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

Can anyone tell me the difference? Especially 1988..because that is the year I plan on getting. :)

Thank you.

P.S. I'm new to the forums! :)

http://www.gtasourcepage.com/

The GTA is basically a "luxury" version of the Trans Am.

GTA are usually more rare than a Trans Am and GTA have better ground effects. Personally I think the the GTA is a way better looking car.

I'm not sure if this was an option on top of the GTA model, but every GTA I've ever been in also had the WS-6 performance suspension package. I swear, I remember my buddies '87 GTA suspension feeling a hell of a lot stiffer than my '95 Z28's (even with my recently installed Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks). It handled really well.

I think for '88 the 350(only in the automatic) was available with TPI and pumped out 220 horses. My friend's '87 350 was a four barrel carb rated at 190 HP.

What do you mean when you say "luxury"? does that mean it is bigger in size, more spacious? or what?

And the RAM air package would defaitly be a plus...do they do that on '88s? I havne't seen a '88 hood with huge nostril intakes..

And would that boost price up on an '88 used a lot?

By luxury, I mean it came with all the options, leather interior(usually), etc, etc. The ram air package wasn't available until 96 (I think). Most 3rd gens in good to excellent condition shouldn't be over $8K, with a decent one around $4-6K . I've test driven enough 3rd gens to know that theres alot of crap out there, make sure you drive a couple of them and not buy the first one you look at(unless its in real good condition). Make sure to check under the doors for rust.

Under the doors? Where do you mean..how would I got about checking there?

Under the doors? Where do you mean..how would I got about checking there?

Just look under the doors. There are small holes in the bottom of the doors for water to run out, sometimes they get clogged and will rust.

So let me ask you guys a question..

I am looking for a 1988 Trans Am... I am not sure to what a GTA is... or all the differences..

I have about 8 months to find one and can afford to buy one at any time... So I have a large window to look...


My question is do you think it is worth it to only consider the Trans Am GTA? Are they that much better, and if so, do they come with a significantly higher price tag?

I found out the '88s dont have the RAM Air performance option..So what else with the 88 Trans Am GTA include compared to the Trans Am?

What are your opinions on it?

Thanks.

I personally think the GTA's looked the best (there were also "Firebird" GTA's out there as well - just to confuse you more).

As far as speed is concerned, the Firebird Formula's of the late 80's were among the fastest because of their lower weight. Back when my cousin owned an '89 5.0L LX one of his buds had a late 80's Formula - white, with the black "FORMULA" along the lower doorsides, 305 H.O. TPI V8, 5 speed - they were the fastest among their whole crew (Mustang GT/Cobra's, IROC-Z's, GTA's). Olde Jimmy with his Grand National was the king of the hill. SPeaking of GN's, if you can get your hands on a Turbo Trans-Am with the same 3.8L Turbo V6 at a good price you'll be sitting in something special (but I bet it would cost $$$$$$$$$$$$)

If you go to the GTA Source Page web site it will tell you everything you need to know about the differences: http://www.gtasourcepage.com/

But the diferences are few like interior trim, wheels, WS6 suspension, stereo system, and other creature comforts. Like someone said a more luxury packaged Trans Am but with lots of handling. The engines are the same as regular Trans Ams but the rear end might be different depending on options. To be sure it is a GTA and not one with fake badges look at the sticker in the console and if you have the Y84 code then it's a real GTA.

Good luck, gotta go to work,

-Ozzy

Ahhhh don't know which!

I dont think it really matters..

im either gonna get a 5.0 GTA manual 5speed or a 5.7 Trans Am 5 speed...which ever i find cheapest/best features/etc i think ill go for it.

sounds smart, doesn't it?

You'll have a hard time finding a 5.7 with a manual trans from the factory. The 5.7 GTAs came from the factorywith the 700R-4 automatic. The 5 speed was not available as an option with the 5.7 TPI engine. The 5.0 on the other hand came with either manual or auto.
Whatever you can get your hands on will be a great car anyways, and fun to drive too. Not very comfortable on rough roads though.

-Ozzy

Comfort, what's comfort? :iceslolan

The difference in a Trans Am and a GTA model is not that much...but enough. The GTA has the 350 motor in it as compared to the TA's 305 at most....The Digital Dash and WS-6 suspension were also optional only on the GTA and not the Trans Am...and the special 16x8 gold snowflake rims...the only way u'll find a 305 in a GTA model is if it has t-tops, Pontiac felt it would warp the chassey to have a 350 with t-tops...and also the GTA has 30 ft. of torque more than the firebird formula 350 with the same size engine...the 88 GTA has 240hp and 335 ft. torque stock. I own a 88 GTA and i recommend one over a regular TA or formula 350 anyday!

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
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/595000-595999/595947_7_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/595000-595999/595947_6_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/595000-595999/595947_2_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/595000-595999/595947_19_full.jpg

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.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/17808fbird3.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/17808fbird2-med.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/17808fbird1.JPG

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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...

GTA is grand tourismo americano...The differences between trans am and gta is mainly suspension steering wheel and badges. Other than that they are pretty much identical. They all come with the same options and there are a lot of gta clones out there so do some research there is limitless information on these cars. Best site I have found is the www.gtasourcepage.com. the things to look for when looking at this car is a number 8 in the ninth digit. Which means it is indeed a 350tpi original car. Look for an odd shaped transmission pan instead of the square or rectangular one. That means its a 400 transmission which is the absolute best that pontiac put in those. Also. If you arr lucky enough some gta come with an Australian 9 bolt rear end. (The rear axle cover has 9 bolts. As for rust. Take the panel on the passenger side of the trunk off. Take the spare out if necessary. All f-bodies were horrible about rusting there as well as under the rocker panels under the door. When you find one you want to drive tell them you want to take it to a mechanics shop and have it lifted to see. Places like meineke would be happy to do this for you and for very little cost compared to rust removal and paint. I looked at several trans ams and gta's. And did my homework...I finally got a gunmetal grey gta for about 5500 with 48kmiles. It did need a lil work. Wheels refinished at youngs fbody.com..aero wing replaced with fiberglass...headlight motors upgraded to brass motors. And a new transmission anchor. All for about 2k. There are certain things that trans am whether gta or not had big problems with...but easily fixed. GOOD LUCK