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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 !
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.
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 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😎😎🥰♥️❣️❤️
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.
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. =)
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 😊🙏
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
Sweet channel. Make sure to keep listing money spent and profited a lot of you tubers leave this out. Also maybe say how many hours you worked on the car.
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 ;-)
Wow is this an actually monetizable video. That is great! Nice "fire chicken" car.
I don't care about cars, but I got a big smile on my face when you started her up.
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.
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!
that exhaust note on your formula gives me shivers... what a good noise..
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.
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!
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.
My love affair with the Trans-Am began with a movie: Smokey & the Bandit. Then Night Rider took it to the next level.
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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I think I've liked that car since I was a kid and saw "Smokey and the Bandit". And of course "Knight Rider".
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
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.
Super cool project bro, that firebird model was my dream car in the 90’s
Love the airwolf intro!
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 :)
Ah what! Was just getting into the episode and it finished. How long do we have to wait for part 2?
a week
Looking forward to this cool series!!!
An excellent upbeat topic for these downbeat times. Look forward to the coming episodes. Thanks and stay well, guys!
Sweet car, it is one I have always wanted myself.
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.
liked the video because i really like your info on winston's and matt's channels. plus it will help with YT algorithm.
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 !
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.
"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
At work can't wait to watch this later. Dope stuff boys
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 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😎😎🥰♥️❣️❤️
Beautiful car. With a little attention and some replacement parts, this thing will be ready. Thinking about a turbo or upgrading the engine?
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.
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. =)
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.
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
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
Most ever spent on a car + unseen! 😎 Not the best prerequisites, but I'm glad it worked out ok for you 😀
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.
Original owner of a 1989 formula 350. I have taken very good care of my bird.
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
Very cool car! I love the 3rd gen F body cars. Special spot in my heart.
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
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.
Can't wait to see the Supra video!
Good luck. Sounds like Winston had stars in his eyes. Might take a loss unless he really fixes all of it.
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.
Enjoyed this video alot brought back some memories.
千金難買心頭好。buy what you love.
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.
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!
I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA that I bought on my channel, these cars are amazing
T56 Swap. Did it on my Trans Am GTA and was worth the investment.
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.
Johnny Lawrence approves of your purchase 👍
I genuinely love this new series/channel!!
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.
You found a manual one??! I am jealous! Too bad GM didn't put manuals in the 350 TPIs!
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.
I had the same 90' Formula in black. Manual and old nose.
Now I would like to have it again. 🤔
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.
Build quality of 80's, 90's GM cars was unmatched!! as in you'd be crazy to compare them to anything else.
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
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!
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! 😊🙏
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!
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 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!
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!!!
That car is what we refer to as a sled
Need to find a Late 80's early 90s Fix Body Mustang
You guys gotta do a Honda CRX mark 1 and mark 2 and a Prelude at some point
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.
Love the Airwolf theme
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.
nice production
Winston's whip 😍😍😍
I am enjoying this new series👌
Sweet channel. Make sure to keep listing money spent and profited a lot of you tubers leave this out. Also maybe say how many hours you worked on the car.
GM's 5.0 is a dog swap in a 350 or a newer LS engine you'll be glad you did.
Of A time.. Glad you had the full experience.. The cross country rides.. Bfa... And the 70's muscle car N appropriate 🎶 🏭 🔨 🎶
The Fire Chicken. Kinda fitting since it's only capable of limited flight (under certain circumstances).
Still a good buy for 8k they are hard to find not abused beyond repair or like you said they are museum quality and 25k