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

[dcmander]

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!

[Scott85]

http://www.gtasourcepage.com/

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

[pre]

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.

[DVS LT1]

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.

[dcmander]

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?

[Scott85]

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.

[dcmander]

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

[Scott85]

Originally Posted by dcmander

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.

[dcmander]

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.

[DVS LT1]

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 $$$$$$$$$$$$)

[Ozzy88GTA]

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

[dcmander]

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?

[Ozzy88GTA]

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

[BlkCamaroSS]

Comfort, what's comfort?

[FlavoredMagoo]

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!