1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 305 VIN E TBI

Summary:

This is a very fast, fun, performing car

Faults:

I have not had much trouble with the car. The thermostat went out and caused over heating, but that was it.

I am noticing that my clutch is slipping and making some noise, but it has been used hard.

General Comments:

This is my first car that I bought. It is very fast and a fun drive. I enjoy a casual drive with the t-tops off.

I have the manual transmission that is a must. When I was looking for a car that was top on the list. It only has the 305 v8 but it powers out a good bit.

I would like to replace the factory exhaust because it is a little to quiet.

I have had many looks from many people. The best is driving down the highway and a rice burner tries to pass you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

9th Nov 2020, 19:19

I have an 88 Formula with the 305 and manual tranny, and it's loads of fun. Could it use more power, sure, but I'm not really looking to race it anytime soon. I had to have it in red, T-Tops, manual tranny and hood scoop. I got exactly what I wanted and couldn't be happier.

1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 305 tuned port injection

Summary:

This car has everything, sufficient power, incredible handling, timeless body lines and comfort

Faults:

Nothing out of the ordinary has truly gone wrong with this car. I had to replace the stock clutch at 110,000 miles, which is totally understandable.

I had to replace the sway bar end links around 120,000, because they started to dry rot, which is normal.

My drive shaft developed a vibration between 45 and 75 miles per hour, so I replaced the stock steel unit with an aluminum one.

I also had to install a replacement rear due to the fact that mine shattered the spider gear, which was caused by a leaking differential cover.

I had to replace my entire steering column recently due to the fact that the insides collapsed from a previous accident as the columns were designed to collapse from an impact.

I also had to install new center link, idler arm and spindle from the accident.

I've also had to do routine maintenance such as a water pump, thermostat, radiator, tune ups, serpentine belt, valve cover gaskets and brakes.

General Comments:

I have loved this car since the day I bought it and would never give it up for anything.

Even with high mileage, the car performs excellent. The power is still right there when I need it, and it handles amazingly.

Contrary to what most people say, I believe this to be a very comfortable car. Spacious for the driver and passenger, although not spacious for rear passengers, I can fit and I'm 6 feet tall.

I love the comments I receive with this car, and I'm happy to say I've made many friends from it as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2002

13th Feb 2004, 22:21

Ws6 eh? is this a review for a 98?

27th Mar 2004, 23:33

The WS6 suspension option has been around since the first second generation Trans Am's in the early 70's. I presently own a 89 Formula with the WS6 suspension option. Just thought you'd like to know.

14th Jun 2008, 23:11

I also had an '88 WS6 Formula with the 350. Mine was a hardtop though, and it had been rode hard and put away wet. It had 158K on it when I picked it up, and the tranny and interior were shot. Fortunately the junkyards had a lot of these cars, and I got many like-new parts from low mileage wrecks that I always lucked out in finding. The rear disc calipers were problematic, as was the engine electrical harness for the TPI and the radiator fans. Also, adjusting the throttle plate angle in proportion to the throttle position sensor was a pain in the a$$...but, it was awesome when it ran right, lots of low end grunt and a good hard launch, so long as the tires didn't spin (nearly impossible to avoid) I replaced it with a '96 Formula 6 speed.