Hello, I'm looking at buying a 3rd gen Trans Am as a first car. I really want something easy/cheap to learn basic maintenance and repairs on, and while a 3k Civic is more practical going with the F-Body is more fun.

One problem with the one I'm looking at (an '85) is it's got a 383 and stock transmission. Feel like if I buy it I'll be walking on eggshells. Willing to spend the money (should be about $1-1.5k?) to swap to a T56 which is what people are suggesting or any other transmission that'll fit and be able to handle the power just fine.

I know nothing about cars, most I've ever done is replaced a door lock actuator, so I wanted to know if this would be a good beginner project. Probably won't be easy but I'm hoping for one of you to at least tell me doable. And if not doable I'd like to know how careful I have to be with the T5, at least until there's some experience under my belt.

Here's the car if you're curious: https://daytona.craigslist.org/cto/d/1985-pontiac-trans-am-5-speed/6449844812.html

Aside from cosmetics and the swap all it needs is tires, the plastic headlight gear replaced, and the handbrake fixed (both common issues). People have told me the headlight is an easy DIY task but I haven't been able to find out whether or not I can learn the handbrake with relative ease. If you happen to know about that please let me know.


And yeah, the price is very high, but he seems to be working with me so far. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
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