Over the past 15 years I have owned two 89 IROCs (one 305 and one 350), an 83 Trans Am and an L69 84 Z28. I did not plan on buying another, but, I stumbled across an 82 Trans Am in great original shape, with relatively low miles (50,000). It is an Lg4, auto, 2:73 rear. The problem is that it is in very original shape. Other than tires and paint, it is like it was back when new. Compared to the other 3rd gens, it drives the smoothest and quietest, AC works...but, is the least fun. And the engine compartment is hideous, hoses everywhere. I'm tempted to leave it stock, but then, want to make it more fun to drive. It's not a daily driver. Maybe just put in better gears. I scored a 36 mm front and 24 mm rear bars at the junk yard, and 16 in GTA rims to replace my 14 turbo cast ones. Maybe the gears and suspension will make me want to drive it more. Thoughts?

 

Preserving it would be a noble path, but the collectability is very low so I wouldn't bother. That drivetrain configuration must be a painful experience, especially with the 3 speed auto. If it's a nice, tight, rust free body and the interior is good, it would be a great candidate for something excellent, like an LS1/T56 with a 3.73 axle and brakes and suspension to match.

The GTA wheels will not work at the moment because the rear offset is wrong. If you get a rear end out of a later 3rd gen with rear disc (approximately 1986 or newer?), they will work.

 

It will still be a 145HP dog. Id probably lean toward gear change and go ahead and be looking for an old style 350 to drop in it. You could even keep it looking stock and I think it would be much more enjoyable with 100-200 more HP IMO. Sounds like a really nice find and good luck.

 

I've always preferred speed/performance over originality. What would make you happy on your budget?? best wishes

 

I have an 83 ta and faced the same question. I've changed the engine added headers and all that, but I have kept everything and took the extra effort to make it look as if it were all original, and to not hack anything up. This way if I or the next owner wants it all original, It's not a big deal to return it as it was.

 

Appreciate the ideas. I agree that, although it's nice that it is original I will enjoy the car much more if I modified it. Will keep it looking stock, always liked the looks of the early ones. I am surprised to hear the GTA rims won't fit. I thought all 3rd gen rims work with all model years.

 

That's not true at all. You don't need a disk brake rear end for the rear GTA wheels to fit.

 

Good to hear. Would hate to buy tires only to find out the rims won't fit.

 

They might fit. But the GTA rims are staggered offset and the 82 TA rims are not, so the rear tires would not be following in the tracks of the front.