Mr.84TransAmer

Hello all:

Been lurking here a few months now, but it's high time I post.

I got my first F-body in March, here are the specs:

1984 Trans Am

Power locks, windows, mirrors, hatch, seat
T-Tops
~103,000 mile
4 BBL Carb
WS6
L69 305 V8



It's been a while since I was looking for a trans am- and I think I my patience paid off. I don't know what it is about F-bodies that lure you all but for me it's gotta be the retro-futuristic 80's look that gets my heart going whenever I see one of these in today's world of euro/asian imports & stangs.

So if anything, my first Q is this:

What next? What would you do next had you just bought a thirdgen? In the few months I've had it, it's been mostly sitting in the garage collecting dust (it's not my daily driver). I've changed out the radiator, oil, and PCV Valve. I'd like to take it to Don's for a looks see, but other than that I don't have a plan of action.
So what would you do???

BTW, nice to meet you all. This is an awesome community.

(here's another pic)

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

A general tune up, including spark plugs, wires, cap/rotor, fuel filter, and check over the various vacuum lines and connections for leaks. Then get a set of subframe connectors from Lon at Top Down Solutions and have Dyno Don install them.

Welcome to the group!

trans87

Welcome to the boards and this So Cal group! Sweet another Firebird owner Like Kevin said do a full tune-up. Change all the fluids and be careful if your car has been sitting around for a bit with no water in the water pump. The seals in water pumps tend to go bad when they have been sitting with no fluid in them. Next you can get subframe connectors or go for a free flowing exhaust. Pick up a nice bit of horsepower there. Good luck with the car and congrats on picking up a sweet ride

Agent13

iTrader: (6)

Woo Hoo! An early thirdgen Trans Am! I agree with the full tune up. P.S. Come down to our South Bay cruise on the 30th. https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=194403

And if you have any pictures send them my way

VincentZ28

iTrader: (2)

If you're looking for more power, a full exhaust system(headers, 3 in cat, 3in cat back system). After that, some suspension work. The list can keep going on an on. It all depends on how much money you want to spend. Yes you can put a 350 engine in it and pass smog. You just have to put smog legal part in it.

89 TA

I beg to differ, Sir. You can put a 383 and still pass smog.

VincentZ28

iTrader: (2)

Hell, I know a guy who put a 406 engine in one and pass smog.

89 TA

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VincentZ28
Hell, I know a guy who put a 406 engine in one and pass smog.

He passed a 406 for a 305 or 350 ? I thought a 406 would throw out alot more emisions to pass for a 305.

Mr.84TransAmer

You guys are psychic too eh? I was gonna ask what kinda mods I could do to the car without jeopardizing the whole smog issue. When I bought it I had to take to a "Test Only" place, but it passed w/ flying colors (previous owner replaced the cat recently). Seems like we here in Cali aren't allowed to play with our engine output as much as our outta state thirdgenners. Sound about right?

(another pic)

trans87

You can still play around with the engines Just look at my "305"

Trans Manny Am

I agree with what Alex (82firebirdTA) said earlier in the thread, keep it all stock and original. we are losing to many 3rd gens to the modifiers. maybe a few minor engine mods, but the car is awsome as it is. nice car and welcome to the boards.

Ruddigger

Looks just like my '82, except in better shape.

Mr.84TransAmer

Heh, I was surprised to find an 84 TA with a stock '82 look (no GFX). I would like to keep it looking stock, but I'd also like to back this F-bird up with some serious HP. Would you guys recommend stroking a 305?

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

What's wrong with improving what the General gave us? Some of us crave more than "stock".

And no, dont even bother with stroking the 305. Period.

Agent13

iTrader: (6)

.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

You're no more rude than I am. There is nothing "WRONG" with keeping a car stock just like there is nothing "WRONG" with modifying our cars. Some of us prefer one or the other, and neither choice is "WRONG".

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Just consider is as putting on the RPO's GM forgot
Or the RPO's the original purchaser didn't get to choose.
Or if you will, making it the way you like it

ssbowtie1

Are you guys crazy. Of course its "WRONG" to keep a car stock. Personally besides a free flowing exhaust, I wouldn't do much to the car drivetrain wise. Since its a t-top car def sfc's. If you feel like modding the exterior, I would invest in a nice set of late model firebird or GTA rims and maybe lower it a little. It seems awfly high in the pics. You don't seem like you drive it alot or that your on a hunt for power, so I would just leave it primarally stock and enjoy it. Eventually the motor is going to die, and then you can make a decision of whether you want to go fast or stay in stock form. Each option has its benefits depending on your taste. Good luck!

Agent13

iTrader: (6)

Russ-So Cal

Actually there is a lot that we can do in Cali. The difference is that people out of state, seem to be able to remove fuel injection systems, or the stock Rochester carb, put an aftermarket manifold and Holley carb, headers, and still pass smog. We have to be more high tech and subtle. There is a whole lot that can be done with efi to make hp and still pass smog. The up side is that with efi, you don't have to choose between low end torque and top end horsepower. You can have both!

BrandenCali

Well What you have done is a good start.. An over all inspection of the car is always best. When I first got my Iroc's I more less had fixed the most expensive things 1st. One car a Trans another car a crank kit, another car a trans, then I worked at the basic tune up and brakes etc.. Exhaust.. easy mods..

SC82TA

Nothing wrong with stock and nothing wrong with modded. Good to see another early bird I have an 82 =) As much as anyone would want me to keep my bird stock it already isn't. I had the orignal 305 blow a headgasket get a crappy rebuild, blow another head gasket....and now it has a crappy 305 from an 89 Caprice. Oh yeah and my wheels aren't stock 82 either and that is how the car came, but I did locate 4 turbo cast rims with bowling ball hubcaps that are going on soon =) Do what you want with your car performance wise, but I love the early bird look, so its good to hear that you do as well. Good luck with everything, have fun with it, looks like you got a good bird.

83TransAmGirl

Ditto...

Im glad to see more early 3rd gen birds in nice condition, most I see look like they would be better off in a junk yard...I personally like the look of the '82-84 birds best, (I think its the nose and the taillights) but I could be biased I dont plan on doing anything more to the exterior of my '83, I think they look great stock! The only exterior mods I would do is remove the damn side molding and put some nice wheels on it, both of which has been done to my car before I bought it, I was thinking about GFX but decided my car looks better without them...As for other mods, I only planned on a new motor(cause mine is on its way out), exhaust(mine was completely rusted out!), and you may want to think about a front end rebuild kit, with the age of our cars, if it hasnt been done already, its a must! Thats about as far as I would go for a nice cruiser... Unless something breaks dont fix it, the more mods you thow on a car, the more problems your bound to have...just ask some of our more heavily modded members

Congrats and have fun with your '84 T/A!

Mr.84TransAmer

This is just a small update:

I finally met Don and Kevin. It was hella hot, but he took the time to look at my T/A, showed me the underbody, and basically gave me a good idea of the small repairs here and there I need to have done. He was very professional and all around great guy. Don, you sure I don't owe you anything for the checkup?

Also BrandenCali dropped by- we talked for an hour or so (while getting a good tan).


Anyway, I'm glad to finally get the wheels spinning again. Nice to meet you all, and thanks again Don!

Oh P.S. , I checked the RPO code for the rear axle and it's a 3.73 ratio- any room for improvement?

BrandenCali

Oh P.S. , I checked the RPO code for the rear axle and it's a 3.73 ratio- any room for improvement? [/B][/QUOTE]

No need for improvement there.. Unless you want to be sure what you have and pop the cover and find out for sure. 3:73 is what you have,should be posi also.. Best thing to do is focus on those small repairs you need. and go from there suspension if you like 350 etc..

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Everything is good Steve, it was my pleasure, enjoy