What Engine is the 1989 Trans AM GTA?

[Guru_37]

Well guys, liked to know what specific engine the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA is running on, would it be an LT1 or something different because I know that the LT1 is from the years 93 and up.

Saving up to buy one of those inspirational cars, and living up to owning my favorite car of all time, the Trans Am!

[silver87ta]

89 was still sporting the L98, right? Please don't break both my arms if I'm wrong

[Guru_37]

I think your right, so relax buddy. People can make mistakes but it's better to learn from them.

hmmm, so what do you think about the L98 engine? heard anything good from it? Pretty Torquey engine, but I guess it runs in the line of all GM (Chevy) small block 350 cubic inch V8 engines.

[silver87ta]

I think as long as you dont get stuck with the 87's L98, it's a damn nice powerhouse. The problem with mine is, in 88 it seems they swapped all the engine components to the other side (alternator and compressor switched places), so its almost impossible to find aftermarket stuff that works with my year. Guess it just wasnt profitable to make superchargers and pulley kits for just one year But, I digress, with the work I have done, she's still kickin ass, and I dont regret the time and money I've put into her.

[Guru_37]

Overall, there ain't much difference between your 87 and a 89, look similiar. I see you've done some nice mods to it, mind telling how it performs in 0-60mph time? and what could I expect the top speed to be off a this Trans Am?

Lol, sure love to hear if you've raced against any cars, and which you've smoked

[silver87ta]

hehe, I like this guy.....
ANYHOW...my best 0-60 at this point has been 6.5 secs, and the 1/4 mile in 15 flat @ 92MPH. And, as far as top speed, I hit 135mph responding to a call last month.

And, a far as cars I've smoked...well, I don't wanna start another honda flame war

[Guru_37]

Pretty good performance, do u have a manual or an automatic?
Seriously, I think you could well pull off the 1/4 mile in the 14 second range, somewhere in the mid 14's probably.

Lol, as for those honda's you smoked it was obvious. I bet you could take down a Mustang GT, a lot of Camaros and FIrebirds Outgun them on the street, but they are respectable cars.

[silver87ta]

in 1987, the 350's only came with automatics, the TH-700R4.

As for racing, I've been shut down a couple of times, the most memorable being of Mustang Saleen that absolutely schooled me. And, on my way to work one morning, a Viper (true story) pulled up next to me at a light and started revvin. I looked over, laughed, and gave the nod. Needless to say, I got annihalated But I've taken down enough to feel comfortable with my bird's abilities.

[Guru_37]

Lol, those Saleen Mustangs and Vipers are really powerful. Both of them have well off around 500hp. Really cool, but the experience should be exhilarating!

Trust me, if you had the time to put in a manual on that thing and add in a supercharger, with some cold air intake and get more air into that engine, it could blow them away.

Nice talking bro

[silver87ta]

Cheers!

[Live702]

The 89 GTA's technically came with three engines:

The 5.0 L LB9 engine with manual transmission (366 made)
The 5.7 L L98/B2L engine with automatic transmission (6,554 made)
The LC2 3.8 L V6 supercharged engine that was used in the 20th anniversary editions (1,555 made)

I say three because although the 20th anniversary edition was a unique car unto itself, it was considered by Pontiac as a GTA.

I am kind of confused on the L98/B2L engine. Is it the same engine or were there some differences. I thought I read something about one using aluminum heads and the other not.

[silver87ta]

You know, thats a good possibilty, 'cause I can assure that that L98 (at least in my year) had cast iron.

[Live702]

Interesting. The source that I got my information from listed the same production numbers for the L98 and the B2L. but only had listed 8475 GTA cars made in 89.

[silver87ta]

Kepp in mind, I also just have a regular TA, not a GTA, so that might make a difference.