Weight differences...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Wahxaw, NC
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 305 V8 FI
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic
Weight differences...
I was wondering if anybody could tell me the stock weight of a 1988-1989 Trans Am, GTA, TTA, Notchback.
I am trying to research it and can't really find anything for the notchback mainly. I need all of the weights so I can figure out more about each one.
Thanks.
I am trying to research it and can't really find anything for the notchback mainly. I need all of the weights so I can figure out more about each one.
Thanks.
Moderator

Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,262
Likes: 168
From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: Weight differences...
Weights mainly depend on trim packages, engine and transmission type. Depending what's in each model, the weights will always be different.
Trim packages will include t-top (glass or Lexan) or hardtop, AC, ground effects etc. Even differences such as 14, 15 or 16" rims (steel or aluminum) will change the total weight.
The GVW decal on the door post will be total weight with 4 passengers so that isn't an accurate weight of the car itself. Shipping weight is the weight of the car with minimal fluids so that's the closest you can get. The only way to know the true weight of any particular model is to put the car on a scale.
Trim packages will include t-top (glass or Lexan) or hardtop, AC, ground effects etc. Even differences such as 14, 15 or 16" rims (steel or aluminum) will change the total weight.
The GVW decal on the door post will be total weight with 4 passengers so that isn't an accurate weight of the car itself. Shipping weight is the weight of the car with minimal fluids so that's the closest you can get. The only way to know the true weight of any particular model is to put the car on a scale.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Wahxaw, NC
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 305 V8 FI
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic
Re: Weight differences...
Does a GTA Notchback give a weight cut of some sort? I figure without the weight of the large glass as on a normal hatch it would be lighter, as the same comparing a faxbody mustang lx and gt... Correct me if I'm wrong.
Moderator

Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,262
Likes: 168
From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: Weight differences...
Foxbody is a slightly smaller car and lighter to begin with. You're comparing apples to oranges. The weight saving from a notchback is minimal. There's some saving but it's not a huge as you would expect.
Depending on the exact model etc, you can expect an OEM third gen to tip the scales anywhere from 3200 to 3500 pounds. A typical foxbody is in the 3000 to 3300 range.
There's always ways to shave weight from any third gen. Spending all the money for a notchback isn't the most cost effective way to do it plus it won't look like a proper third gen when done.
Depending on the exact model etc, you can expect an OEM third gen to tip the scales anywhere from 3200 to 3500 pounds. A typical foxbody is in the 3000 to 3300 range.
There's always ways to shave weight from any third gen. Spending all the money for a notchback isn't the most cost effective way to do it plus it won't look like a proper third gen when done.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Damon
Tech / General Engine
8
Sep 26, 2015 04:29 PM





