I'm looking to purchase my first Trans Am.
I intended to get an 88 GTA but it sold a week before i could actually get it.
Now I'm looking at an 85 T/A.
the guy has told me that it has a 350 from an 88 with approx 55k and a T-5 tranny.
He also said that it has an exhaust leak on the passenger side, as well as new bearings in the rear end which apparently create a vibration. He said that the guy that replaced them said that after a few miles it should go away naturally.

so anyways, He's asking 2000, but Ima try to get it for 1750.

Just wondering if you guys think this is a good deal or not.

thanks!

 

88 engine should mean centerbolt valve covers and a roller cam. The engine should also have 5.7 cast into the block...I THINK on the back of the block by the bellhousing.

If I stress IF you drive that thing like its made of eggshell china; that lameduck t-5 will last awhile. How long? cant say, depends on if you baby it and more importantly if HE babied it. Id effort to find a "World Class" T5 and get a new Centerforce clutch when you swap it out.

As far as the rear end; Ive never ever heard that bearings start rough and get better. Not saying it isnt so but ball bearings, bearing shells and needlebearings are designed to be exceptionally smooth until they are compromised structurally. If I was looking at that car, I wouldnt buy it UNTIL I had a mechanic look it over with A) a scanner and B) throw it up on a lift and check that rear end out, along with looking for body rot, bent stuff, pull a rim and check the brakes, etc etc. Yeah it'll cost you 50 bucks BUT learn from my mistake.

My car was supposed to be a scuff it, shoot it and fix the interior; car. 2 years later and its ALMOST done. If I had remembered my own rule and taken it to a lift and really dug into it; I would have passed

Assume that rear axle is shot and, if it is, swap in a 4th gen rear. Assume that trans is on its last legs and have the finances to replace it. If you don't have the finances, dont buy this car if its going to be your only means of transportation.

Nate

 

it's not my only transportation
i have a hand me down hyundai because my sister joined the army
soo, if i get the car for 1750, i'll have another 750 left over, plus the money i get for working part time.
but yea.
i'll be sure to have a mechanic take a look at it before i purchase it.
thanks!

 

I think its a pretty good deal as long as its a solid car.

Check the normal floor boards, pop the hatch and check the wheel wells (where the spare tire goes)

Drive it and beat on it. See what it does.

 

i'll be sure to do that lol
i'm hella excited about it too haha
especially because this kid at my school has a badass v-tec civic (hahaha)
aaand he lost to this kid matt's 5.0 foxbody (obviously =P)
yet he still says he won..
and today he said he beat an SRT4..
i'd love to whoop that v-tec asssssssss with a trans ammm
=P

 

have to say it

badass and civic should never be used in the same sentence.

 

exactlyyy...hahahaha
he had the infamous park bench...
but for some reason, after he lost to the 5.0 (then lost to my friends 95 tacoma 4x4) he took it off..
hmmmmmm..
hahaha
=P

 

Those 9 bolts can be a problem if they are not set up right. Have it checked out, for sure.

 

ok so
its down to this 85 (which is now 1800, i also asked the guy if its a WC t5)
or possibly a 79 with a 403 with work done with hedman headers for 5k..


i only have 2500 to spend max, but i think i may sell my current car for around 3k...but idk when id sell it.

if i went with the 79, id try to negotiate a lower price and see if i can sell my current car or ask him if i can pay in payments while i work..

here's the links to the ads...
1979 - http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/1107677779.html
1985 - http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/1140778742.html

theres even this one that caught my attention...
1980 - http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/1140805274.html

if you can ballpark like, hp wise, each of the cars?
i know the 85 has around 225, but what does the 403 have with the headers?
and the 80, its like, floating around haha
idk about the 80 though.

im in a bit of a dilemma as you can see

please help guys!