1987 Trans Am GTA Hidden in PLAIN Sight! The Early Worm Gets The 'Bird!!!

[@andymantoronto]

I don't care about the IROC anymore, you just bought the IDENTICAL twin to my GTA....more GTA videos please!!! Congrats!!!

[@brianreda1416]

Still one of the best looking cars ever to me. I'm surprised the top is still on the air filter housing. The air intake on the 87's crack me up though. The absolute worst flowing setup ever lol. Years ago I installed a SLP Cold air intake and the difference it made was dramatic. That's one hell of a find for the price you're hinting at. Excited to see 2 3rd gen projects now!!

[@Greenlightfilming]

Coincidentally, I have the air induction system all apart and yes. Its laughable at best haha. I'd imagine it would wake up quite a bit with an aftermarket piece.

[@500erider]

@@Greenlightfilming It does.

[@jamesshirrell3677]

Love the old gtas they need to bring back Pontiac

[@Greenlightfilming]

These are a super cool car IMO. They are really interesting.

[@jerryespinoza2113]

I can watch your channel all day long. Just need enough coffee and bakery. VERY enjoyable and informative👍👍

[@Daryl-S]

Thanks for sharing! I always loved trans ams. I was fortunate to own an 80 turbo and a black 89 formula 350... I loved that car!

[@Greenlightfilming]

You had a couple cool cars there. I wish I had a Formula 350. Never owned one, but they are very cool. Love the idea of the second gen turbo trans ams too.

[@ThePryapizmC]

The formula 350 would be my choice if I was looking for a third gen.. awesome and clean cars

[@TCR_710-Cap]

I envy you. I wish over here in Germany we could find one of those in THAT condition. And your car even has the 87-only type of diamond spokes, one year later, they were a bit different, and I really wonder about the 350-T-Top-combo, must be very rare. I once had a 92 GTA, 350, with light beige leather and that beautiful (92 only) 80U exterior colour. With the 15 cars made (GTA Source Page), I wonder how few of these officially hit the European (or German!) market. I really miss it. Give it a refreshing 81U paint job, and polish up everything else, and KEEP THE WHEELS! They are rare.

[@Kift1991]

that clicking noise sounds like the TPI injectors solenoids clicking when they open and close.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Could be. Never did need to track down the noise luckily.

[@florentbavouzet2060]

I have the same model 1987 GTA 5.7 hardtop white color in France, just no power antenn and T Top, and I have the same problem of you (bad aero wing and bad seats, and faded paint, rail door panel cracked), mine has 47000 miles but paint less good of you, we can speak on this car, I live in France, it is an exotic car in my country :)

[@Greenlightfilming]

I'm sure the car turns heads in France. That's got to be something that you don't see very often! Cool car. I like these in white a lot. They look great.

[@JayFreezeBoston]

WOW! what a find, when I was about 9 or 10, older kids on my street were into cars, one kid has bought a dark green GTA with the gold honeycombs. I was drooling and so wasnt my Dad, he had an 89 Formula at the time but couldnt afford a GTA. I now own a 2001 WS6 in red with black leather just turned 40,000 miles. Awesome car dude!

[@salvymore8412]

I'm addicted to this gm,s cars Do had an 88 GTA that I bought in San Diego CA, black one,and yes had an 350 motor whit a 5 speed manual,yes not kidding,over the years people arguing about it,that gm never made one that has 35o motor,ttops,and manual 5 speed.... Wow reality they do ,but is no record of that,I do had one about 27 years ago,I sell it,I been checking and asking in groups,and I only find 1 more GTA,and one iroc that people ordered like this,,,I thought at the time that it was normal to have ,350, ttops,manual,..... Just years back that I tried to find one like this....and was impossible to find one and is literally no record that gm ever build one like this, because the torque....... But ..... At this time I had an 88 GTA,5.0,manual, digital dash,and a 91 GTA ,5.7 hardtop... Also 86 and 87 irocs,automatics...5.7,& 5.0 Hardtop and ttops.....I just love this cars Exelent buy👍👍 And people please don't start argue about That gm never made a GTA,5.7,ttops ,manual....cause I had one,that I bought straight from the dealer in San Diego.....

[@Greenlightfilming]

This just might be the deal of a lifetime for some of us. Let me know what you think and what you would have paid for this gem. I'll give you a hint. Its was below $6,000. Check out the Maxpeedingrods link in the description for 15% off your order!

[@kirk9899]

I was going to say 6K.

[@elr456]

$3000

[@dsimon30]

Hell of a nice car. Heck of a deal!

[@reddragon6613]

$4500 is my guess and at that price you stole it lol. What a deal and it’s essentially the twin to my 88’ minus your digital dash, black interior and t tops. My car was in similar original shape with a few thousand more miles and I paid 3k in 2017. That car does not need much work to be mint other than paint and the body looks rust free and straight. The only thing I noticed was the piping on the back seat did not look like the Firebird style rear seats?

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@elr456 wish I paid that much. That's a little light for any clean third gen around here

[@mattcasaderitten9290]

Nice find! I had the same engine/trans/rear end in my IROC and I think it might have out ran my 97 Trans Am just because of the awful 2.73 gears in that car. It's gonna be fun watching both this and the IROC come along.

[@NightHowl86]

Ok so this car is amazing congratulations on the find and the buy, I do have to say something tho if you get rid of this car I'm never watching another one of your videos ever again. lol

[@Greenlightfilming]

Haha I hear you! This one is probably a keeper. It's near impossible to find them like this for what I paid.

[@marcuscheko2226]

to late , i bought it for 500 .....lol

[@bryanjarboe2520]

The ticking noise is the injectors. My 2 87 gtas with the 350 were just as loud. I've never had any issues with them and the sound was consistent.

[@Greenlightfilming]

I'd be inclined to agree with you. So far, the noise is hard isolate to either bank of the engine. It could be on both, making the injectors make sense. I should pull them, and have them cleaned/flow tested at the least.

[@paceta80]

Gorgeous Trans Am.

[@Greenlightfilming]

It was a nice car 👍

[@alainrodriguez7883]

Congrats brother, great buy. You have such an eye and talent for finding these hidden gems.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks man, appreciate it. Sometimes a guy gets lucky. I'll be doing those control arms soon.

[@alainrodriguez7883]

They might fit that T/A .

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@alainrodriguez7883 I would think they should. I'd imagine the control arms are the same on both cars. Good idea.

[@jembuildz]

I’m picking up a hardtop 3rd gen Z28 5 speed next week so watching your videos about the IROC and now this T/A have been great. This will be the 4th 3rd gen I’ve owned... They’re not fast from the factory but you can make them fast and that’s what’s great about them in my opinion.

[@markallendelisle]

Beautiful car. Any Third Gen in that condition is worth the “under $6k you paid” but to get a GTA optioned with the electronic dash AND it all still works... bravo.

[@Greenlightfilming]

It works most of the time haha. Once the electronics in the dash get hot, its hit or miss. Overall I'm still happy with the car.

[@markallendelisle]

@@Greenlightfilming unhook an air vent and route it to the circuit boards lol

[@jameshall4385]

That is a great car. I always loved the GTA. It is the type of trans am the Bandit would drive. I remember when my 87 formula had 70,000 miles on it. A friend of mine had a 89 GTA. It was white with tan leather. I would put a exhaust on it and leave it stock.

[@SOLDOZER]

Burt said he hated the 80's TAs.

[@bobbyprd]

Outstanding find! I am looking forward to see everything you do to it. Like I told you earlier I was looking at one like this a week or two ago and found one with a little less mileage with the digital instrument panel and it was going for $17,000.

[@Greenlightfilming]

That's about what you see them go for in "nice" shape. If the paint was good on this car, and I fixed a couple small things I can see asking that. I'll probably have this car painted.

[@chow1576]

Beautiful car. Great find. That mileage that color fully loaded fix all the cosmetic stuff most car collector sites would be asking mid to upper 20's original purchase price all day. Love the digital dash. Been looking at putting a Intellitronix Corp dash in my 92 Trans Am.

[@Greenlightfilming]

I have seen them asking some crazy money for these types of third gens lately. I don't think this car will ever be "that" valuable, but I sure think I got into it right. It might get a nice paint job and be a really nice collector car. Unfortunately, they are only original once and this one is in need of some big work.

[@chow1576]

@@Greenlightfilming For sure. It is a real head turner. With the roof already cut do something crazy to this car. Keep it a numbers matching car to go for the real buyers that "once owned one of these and always wished they did it. " Bore and stroke that block to a 383. Get a vintage intake setup Accel/Lingenfelter, FIRST, or others. There is an Accel BBC SuperRam available on EBay. Check out these videos on You Tube by WESTECH PERFORMANCE GROUP TPI MEGA TEST-WHAT WORKS BEST. Isn't silly if you want to keep it numbers matching no LS swap. Will get $$$ and run bada$$.

[@oberday]

@@Greenlightfilming I paid $17K for my black 87 GTA optioned exactly like yours.

[@christopherwyatt6064]

I had one back in 90 I loved it, great sound, t tops, tape deck plus I'd had 14 keystone classics on it, man I loved that car

[@brently205]

Hell of a car to snag! Well done.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Its cleaning up bit by bit. De-mousing the engine bay today. Satisfying work.

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Wow what a purchase! You did great. Had a friend with a 87 or 88 GTA in high school. I graduated in 88 and I fell in love with that car. It was black

[@Greenlightfilming]

This was all luck. A little know how made me look hard at it after looking through the ad. Most folks probably would have kept on scrolling.

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

@@Greenlightfilming some would have thought that was a just good emblems... but knowing their many made the difference. Great purchase and looking forward to more videos!

[@kevinstude3377]

Wow. Congratulations, what a great find. Love the thought of keeping the car in stock condition. These are such a cool timepiece. Look forward to see you fix all the little things and make it a nice driver.

[@Greenlightfilming]

This one will probably stay bone stock. I think that's most of the appeal with this particular car. It runs pretty good as is, and would make a fun car to take a trip in.

[@500erider]

@@Greenlightfilming Dang right !!!!!!!

[@tenehaglendening9246]

My gta had similar noise if I remember correctly it was pollution pump. But hard to tell listing on the phone. My car is same color and options other then the t-tops. Mine is a hard top. I love this car.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Interesting. A few of you guys have chimed in saying it might be the air pump, I'll look at that first. I couldn't pinpoint it quickly in the last day or two. Thanks for the tip!

[@garfieldfindlay6777]

I have one exactly like it. Only mine is all black. Love it.

[@Lagrange1186]

congratulations! great find man. looking forward to the future videos. I would have started at 5,500 but been tickled with 5,800. really looks like a nice care to restore. cant wait to see the progress over the next few months. good luck to you

[@Dubiels]

So I’ve been sick the last couple days and catching up on all your videos. First year GTA with a digital dash and 350tpi, you can’t go wrong. I’d pay $5k. But a paint job and some odds and ends you can flip this thing for big bucks!!

[@MAJorgy70]

Wow! Nice find and heck of a price too. My 2 cents worth is keep it original as much as you can. Looks like a nice example of a '87 GTA. Needs a repaint. The Aerowing...not sure what to tell you about that. I don't know what aftermarket Aerowings are like. I got rid of my Aerowing on my '88 Formula 350 and installed a wing type spoiler. A heck of a lot lighter as well.

[@DayZcustomMods]

I had a black on black leather loaded 89 gta it was by far my most favorite car I ever owned. Take care of her it’s a beautiful gta there aren’t many left oh and by the way they all do the ticking mine did as well. All the rear spoilers crack get an aftermarket reproduction. I paid 4500 for mine with 87k on it in 1999

[@fuel_magazine]

Absolutely love those cars!!!

[@Greenlightfilming]

You and me both

[@greeneibball36]

Love those digital dashes.

[@Greenlightfilming]

You and me both. It's super cool at night.

[@mikehueter3982]

It's worth it for the gold "BBS"s 😍 Demouse, repaint, and keep! That startup and rev at the end was awesome. Nothing like the sound of that GM starter/V8 combo!

[@zqsosa3756]

got my yester day for 15k with 45k miles.. I love it driving it everyday..

[@86mustanggt]

Sweet car. She will be gorgeous with a new paint job. I would have paid 5k for this. I have an 89 TTA with 8.5K on it and all original and stock. So I love these cars and the IROCS. Keep posting videos of the restoration.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Hang onto that TTA. You've got a rare 'bird there!

[@LADE7]

Awesome ride!! Looking forward to the minor restoration !

[@Greenlightfilming]

Each step of the way. I'll be shooting for "factory perfect". That's the aim so far.

[@jxhws678]

Really clean car

[@Greenlightfilming]

After a few days has passed I'm still happy with it. Some things have come to light as they do with most used cars. It's like buying a house. You never really know what you get until you live there for awhile.

[@martiniusetihw]

Whoa whoa whoa whoa!!!!!! I know I've been busy, but what in the world happened to the Corvette!!!! The last time I looked we were putting the real Hood vents on the Camaro!! 😂 😂😂. I was just getting ready to look at the turbo camaro when I saw the 87' GTA, so I had to check that out first. Wow. I gotta play catch up now. You've really been busy haven't you??? Glad to see you're having a good time. My dad have an 87' 5.0 T/A royal blue trimmed in gray. It was an awesome car!! Enjoy brother!! PS let me know if it's more leg room than the fourth gen T/A

[@martiniusetihw]

Does it have a turbo?? Or was it just the 6 cyclinder ones??

[@travisquintero8334]

My first car was an 87 GTA a white one... I am actually giggling and laughing while Im watching this video... to hear the excitement in your voice😄 great find Randy👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Greenlightfilming]

Haha, I figured it would come across in the video. This thing has me thrilled even a few days later. Can't believe I found it like it is. Thanks for checking in.

[@kareemrichards8635]

WOW, nice find. I would have paid $10.000 or $12.000. the GTA reminds me of the formula you had.

[@KeithR-wk1uf]

I have an '87 all original GTA 5.7 TPI. Still to this day my favorite to drive.

[@stephendorsey4481]

Could be an exhaust leak, maybe a sticky lifter, worth popping the valve covers off and checking the rockers

[@TheCavazos30]

You have found my dream car. I came across this car in the summer of 1987. If you still have it, please take care of it. If you consider selling it, please let me know.

[@roystone8675]

One idea would be the lifter or other related problem, but it is really nice.

[@dsimon30]

Amazing find. Low miles and appears to be in good condition. Very desirable car and if you decided to flip it as is, you’d come close to doubling your money easily. Hopefully you keep this one and have her repainted.

[@Greenlightfilming]

That's what I was thinking. It's in super nice shape relatively. I did find out something today that is now painfully obvious. It's not as factory original as I hoped.... there was a huge change made when it was likely new.

[@dereklipka7025]

Lovely car. Only negative in my opinion is the non-factory t-tops.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Bingo. A couple of people have pointed that out here and online. I can't believe I didn't catch it when I went to go buy it. Feel a little silly, but I guess that just says the kit is nice.

[@dereklipka7025]

Still a great car. Depending on what you want to do with it, you could probably replace the roof.... after all it needs a repaint....

[@Greenlightfilming]

I would consider making it a hard top again. Personally, I never use ttops anyways. I leave the shades in 24/7 too.

[@Dubiels]

Love the “i still intend on turboing the iroc” sounds similar to the “I’m going to replace the heads and ls6 intake on the ws6” haha. Just kidding man! I know priorities change. I’ve got a 99 ws6 and 89 gta so i love everything you’re putting up.

[@landrecce]

That's in incredible condo man! Wow!

[@THATMOFODIRT]

Nice. That’s a great find. Looking forward to the vids on it. Congrats.

[@Greenlightfilming]

More videos to come! Thanks bud

[@John-mr8ns]

Sweet find

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks bud. I still feel lucky.

[@stevenplaskett7728]

I have a black 85 trans am with a vortec 350 swapped in and it's a 5 speed:) it's got a big cam and sounds so good.

[@ryanmacewen511]

My 1987 GTA was red on black too! Love the digital dash. I didn't have that. Sweet! However, 1987 is handful year. 3 v-belts, one ribbed belt. Tiny brakes. Still a joy to behold.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Haha, you got that right about the brakes. They are almost scary. The belt setup has something to be desired too. Sort of a hybrid year.... Oh well. It's a neat car and I love it!

[@BowTied69]

@@Greenlightfilming People don't know how to set up the rear brakes properly on the J65 4wheel disk. Do a text book set up and then drive it again and i bet you notice a difference. No, it won't be Brembo but it will help most likely.

[@RearEngineShop]

Nice car! Looks clean. It’s funny, that steering wheel looks exactly like my wide body Fiero’s steering wheel.

[@Greenlightfilming]

The are probably very similar

[@clos2378]

Dam! Great find! Congrats! Looking forward to the things you gonna do to the GTA!

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks bud. Appreciate it! I'll be taking good care of this one.

[@Superkid778]

Great find! Probably a $10k car the way it sits...

[@Greenlightfilming]

I'd agree with you

[@barenthoffman2840]

That's a clean car. However, if it needs paint, it's probably better for the buyer if it REALLY needs paint (i.e. lower purchase price). No doubt you can figure out the engine tick. Maybe just put some miles on it to see if it's a stuck lifter. As for Price, I'm going to say a great price would be anything less than $5K. A "Fair" Price would be in the $8K Range. The cars that sell for the teens are fully restored, or in IMMACULATE original condition. Sadly, the GTA just doesn't have the retail audience or demand that an IROC-Z does, even though the GTA is arguably a superior car. The Digital dash is DOPE!

[@Greenlightfilming]

I agree with everything you have said here. To me, the GTA is as cool if not cooler than a loaded Iroc. I'd prefer the GTA because as you said, they were sort of GM's "nice" F-Body at the time. I paid just under 6k for it as it sits. After doing some more digging into it, there's one big thing that's not factory about it that I missed haha. Not sure if it has any bearing on it's value, but it's going to make for an interesting follow up video.

[@barenthoffman2840]

@@Greenlightfilming I too would have bought that GTA for $6K. Even knowing about the C&C T-Top thing. But I'm looking for something I can put an LS1-T56 in and daily. I'd probably just buff & re-clear that paint and call it good for that purpose. (I've already got an 88 GTA that I spent WAAAY too much on a paint job, that I'll likely never get back out of it). Great score, IMHO. And great video.

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@barenthoffman2840 I didn't think I could go wrong even knowing what I know now about the C&C T-Tops that are on it. I have found that it might need valve stem seals, needs both headlight motors (one worked fine before driving, and died immediately after we left) and whatever else will pop up. It's a 30+ year old car afterall. I'm going to try and track down the original owner and see what they know about the roof etc. Could make for interesting content if they don't mind chatting about their old car.

[@barenthoffman2840]

@@Greenlightfilming The head lights are likely just disintegrated plastic pucks inside the motor assembly. Cheap & Easy to fix. One of the first repairs I did to my 88 GTA. Valve stem seals are a good weekend project. Put new platinum plugs in that L98 when you do the seals.

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@barenthoffman2840 Yep, they "try" to go up but I'm sure the gears inside are just junk. I'm probably going to do the brass or aluminum gear upgrade and forget about it. The engine seems to be good and runs strong. Could use some normal TLC. Going to try and make it a super nice runner/driver. Want to go on a trip in it this summer.

[@marcuscheko2226]

lifter is knocking but it coukd be adjustmeant , also if it has carbon build up it would cause thast in the 3rd lifter , mine did that and you know i only gave 300 for mine , but ill trade ya ? .....did the drive line adjustmeant with my welder freind i was way off , but now its same as what you did , hopfully it will last awhile , i get new tires and rim this week on my puppie but i like the wheels on this car , sorry if i got long winded , buty this is my passionj now , be safe and keep uploading bro .......marcus in west texas !!!

[@PapawsDadillacOEMplus]

Would love one like that some day. Nice find

[@Greenlightfilming]

They are still out there! Keep your eyes peeled. One will pop up

[@MultiCfoster]

Very nice

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks bud, it's a neat car.

[@knight7512]

just got myself a 1988 firebird looks just like that but had factory 305 but last owner put a brand new 350 with cam with 5 speed some set of duals which are loud lol going to change those lol car only has 1800 kms from new 350 engine on it rebuilt tranny but same problem with bad spoiler so he got a used spoiler which feels like rubber and is cracked already so now looking for new rear spoiler since this one is heavy lol but so happy with this beast looks and runs perfect cannot be happier but forgot to say had a 1989 same car 15 yrs ago so yup are find and i found 2 cars look alike just different engines that run perfect made my day when i got it lol

[@sucapizda]

I was just thinking, that Vette of his will be sold soon. 2 minutes later “ I sold the corvette “. Lol. The problem with the Vette is that it’s to good. Nothing can be done to improve it. Unless you drop big money and big rebuild to make it faster, handle better etc. Good move on your part. No one was really interested in it anyway. Now these cars are the bomb. Cheap, easy to work on, and cheap to improve and modify with actual positive gains. Cheers.

[@Greenlightfilming]

I agree with everything you said here. The vette was great, but I was "done" with it. Fixed it up, and will have one more video on it. I really loved the car and they are unreal performers. It was just time to move onto something else. I'll have another one someday. This Firebird is 10x more interesting to me. A C6Z is cool, but there's not a lot "unique" about them.

[@bhcamaro2002]

Now you have a 3rd and 4th gen awesome man

[@Greenlightfilming]

It'll sit nicely next to the WS6. I see the same thing here

[@kevin4209]

I had an '87 with a 350. Performance wise, doing a full cold air intake, throttle body, and exhaust upgrade will make a MASSIVE difference in performance.

[@SOLDOZER]

GTA, GT3000, Dodge Stealth, 300ZX, Eclipse Turbo....the days when people thought their car were fast but in reality were brutally slow.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Yep, this is a good example of that. In reality, this car is quick compared to other "passenger cars" that are on the road today. Compared to my 4th gen, or especially the C6Z it would look like it's standing still.

[@samspade685]

my 87 GTA has the same tick. I've been told that the injectors make a ticking sound, but I don't think that's it. I'm leaning towards the fuel pressure regulator.

[@Shadowvini]

Wow! Great deal :) meaby EGR valve does this sound, it's under plenum.

[@Greenlightfilming]

It does sound like it may be under the plenum. I couldnt tell if it was on the drivers or passengers side. This would make sense.

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

I would pay about 6500.00 tops. You have a nice car there. I have an 83 trans am, love trans ams any year.

[@Greenlightfilming]

That's about where I was at with it too! It's a nice car with some surprises, but like anything "old" that's what you should expect.

[@RamboBurgers]

That ticking is definitely the Fuel Pressure Regulator. my 89 formula TPI does the same thing. It sounds identical. Not much you can do about it though.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Any idea why it ticks? I hadn't traced down the noise quite yet.

[@RamboBurgers]

@@Greenlightfilming I've replaced mine and it quieted down slightly but its still noticeable. The FPR is a diaphragm that oscillates super quickly. theres metal components inside that are contacting each other very quickly.

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@RamboBurgers interesting, I can imagine it working that way. I'll have to start looking into the noise. Got it all cleaned up today. Thanks for the tip 👍👍

[@RamboBurgers]

@@Greenlightfilming BTW your video description is incorrect. the 5.7 liter engine vin is L98. the 5.0 liter is LB9 which my car has. just thought you might like to know.

[@markquinn2767]

Had two of these in my early 20’s. Had an 87 with paddle style side views that were compared to Porsche at the time. They were a limited run from what I understand. I also had an 88. Beautiful cars in their day.

[@mikeeckhaus]

I also had an 87 (red with black, 5 liter 5 speed) that had the flag style mirrors. Those mirrors were originally supposed to be on all the GTAs, but they were too heavy and lopsided, so they were creasing the door skins where they mounted to the doors. GM discontinued them early in the run and went to the same mirrors as all the other cars.

[@markquinn2767]

@@mikeeckhaus I had always wondered why they discontinued that style. I do recall that they were a bit loose. Thanks for the history!

[@rogeriohinojosa1661]

I have an 89 identical red with a gray interior I've owned it for 25yrs bought it in Nov of 1996 and it has a 350 with t tops they did come with the tops and 350s

[@mecha2001]

I was always under the impression the 5.7L cars only came with hard tops. something about the chassis not being structurally capable of the L98 and T-tops...? also any gearheads know the reasoning for why the L98s could only have automatics? I thought it was because it would break the 5 speeds or something.

[@Greenlightfilming]

The L98 being too powerful for the T5 is what I've always heard as well. There was a couple of years you could get an L98 with ttops. This car has aftermarket t-tops. I'll be uploading a video about it tomorrow, along with more repairs.

[@BowTied69]

@@Greenlightfilming T5 5 speeds were rated to I think it was 300lb.ft and that was generous. The 5.7 exceeds that.

[@FireballMullet]

Awesome car bud! I’d love a GTA, love that Digital dash! Enjoy and look forward to more content!

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks Stan, appreciate it! Been watching your series too. You've got a killer Iroc.

[@1bad02ceta]

Lucky I want one Thts a good buy

[@Greenlightfilming]

Sometimes a guy gets lucky!

[@michaelcavazos-qd1si]

You have my dream car. I first saw a TA GTA the summer of 87. The only difference between yours and the one my cousin friend had was the stereo. His had all push button. Is the TA still in your possession?

[@Follett2121]

If that car was local to me I’d expect it to sell for around $6500-7000. If you really sat on it, maybe $8000 or so. Looks like a really nice car!

[@Follett2121]

Should add I’m in canada

[@frankbattaglia4377]

From my past experience, the faded paint is original and shiny paint was a respray. Now I'm not saying it was in a major accident, if any. I believe most likely either, a minor accident that just caused deep scratches in bumper, which maybe wrinkled fenders a bit? Or it just had scratches in front end and along passenger side. Possibly it was keyed. So instead of small touch ups, they just sanded and resprayed everything. (hood, front fenders, nose and entire passenger side) I also believe there was hood insulation from factory, that is also missing. And yes, the rattling noise under hood I believe is the AIR pump. In any case, this is a major find. A loaded TA GTA, with digital dash with 5.7L! And still all original with documentation! I would love to know production numbers with those options. If you go to this link: www.compnine.com/dealerlogin.php I was able to find out production breakdown by option using my VIN number. It is very detailed, at least it was when I used it 9 years ago. I believe you may need to pay a small fee, but it was worth it. I found out my 1991 Firebird Formula, which I still own is 1 of 28. But unfortunately, mine is no where near stock. If yours turns out to be a low production numbered car, I would keep all original, or at least keep stock appearing as possible, with minor performance modifications, if anything. It would be a steal at $6000. Good luck with it!

[@Greenlightfilming]

It 100% had paintwork done to it at some point. How much, and why is another question. There's red overspray on the black cowling under the hood and the insulation is gone as you noticed. That being said, the hood and hatch appear to be original (matching GM VIN tags on them). They didn't do the roof, drivers door, drivers quarter, and what appears to be the rear bumper cover. Everything else looks good like it's been "repainted". I'll check out your link and do a carfax on it to see if anything crazy happened. Looks good enough in person that I haven't thought much about it.

[@BcDirtscooter]

Are the gta bumpers different from the other trans ams ? I just bought a 87 with no motor it’s a gta and there’s a big hole and crack in the front bumper

[@chevymangarage1780]

Ticking is probably just the injectors

[@Greenlightfilming]

Quite a few people mentioned that. I'm getting to be on the same page after looking for the noise more, and not being able to pinpoint it.

[@Daniellopez-tx5xq]

Definitely touch up to make it perfect

[@Greenlightfilming]

Unfortunately the car really needed a paint job to be good. The paint was too far gone on half of the cat.

[@jackscharf6933]

I would have paid somewhere around 15K

[@kirk9899]

I was going to say 6K. Six would make it an amazing deal. How many miles does it have?

[@Greenlightfilming]

Rolled over 74,000 on the way home

[@SOLDOZER]

He said in the video.

[@milesczechowski2154]

NO f body came with the 350 and t-top combination. This was after or an agreement with GM to have converted. You can see also in your pictures but it is still a desirable car and they are hard to find as well. There are things I know if you have questiions , but I am not the expert but I know a bunch about these cars. I have owned 4.

[@Greenlightfilming]

This is something that's come to light to me today. Apparently it wasnt a thing til like 89-90. The t-tops that are on the car are aftermarket. The kit is so good, it still looks right at first glance to me. Its the classic "cars and concepts" kit. Probably installed when new, or shortly there after at the dealer or certified installer. The glass has the brand etched into it.

[@milesczechowski2154]

yup

[@Greenlightfilming]

Your info was spot on, thanks. I missed this.

[@milesczechowski2154]

Cool . Thanks .

[@darrellanderson2543]

@@milesczechowski2154 T-tops were not availabale on the GTA with a 5.7 until 1989.

[@benkalinowski5834]

The 88 has a lite up soft leather buttons Radio control

[@keanecoquete]

This is the first time I've seen a functioning digital dash from a trans am that isn't a show car, wow that's rare. But hey it's easy to put analogs in.

[@Greenlightfilming]

Yeah it's not too often you see a working dash. This one works 80% overall. It's not perfect but good for the most part.

[@MrDamien1963]

How is it the original buyer was able to get the 5 7 and t- tops together on an 87? I worked for a Pontiac dealership back in 87 when the GTAs first came out, and the only way you could get t-tops was with the 5.0. Pontiac claimed that the the torque of the 5.7 was too much for the t-top models. Somebody please DM me on this one. Also in 87 the GTA had these weird paddle style mirrors instead of the standard Firebird mirrors.

[@Greenlightfilming]

The t-tops on this car were aftermarket parts installed by Cars & Concepts. Doing a quick Google search, I see the paddle style mirrors yoy are mentioning on like 10% of the 1987 "GTA's" that show up under images. Go be honest I didn't even know these could be equipped with mirrors like that. I don't know that it's standard.

[@500erider]

Also, this engine is coded B2L on the 1987-1992 Camaro/Firebird F-body platform. It was called the L98 in the Corvette, with the major difference being aluminum heads on the Corvette, vs. iron heads for the B2L, which contributes to the reduced power level. The 305 T.P.I. was coded LB9. You can easily verify which engine you have, by the 8th letter/digit in the V.I.N. on these 3rd gen F-bodies. An "F" indicates an LB9 305 T.P.I., and an "8" indicates the B2L 350 T.P.I. There are unfortunately, a lot of scumbags out there, who may try to pass a 305 off for a 350, because visually, they look identical. The V.I.N. is the surest way to verify what's under the hood before you buy.

[@Volod762]

I found one whit F on the vin this a 5.0 liter engine or 5.7 engine Tnx in advance

[@rickweintraub9847]

Nice car

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks Rick

[@500erider]

For the 1987 model year, the 5.7 liter T.P.I. V8 was rated at 210 h.p., and 315 lb/ft of torque in the Firebird Formula/Trans Am/ Trans Am GTA, and 220 h.p. and 320 lb/ft in the IROC Z Camaro. The horsepower ratings of this engine continued to rise year by year, until it's final year in 1992, in which it was rated at 245 h.p., and 345 lb/ft of torque. The 210 h.p. rating in 1987 was due to the extremely restrictive air inlet, which was changed in design for the 1988 model year, when the Pontiac ratings increased to 225 h.p., and 330 lb/ft of torque.

[@Greenlightfilming]

👍👍👍

[@500erider]

@@Greenlightfilming It's interesting, how manufacturers play with power numbers. Just the year before, in 1986, the LB9 305 T.P.I. engine in the Trans Am was rated at 205 h.p. When 1987 rolled around, and the B2L 350 T.P.I. was introduced, it was released to the public at 210 h.p., and the LB9 dropped to 190 h.p., LOL. Ford did the same thing in 1993, when they released the Mustang Cobra. From 1987-1992, the 5.0 liter Mustang was rated at 225 h.p. For 1993, Ford dropped the standard 5.0 engine's rating to 205 h.p., and released the Cobra at 235 h.p. Things that make you go, Hmmmmmmm.........LOL !!!!!!!!!

[@ksrams21]

I miss my 1985 Trans Am! 1 theft and found, 6 attempts! If you want to see cars, The Woodward Dream Cruise is back this year in Michigan!

[@lrwarchild]

I've got a 1989 GTA with a 5.7 and T tops

[@DeronMidge]

Thank y'all, I had a 1988 5.7 red GTA in 1990. As much as I loved and still do the IROC, I had to have that car when I drove past it in a car lot in 1990. I have a dream of buying another one over the next couple of years 🤜🤛 Edited to add I didn't realize and actually was told that the 5.7 350 never came with t-tops. I was told wrong! 😂

[@johnblack702]

I have a 1987 Pontiac GTA trans am all black digital dash

[@johnblack702]

For sale

[@Greenlightfilming]

@@johnblack702 how much

[@johnblack702]

@@Greenlightfilming $13,500

[@trashbandit2449]

Just saw this car for sale and I was like hey! That looks like this one! Checked this video, saw that the background looked the same, same color, wheels, t-tops... and license plates match. What's the story?

[@Greenlightfilming]

With the racetrack, work, and family I simply don't have time to drive this one let alone the other two. This one makes the most sense to part with. If it doesn't go, I'll store it this winter again.

[@trashbandit2449]

@@Greenlightfilming I figured. Looks clean, immediately caught my attention. Seems like a fair price, but the camaros seem to sell more than the firebirds. Best of luck selling (or keeping :) )

[@ralphnunley3039]

I’ll go ahead and buy that Iroc from you now that you have the gta...lol

[@d3sigN8t3dDruNk]

Awesome find. I dont have that kind of luck and if I do find one, its already pending on FB market. >_>

[@Greenlightfilming]

It's not often you get lucky. Have to be checking throughout the day every single day. Deals get snatched up immediately.

[@FBobby]

Clicking might be the A/c Compressor turning on and off

[@Greenlightfilming]

Hmm, maybe. It does it intermittently regardless of the AC being on/off.

[@BowTied69]

@@Greenlightfilming I'd guess it is the injectors. They batch fire.

[@Stephen_Luther]

Nice pick up. I like the camaro better though.

[@andrei1971]

I like the song used for the music in this video, but I think with a car like this, something retro from the 80s would have suited it better. It would have made it cooler IMHO.

[@benkalinowski5834]

Also 1 more thing The car around 86 to 87 started phasing in a roller cam My car has a roller cam stock I just use normal today oil You may have to use the old school stuff if you got the old type I don't want to see you wreck it

[@Greenlightfilming]

Thanks for the tip, and excellent point. This engine has center bolt valve covers. I'm not sure how to tell that it's a roller cam or not without opening things up and scoping the engine to be honest. I'll keep it in mind! Dont want to tear anything up.

[@benkalinowski5834]

@@Greenlightfilming if it has center bolt valve covers that's what I have so you may be good But I have heard of 350 having some roller parts and not all of it Just get the ending block number and Google it That what you will know for sure The last thing you want to do is toast your motor doing a oil change