Difference between a Trans Am and a Trans Am GTA ??

[DeViL]

I own a 88 GTA as well with the 5.7l V8, there was no Ram Air option for any 3rd Generation F-body. Also I believe the radio controls on the steering wheel was standard on the GTA, whether it was an option on the TA or not I dunno. There was a lot of stuff standard on the GTA that was optional for every other model, thats why they call it the "luxury" Firebird. Definately go for the GTA instead of the regular Trans Am, it's just nicer, and try to get the 5.7l V8 if you can, the torque is addicting. For comparison here are some photos of a Trans Am vs GTA.

A regular 1988 Trans Am





My 88 GTA (these are big pictures so fair warning). I think the gold wheels and badging are what set it off compared to the Trans Am.

[Brandon774]

I was reading your your reply flavoredmagoo and saw that you said the t-top gta's were 5.0TPI. Are you saying that all the t-tops were? I have a 89 TA GTA with t-top. All the "luxurys" are standard on mine... leather, ws6, snowflake 16 rims... etc. When I got the car I was told that it was a 350 but now that I am hearing this it makes me a little worried that I got jiped if you know what I mean. I have been readind a few things and have come across some time slips for the stock gta with the 5.7 and am finding that most of them are running around 90-95mph in the quarter mile if i remember right. I have taken mine out and did a quick self one and find that my car is only running around 85mph best time... Could this be a sign of the 5.0. If so I will be disapointed. I also broke the tranny mount doing it though. (went out and replaced it that night though :-D) Could the mount make that much a differnce. I asume that there could be a few other factors to it like the 160k on the motor... needs a tuneup. Tranny shifted a little hard. On the other hand on the track I take the mustang 5.0s like nothing. 5.0 with a stage 3 shift kit....no prob.... 2004 mustang gt, little competition but still leave em behind.... Well any how, do you know if all the 89 gta t-tops are the 5.0???? If so I would be very disapointed for I looked for that car for a long time.

[1988TransAm]

My 1988 TransAm has the factory WS6 package. The 350 could be ordered with T-Tops, but they are rare as stated above, the torque from the engine had a tendancy to twist the body and launch the t-tops out. Mine is a 1988 TransAm, my son owns 3 ( yes 3 ) of the RARE 1988 TransAm GTA "Notchback"s.

[CreepingDeath94]

Regular Trans-Ams came with the 5.7 350 as an option, didn't necessarily mean they were GTAs. The 5.0 305 is faster than the 5.0 mustang 302 though Im not sure why. At least every 5.0 T/A Ive had has beaten the stock mustang...not based on fact or anything. Your best bet to find out what motor came in your car from the factory guys is to look at your VIN and match it up. Honestly, the GTAs have higher price tags because they have a few more options, you have to look out for fakes more often when trying to buy one, and the "regular" Trans-Am is plenty. You can find one wth most if not all the same options and not have to pay the GTA price. It really depends on whether you really want the GTA over the "plain old regular" Trans-Am which hauls enough ass as far as Im concerned. I also saw someone say the ground effects were different...I didnt think there was any difference but I could be wrong. A buddy of mine has a GTA and his ground effects are the same as mine. Anyway, thats my two cents on the subject. Happy hunting.

[CreepingDeath94]

Oh, also, the front fender side vents are not on the GTA but on the Trans-Ams.

[Brandon774]

Were would you match it up to find out if it has the 350 or 305?

[tx_1987_gta]

If you question the authenticity of your GTA or any GTA my recommendations are to go to this website www.gtasourcepage.com this site is the most complete site I have found concerning these cars. The webmaster of this site is by far the most knowledgable on these cars as anyone I have found and the sight includes a section to help you determine if your car is in fact a GTA or just another firebird wanting to be a GTA. As an owner of 2 authentic and Pontiac Historical Society proven GTA's I hate to see anyone get taken by purchasing something that is just being passed of as something its not. I hope this will help anyone out there with questions about these cars.

[1988TransAm]

What did you mean by the digital dash and WS-6 being an option only on a GTA, no 1988 TransAm had it ?

[1988TransAm]

Sorry about my last post, I was on the wrong thread again.

[Autofreefindersguy]

I had an 89 GTA and they were not rated with more power then a regular 350 T/A, mine also had T-Tops and yes, in a Auto trans...

My current 89 T/A has the 350 V8 WS6 High performance pkg & looks like a GTA, no T-Tops, the WS6 pkg has the Black mesh GTA like 16" wheels with 4 wheel disc brakes...About the only dif. I have researched has been the GTA has a "GTA" Steering wheel & GTA badge on the doors...(Other then what has already been mentioned)

Mine current T/A doesn't have pw. mirrors or cruise and has deleted A/C & smog pump for a lighter faster car...Much more tight with no T-Tops...(pictures in my Gallery) 4 sale for $3,995...

The 305 HO 5 spd is not faster then a 350 Auto car...