got a friend with an 89 TA 350. He has the TPI unit and center bolt alum heads (alum heads on L98??), he says the car is all stock, he has the 140 speedo, and also he says that, when he hits 125mph in OD (yea OD not D) the rpms drop back to 1500 and can continue to accelerate...so basically it has 5 gears in the 700R4...I don't think the guy would lie to me, but I'd like to know if any of you guys that have TA's have the same things going on. He mentioned that the Pontiac mag said that those car are high 12's machines stock...the only TA I know that turns 12's is the 3.8 V6 Turbo...

 

Make sure whenever you are around him, that you bring a pair of wading boots or a really big shovel.

 

Gonna have to go with madmax on this one...

Check it out, first, the L98 didn't come stock with Alum heads, not to my knowledge. First engine to do that was the LT1. Second, just because the shifter was in OD, doesn't mean the tranny was, and, BTW, the computer cuts fuel around 118 to 120, so he wasn't doing 125 anyway, not to even get into what kind of gear ratio you'd need to go 125 at 1500 RPM's, though when I really think about it, it might be possible.

As for times, the Formula 350 is faster then the TA or GTA stock (sorry TA guys, but you've got to admit, it's a weight thing), and for the record, mine runs a 14.5 (though I've not driven it yet, long story), and that's with a few minor mods.

So, next time he's talking, turn on your crap detector and hand a bit back to him.

-Reno

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89 Formula

 

Actually the first L98 had aluminum heads because it was in a vette... As for cam/fbds I never remember hearing about the 5.7 'stock' with aluminum heads (firehawk maybe?)

I don't think any thirdgen turbo or not ever dipped the 12 sec barrier (Easily done, but not stock)

Maybe he was 'trying to explain' how the torque converter clutch 'feels' like another gear?

As for them rpms, I don't have my calculator and stuff handy but assuming the lowest numerically gears you could get (what 2.50 somethings? or just 2.73 that year) and a grain of salt with speedo error who knows. Can't be good for acceleration though.

 

quick become a drug dealer this guy will be your best customer the only L98 to come with aluminum heads was the 88 corvette even 85 to 87 corvettes came with iron heads second the only way to achieve those rpm's in od is to either have a a 2.31 gear ratio or have a gear vendors overdrive installed onto the 700r4 easy way to check have him pop his hood take a magnet in your hand(a small one)and try to attached it to the heads if it sticks they are iron

 

Actually you would need a 1.29:1 rear gear ratio to hit 125 MPH in OD at 1500 rpms with a 700r4. This guy doesn't have a clue what he is talking about.

Even with the lowest available gears in 89 (2.73's) you would still be turning about 3100 rpms in OD to hit 125 MPH.

These numbers are assuming a stock 245/50/16 tire size.

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Black 88 GTA L98
261 RWHP, 345 RWTQ
13.406 @ 103.72 MPH
ZZ4 bottom end, Edelbrock 6085 heads, LT4 HOT cam, GMPP 1.6 RR's, ported stock TPI, SLP 1 3/4" headers, no cat, Dynomax cat-back, Stock PROM
E.T.F.A Member #11

[This message has been edited by Scott 88 GTA (edited April 30, 2001).]

 

well I'm just saying what he said to me...I know and knew that L98 didn't have alum heads in the 3rd gens...I was just curious as if it could be one "rare car", like one of one or something...he did say that the 1500rpms stuff happened before on his other TA that had a 140mph speedo...go figure...it's hard to swallow, but he offered me a ride, so I'll do so asap and find out for myself...but like I said, I was just wondering...(even though I knew it was hard to belive any of it...better check your knowledge and find out from other knowlegeable people than just think you know when you don't or just swallow anything that anyone says... )but thanks for confirming my accurate knowledge guys!!

 

yeah i think he's on something....hell i wish i was at 1500 rpms doing 125mph I don't think any 3rgen from the factory hit the 12's completely stock...the TTA was good for mid 13's anyone know the 1/4 mile time on the 92 Firehawk SLP has with the all aluminum 383 and ZF6 tranny?

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