i have an 85 trans-am and everywhere ive checked it says that there is not 85 trans-am 302 that has a tpi and a manual. ive went around to a few mechanics that know a little more about this and they say that it is a tpi but when i check online it says that the 85 302 tpi would not accept a manual.

 

welcome to tgo.

first, gm hasn't made a 302 since the 60's, you're refering to the 305 tpi.

And according to the firebird tech data on this site https://www.thirdgen.org/1985-pontiac-firebird
that is correct, the t5 was only available on the L69 and LG4 and V6 cars.
TPI is pretty easy to point out it looks like this:


If your car has tpi and a t5 it was more than likely put in by a previous owner.

 

1. The 302's last year was 1969, and never came in the Trans Am at all (Chevy motor). None of those in 85.

2. In 85, ALL TPI F-body cars were automatic.

So yeah, no 85 302 TPI cars with a manual.

There's no reason that a TPI car, 85 or othereise, can't "accept" a manual trans. People put manual transmissions in auto trans cars all the time. GM simply chose not to offer that combo that year; possibly due to the expense and difficulty of emissions certification. That's only a guess though.