I Gambled & Bought a Cheap 1995 Pontiac Trans Am SLP Comp T/A Hidden Gem & Drove It Across Country!

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We bought a cheap Pontiac Trans Am! Here's the story!
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#Pontiac #firebird #camaro

[@TFLclassics]

We bought this car over at TFLbids.com for $6600! Check it out if you want to sell your car or motorcycle!

[@davidkrocks]

Mecum sold one simlilar like this one for $19,250. You got a steal!

[@joecool9739]

@@davidkrocks "Mecum"

[@mikelamberth9975]

Wow, you stole it. 😎

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I got ripped off buying my 1996 Camaro Z28 convertible 6 speed manual with 67k miles for 12k last year. The clutch needed work because the tow truck driver or someone else messed it up, then it was just 1 thing after the other...in the shop all the time. Good luck! Love these 4th gen F-body cars, but they are an endless money pit. That is why you see so few of them on the road compared to the tons of 90s Mustangs you still see. I had some health emergencies even though I am only 28 and I finally just ended up selling it. I miss it, but I couldn't afford to keep up with all the work it always needed. Sold it for 6k. I wish I had deeper pockets so I could have kept it...but it is what it is. Now I am car-less and looking for something in the $1000-$1500 range because that is all I can afford now.

[@davidkrocks]

@@joecool9739 Yeah? What about the name?

[@jonmcclane7433]

I remember when these hit the streets in the mid 90’s. As a Foxbody owner we definitely took notice.

[@deeplycon638]

Ford is the only way!!

[@rodneyunderwood6236]

This was when gm was still making food street cars!!!

[@pabo8080]

6 speed, t tops, top spec special edition, minty looking, this car will probably go up in value over time.

[@joseph19491]

Only if you do not know anything about cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dannyboy6332]

I had one . A 96 model with an LT1 5.7 liter. I could not keep distributors on it. After the warranty was up , i spent 5,000 dollars on it and the gm dealer told me to sell it or burn it! He laughed and i had to sell it for 15,000.00. I am ls it for 10000.00 less than what i owed on it.

[@zacariasblanco9738]

​@@dannyboy6332 they make aluminum distributors maybe something else was going worn out timing chain unbalanced crankshaft who knows

[@yamaminjus]

Main problems with LT-1 4th gen F-body was the optispark distributor is located behind the water pump. when the waterpump starts to fail, it takes the optispark with it. waterpump needs to be removed to change optispark so get a new waterpump at the same time. Also window motors will fail and probably fail again in a few years. Buy a window motor with a lifetime warranty. The dash should be covered anytime it is parked in the sun as it will eventually crack. The best part of the car is the 6speed trans. its a lot of fun and you can get close to 30mpg on the highway

[@fortheloveofnoise]

the dash in mine had no cracks and neither did the leather...miss it...but mine was a 96 Camaro Z28 convertible 6 speed manual

[@joelpierce3940]

I JB welded a 90 degree aluminum tube into the weep hole and ran a tube down below so if mine leaks it will avoid the Water Pump.

[@wayne8498]

There have long been updates for the optispark issues. I have found the LT1 to be outstanding even with over 200,000 mi on it.

[@natelarson5747]

My block twisted from torque... kept spinning cam bearings. In addition to optispark issues... oh and transmission problems... oh and both doors kept sagging so I had to lift up to close them.

[@tyronewalker1482]

I threw in the towel the LS 1 is the one no opti for me no more 4th generations for me there's a reason they were canceled.

[@7171-Ws6]

No stability controls. No traction control.Throttle by cable. I love em

[@7BigEasy]

I’m glad these are getting the respect they deserve, I’ve owned my LT1 Trans Am for 16 years. Always puts a smile on my face when I drive it.

[@ricktroublefield9386]

The 4 holes on the dip stick are very easy to read. 2 holes covered meaning you're 1/2 qt low and you just overfilled it by 1/2 qt... but I'm sure you'll be changing oil when you get home.

[@stebecinc]

I was going to say the same thing. He apparently is not familiar with GM engines.

[@HTX_ROME]

4th Gen FBodies will always be my favorite. Even with 2-300 more hp that the newer cars put down they don’t have the same driving experience imo. Bring back the 99’s.

[@scubatrucker6806]

From 1995-1998 I used to own a 1995 T/A T-top White with tan interior had the 5.7liter with the 6 speed manual. I loved driving it. I've done so many doughnuts . Those doors was so long I always parked in left field at parking lots.😍😍😍😍😍

[@stevebollinger7343]

Love the Comp T/A and they are indeed super rare! I owned '95 #47 (t-tops and 6 speed) from 1997 through 2020 when I sold it at Mecum Auction in Indy. It had just under 12k miles at auction time and it was in perfect condition. I miss that car on sunny days for a rip through the country side! No, the fuel pressure gauge in your example was not factory.

[@upscaleshack]

The tires are BF Goodrich, not "goodwrench."

[@mikedaleiden7725]

Gorgeous new ride AND Portillos. Doesn't get much better than that....

[@BlackRam17]

That Italian beef…

[@damcleandetailing]

From Chicago suburbs here, couldn’t agree more with your comment!

[@mescko]

@@BlackRam17 I spent a week in Oak Park from out west and when do I hear about Italian Beef? After I got home. 14 years ago and I'm still mad about it 🤬

[@benbaker7847]

The TFL crew is just full of great guys…. Love this car and love the TFL presenters!

[@MrBillsfishin]

It looks great. I would change all the fluids before you guys beat on it anymore including the trans and differential.

[@shitloveaduck]

Definitely!! Cheap insurance.

[@matthewanderson9912]

Awesome car. These 4th Gen F Bodies are awesome. About the oil, well you definitely overfilled it if you added 1 quart when you were “2 dots” down on the dipstick. If that dipstick is like the typical 90s GM dipsticks each dot or circle equals about a 1/4 of a quart. Because the add mark was only wanting a quart of oil added.

[@joseph19491]

'awesome' piece of junk. You do not know anything about cars!! Do better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@matthewanderson9912]

@@joseph19491 it is awesome. The fourth gen F bodies are probably the best bang for your buck muscle car ever built. Especially the 1998-2002 with the LS engines.

[@bldontmatter5319]

I definitely think TFL isn't really knowledgeable on how to maintain stuff. It's a bit funny to see them f stuff up like this

[@zerocool5395]

4th gen Trans-Am are so dope.

[@jrod.c5]

I've got what most would consider a ratty 1995 t-top 6 speed Z28. Has way too much clutch (BDS Stage 4 triple disc), a little comp cam, long tube headers, 2.5" exhaust, Moser 4.10 gears, and a cheap throttle body. I love the car and how these LT1 Small Blocks run. Glad to see another LT1 on KZbin and hope to see more content on it! Just a suggestion, I'd remove the Recording camera overlay on some clips. Just a tad tacky but great content nonetheless.

[@jrod.c5]

Also, rear main seals are pretty common to leak on these LT1s. Mine hasn't started yet at 146k miles but every other LT1 I've seen leaks

[@firebird5288]

I used to own a 1996 Trans Am. Was a fun reliable car. I now own a 98 W68 Y87 Firebird garage queen. My Firebird handles as well as a "base" Trans Am due to its Y87 performance package and it looks way better than my 96 did. My car may not be too rare, but it's certainly not common. It's been garage kept since new and doesn't have a spot of rust on it. The paint is nearly flawless and the interior is mint. The car looks and smells brand new. Gotta love Firebirds.

[@matthewwolfe4509]

Brings back memories of my leaky LT1. I was young, poor and nursed it along, but eventually even my apartment complex had had enough of the oil spillage. I think every oil sealing gasket had let go by 220k miles. Although it did protect the underbody from salt lol.

[@markcoopers1930]

Subscribed for Brendan's road trip restaurant ratings.

[@josemontano7767]

I always wanted a 90s T/A what a beauty

[@ryantinney]

Love those cars. I miss Pontiac.

[@JLUOffRoad]

Oh boy, I was waiting for this video, I have a red 1999 Trans AM LS1 with WS6 package with only 9000 miles in show room condition, every time I drive it around the block always brings a smile to my face.

[@OldThomMerton]

As an lover of Trans Ams from way back, that era of TA always intrigued me . . . that is a good buy, Brendan . . . I am waiting for more videos on this one! Oh, Man, that is perdy!! Ohhhhhhh six-speed! - Yeah, that rear end had a bounce to it on the slide in the parking lot. New tires prolly a good idea, too. - Potenzas . . . loved those on my GTZ Beretta. Great tires when new.

[@rosswallace2969]

“I’ll have to redo the whole thing” 😂 Love this guy

[@workingshlub8861]

love these style F bodies....i have a 99 trans am and i get alot of looks from yoiunger people who have no idea of pontiac,,

[@JustARandomFio]

Good old memories. Owned a 78 & a 93 one. Always preferred Firebirds/TAs over Camaros (mostly for look). Would love to see them getting revived. As a side note, my GF HATED the 78 one, it made her seasick. And I must admit, it was, indeed, a sailship and a pretty suicidal toy over 90 mph on curvy Swiss highways. But fun as hell.

[@Johnny_Kanuk]

Love that car. Friend has a 2002 WS6 last year they made em. As for Brandon's oil pouring technique, turn the bottle the other way so the sloped part is at the bottom. The oil will pour better. 🤣😂

[@Kristian_Saile]

Brendan is a great addition to the TFL channels. 👍👍 I think these F bodies are cool and it’s mostly because they are a from an era where everything was still forward thinking versus coming up with different ways to stylistically rehash a ‘69 Camaro which is so unbelievably boring and stuck in the past. The newer Camaros are great cars no doubt but good god GM, let go of the retro ‘69, not all of us are baby boomers amd most of them don’t want a muscle car anymore anyways. At least go with a second or 3rd gen fir some stylistic inspiration 😆

[@jamesedmonds1350]

One thing good about this car is it is not a Mustang , which you see at every traffic light . So that makes it stand out of the crowd.

[@beerrun1550]

Can’t beat Portillo’s! We drive 2 hours one way for lunch on weekends sometimes. SLP cars are way crazy faster than they should be. Way underrated at the time.

[@chriscon8463]

In 2007 I drove my friend’s ‘96 Camaro SS from Fayetteville, NC to Little Rock, AR. It was a 6-speed manual transmission & I believe it had the ‘Vette engine. It was a rocket!

[@BlackRam17]

They did and actually had a higher hp rating than the vette version.

[@jarmaljackson]

Nice I had one 13 years ago. I got a 94 z28 now love them f bodies

[@jordangrose698]

My Great Uncle had a 95 trans am red. He took excellent care of it and it only had 46000 when he passed away in 2015

[@Likethetacosauce]

That oil top off🫣🫣. Turn the quart sideways next time so it doesn't spill everywhere next time👍

[@jamesbeaman6337]

The spout should actually be on top if room allows, not on the bottom or side.

[@dalejones4322]

Great purchase. Can't wait to see it go up against the old Corvettes. Thanks guys

[@mikes8032]

Looking forward to seeing the mechanic's evaluation. Nice car! Never knew that special edition existed.

[@fbodyfreak4thgengang520]

Looks like a nice car I actually have a 1995 Formula FireHawk hard top 6 spd which is actually 1 of 22 in its configuration

[@rnt45t1]

Grew up in Ohio in the 90s, and let me tell you everybody and their cousin had one of these mid-90s trans Ams. They were absolutely everywhere. I doubt many made it out alive given the amount of salt we put on our roads.

[@lcurtsinger4313]

You overfilled the oil, 2hash marks equals half a quarter down to my knowledge , nice score

[@stephenrussell9518]

I would have trailered it back just because I wouldn’t want anything hitting it on the road. I’d try and source an original radio too . Definitely would make it all original. Still that trans am is excellent.

[@hiboosttunezallday8236]

Beautiful car. I never even knew that this Ram Air TA was built on that year..

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Let me know when this is going to be resold, as I didn't have the funds at the time to bid, but this has been my dream car for 28 years. I even have the automobile magazine in which this was featured from high school

[@subaru4me]

I had a 95 with a 6spd. It leaked as well. I can't remember the deal but I remember someone telling me it was common with the manual as it wasn't designed to be a manual and there was some sort of additional pressure that caused it to leak.

[@155system]

I've had a couple of f body the windows are just kind of like that stock. The fix is what's called a hot wire window kit

[@jamesmancuso3666]

My favorite was the early 90s slp firehawk firebirds. They had a 6spd sequencal trans along with many extras for road racing.

[@beemill2242]

The fuel pressure gauge was added by someone but not SLP. I have Comps #41 and 101. Looks like you guys got a great buy there.

[@psychology2217]

My buddy had a 98’ in high school. It was super sick. One day I raced him from his house to a restaurant 20 minutes away. The T/A’s speed gov kicked in just above 110mph but my 94’ BMW did not have a speed gov and had a much much higher top speed 😅 We got to the restaurant in under 6 minutes The dumb things you do in high school 🤦‍♂️

[@str8upkills60]

Do you know how to know which ones had the governors? Because I know some that did and some that didn’t but didn’t know how to know what determines that

[@jimgurganious6642]

The non-governed cars top out right around 160 mph.

[@bobvires9650]

Great video! Not sure why I am just now seeing it but great work guys! I have a 95 T/a and love it!!

[@tfcooks]

I like the small 'Thunder Chicken' on the rear.

[@torres3800]

Yessss, can’t wait to see more content on this. Fbody for life!!!

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

I have had 3 '90s model T/As {1 Firehawk}! I loved them & all were great cars & regret selling them! My '99 Firehawk was rated 327hp & it would smoke a Vette

[@grantman64]

Love me some 4th gen Firebirds! I watched this vidoe when it was first posted and was like "oh yeah, I remember reading about the Comp T/A back in the day - cool car!" And then just this past weekend, I found one (a 1996) for sale a couple of hours away from me, went and looked at it yesterday, and will be buying it this week! Looks identical to yours (of course, all 164 Comp T/A's looked the same), but the one I'm getting is an automatic (don't hate me, but given how rare these are, you take what you can get) and has only 31,000 miles on it. Can't wait to pick it up & let it fly :-)

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

Great video and road trip and of course car. I enjoyed watching.

[@shitloveaduck]

Nice for the price! Those tires are probably really old. They may have decent tread on them, but they may not be safe. A very important purchase needed right away. Sorry ,,,,. The buttons may be big, but if you are wearing gloves, they are great! The sport seats in the Firebirds were great, even back in the mid 80s and much better than the Camaros. When you fill the engine with oil, you can wait to the full quart needed, or only add enough. Don’t overfill the engine with oil. When you took delivery it was clear that there is an oil leak. Look at the hood,,, the passenger valve cover,,,, it’s being sprayed by the alternator apparently so is likely getting in the alternator. Potentially another repair coming (alternator). You still made a good purchase. To let it go for $6600, the owner knew it was needing some work that may add up a bit. If you could do your own work, it will be a very cheap car. If paying a mechanic, well, shop rates are getting pretty high. Still a good deal. Once you replace the shocks/struts all the way around and put new tires on, that’s gonna feel soooo different, in a much better way. Make sure you stay with a good brand name tire,,,, there’s a lot of no name pure crap out there!!

[@MrDroogii]

Nice ride. They were a serious performance bargain back in the 90's...still lots of fun today.

[@nac4life56]

Undiscovered? Real car guys know all about the TA. Unfortunately there’s not to many of us left.

[@jeffhobbs1729]

fun to see them finally get the respect they should have

[@joeinmi8671]

Any slp car will be valuable in the near future, especially the early ones like this.

[@c.lightning6815]

Such an enjoyable and easy to listen to delivery style! Great content.

[@psycopaintball22]

Reminds me of my 97 firebird formula with ram air, not as collectible and it was an auto, but it was still a fun car

[@PaddyBoy644]

10:24 words never spoken by a Trans Am owner ever….. I haven’t had my morning tea yet! 😂😂😂 Great video as always mate I love your content. Cheers Pat🇦🇺

[@urnobyss7614]

we want car auction stuff, we loved the channel because of that.

[@the_jarmel]

Great job Brendan and TFL CAMERA NINJA ...Have a beautiful Sunday everyone ✌️

[@billgravespwrcat4000]

I have a 1999 30th anniversary trans am that I bought brand new when I heard you complain about the ride being stiff in your fourth gen Comp TA, nice car by the way, I thought to myself, yep that's how they ride. For the best ride I found that uniroyal tiger paws give the best ride if you're going to daily drive it. I'm running sumitomo's on mine because I don't daily drive it and I don't care if it rides rough I want to roll it into a corner at 45mph without feeling like the tires are going to give but that's just me.

[@philllsxga.7737]

Good man!! I love my WS6!!

[@workisfun...2438]

Cool ride! Love Joe's KC! My buddy had a 93 z28 with no mods, and that thing would flat move. I almost bought a 98 z or WS6 new because of his. Wish I had....

[@smc1377]

Just a heads up. You're pouring the oil the wrong way. Hold the bottle the other way. There is a correct way to do it, that's why the spout is on one side and not the middle of the bottle.

[@jonmcclane7433]

Oh wow! I live right by that Portillo’s in Indy!

[@BlackRam17]

This is going to embarrass that L98 C4 you guys have.

[@JBsC6]

Cool ride and I agree a hell of a value these days. Sleepers in todays market as it’s a great deal.

[@jacquesc3166]

Congrats guys, a very special car indeed. The Hurst shifter & ID plate would make most C4 Corvette owners **** their pants if they were to ride along. Purpose built TA right here. It's gonna smoke your L98 Corvette alright.....

[@pmkstudios]

that seems super cheap considering how reliable a driver it was

[@k.p.p.192]

I’m the original owner of a 2000 Pontiac formula. Never seen rain or snow. Less than 4K miles on it. Looks showroom new. What do you think I can get for it? 🤔

[@Stuka87]

The clunk in the back is likely control arm bushings. Not the bump stops. And the gauge is after market, as is the intake manifold from the looks of it (Edelbrock isn't factory). But its a pretty clean car.

[@saviodutra6212]

The rear bump stops missing will do that as well, not as common as the torque arm clunk though.

[@ibanez741852]

Ya probably not control arms. Torque arm bushing is very common. It's also not super expensive so that's nice

[@GettingthruLife]

This is the way cars and vehicles should be kept. Respected, maintained and kept in a garage. Buying cars at action and random small, along the highway used car lots is a fairly risky, rough way to get a truly nice vehicle.

[@jamesreckling6697]

Did you check the date code on the tires?

[@icare7151]

Great find. Needs some TLC.

[@f-bodygarage]

My Comp T/A is a hooptie in comparison to this, it’s number 7 and she sat for 10 years before I revived it. It was beat on for a good 180k miles lol

[@brandonlynchock9553]

What a beauty 😍 Enjoyed the video

[@matthewcollins6109]

Wow that’s a deal. I owned mine for 3mos when I was 16 and my dad made me get rid of it. I wish I would have seen this one. I love that car I had big dreams to lt5 swap it.

[@JREVY22DECEPTICON416]

Oh how I love a camaro💪great video 💯💯💯

[@garysmith4538]

Still my favorite car

[@conservativetexan2289]

Good luck changing the plugs on the that.

[@chrisss73841]

When I moved to Colorado in 2020 I had to sell my 94 Trans Am GT 6-speed. I had it for 17 years. All it needed was paint to be a perfect car, but it would have taken up too much space in my new garage (well, all of it) to only be driven for half the year. I got a 94 Wrangler which is half as long as the Trans Am but man do I miss that car!!!! And yes, every 5-10 years you need to replace the window motors and headlight motors. ha If it's consuming oil definitely pull out the PCV and replace it along with every vacuum line, usually fixes it.

[@scottyellis3442]

Not only is it a 30 year old car but it's a 30 year old Chevrolet, that's rare in itself. LOL

[@billp5424]

Your auto insurance agent will now be able to get that boat he’s been eyeing.😅

[@sawdustandcigarettes]

As an old chevy guy, when your 350 stops leaking oil, you're out of oil. Lol

[@charlieb308]

Never drive on old tires, a tire can blow and take out entire 1/4 panel, my friend almost died driving a classic GT500 with old tires, car was smashed

[@user-cy1kf4jl4q]

Brendan , spectacular review !

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Beautiful ride! The windows on my Trans Am don't go happily even down.😅

[@exotics5721]

These blew the fox bodies out of the water. No comparison. Way better looking.

[@jetski54]

One of my dream cars ! Good luck with it!

[@truebetold65]

Absolutely gorgeous car

[@jlangenfeld5479]

Thats an awesome car! The 90s GMs had oil cooler lines that leak... I'm going to bet thats your oil leak. The comp T/A's I'm sure are old, but I never liked their ride quality or their traction compound. Even though its a "comp t/a" car i would be looking for better tires, but thats just my preference.

[@Akyuz1000]

Beautiful baby! I love those era, very underrated I bet that was fun as heck! Hey don't age me to 30 yet! Me and the Car's the same age!

[@APWPaint]

I would love to have those speedline wheels for mine!!!!

[@michaelm3381]

I just subscribed, so I expect to see more videos on this Bird!

[@zenjix77]

So beautiful

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

When this car came out, there became almost no reason to get spend the extra to get a C4 or base C5. This T/A is beautiful and very fast. All I'd do is get a set of Michelin 4S (if that size is still available) and fresh factory shocks. That's about it. It'll be amazing!! 🍻I had an IROC-Z28 and loved that car. And this car is a big improvement.

[@BrettASpitzer]

Awesome KC stop on the road trip. More like these videos are beneficial to the people who are thinking about older vehicles. You almost always gotta road trip or ship something ya find. It rarely is local...