were 190hp, but the brochures claim 205hp. That 190 number had to come from somewhere! I know in later years, like with my old '89 Formula, a TPI 305 AT was rated at 190hp...so maybe the '86 estimate stems from that?

Regardless, I like the car...its a torquey little bugger, no matter what the rating. It got up to 90 on the highway with relative ease when booting it on the on ramp...good enough for me After driving an LB9/A4 IROC and L98 IROC before I bought this car, without a doubt the L98 had more oomph, but the LB9 Camaro felt identical IMO...

Of course, these cars are so old, its hard to tell anyway!

okfoz

At the bottom of the brochures, usually there was a revision and usually a date of some sort in fine print...

THe Press release from 1985 for the 1986 models show 190hp.

I have read where someone with a really early 1986 had the 1985 ECM however... Not sure if he was making it up, or what, but it would be possible...

John

85 T/A WS6

The LB9 lower output numbers from 85 to 86 are due to the camshaft specs, the 85 having more lift and duration, just thought I would mention that.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Exactly. And Jason, you'd better post some pics!

Jason E

Yeah, I will get to the pics tomorrow for sure I'll finally have some time off and a sunny day to do it! The outside doesn't look like much, but sitting in it feels almost new, aside from the steering wheel.

I did discover earlier this evening that it indeed does have posi

Hehehe...I love third gens...

Guest

The tech data on this site is very old and is riddled with mistakes. It seems the original information was mostly if not all Camaro based, and a lot of information I know from having seen it well over 10 years ago before some things were corrected that stuff was just dragged over from the Camaro and applied to the Firebird. I am sure that is where the 190hp rating on Firebirds for 1986 came from on this site.

I personally would not lose any sleep over it being 185, 190, or 205. It'll run mid 15's in the 1/4 on a good day. Its slow. Thats all you need to know.

Jason E

I know its not fast...believe me, I know a quick car when I see it Even my LT1 isn't considered fast anymore...it runs high 13s with a CAI and exhaust. My current demo is an '08 300C that's barely a couple ticks slower. The thing I like about TPI engines is that they are fun cars around town and messing around. I like the smooth power, especially with an automatic.

The fact of the matter is, no third gens short of a TTA are exactly what I'd consider to be "fast" in modern terms, at least stock. If my TA could pull a mid 15 bone-stock, I'm content with that. With some bolt ons and an M5, my RS could probably pull a 14.9...and I'm happy with that.

If I want something fast in today's language, a 24 year old Firebird was not a great idea I love these cars for the way they look, the way they feel, the way they handle and the fact they at least have enough power to get out of their own way. Restored to stock with a set of black GTA wheels, I think this'll be a damn nice looking/driving car...with antique plates

Small block, and even the weaker big block, first gens are slow too...but people don't complain about those as much!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Slow, schmow...


Unless you're driving a ZR1 or Z06 Carbon - everything is slow.

A car doesn't have to do 12's to be fun.