Wiston- if you would like a hand working on the firebird, just ask, im down. Or if you having trouble sourcing parts, let me know, I may be able to help.
I can´t believe that the youtuber I discovered last week and since that moment I've been watching a many of his videos everyday has moved to the US and made his own car channel, you're truly awesome!
It's a good looking car Winston. I actually have a lot of love for the last model firebird that came out. Every time I saw it on the road I would like, damn that's a good looking car.
For the record, don't take to much out on the previous owner, 80's and 90's GM cars are not known for being "high" quality products, they were known for being disposable. Your clutch, electrical systems, and you lines will go out rather quickly. Luckily, there are after market products, at reasonable prices, to correct several of these issues. Good luck with your car, and happy wrenching.
@Something Odd - I agree with you on that. My first car was a brand new '88 model Firebird. It looked great, but it would have been smarter of me to have purchased a Buick Regal with the 3800 engine at that time. Luckily for Winston he won't have to drive this car in the snow belt.
@@DG-jq7il hell yes!. New vehicles you have to have dedicated software for the brand your working on, have good electrical skills and tools and have lots of patience. It also helps to have the right wire diagrams. Modern cars alone have 2 different data networks and 15 computer modules. Some costing thousands and only can be flashed by the dealer I work in detroit were salt destroys electronics and the rats for some reason love modern car wire insulation, they eat it all the time. The last 3 years since my bad car accident ive switched over to electrical because the car accident destroyed my back. I find i enjoy the tech side more. I fix things multiple shops cant fix and it helps give me satisfaction that im helping someone for a affordable cost.
My first car given to me was a 1988 Firebird Formula 350. This was the Firebird with the same 5.7 L TPI motor that came as standard issue in the Corvette. Only issue was no manual transmission available. I will say the automatic TH700 R4 was a good match. This car with a few bolt ons from Tuned Port Specialties ran a 13:18 1/4 mile at Buds Creek at midnight madness and surprised everyone. Especially the 5.0 mustang guys. My favorite car I’ve ever owned! Nothing like the Fbody Generation.
I agree, the 82-84 Trans Am was THE best looking third gen Firebird, period. I got a 1990 TBI and turned it into a sort of KITT replica (no KITT dashboard) for the same reasons you mentioned. Absolutely love this car!
Was never a GM guy but the "Formula" Firebird always caught my eye. Almost bought one of the WS6 models. Ended up with 4 Mustangs over the years. Still love that style. Good choice!
You explained it best. I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA. I paid $2,500 for it 13 years ago, from the original owner, with 46k on it and I just paid more than 15k for a perfect condition 1991 Camaro RS. Both are currently sitting outside the garage in light rain. Could have paid down any one of our multiple debts but here we are. They sure are pretty.
My car in high school was a 1974, Buccaneer Red, 455 Trans Am. It wasn't the Super Duty, but it had almost as much torque. Later, I rented a 1985 V6 Firebird, that while not as fast, was still an enjoyable car to drive. The 2nd Gen Trans Ams are pretty expensive for a clean, turn key model, but a 3rd Gen Formula is pretty interesting, especially with a 5 spd. You don't know what you're missing, C-Milk, especially once Winston puts in a Comp Cams HE 268H. Edelbrock aluminum heads and Pro-Flo fuel injection would also rock.
Thanks for sharing I bought a 95 Trans Am this past February. Not "The Bandit" I've wanted since I was a kid but a much better car all around. I'm very happy with it ...even though it's in the shop for the third time right now.
Every issue with a car is an opportunity for upgrade. New racing clutch and in the process of doing it, replace seals and gasket. If you're keeping it (Winston's Dream car) totally worth it. Working on a car creates a familiarity and knowledge about a car that you normally wouldn't have from a brand new car. If you're planning to flip and sell, you'll need car with high collector value. Also a car with lots of repairs make great video content for TH-cam. A brand new car with no issues is very boring for TH-cam.
I'm with Winston on this one. Firebird / Trans Am was and IS a beautiful car. Ok yes I'm a Knight Rider fan also, but even if I weren't it's still very nicely crafted in my view.
The smaller points of concern are all a part of a classic pre-owned (no expectation as if brand new) purchase of the unexpected items of disappointment. However, the larger concerns such as the clutch issue should be fore-mentioned in the sale of the vehicle and that was unacceptable! Remember it’s the find, the fruition of your dream that makes the world of difference in your life. Love the channel!
Great choice of car. That being said you did purchase on the internet having not seen it in person....so now you got what you got! Always go see the car in person if you are serious. That grid pattern on the center console is the shit.
I actually agree with you totally. Growing up the 82-84 Trans Am was my favorite car (ala knight rider most likely). Sharper than the later versions for sure. When the Formula came out, it captured that style. I also owned a 90 Formula for many years and miss it. Mine was a 5 speed as well, but it had the more desirable TPI 5.0 motor-225 hp./300 tq. Those came with the twin cat exhaust, full disc brakes, oil cooler, and 3.42 posi. Very fast car, especially with typical mods. That L03 motor you have in there isn’t too bad and also responds well to mods. Looking forward to seeing you tinker with it!
Hey, Winston. I'm glad got your dream car. Personal story from me though. Mom had a 1980 Firebird and she and Dad brought me home in it. She died in 2018 and Dad and I sold her Firebird (it was in rough shape from sitting for 5 years, and just plain old old age) to help pay off her funeral in 2019. I only got to drive it twice with Dad because Mom didn't want me to wreck it even though she had the lead foot. I'm determined to find my own Firebird one day and paint it like Mom's: black with a thin pink stripe running along the body. Even though we didn't get along well for the past few years of her life, she was still Mom and I miss her. Enjoy your Firebird, Winston. Maybe one day I can get my Firebird and we'll run into each other at a Screaming Chicken meet to drink a beer and swap stories about chasing after our dream cars.
Great vid. Great old cars. I love my 85 grey market Benz 500 SEC. The american cars from that era are nowhere near as nice, but they are still cool. They also have a huge aftermarket and that means a shit-ton of upgrade options (needed for the brakes and suspension).
As an Italian who moved to the US with a passion for American muscle cars, I totally agree that these cars are not taken care the way they deserve. And I totally relate to the excitement of going thru online ads of possible cheap opportunities for cars I've onmy dreamed of when growing up in Europe!
Always do a test drive. Unfortunately people here take advantage of you just like other parts of the world. Ive bought an old Saturn and BMW cheap thinking i was getting a deal and then found out the manual transmission or clutch had issues also. Sorry to hear it Winston
I never had this model Trans-am. But I did have a Camaro that was about the same. True nightmare of a car, '84 Camaro, but it wasn't in as good as shape as this '90 Firebird.
Nice car, love the Airwolf intro! Your price analogy is spot on, here in Canada you can sometimes find a middle of the road condition Firebird (reasonably presentable & affordable), but for the most part there either cheap and beat to sh*t, or pristine and expensive as hell.
i got one like it, and love the various F bodies they are easy to work on , plenty of cheep parts and full repair guides n manuals available....didn't even know you had this channel I know of you from the other one, awsome.
HI Winston!! I love that robot ! That car is freaking sweet, but man..dissapointment in the now needed repairs!! Looking forward to Part 2!! Stay healthy, safe & of course, Awesome 😎💕 EDIT: Knight Industries Two Thousand "K.I.T.T "would be proud !
Winston, present the issues that you found to the seller and request a discount on the purchased price. If the seller is reasonable, he should return some of your money. It does not hurt to ask.
Don't flip it, put a knight rider front bumper on it!! They have 4 different ones from all different seasons, this is my dream car too! Ever thought about a set of 1990s vortec heads for cheap and more power, easy upgrade! Good luck and keep us posted man! Be good to her
I had an '85 Tbird when I was 18 in 1994 and it was great. Helped me get my first real girlfriend! It was a complete POS though, had to pour in a quart of oil every month, one of the doors wouldn't lock and the other wouldn't unlock, etc.
Yep, I have a FIRE RED 1990 Pontiac Firebird Coupe V-6 GREAT gas mileage and it gets up and GOES, HAS ORIGINAL rims and centers on it had to put actually heavy duty bucket seats in because I'm a BIGGER guy and the color matches the car so that's all good, stereo system things like that, my issues are mainly with trying to keep the back taillight bulbs from wearing out and keeping the center pull down bars lined up so the center brake lights work correctly, , sometimes the relays in the headlights gears don't always want to work and cannot find any new ones, but I'm not so worried about that as much, but I LOVE MY FIREBIRD 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😎😎🥰♥️❣️❤️
You did great if the car moves under it's own power, isn't rusted to pieces, and the mileage is accurate. I loved those cars too until I owned one, but don't let me bring ya down. If it's just used as a playtoy it'll be fine.....maybe......probably........hopefully.
That Formula is a great car, a bit faster than the T/A. I had an 84, 85, 86 and an 87 T/A. 84 and 85 were during my high school years. I wouldn't mind picking up a clean one like this.
From the looks of things, the odometer has been around the block at least once. A 20k mile 1990 doesn't have that kind of wear and tear. Clutch isn't hard to replace, just keep it simple and close to stock. No need for any kind of "racing" clutch to have a fun ride with the power the car has. It is weird to see you buying the same cars I have, but in a different order. I have a C4, C3, and Formula too...It is as if I can look in my garage and know what you will buy next.
I’ve been wanting a 2nd or third then Trans Am, but they all sold before I had a chance to check them out. Then, I found this 1989 Firebird Formula, $2800. They claim no rust or dents, 140k mi. Central Iowa Checking it out tomorrow!! Hopefully buying too
1983 was the sweet spot for that vintage of trans am, 5spd, 3.73 rear endi, dual resonator exhaust. 84 was nice too but they dropped that wonderful exhaust
Congratiolations about having your Dream Car! This car has a soul and good sound! Of course we all know that best cars are made here in Europe, and one of the best is Porche 9/11 year 87 :) Proof - when i watch your China street videos, there are German cars, but no Americans... Fastest used to be Italys Lambs and Ferraris, safest come west, just over the Baltic sea from Sweden and WORST are made by eastern neighbour Russia - It is all logical, because when USA and USSR had cold war, then all the best engineer brains went to military not to car indrusty. They say that Russian rockets and plains are one of the bests, but cars disaster, it was similar in USA.
It's really cool that you can both do IT/Networking and Repair Cars. Both are skills I wanted to gain, but my entire past employment has been bureaucratic desk jobs and mindless manual labor.. never this kind of creative/complex manual labor. =)
My friends first car was a cocaine white 89 z28 ... And my God was it clean. I wish he still had it because that car was a dream. I've always want a 77 trans am myself but never got around to finding one.
Sorry Winston, I know how disappointed I'd be 😔. I got lucky with my first car. My dream car was a Camaro Iroc, so I was intent on getting one. But, a pleasant blessing dropped in my lap. A friend of a friend was selling an '85 Firebird TransAm, in MINT/Showroom condition. I mean, it was his baby that was kept in the garage and only driven in summer months. This guy was class, he even gave me a tremendous deal on it! LOL, at first I didn't want it, as I was intent on the Camaro Iroc, but I realized I could not turn this opportunity down after going to see it. This 15 yr old car still had tread on the original tires, and leather like new! That became my baby, and then the local punks in town completely ruined it all for me. I was chased and attacked, with the car getting into write off condition as I tried to escape. Of course, the local cops were crooked and would not do anything, as they didn't want to deal with the local punks. I learned some hard lessons about life there and then. So my dream has been to get another '85ish Firebird TransAm someday, in excellent condition, and it would mean a lot to me. I hope it all works out for you, and Enjoy! 😊🙏
Whoever sold this car to you took advantage of the fact that you were from another Country or you didn't get to look the car over before you paid for it. Don't get me wrong, from a distance the car looks great! I hope you don't have to spend to much money on it! Good Luck my friend!!!
As a American its was not much easier to find 82-84 Trans Am's, 80's Pontiac's in general were treated like crap. I have a 1 owner 04 Grand Prix and it has 124K. While its not a 3 gen Trans Am, it is the last generation GM used the 3800 v6. My plan is to keep it, drive it and store it if needed. Iv said it once and ill say it again. WE NEED TO SAVE THE PONTIAC'S.
I knew you guys were car nuts. I'm a little different, and have no problem swapping engines for more power and reliability. Good luck in this endeavour.
@@WorthlessWhips I would have suggested putting a LS engine from a Corvette instead of having that gas slurping low tuned engine. I really don't know about the laws but somekind of LS would be more economical and powerful! Ps. There is this one dude in our small town in Finland who broke the european standing 1 mile speed record with his street built Vette, pretty cool stuff driving on the streets with a parachute and 1200+ horsepower. Cheers mate!
@@WorthlessWhips Cali? Yeah I've heard a little about it. Anything 1975 or newer has to go through an inspection, and they can be real jerks. That said, I agree an LS/T56 would be a great combo in this car.
I never knew a formula Firebird had the 305 tbi...basically it is the RS Camaro with the V8 option. The only car I ever ordered new from the factory was a 1992 1LE Z-28 5.0 5-spd. T ook 5 weeks for delivery. Ended up with a smog legal supercharger...put a ton of miles on it...wish I still had it.
I'm going to guess his favorite car is a Supra. iirc, he had one when he was growing up but his parents made him sell it. I think we might see a Supra here on WW soon.
It's great to get a different perspective. I liked that model Trans Am when it debuted, very futuristic at the time. But the 80's was a bad decade for quality and reliability.
The quaint old 80s, when no one got upset by the words "trans am". 😄 4:32 C3 is a peculiar car. I would call it a "compact muscle car". Thoroughly bulgy and vulgar coupé, but actually not a huge thing. Not at all a common recipe. Anything contemporary that comes close to that recipe? 6:20 The only time my car got delivered by a service was a bad experience. Had been with a crook for six years. 🙁 And had a nasty new dent that will not be fixable easily. 7:53 Reminds me of that one time I sold a used product with meticulous detailed documentation about its big and small flaws so that I could tell myself I was the most honest seller, and then that punk of a buyer complained that stuff was damaged, as if I hadn't shown him exactly what he'd get. 😤 People are fucked up. Exemplary of why one has little incentive to even make an effort. (Although that one time I sold a lawnmower on Ebay for my parents and the buyer was happy. I emphasized its legitimately good (oldschool) aspects and he appreciated them. 8:35 Basic rule of buying used cars: Expect even your friends to try and rip you off. They will see nothing wrong with that. Will consider it natural to not tell if you don't ask, and anything below friend-level will outright lie to you if you ask and will count on you not reneging once the car is delivered. ... If they know you got a TH-cam channel, they will also count on you not naming them because they know it's hard to run an internet business. That kind of decency is readily exploited. ... Basically, if you love cars and want to buy a used one, see it as an act of freeing it from someone who would sell it. When I sold my motorcycle to a friend of my brother, I made him a good deal and added a really good helmet for free if it fits him that in retrospect I really regret not having kept (Schuberth, before they became unaffordable), and after the deal was done, his wife went on a my-life-is-better-than-yours sermon against me. (She apparently had a major say in the budget. - Well, I could read that relationship somewhat easily, too, so no big surprise.)
on next year's episode: Winston and co move to cuba and are forced to work on nothing but vehicles from the 50s. chaos ensues as the car radio is stuck on a Latin station.
These cars were evidently more highly regarded in Canada, who didn't yet have smog controls at the time. Saw a lot of late 70s/early 80s cars in Calgary when I was living there. Of course... yours is out of state so maybe has a minimum of that stuff.
Always wanted one, but they are bad for rust and someone I know said he had to keep a big bag of sand or salt in the trunk as it tended to fishtail on icey roads. Too front heavy. Pretty cars though!
There's a reason you had to get it from Ohio. Only drug dealers in the hood drive Pontiacs in CA. The Detroit/Midwest area is the only place that respects those cars. Nice clean example you got though so kudos for that!
![ค้าง (STILL) - GEMINI [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ftxx3hk5vkU/mqdefault.jpg)
Patreons vote on the cars to buy for future episodes - www.patreon.com/worthlesswhips
Wiston- if you would like a hand working on the firebird, just ask, im down. Or if you having trouble sourcing parts, let me know, I may be able to help.
Apologies for the poor grammar, a few drinks in....
Check the wheel wells for rust holes. I spent too much on a Camaro ;-)
I don't care about cars, but I got a big smile on my face when you started her up.
I can´t believe that the youtuber I discovered last week and since that moment I've been watching a many of his videos everyday has moved to the US and made his own car channel, you're truly awesome!
Wow is this an actually monetizable video. That is great! Nice "fire chicken" car.
that exhaust note on your formula gives me shivers... what a good noise..
Took a borrowed, brand new '84 Trans Am to my senior prom, and fell in love. After I dropped off my date.
Cute qualifier.
LOL Good one! An 84 Trans Am is an absolute dream car!
It annoys me how many people say that they're trash without even driving one. Glad to see someone else who appriciates one enough to take care of it.
It's a good looking car Winston. I actually have a lot of love for the last model firebird that came out. Every time I saw it on the road I would like, damn that's a good looking car.
I'm not the biggest fan of them. Or so I thought but the 2000-2002 WS6 and TA, was the best looking of them. I still want one.
For the record, don't take to much out on the previous owner, 80's and 90's GM cars are not known for being "high" quality products, they were known for being disposable. Your clutch, electrical systems, and you lines will go out rather quickly. Luckily, there are after market products, at reasonable prices, to correct several of these issues. Good luck with your car, and happy wrenching.
When these were made, anything over five years old was an 'old car' and most buyers weren't interested. Anything 10 years old was junk.
@Something Odd - I agree with you on that. My first car was a brand new '88 model Firebird. It looked great, but it would have been smarter of me to have purchased a Buick Regal with the 3800 engine at that time. Luckily for Winston he won't have to drive this car in the snow belt.
Ya i run a shop. But 90s electrical systems are rather easy compared to 2003 electrical systems.
@@Detroittruckdoctor55 true, and the replacement of the 90's electrical system will last a lot longer to.
@@DG-jq7il hell yes!. New vehicles you have to have dedicated software for the brand your working on, have good electrical skills and tools and have lots of patience. It also helps to have the right wire diagrams.
Modern cars alone have 2 different data networks and 15 computer modules. Some costing thousands and only can be flashed by the dealer
I work in detroit were salt destroys electronics and the rats for some reason love modern car wire insulation, they eat it all the time.
The last 3 years since my bad car accident ive switched over to electrical because the car accident destroyed my back.
I find i enjoy the tech side more. I fix things multiple shops cant fix and it helps give me satisfaction that im helping someone for a affordable cost.
I always loved Firebirds and T/As,! Learning to drive in '87, my obsession was the brick red GTA with gold wheels and tan interior...
My first car given to me was a 1988 Firebird Formula 350. This was the Firebird with the same 5.7 L TPI motor that came as standard issue in the Corvette. Only issue was no manual transmission available. I will say the automatic TH700 R4 was a good match. This car with a few bolt ons from Tuned Port Specialties ran a 13:18 1/4 mile at Buds Creek at midnight madness and surprised everyone. Especially the 5.0 mustang guys. My favorite car I’ve ever owned! Nothing like the Fbody Generation.
I agree, the 82-84 Trans Am was THE best looking third gen Firebird, period. I got a 1990 TBI and turned it into a sort of KITT replica (no KITT dashboard) for the same reasons you mentioned. Absolutely love this car!
Was never a GM guy but the "Formula" Firebird always caught my eye. Almost bought one of the WS6 models. Ended up with 4 Mustangs over the years. Still love that style. Good choice!
Oh my! Can't wait. Our taste in cars are very similar! Best of luck to both of you!
Hang in there Winston, some things are worth working for!
Love the airwolf intro!
Yes, a few not-so-minor things to fix, but my lord: when that V-8 rumbled, my very soul shook with appreciation. Can't wait for the next episode.
My love affair with the Trans-Am began with a movie: Smokey & the Bandit. Then Night Rider took it to the next level.
You explained it best. I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA. I paid $2,500 for it 13 years ago, from the original owner, with 46k on it and I just paid more than 15k for a perfect condition 1991 Camaro RS. Both are currently sitting outside the garage in light rain. Could have paid down any one of our multiple debts but here we are. They sure are pretty.
My car in high school was a 1974, Buccaneer Red, 455 Trans Am. It wasn't the Super Duty, but it had almost as much torque.
Later, I rented a 1985 V6 Firebird, that while not as fast, was still an enjoyable car to drive.
The 2nd Gen Trans Ams are pretty expensive for a clean, turn key model, but a 3rd Gen Formula is pretty interesting, especially with a 5 spd. You don't know what you're missing, C-Milk, especially once Winston puts in a Comp Cams HE 268H. Edelbrock aluminum heads and Pro-Flo fuel injection would also rock.
Thanks for sharing I bought a 95 Trans Am this past February. Not "The Bandit" I've wanted since I was a kid but a much better car all around. I'm very happy with it ...even though it's in the shop for the third time right now.
Every issue with a car is an opportunity for upgrade. New racing clutch and in the process of doing it, replace seals and gasket. If you're keeping it (Winston's Dream car) totally worth it. Working on a car creates a familiarity and knowledge about a car that you normally wouldn't have from a brand new car. If you're planning to flip and sell, you'll need car with high collector value. Also a car with lots of repairs make great video content for TH-cam. A brand new car with no issues is very boring for TH-cam.
I think I've liked that car since I was a kid and saw "Smokey and the Bandit". And of course "Knight Rider".
I'm with Winston on this one. Firebird / Trans Am was and IS a beautiful car. Ok yes I'm a Knight Rider fan also, but even if I weren't it's still very nicely crafted in my view.
Super cool project bro, that firebird model was my dream car in the 90’s
The smaller points of concern are all a part of a classic pre-owned (no expectation as if brand new) purchase of the unexpected items of disappointment. However, the larger concerns such as the clutch issue should be fore-mentioned in the sale of the vehicle and that was unacceptable! Remember it’s the find, the
fruition of your dream that makes the world of difference in your life.
Love the channel!
Great choice of car. That being said you did purchase on the internet having not seen it in person....so now you got what you got! Always go see the car in person if you are serious. That grid pattern on the center console is the shit.
I love Firebirds of all generations but 89 GTA has special place in my heart. And the 4th gen Trans Am with tht Ram Air hood
Looking forward to this cool series!!!
I actually agree with you totally. Growing up the 82-84 Trans Am was my favorite car (ala knight rider most likely). Sharper than the later versions for sure. When the Formula came out, it captured that style. I also owned a 90 Formula for many years and miss it. Mine was a 5 speed as well, but it had the more desirable TPI 5.0 motor-225 hp./300 tq. Those came with the twin cat exhaust, full disc brakes, oil cooler, and 3.42 posi. Very fast car, especially with typical mods. That L03 motor you have in there isn’t too bad and also responds well to mods. Looking forward to seeing you tinker with it!
Hey, Winston. I'm glad got your dream car. Personal story from me though. Mom had a 1980 Firebird and she and Dad brought me home in it. She died in 2018 and Dad and I sold her Firebird (it was in rough shape from sitting for 5 years, and just plain old old age) to help pay off her funeral in 2019. I only got to drive it twice with Dad because Mom didn't want me to wreck it even though she had the lead foot. I'm determined to find my own Firebird one day and paint it like Mom's: black with a thin pink stripe running along the body. Even though we didn't get along well for the past few years of her life, she was still Mom and I miss her. Enjoy your Firebird, Winston. Maybe one day I can get my Firebird and we'll run into each other at a Screaming Chicken meet to drink a beer and swap stories about chasing after our dream cars.
Great vid. Great old cars. I love my 85 grey market Benz 500 SEC. The american cars from that era are nowhere near as nice, but they are still cool. They also have a huge aftermarket and that means a shit-ton of upgrade options (needed for the brakes and suspension).
As an Italian who moved to the US with a passion for American muscle cars, I totally agree that these cars are not taken care the way they deserve. And I totally relate to the excitement of going thru online ads of possible cheap opportunities for cars I've onmy dreamed of when growing up in Europe!
Sweet car, it is one I have always wanted myself.
Always do a test drive. Unfortunately people here take advantage of you just like other parts of the world. Ive bought an old Saturn and BMW cheap thinking i was getting a deal and then found out the manual transmission or clutch had issues also. Sorry to hear it Winston
An excellent upbeat topic for these downbeat times. Look forward to the coming episodes. Thanks and stay well, guys!
"Fire chicken"
That cracked me up
I had a red rooster that used to fight me when i checked my chicken coop for eggs. I called him fire firebird lol
I had an '86 TransAm back in the late 90's to early 00's and my buddy was always calling it a firechicken too.
John Lohr I think there was also an ad back in the 70s that referred used the term as well. Lol
Can't wait to see the Supra video!
At work can't wait to watch this later. Dope stuff boys
I never had this model Trans-am. But I did have a Camaro that was about the same. True nightmare of a car, '84 Camaro, but it wasn't in as good as shape as this '90 Firebird.
Nice car, love the Airwolf intro! Your price analogy is spot on, here in Canada you can sometimes find a middle of the road condition Firebird (reasonably presentable & affordable), but for the most part there either cheap and beat to sh*t, or pristine and expensive as hell.
i got one like it, and love the various F bodies they are easy to work on , plenty of cheep parts and full repair guides n manuals available....didn't even know you had this channel I know of you from the other one, awsome.
HI Winston!! I love that robot ! That car is freaking sweet, but man..dissapointment in the now needed repairs!! Looking forward to Part 2!! Stay healthy, safe & of course, Awesome 😎💕
EDIT: Knight Industries Two Thousand "K.I.T.T "would be proud !
Winston, present the issues that you found to the seller and request a discount on the purchased price. If the seller is reasonable, he should return some of your money. It does not hurt to ask.
dude thats funny :)
Don't flip it, put a knight rider front bumper on it!! They have 4 different ones from all different seasons, this is my dream car too! Ever thought about a set of 1990s vortec heads for cheap and more power, easy upgrade! Good luck and keep us posted man! Be good to her
liked the video because i really like your info on winston's and matt's channels. plus it will help with YT algorithm.
I had an '85 Tbird when I was 18 in 1994 and it was great. Helped me get my first real girlfriend! It was a complete POS though, had to pour in a quart of oil every month, one of the doors wouldn't lock and the other wouldn't unlock, etc.
Beautiful car. With a little attention and some replacement parts, this thing will be ready. Thinking about a turbo or upgrading the engine?
Yep, I have a FIRE RED 1990 Pontiac Firebird Coupe V-6 GREAT gas mileage and it gets up and GOES, HAS ORIGINAL rims and centers on it had to put actually heavy duty bucket seats in because I'm a BIGGER guy and the color matches the car so that's all good, stereo system things like that, my issues are mainly with trying to keep the back taillight bulbs from wearing out and keeping the center pull down bars lined up so the center brake lights work correctly, , sometimes the relays in the headlights gears don't always want to work and cannot find any new ones, but I'm not so worried about that as much, but I LOVE MY FIREBIRD 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😎😎🥰♥️❣️❤️
You did great if the car moves under it's own power, isn't rusted to pieces, and the mileage is accurate. I loved those cars too until I owned one, but don't let me bring ya down. If it's just used as a playtoy it'll be fine.....maybe......probably........hopefully.
I genuinely love this new series/channel!!
That Formula is a great car, a bit faster than the T/A. I had an 84, 85, 86 and an 87 T/A. 84 and 85 were during my high school years. I wouldn't mind picking up a clean one like this.
From the looks of things, the odometer has been around the block at least once. A 20k mile 1990 doesn't have that kind of wear and tear. Clutch isn't hard to replace, just keep it simple and close to stock. No need for any kind of "racing" clutch to have a fun ride with the power the car has. It is weird to see you buying the same cars I have, but in a different order. I have a C4, C3, and Formula too...It is as if I can look in my garage and know what you will buy next.
Haha I have a 93 c4 and a 68 c3 as well
I’ve been wanting a 2nd or third then Trans Am, but they all sold before I had a chance to check them out.
Then, I found this 1989 Firebird Formula, $2800. They claim no rust or dents, 140k mi.
Central Iowa
Checking it out tomorrow!! Hopefully buying too
Original owner of a 1989 formula 350. I have taken very good care of my bird.
Most ever spent on a car + unseen! 😎 Not the best prerequisites, but I'm glad it worked out ok for you 😀
Ah what! Was just getting into the episode and it finished. How long do we have to wait for part 2?
a week
1983 was the sweet spot for that vintage of trans am, 5spd, 3.73 rear endi, dual resonator exhaust. 84 was nice too but they dropped that wonderful exhaust
Congratiolations about having your Dream Car!
This car has a soul and good sound!
Of course we all know that best cars are made here in Europe, and one of the best is Porche 9/11 year 87 :)
Proof - when i watch your China street videos, there are German cars, but no Americans...
Fastest used to be Italys Lambs and Ferraris, safest come west, just over the Baltic sea from Sweden and WORST are made by eastern neighbour Russia - It is all logical, because when USA and USSR had cold war, then all the best engineer brains went to military not to car indrusty. They say that Russian rockets and plains are one of the bests, but cars disaster, it was similar in USA.
Very cool car! I love the 3rd gen F body cars. Special spot in my heart.
T56 Swap. Did it on my Trans Am GTA and was worth the investment.
It's really cool that you can both do IT/Networking and Repair Cars. Both are skills I wanted to gain, but my entire past employment has been bureaucratic desk jobs and mindless manual labor.. never this kind of creative/complex manual labor. =)
Good luck. Sounds like Winston had stars in his eyes. Might take a loss unless he really fixes all of it.
Enjoyed this video alot brought back some memories.
This is a comment to boost engagement! I'm with Winston on this one....fond memories of Kit.
"Michael..it's spelled with two t's.."
K.I.T.T. = Knight Industries Two Thousand
@@borninthewrongtime6449 I'm so ashamed.
Thanks!
@@grantcivyt LMAO😄..No problem!!..I loved the show too!
Johnny Lawrence approves of your purchase 👍
My friends first car was a cocaine white 89 z28 ... And my God was it clean. I wish he still had it because that car was a dream. I've always want a 77 trans am myself but never got around to finding one.
Formula Firechicken, nice! The power of a Trans Am without the flash.
Sorry Winston, I know how disappointed I'd be 😔. I got lucky with my first car. My dream car was a Camaro Iroc, so I was intent on getting one. But, a pleasant blessing dropped in my lap. A friend of a friend was selling an '85 Firebird TransAm, in MINT/Showroom condition. I mean, it was his baby that was kept in the garage and only driven in summer months. This guy was class, he even gave me a tremendous deal on it! LOL, at first I didn't want it, as I was intent on the Camaro Iroc, but I realized I could not turn this opportunity down after going to see it. This 15 yr old car still had tread on the original tires, and leather like new! That became my baby, and then the local punks in town completely ruined it all for me. I was chased and attacked, with the car getting into write off condition as I tried to escape. Of course, the local cops were crooked and would not do anything, as they didn't want to deal with the local punks. I learned some hard lessons about life there and then. So my dream has been to get another '85ish Firebird TransAm someday, in excellent condition, and it would mean a lot to me. I hope it all works out for you, and Enjoy! 😊🙏
Whoever sold this car to you took advantage of the fact that you were from another Country or you didn't get to look the car over before you paid for it. Don't get me wrong, from a distance the car looks great! I hope you don't have to spend to much money on it! Good Luck my friend!!!
Keep up the good work. Was a nice surprise when I found your channel. I have an 82 Trans Am right had drive.
Did you change it to RHD. What steeringbox did you use?
@@renemaritz7866 Hey, it was already converted to RHD when I got it. It meant that registering it over here at the time was much easier.
As a American its was not much easier to find 82-84 Trans Am's, 80's Pontiac's in general were treated like crap. I have a 1 owner 04 Grand Prix and it has 124K. While its not a 3 gen Trans Am, it is the last generation GM used the 3800 v6. My plan is to keep it, drive it and store it if needed. Iv said it once and ill say it again. WE NEED TO SAVE THE PONTIAC'S.
I knew you guys were car nuts.
I'm a little different, and have no problem swapping engines for more power and reliability.
Good luck in this endeavour.
I've done some good things to this car, remember we're in California it's hard to swap an engine here
i would actually be into seeing him mod these with electric power train. there is another guy around youtube already doing it.
@@WorthlessWhips I would have suggested putting a LS engine from a Corvette instead of having that gas slurping low tuned engine. I really don't know about the laws but somekind of LS would be more economical and powerful! Ps. There is this one dude in our small town in Finland who broke the european standing 1 mile speed record with his street built Vette, pretty cool stuff driving on the streets with a parachute and 1200+ horsepower. Cheers mate!
@@WorthlessWhips Cali? Yeah I've heard a little about it. Anything 1975 or newer has to go through an inspection, and they can be real jerks.
That said, I agree an LS/T56 would be a great combo in this car.
Good luck with California smog I have a 76 dodge truck with a 440 and had to tango with the smog referee way too many times lol
I never knew a formula Firebird had the 305 tbi...basically it is the RS Camaro with the V8 option. The only car I ever ordered new from the factory was a 1992 1LE Z-28 5.0 5-spd. T
ook 5 weeks for delivery. Ended up with a smog legal supercharger...put a ton of miles on it...wish I still had it.
Surprised it wasn't all rusted out. Midwest cars are notoriously rusty due to winter salting of roads.
I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA that I bought on my channel, these cars are amazing
Is C-Milk's dream car an IS200/300 / altezza ?? 😱
apparently not
Was, until something happened to his.
I'm going to guess his favorite car is a Supra. iirc, he had one when he was growing up but his parents made him sell it. I think we might see a Supra here on WW soon.
Love the Airwolf theme
You found a manual one??! I am jealous! Too bad GM didn't put manuals in the 350 TPIs!
They had a bad stigma because one speck of salt on the roads and they instantly rotted out to nothing.
Not nearly as bad as many other 80's cars.
It's great to get a different perspective. I liked that model Trans Am when it debuted, very futuristic at the time. But the 80's was a bad decade for quality and reliability.
Need to find a Late 80's early 90s Fix Body Mustang
My dream car is a 2004 Mustang Cobra. I'll have one someday. Best I could do in my teens was a 2004 Mustang GT. I need that "Terminator" Cobra!
The quaint old 80s, when no one got upset by the words "trans am". 😄
4:32 C3 is a peculiar car. I would call it a "compact muscle car". Thoroughly bulgy and vulgar coupé, but actually not a huge thing. Not at all a common recipe. Anything contemporary that comes close to that recipe?
6:20 The only time my car got delivered by a service was a bad experience. Had been with a crook for six years. 🙁 And had a nasty new dent that will not be fixable easily.
7:53 Reminds me of that one time I sold a used product with meticulous detailed documentation about its big and small flaws so that I could tell myself I was the most honest seller, and then that punk of a buyer complained that stuff was damaged, as if I hadn't shown him exactly what he'd get. 😤 People are fucked up. Exemplary of why one has little incentive to even make an effort. (Although that one time I sold a lawnmower on Ebay for my parents and the buyer was happy. I emphasized its legitimately good (oldschool) aspects and he appreciated them.
8:35 Basic rule of buying used cars: Expect even your friends to try and rip you off. They will see nothing wrong with that. Will consider it natural to not tell if you don't ask, and anything below friend-level will outright lie to you if you ask and will count on you not reneging once the car is delivered. ... If they know you got a TH-cam channel, they will also count on you not naming them because they know it's hard to run an internet business. That kind of decency is readily exploited. ... Basically, if you love cars and want to buy a used one, see it as an act of freeing it from someone who would sell it.
When I sold my motorcycle to a friend of my brother, I made him a good deal and added a really good helmet for free if it fits him that in retrospect I really regret not having kept (Schuberth, before they became unaffordable), and after the deal was done, his wife went on a my-life-is-better-than-yours sermon against me. (She apparently had a major say in the budget. - Well, I could read that relationship somewhat easily, too, so no big surprise.)
That car is what we refer to as a sled
千金難買心頭好。buy what you love.
on next year's episode: Winston and co move to cuba and are forced to work on nothing but vehicles from the 50s. chaos ensues as the car radio is stuck on a Latin station.
For you
Mucuna Pruriens .
I had the same 90' Formula in black. Manual and old nose.
Now I would like to have it again. 🤔
I am enjoying this new series👌
It takes an expert to buy a trustworthy used car.
It would be worth a plane ticket to have a look at it before buying. To many ugly truths hide under fresh paint.
Looking forward to the series. (May I guess the rough idle is a problem with the mass air flow sensor?)
Unfortunately waaaay more complicated than that
nice production
GM's 5.0 is a dog swap in a 350 or a newer LS engine you'll be glad you did.
Build quality of 80's, 90's GM cars was unmatched!! as in you'd be crazy to compare them to anything else.
These cars were evidently more highly regarded in Canada, who didn't yet have smog controls at the time. Saw a lot of late 70s/early 80s cars in Calgary when I was living there. Of course... yours is out of state so maybe has a minimum of that stuff.
Always wanted one, but they are bad for rust and someone I know said he had to keep a big bag of sand or salt in the trunk as it tended to fishtail on icey roads. Too front heavy. Pretty cars though!
great episode
There's a reason you had to get it from Ohio. Only drug dealers in the hood drive Pontiacs in CA. The Detroit/Midwest area is the only place that respects those cars. Nice clean example you got though so kudos for that!