Dear Friends,

I am uncertain that this question belongs here, but please allow me to ask. You see, I am about to buy a 1988 GTA. But, it needs a new engine. The gentleman wants 800 bones for it. The car is complete. The exterior and interior are in nice condition. It is white with a grey interior. I have several questions, actually. Ok first question- is this car worth it?


The fellow also mentioned that the car has the 1LE option. What does this signify? He said that the car came with an aluminum driveshaft. What else would it entail?

Ok- about the tragic demise of the car's engine...the owner before him, who was the original owner, let his son take the car for a spin. Evidently, he rode it way too hard, and the engine threw a rod, cracking the block in the process. So, since I am not a mechanic, would you please tell me what must be done? I gather that I will need a whole new engine- or at least a new shortblock, correct? Well, does it need to be a 1988 Pontiac TPI 350...or what other motor would work? I could possibly put a TPI 305 in it...but of course, would prefer a 350...as contrary as it seems to my own 'pen name' herein. LOL. Ok ok I like 305's...but I love 350's. Of course, it follows, that I really Love 400 small blocks...etc etc.

hey thats an idea! But, I don't know if the stock fuel injection set up will work with the high demands of air needed for a 400 engine. I understand that the 400 needs lots more air intake...and that a superram is better than the stock runners. Oh well- that is probably immaterial- i will probably get a 350. Besides, a 350 in a GTA really spanks a lot of other cars.

So, do the runners and plenum differ on a GTA, when compared to an IROC, say? I think I read somewhere that the runners are extruded or something....and something like the plenum is ported. Is this accurate? I remember test driving a GTA similar to this one once, and it had lots and lots of power. I fell immediately in love with it, but ended up keeping my Camaro instead.

For now, I surmise that I will just simply want to install a stock 350 engine in my GTA. Maybe later on, I can add some mods. But like I said, even a stock L98 is impressive in a GTA. For the time being, I will keep it stock- maybe indefinately. We'll see.

Just curious...since the GTA has a computer chip calibrated for the 350 motor, would a 305 TPI motor work...I mean, if all else fails, and I have to put a 305 in it?

I think that those are all my questions for now. Thanks for your help.


Sincerely,

GTA Dude

No 1LE Y84's exist afaik.

Intake pc.s are the same.

If indeed it is a GTA, and all it needs is an engine fix, and you can keep costs down on engine/engine part replacement...then My Opinion is that it is a good deal.


The GTAs were not 1LE cars. They did get some options that were on 1LE cars such as suspension, aluminum driveshaft, etc. Only the Turbo Trans Ams got the 1LE brakes. Do some searches on 1LE. Should be a ton of information on this site.



If I was in your position...I'd call some machine shops and ask how much it would cost to investigate the short block and/or replace it. How do YOU know it needs a new short block? Generally, any small block chevy will do if you just want to get it running.


No.

Yes...but, check the prom boards for specifics.

Check out www.gtasourcepage.com for details on GTAs.

Might want to make sure your up to the task of getting this car in good running condition before buying. If all were to go well...$800 starting is a good price. The final price will dictate if it is truly worth it...

I'll add to the above posts. The GTA came with the G92 option which included the aluminum driveshaft(some did not have), the 1LE disk brakes(most) and all the good guy parts including the WS6 suspension.

I would get a 350 as there would be little price difference but a big performance differance. Allen