I'm soliciting input on a car I'm looking at...90 Trans Am, TPI, auto...any pitfalls, chronic problems, other issues with this year, engine, trans, etc to be aware of? Were 305/350 available this year? Anything special to look out for when I see it...thanks.

 

The only pitfall I can think of is that if its a 305 TPI / Auto then it has the peanut cam. Its slower, but its not all that slow. Mid 15's from what I hear, driven well ofcourse.

You should read up on the FAQ from TransAmGTA.com. Its a good FAQ and has a basic overview of the changes from year to year. https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/faq/thirdgen.shtml

 

Look at the vin #. If it has an "8" as the middle digit then it is the 350. If it has an "F" then it is the 305. If it has something other than that then it is not a TPI car. If it has an "E" then it is a 305 TBI and is putting out only 170hp.

Auto's were available in all models but 5sp was only available with a 305. There were no 350/5sp from the factory.

Other than that the only chronic problem thirdgens have is low HP and high LBS. Power to weight ratio pretty bad.

Ask the owner if he has ever changed the heater core. That is a lovely chore that befalls a few thirdgen owners.

If it has t-tops check the rubber. If rubber is in bad shape you can expect leaks.

 

Nope. Mid to high 16's. No way will a peanut cammed, TPI 305 AUTO, run into the 15's bone stock.

The heater core is a common problem, but easy to change with the right tools. I did mine in 30 minutes.

 

I have two friends with bone stock 91 305 TPI autos (one a GTA and another a Z28) that both run 15.5s at 1600'. Stock.

And my heater core took about 15 times longer than yours.

 

They must not have the "peanut" cam then. My Moms ('86 TPI305 Auto) ran a best of 16.2 with these mods:
No cat
No smog pump
TB collant bypas
160 Tstat
De-screeened MAF
'88 newer air cleaner houseing and tubing
Ported plenum (entrance)
And stock 3:07 gear.

Car felt great on the street, but on the track the numbers were embarassing.

 

Thanks to all who replied! Not too worried about the performance issue as I have a GTO for that. Saw the car today and it's very nice, but couple questions. Paint has the white flaky look on the hood, roof, and wing (sides are very nice). Owner says detail shop said color sanding will fix this ($250). Anyone know of this? Also has the "Pass Key" theft deterrent...does this work as well as they say? Thanks again.

 

the pass-key works good on those years but in 90-92 it also disabled the injectors......