What are the ups and downs of buing a late 80's early 90's Pontaic Trans Am?

Question

REVIEWS PLEASE

Answer 1

you need to swap out the Eng to a good 350, the 305 runs forever with no problems but not much horse power in them. they are light cars if your looking to drag race them, they will go down the strip pretty quick when you put a good motor in them. T top you need frame supports so not to twist the body. there's really fun cars and look excellent going down the road. the tranny and rear end are weak in them when you get some horse power in the car but easy to beef up with a 12 bolt rear and lots of parts to beef up the tranny or you can swap it out for a Th350 trans. you can find a lot more info about them at www.thirdgen.org

Answer 2

I have a 79 Firebird Formula and had it for 10 and half years, I still have that baby! I know a lot about Camaros and Firebirds and TransAms... thus TransAms are out of my picture. I never will own one. Especially between the years of 80's and 90's, because the Camaros and Firebirds all have had electrical problems. If you can handle electrical problems then go for it. The older ones are good to have for a show and if you have money and patience. the reason I say this is because you will have to look extensively for parts when you need a part. Nobody makes parts for older cars between 67's to 81's. (Body parts is what I am talking about.) The up's is just good for a joy ride but the big time down is COST!!!

Answer 3

Ups -- they are really cool and getting rare. You never lose one in a parking lot full of Camrys and pick-ups.

Downs -- the rear ends were about as strong as a frozen Snickers bar; the interiors were made of inferior materials and drooped, sagged, rotted and cracked with abandon; door hinges wore out, interior switch gear tended to break when used, seats are worthless.

Ups -- there is a massive aftermarket supply of parts now available for these cars -- anything from engine, fuel systems and steering to complete interiors and exterior graphics can be purchased.

Downs -- even after all that work and money, you would probably be better off buying a really clean, extra well kept T/A for more money and much less headaches.

Ups -- did I mention that they are really cool?

Answer 4

I just purchased a 1981 TA that had sat for 3 years. It needs a small amount of cosmetic work, but other than a tune-up it is in great shape. Lucky for sure. But with any car, age does take it toll. Original parts are scarce, but out there, and there is a huge aftermarket for almost anything you need. I did need door hinges, and found them online, camaro hinges, but brand new still in the box. So if the car is in great shape, and does not cost a fortune, why not buy a piece of muscle car history? My 305 turbo charged TA runs like a dream.

Answer 5

Well Trans Ams Are really cool
buy one if you get a chance

Answer 6

the problems with older cars like a t/a is they have had the crap beat out of them ,thats why they are in the condition that others have listed in here