1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA 5.7 tpi

Summary:

Best bang for your buck!

Faults:

Fuel pump died.

General Comments:

Incredible performance. 22 mpg around town and never lost a street race (Mustangs, Vettes etc) Handled very well and was a definite head turner. Aftermarket headers and a 3" exhaust made the car sound sweet, and I was always complemented for the sound. Would not think twice about buying another one, very sorry that I sold this one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2000

8th Feb 2001, 16:49

The 'Vettes must not have been trying too hard.

17th Jun 2004, 23:59

I have an 86 Trans Am GTA with the stock L-98/LT1 TPI 350.

I've only beaten one Vette with this powerhouse of an engine, so I'm a little curious as to how you're beating Vettes.

Vettes have the same engine as my GTA, but my GTA is much heavier. You do the math.

1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA 305 TPI

Summary:

Needs more power... and faster acceleration

Faults:

Im on radiator #2, and have had a blown intake gasket that was replaced about 2 months ago. Had a bent tie rod after sliding into a curb on ice. The aftermarket 3" exhaust pipe rotted out of the cat and I welded it back on with a new flange. The drivers seat has tears along the side, fixed that problem with seat covers. Air was recently recharged. It also runs hot in the summer, about 10 degrees hotter than usual, but that's probably normal.

General Comments:

This is a great handling car. Very dependable. Great overall car. If you wanna have fun, get one w/ T-tops and go! They sound excellent with sound system upgrades ie. new head unit with amp and subs. A real head turner when its cleaned and waxed -- arrest me red with black and chrome honeycomb rims. Just don't drive it with the air on, it robs too much horse power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2000

21st Apr 2001, 15:43

Very powerful car, sounds and looks great.

9th May 2002, 17:11

Needs more power and acceleration... maybe you shoulda broke the piggy bank and got a GTA with a 350??? or perhaps even one with a manual transmission.

20th Dec 2004, 18:15

Hi, I have a firebird 1987 and I don't some electric circuits are burnt and the mechanics don't know the circuitry for it or the map to find which one. Is there something like a map or instruction of the electric wiring of this car?

Please e-mail me at quest_is@yahoo.com.

Thank u.

1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA 5.7 liter LT1

Faults:

I'm on starter #4, alternator #3, water pump #3, ECM (main computer for all engine functions) #3; the car leaks like a sieve, always burned a lot of oil ... now I could probably be arrested. Motor for auto antenna wouldn't stop (even with car stopped), on catalytic converter #3, motorized hatch closing mechanism is messed up, hydraulic tubes to open both hood and hatch last two years tops. Air conditionning lasted 2 years and was too expensive to repair ($700 Canadian).

General Comments:

Okay, the car is over 10 years now but it's been 10 years of constant and costly repairs that average about a thousand dollars per year. It's time they put the F-body to rest. If you're in the market for a muscle car don't buy the (sold out) American reviewers who rant about the 300+ hp of the F-bodies (ie Camaro, Firebird) and how they will tromp a Mustang. That's all racetrack bull that doesn't translate to real roads, real weather, real comfort, real handling, or real laws. You'll be happier with a 'Stang (but not necessarily happy). None of these reviewers own and maintain these muscle cars. They cost a lot of $$ to keep running. I'd love to get the new 99 Mustang GT but my GTA experience is impossible to ignore. It's looking very much like a Honda Accord Coupe EX-V6 is in my future; since I can't own two cars, I'll opt for the peace of mind of the Accord. (no I don't work for Honda ... and I don't run a single bit of Micro$oft anything. Computerwise, I'm powered 100% by Linux :-) You can remove this last bit <g>)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th May, 1999

19th Dec 2000, 09:45

I've owned a GTA since it was brand new in 1987 and I love it. You must not be a true fan of muscle cars if you don't like this one. Sure it has its defects, but it is a great car and I won't ever sell mine.

23rd Feb 2001, 16:23

Just for your information, a 1987 GTA has an L98 engine NOT an LT1. I've had my GTA for 4 years in Australia and have had no problems with it so maybe you bought a lemon????

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