You need to completely restore that car as is and keep it. That is an extremely rare combination of paint, engine, options and the super rare 2 year only digital dash. Please, for the love of god, do not hack that car up for parts. That thing is beautiful and far more desirable and valuable than your other one. RESTORE IT. Sell that other one and use the money to fix that gorgeous 2 tone car. You got it almost for free. Why would you dismantle a good car to fix a crappy one?
The trans am you got for 300 is in better shape that your other trans am.I think it will be easier to fix the 300 dollar trans am than the other one. That digital dash was a rare option and in the not to distant future that car if it has a matching drivetrain it will be a collectors dream. And also it will be less work to fix the 300 dollar trans am.Thank you for the video and Merry Christmas.
This $300 trans am might look like it’s in better shape on the outside but it’s not even close. The interior in this car is in way worse condition. My 83 seats aren’t even ripped. Also I have removed all the suspension front and rear , replaced every bushing and bearing. Also powder coated and painted everything. The entire engine bay has been repainted and is rust free. Also removed the and cleaned the gas tank, replaced the fuel pump and new lines. The $300 trans am has a badly rusted battery tray and not sure what the underside looks like. It also has been sitting longer than mine outside ( mine was stored inside) mine also has t tops. I could definitely have the outside finished faster on the $300 trans am but my 83 has a rough door and fender. Not nearly as much work to fix those two panels as it would be to get the $300 trans am up to par with the 83
You can get a title depending on what has been done to it. You can request (if you know the right person) to get one for around $500 also those wheels are riken right?
Good deal? You stole it!!! That being said, the thought of you parting that rare bird out is a bit painful. Budget and room permitting, I’d park it until I had the funds to restore it and look elsewhere for parts for your other car in the meantime. A 5.7 non-GTA Trans Am with a digital dash!!! I think you’d be hard pressed to find another in any condition for a sum remotely close.
Alan Snyder yeah they most DEFINITELY ordered it with the digital dash for a CHUNK of money! Honestly I would do some info digging on it, I’m betting it was bought new by somebody that was possibly high up at GM or good friends with somebody that was, cause I may be wrong but I didn’t even know the digital cluster was an option for anything other than the GTA! I had a GORGEOUS 87 GTA white with gold gta wheels and dark grey interior...I will ALWAYS regret letting that one go! Lol!
@@asskickingperformance3550 it actually was available on any TA, but not many got it. It's rare on a GTA, but even more rare on any other Trans am. This thing is awesome and needs restoration.
Regardless of how you wind up doing things, $300 for that car was a steal. Wheels alone were worth it, plus it has many other parts you can use or sell. Well done! BTW, new sub! :)
Maybe the chip he added needs to be programmed? Either way parts alone are worth more than 300 and a 5.7? Awesome. Would be a shame to part it, if you can get it running it's nice
Man I would put the time and effort into the $300 car. I mean you have a small gold mine in options, all things considered. Swap back to a stock ecu and get that Johnny running right. It's basically a collectors item as it is, if everything works the way it should.
Digital dash will work on any 82-92 f-body with the entire body wiring harness from headligts to tail lights, harness is totally different then analog. The door latches are specific also but the swap has been done by many people even some camaros. Will work with LS Swap, the analog and digital dash use the same sending units so you just have to splice the right wires and all will work
I decided I’m going to keep the 87 together and sell it. Hopefully someone else will rebuild it or put it to good use. Thanks for the info tho! I would keep them both if I had the money and room!
If you had picked up the same car for the same price here in the Northeast there would be almost nothing left to the paint job frame etc.. So for me anyway I think that you did great!. Good luck on the rebuild and thank you for sharing this gem with us!. 🙏
That is a very unusual car as a y84 option 342 posi power disc brakes WS6 car y86 option was mainly for GTA trans. you could not get to tops on a 350 tuned port or you could not even get a manual transmission as Pontiac back in the day said it could not handle that 350 even though The feisty manual was an inferior transmission made it with a 305 tuned Port WS6 formula it was faster than a 350 automatic 700 r4. You can also get an SLP formula 350 and 305both in the SOP trim came with aluminum driveshaft power rear disc brakes 342 posi traction rear no air roll up and down Windows no radio hard tops only but the 305 5 speed manual was faster but anyways that is an unusual trans am if it did it had a 350 because that was extremely rare that they could make it cuz that was unheard of
Nice find! There is a title service I use that can get you a title for that car. I work at a salvage yard and used them four times to title cars we got without titles. Such a shame to use it for parts.... I'd kill for a find like that.
Also those fenders are incorrect they came on the 82 through 84 trans am on the 85 and up they get a slight; refresh which they change the front and rear bumper cover the side skirts and it went from a pedestal styling to a wrap around wingalso on the gauge cluster that is very rare especially for a trans am because they only made them in 87 in Midway through 88 due to all the trouble they had so they went to analog gauges and you can never get that gauge cluster in a formula or firebirdit was only supposed to be available in a GTA trans am if that car came standard with those gauges it is very rare
Great deal. Great car. It's still my favorite. Under your distribution cap is the ignition module---most common problem that puts these in the junk yard. The ignition switch is on the steering column--common problem that started around 2016 and the biggest reason is that in tank fuel pump. You got a great deal.
The 350 TPI is worth more than $300. Those still are a strong working engine so worth it to get it running provided the last owner didnt hammer the shit out it. Great buy!
I got a 1987 IROC 350 tip in my garage I got my senior year in high school in 2000. It was mint til I tore it up a little. Watching your video has inspired me to go out and start doing little things to it lately. Thanks for the inspiration buddy!!! :)
The 300 dollar TransAm is in way better shape. I would fix it up. The digital dash is extremely rare. I found one of those dashes in a 87 TA but the wiring was a total nightmare. My late mother bought a 86 Firebird new and when I ended up with it I found this TA with the digital dash in a salvage yard. A friend of mine had been to the GM training center near Cincinnati so I asked him about swapping everything. He said to forget it. He said if it what you got works don't mess with it. When I asked him about putting a HUD dash display from a later ( 1998???) Grand Prix in my 86 he said the CommBus(??) system of the ECM's were different due to speed, memory, codes, and that the computor systems communicate using different software. Since mine is an 86 and a 98 based system was different I'm guessing GM probably has changed the system two or three more times. But that 300 dollar TA will appriciate in value; give it time and keep it original, due to it's rare dash and 5.7 motor. It will save you a lot of time and trouble since the newer TA is already the look you want. ---It's a nice car . My 86 I had to change the computor twice and mass airflow sensor ( engine wouldn't start and when it did would sometimes quit), over the years when mom had it. The electric fuel pumps go bad after sitting sometimes also. That might be all that's wrong with it. The Tpi 5.7 has a lot of torque-- They're fun to drive!!! I'd fix the newer TA you'll be time ahead and being original it will be worth more. ---Tim
I would fix both and looks for parts for both!!! I now learned about these Trans Am cars (, although I grown up with Smokey And The Bandit in the early 2000s lol). These may not be the same price range as the 60s Ford Mustang series, but the GTA cost like a hefty price if it was fully restored and I heard that the digital editions are more rare too!! All this car needs is some good rewiring and some computer updates and some body work, maybe upgrade the lights to LED and change them rims (maybe the gold/silver honey cone style rims like from YearOne) and a new paint job (not sure if anyone will agree with me on this lol, but they looks good in black, but really amazing in red!!) and give them some familiar original factory seats in that light brown tan color and your good as new!! Again I say fix and restore both!!! Problems solved!! All the best to your projects!! 😀
I saw this video some time ago & here I am again! That body style is O-SO- BEAUTIFUL! IT IS A SHAME TO DO ANYTHING BUT RESTORE THAT SWEET RIDE, FILE FOR A MISSING TITLE & FIX HER UP!!! Just scrolled down & saw my original message & your response. The Pontiac TRANS-AM was stylistically a upgrade! I do like the Trans-am & the GTA TRANS-AM! ALL AROUND THO, I HAVE ALLWAYS BEEN A PONTIAC FAN! However, I really like the 3rd Gen Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z-28! I am always keeping an eye out for a 1973 Chevrolet small block 400 with a 4.125 stroke! If you know of any, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!! I still believe that, When built right, The 400 can produce over 750 h.p. & torque N/A! Yes, L.S.'S ARE EVERYWHERE & A MORE MODERN DESIGN WITH ADDED BENEFITS BUT, Having had a 73 sb 400 bored .030 over to a 406, & with the addition of a stroker kit, & Amber lightweight pistons 11/1 compression, built NICELY (I DO NOT REMEMBER THE CAM-LIFT & DURATION) but, NO OTHER CAR has pulled off the line like my brothers stroker 406 Z-28 & I NEED TO RECREATE IT!!!!! I'd love to have a 3rd gen with a 1973 4.125 stroke sb 400 parked in my driveway one day. MAYBE ONE DAY? Your lucky to have a 3rd gen, much less another one in GOOD condition to strip & keep parts for your own car!!! GOOD LUCK BRO!!! Trust me, I understand cash flow issue's. You were in the right place to get that car for $300. & to have the option to keep parts to fix your car in case of any future damage.
Rather than chopping up that beautiful TA to save an older and less desirable one, I would take the drivetrain out of the 83, and any better parts you have on it and swap the to the $300 TA and keep it!
It's a 1987 GTA trans am, the digital dash gives it away and them rims. I rather keep this one instead of doing all that work. The rear spoiler you can get a fiberglass one, that rear spoiler is urethane and warps after time. The digital dash will not work unless you use that engine harness, it has like a optic fiber wiring for the gauges and your harness will not work on it. So there is alot of work like I said.
I agree with most of the people here. It would be worth the trouble to get a new title and restore the 87. Swap the parts to that 83 and all you have is a replica of the more collectable car. Getting a new interior would be less trouble. Just think if you show your 83 at a firebird show in the future and tell the other firebird owners that you had the real bad ass t-am as a donor car to make a replica. They'll all go nutts. Lol!!! But whatever you do, congrats on getting one hell of a deal. Both cars are pretty awesome and are worth the effort, and this comes from a guy from the enemy camp,... an 80s fox body mustang owner.🙂
Get a title for the trans am get a year one catalog and put back in shape. Pontiacs were tuned a bit better than the IROC and Z28 's sharing the F body platform. There might be a torque arm WS6 setup. Trans Am has a lot of potential brother. Your choice though. Great post Good luck!
If I could get the title to it I’d keep the $300 TA and fix it...I understand what you’ve done to your car but the rarity of the 83 would be worth it...if you could afford it have a GM dealer run a diagnostic test and most of the time it’ll tell you what’s screwed up on it...personally I’d swap the two but I’m a HUGE lover of the Trans Am/Camaro freak but good luck to ya I hope in the future you’d pick to keep the $300 TA and it’ll be running like a dream....good luck....
A great deal. Leave it stock. Don't pimp it out. That car looks like a ws6. That digital guage looks like trouble. Leave it in. I got a 86 ta ws6 paid way more for it but the inside is in great condition and exterior looks good-silver on red. Saw a fiberglass spoiler at Spohn pricey but really nice got it. This is a project car just have to find time to for it. I also have an 86 iroc and a 92 rs.
Nice score man, But not everybody can get that much for $300 im super jealous. I get honda civics for about that that need motor swaps but never a gta or firebird. Super dope 🖒
Want your money back? I’ll buy it. Everything is fixable. 5.7 tpi. ? I love it. The heavy rubber spoiler is trash. Replace it with a new fiberglass spoiler. It’s calld an arrow-wing.
I have owned T/A and Firebirds from 67 to 02 I have had GTA FIRE HAWK PRO AM and on I have stripped multiples done swaps parts drivetrains wiring and so on To do the cluster swap all u need is the dash wiring and cluster take bolt out of wiring bulk head the bulk head is were dash harnesses and engine harness are connect u do not have to use the engine harness to swap cluster since your not swapping drive tran if dash is clean take pad off and remove dash with wiring still attached lot less work reinstalling
although trans am and IROC z are not bringing big money at this time there are some rare ones out there I would check the VIN number because what you're saying and the way the car presents itself it's y84 WS6. . also you can never get a digital cluster and any car except for the 87 GTA trans am and they stop producing it in the mid 1988 because they were prone to going out and they've got customers wanted to analog gauges
That was a really good price. Lol, I think you actually stole the car for almost barely nothing just about and as far as swapping everything over to the front trans am, I think it would look good with the ground effects and other parts that you need off the other car and keep the spoiler on the first one that you're working on. 👍👍
Actually has a nice stance thats sad ...what a shame i would get a title n carb it n cam n heads n keep it for a cruiser ...ita way to nice to pull apart
Bro, I understand that you want to use parts off of the $300.00 Pontiac but, I would invest in the parts you need for your original & then fix both of them! File for a lost title & if you cannot get a new title then & only then would I strip it down to it's parts! I need a 3rd gen in my life! Growing up in the 80's, watching Knight Rider, Airwolf, A-Team & etc, I always meant to get a 3rd gen but, life & the need of a good running daily pulled me away from my dream car! Now that I am in my upper 30's, I NEED A 3RD GEN ASAP!!! I really want a IROC Z-28 but, I am open to any 3rd gen!!! I want a 73 sb400 to bore .030 over & use a stroker crankshaft, custom piston rods, all forged & MAN DID SHE SCREAM!!!
D.j. B man if I could afford to restore both cars that would be awesome but I simply cannot and don’t have room. I’m about to make a huge move and will be selling the 87 when I get the parts I want off of it.
Despite the interior being rough, the L98 trans am is very much worth you're time and $$$ to either restore or flip to someone who will. That combo of dash, paint, wheels, and motor are hard to find on a non-GTA model of that year. It's a huge bonus that it doesn't have t-tops - it's a pain to upkeep those and prevent leaking. if that car has less than 150,000 miles on it and you just have seats reupholstered and some basic interior stuff, you could sell that car for $4-$5k easily. It would truly be a disservice to hack this car up. That thing is nice piece of history and should be refurbished and registered with PHS.
Fix and keep both. Or sell 1 intact. Putting all the new parts on an older car is so played out, lame, and a real shame too because the parts that come off the old one get trashed or lost, making it ever more difficult for later owners to make it right again.
I had to look close I had the same car . Don't hack any more parts up . U could get a lower altinator bracket . The rear spoiler will never hold paint and will ruin any deck lid you attach it to . What ever U do don`t end up with 2 - $300 cars.
The wheels. There’s a sticker in the bottom of the center console, this has all the options listed on it, for service purposes. Look on it, you’ll see WS4, that’s the code for a base model T/A. See if it has the WS6 code on it as well. Easier still, compare the thickness of both front sway bars. You’ll DEFINITELY see the huge WS6 is much fatter. On the dash also, it’ll have a small plaque on the passenger side that says ‘Performance Suspension’. That’s a dead giveaway for a WS6 3rd gen T/A. I’ve had 3 of these, 2 1986’s, 1 1987 (with the rare digital dash). 2 were WS6’s, one was a base T/A.
Dude, you’d better fix that car up!! Just watched the whole video. I see it has the digital dash. These are rare man!! Most digital dash T/A’s were GTA Trans Am’s!!!! What year model is it?
Jeffro243 B no I understand that the $300 trans am is not a base model. But you said ditch the other “base model firebird” what makes you thing the 83 is a base model firebird
Yeah, just saw the LS motor you’re transplanting into it. What are you gonna run out back, differential wise? Hopefully you’re gonna get the weld in subframe connectors for it. I have a 2006 GTO making about 550 horses, love my LS, 6-speed!!
As far as the wing goes I wouldn't mess with the rubber one on there ...they made same mount style wing in Fiberglass that's flat that stands up better to heat and I think looks nicer
From what I can see it looks like you got a good deal , but I think you should build up to $300 car. New Wheels alone are worth more than what you paid for the car. From what I can see the body looks as though it's in great shape.
Damn they are both nice. Ditch the spoiler and get the low rise 84 firebird spoiler. Deff keep that dash, those things are so hard to find. Scrap the body after stripping and make back that 3 hundy easy. Nice find.
Damn!! Great car for the money! My son and I have 2 3rd gens 88 TA T-Top 87 Formula350 and a 97 Formula350...and always looking for parts and cars! Trying to undo what GM and the 80's Fuel Economy BS did to these cars!!
The car you bought should be restored . Too many of these are disappearing. All the parts for your first project are available without disassembling the (1987 300 dollar) car. There are plenty of bolt on ground effects parts that are easier to install than the factory ones. Getting the holes in the right place is the secret, otherwise the parts will have gaps or waves only a skilled mechanic or body man, can make these look factory. The car you take them off will then be useless because of the holes left in the body. I have salvaged parts from wrecked vehicles, a lot of times the fasteners will break the plastic when removed due to corrosion.The plastic becomes hard and brittle. I have several Firebirds and Camaros none of them in mint condition but I drive them all most have over 200,000 miles. And that is why we build them to drive.
That car won’t run right because it needs the super rare highly expensive high flow mass air flow sensor. The chip makes it run RICH and the mass air flow sensor from factory isn’t sensitive enough to help the metering process. 20 years ago my sensor was $580. I bet it’s cheaper now. That car is sweeter and more valuable than you can comprehend. Do not destroy it. Even with a reconstructed title it is worth money. More than $300 for sure. It needs a ground up restoration and man it would be a badass ride!
Spoilers like that have metal inside the Spoiler they get water in them and rot from inside out. I had an 85 Trans Am with that upper console. I love the car you already own. my opinion I would just sell the lower plastics. There's just soo many that have those ground effects from 84 on up I'd take/swap the dash the wheels and body panels if needed but keep the straight spoiler. What year is yours an 83?? The 82 and 83 Trans Ams are badass looking cars so personally I'd take the parts you want the dash would be a nightmare to swap and those wrap around spoilers warp and rot inside out. Definitely the front fenders and wheels
@@Lsxtransam83 nice and your 83 is awesome I love the 82 83 Trans Ams probably because I'm a huge knight Rider fan lol. The 84 is like the only ones I like with the ground effects but your 83 is awesome I know I was just a bit late with the comment. My 85 looked just like the $300 one but with a straight rear spoiler Thanx for the response. Im subscribed 👍
Have you tried to get the title for the car ? It's not that hard , some states all you need is an notarized letter from the seller and then have a police officer certify the vin and DMV will give you another one. Usually for $200 to $300 bucks. Get the newer Trans Am on the road dude especially with the digital dash .... Both TA's look good by the way. It looks like your going to have fun...
Solid buy for 300. I took the wing on mine off cuz its trashed just like that one. Making my own replacement. Gonna do a stock car style wing. Old stock car. Now a days they are a little more modern. Swap will be a bitch with the dash. I have the digital dash in mine and it has stopped working. Some things still work others dont. Cant tell the mileage. Id say keeep the analog
Restore them both. Would be a shame to put the 87 dash in the 83 Trans Am. The both are cool stock, not mixed up. But hey it's just my opinion, it's your car! Happy new year!
Hey, I just found this video, i know its a few years old, and maybe you dont even have either of these cars anymore? BUT, as a fellow DREAMER, i had to tell you what i felt! ( maybe you still have them both! ) : P I saw what im going to say in the comment below mine! Its a trans am not a firebird, and it looks much better than your trans am.. i agree that you should be rebuilding THIS CAR using the parts you need from the one you already had! Its a much nicer looking care ( but that has to be something you think yourself ) to me, this car that you just got for $300 is a BITCHIN car! replace the front seats, maybe even the whole carpet, and the dashboard top, and clean/disinfect/vacume the interior. Go over all the wiring, and gauges, and electronics, and put that SWEET motor you have in your trans am into this one! check the rear on this one, and do a thorough inspection of this car from front to back. IF you KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING? then it shouldnt take you more than $1000 in new parts to clean it up and make it perfect! Plus you can sell out everything else you dont need or want from both cars. That engine 5.7 is still a sought after engine! SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, IS LOOKING FOR IT! so just go over this newer trans am and make a list of whats wrong, and whats right, and take whatever you need and can use from your first trans am and buy whatever else you need that you do not have, and sell everything else you dont need to get some money back! AND ENJOY THIS RIDE! I DEFINITELY WOULD!!!
And to add front wheels have deeper offset then rear wheels and that's the only way u can run theme the rear wheels won't clear your front calipers etc and the rear wing is easy fix using a flexible rattle can spray from any parts store like plastidipp etc
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 84 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องศึก vs เมืองไทย"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3kuzsAIDf1c/mqdefault.jpg)
You need to completely restore that car as is and keep it. That is an extremely rare combination of paint, engine, options and the super rare 2 year only digital dash. Please, for the love of god, do not hack that car up for parts. That thing is beautiful and far more desirable and valuable than your other one. RESTORE IT. Sell that other one and use the money to fix that gorgeous 2 tone car. You got it almost for free. Why would you dismantle a good car to fix a crappy one?
Sledge Hammer 100% spot on. Or maybe clean it up and flip it to someone wanting to have one.
Thirdgencommunity: Ls SwAp It BrO!!!!!!!
@@overthemountain16 too true
Agree!
No offense here, but I think you're using the wrong car to rebuild, the 300 buck one is a better host.
Totally agree with you
Go watch my first video on my 83 and you will understand
A waste to part out this car.
@@Lsxtransam83 Bro Keep your 📹 on youtube 😂.
@@Lsxtransam83 Bro wazzup 📹😁.
The trans am you got for 300 is in better shape that your other trans am.I think it will be easier to fix the 300 dollar trans am than the other one. That digital dash was a rare option and in the not to distant future that car if it has a matching drivetrain it will be a collectors dream. And also it will be less work to fix the 300 dollar trans am.Thank you for the video and Merry Christmas.
This $300 trans am might look like it’s in better shape on the outside but it’s not even close. The interior in this car is in way worse condition. My 83 seats aren’t even ripped. Also I have removed all the suspension front and rear , replaced every bushing and bearing. Also powder coated and painted everything. The entire engine bay has been repainted and is rust free. Also removed the and cleaned the gas tank, replaced the fuel pump and new lines. The $300 trans am has a badly rusted battery tray and not sure what the underside looks like. It also has been sitting longer than mine outside ( mine was stored inside) mine also has t tops. I could definitely have the outside finished faster on the $300 trans am but my 83 has a rough door and fender. Not nearly as much work to fix those two panels as it would be to get the $300 trans am up to par with the 83
Interior is super easy to replace.
Lsxtransam83 dude if you ripped this car apart then I’m sorry to tell you that you are dumber than the idiot that sold it for 300 bucks!
but that lost title can be more trouble than its worth sometimes
His other transam has a beautiful ls motor and t tops
That's a killer deal!!!!! The hood is worth more than that!
Treva Graham, especially since people like to take the hood vents out and sell them separately for like $150.
@@devianb That's a fact!
You can get a title depending on what has been done to it. You can request (if you know the right person) to get one for around $500 also those wheels are riken right?
The wheels are where the money is, I think they were made by BBS for GM but without the logo. Same type of wheels were used on the GN GNX.
He’s in love with the T-tops!
The $300 car is better, lol.
Don’t do any swapping of anything. Restore both or sell one. You’ll need to drop 6 to 10k in it to make it right. Try to avoid hacking it up.
Take out the computer chip that the guy has in replace it with the factory CPU it may run rite
Good deal? You stole it!!! That being said, the thought of you parting that rare bird out is a bit painful. Budget and room permitting, I’d park it until I had the funds to restore it and look elsewhere for parts for your other car in the meantime. A 5.7 non-GTA Trans Am with a digital dash!!! I think you’d be hard pressed to find another in any condition for a sum remotely close.
Alan Snyder yeah they most DEFINITELY ordered it with the digital dash for a CHUNK of money! Honestly I would do some info digging on it, I’m betting it was bought new by somebody that was possibly high up at GM or good friends with somebody that was, cause I may be wrong but I didn’t even know the digital cluster was an option for anything other than the GTA! I had a GORGEOUS 87 GTA white with gold gta wheels and dark grey interior...I will ALWAYS regret letting that one go! Lol!
Completely agree with you both. I would happily give him his money back on that car.
@@asskickingperformance3550 it actually was available on any TA, but not many got it. It's rare on a GTA, but even more rare on any other Trans am. This thing is awesome and needs restoration.
Regardless of how you wind up doing things, $300 for that car was a steal. Wheels alone were worth it, plus it has many other parts you can use or sell. Well done! BTW, new sub! :)
That was not a Steal that was robbery dude robbed himself 🤷🏾♂️..
Maybe the chip he added needs to be programmed? Either way parts alone are worth more than 300 and a 5.7? Awesome. Would be a shame to part it, if you can get it running it's nice
You should fix the 87, it has many rare options, and you would win far more car shows with it! 😁
Car shows?
@@eddaytona9629 car meets
Man I would put the time and effort into the $300 car. I mean you have a small gold mine in options, all things considered. Swap back to a stock ecu and get that Johnny running right. It's basically a collectors item as it is, if everything works the way it should.
Digital dash will work on any 82-92 f-body with the entire body wiring harness from headligts to tail lights, harness is totally different then analog. The door latches are specific also but the swap has been done by many people even some camaros. Will work with LS Swap, the analog and digital dash use the same sending units so you just have to splice the right wires and all will work
I decided I’m going to keep the 87 together and sell it. Hopefully someone else will rebuild it or put it to good use. Thanks for the info tho! I would keep them both if I had the money and room!
Almost puked when you said “I didn’t care about the motor” glad I stayed for the whole vid
That’s such a good deal. I paid $700 for the one on my channel. Any part of that car is worth more than $300!
Apply for a title, the guy probably lost it and just didn’t want to deal with getting a new title
Could be stolen.
The title of the donor car might have like 2000 parking tickets and he would have to pay it.
If you had picked up the same car for the same price here in the Northeast there would be almost nothing left to the paint job frame etc.. So for me anyway I think that you did great!. Good luck on the rebuild and thank you for sharing this gem with us!. 🙏
I'd try to get a title. There are different ways to get one. Alot of car for 300
There sure is, I wish I'd have found that car. It would be running, titled and for sale for an easy $4,000 in my area in a month...
What he said!!^^^^^^
That is a very unusual car as a y84 option 342 posi power disc brakes WS6 car y86 option was mainly for GTA trans. you could not get to tops on a 350 tuned port or you could not even get a manual transmission as Pontiac back in the day said it could not handle that 350 even though The feisty manual was an inferior transmission made it with a 305 tuned Port WS6 formula it was faster than a 350 automatic 700 r4. You can also get an SLP formula 350 and 305both in the SOP trim came with aluminum driveshaft power rear disc brakes 342 posi traction rear no air roll up and down Windows no radio hard tops only but the 305 5 speed manual was faster but anyways that is an unusual trans am if it did it had a 350 because that was extremely rare that they could make it cuz that was unheard of
keep both and restore. it's always great to keep a bird on the road than a junk yard. the bird is getting super rare for a 3rd gen so keep her safe
Nice find! There is a title service I use that can get you a title for that car. I work at a salvage yard and used them four times to title cars we got without titles. Such a shame to use it for parts.... I'd kill for a find like that.
I'd buy the whole car , wouldn't part it out 300 dollars I'll give triple!!!!
too buy a reproduction ground effects kit for the bumpers can cost from 500-1100, so 300 is a vary hot deal.
Also those fenders are incorrect they came on the 82 through 84 trans am on the 85 and up they get a slight; refresh which they change the front and rear bumper cover the side skirts and it went from a pedestal styling to a wrap around wingalso on the gauge cluster that is very rare especially for a trans am because they only made them in 87 in Midway through 88 due to all the trouble they had so they went to analog gauges and you can never get that gauge cluster in a formula or firebirdit was only supposed to be available in a GTA trans am if that car came standard with those gauges it is very rare
Wouldnt waste my time swapping parts, just apply for a title. I think youd be a fool to go through all the bs, just my opinion
Wish I could get deals like this where I live.
Nice score
I have owned a 79 Firebird, a 82 Trans Am and a 90 Formula! Those cars will always hold a place that in my heart!
Great deal. Great car. It's still my favorite. Under your distribution cap is the ignition module---most common problem that puts these in the junk yard. The ignition switch is on the steering column--common problem that started around 2016 and the biggest reason is that in tank fuel pump. You got a great deal.
If you have a bill of sale it’s worth getting a recreated title, that thing is way too nice to be worth parting out.
The 350 TPI is worth more than $300. Those still are a strong working engine so worth it to get it running provided the last owner didnt hammer the shit out it. Great buy!
it's a 305 (current 85 Trans Am owner)
I got a 1987 IROC 350 tip in my garage I got my senior year in high school in 2000. It was mint til I tore it up a little. Watching your video has inspired me to go out and start doing little things to it lately. Thanks for the inspiration buddy!!! :)
You want to sell that car?
@@cjones29hd Actually yes I do. I love it but I have to move on
The 300 dollar TransAm is in way better shape. I would fix it up. The digital dash is extremely rare. I found one of those dashes in a 87 TA but the wiring was a total nightmare. My late mother bought a 86 Firebird new and when I ended up with it I found this TA with the digital dash in a salvage yard. A friend of mine had been to the GM training center near Cincinnati so I asked him about swapping everything. He said to forget it. He said if it what you got works don't mess with it. When I asked him about putting a HUD dash display from a later ( 1998???) Grand Prix in my 86 he said the CommBus(??) system of the ECM's were different due to speed, memory, codes, and that the computor systems communicate using different software. Since mine is an 86 and a 98 based system was different I'm guessing GM probably has changed the system two or three more times. But that 300 dollar TA will appriciate in value; give it time and keep it original, due to it's rare dash and 5.7 motor. It will save you a lot of time and trouble since the newer TA is already the look you want. ---It's a nice car . My 86 I had to change the computor twice and mass airflow sensor ( engine wouldn't start and when it did would sometimes quit), over the years when mom had it. The electric fuel pumps go bad after sitting sometimes also. That might be all that's wrong with it. The Tpi 5.7 has a lot of torque-- They're fun to drive!!! I'd fix the newer TA you'll be time ahead and being original it will be worth more. ---Tim
Yeah, the ground effects and gages. Will definitely look great with them.
Why not just fix the second car?
I would fix both and looks for parts for both!!! I now learned about these Trans Am cars (, although I grown up with Smokey And The Bandit in the early 2000s lol). These may not be the same price range as the 60s Ford Mustang series, but the GTA cost like a hefty price if it was fully restored and I heard that the digital editions are more rare too!! All this car needs is some good rewiring and some computer updates and some body work, maybe upgrade the lights to LED and change them rims (maybe the gold/silver honey cone style rims like from YearOne) and a new paint job (not sure if anyone will agree with me on this lol, but they looks good in black, but really amazing in red!!) and give them some familiar original factory seats in that light brown tan color and your good as new!!
Again I say fix and restore both!!!
Problems solved!!
All the best to your projects!! 😀
Ps, the lights I meant are the car, not the dash board (unless that's possible to do as well lol)
Definitely worth more than $300 I'd try to fix it up if it's not too much trouble to get a lost title.
I saw this video some time ago & here I am again! That body style is O-SO- BEAUTIFUL! IT IS A SHAME TO DO ANYTHING BUT RESTORE THAT SWEET RIDE, FILE FOR A MISSING TITLE & FIX HER UP!!! Just scrolled down & saw my original message & your response. The Pontiac TRANS-AM was stylistically a upgrade! I do like the Trans-am & the GTA TRANS-AM! ALL AROUND THO, I HAVE ALLWAYS BEEN A PONTIAC FAN! However, I really like the 3rd Gen Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z-28! I am always keeping an eye out for a 1973 Chevrolet small block 400 with a 4.125 stroke! If you know of any, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!! I still believe that, When built right, The 400 can produce over 750 h.p. & torque N/A! Yes, L.S.'S ARE EVERYWHERE & A MORE MODERN DESIGN WITH ADDED BENEFITS BUT, Having had a 73 sb 400 bored .030 over to a 406, & with the addition of a stroker kit, & Amber lightweight pistons 11/1 compression, built NICELY (I DO NOT REMEMBER THE CAM-LIFT & DURATION) but, NO OTHER CAR has pulled off the line like my brothers stroker 406 Z-28 & I NEED TO RECREATE IT!!!!! I'd love to have a 3rd gen with a 1973 4.125 stroke sb 400 parked in my driveway one day. MAYBE ONE DAY? Your lucky to have a 3rd gen, much less another one in GOOD condition to strip & keep parts for your own car!!! GOOD LUCK BRO!!! Trust me, I understand cash flow issue's. You were in the right place to get that car for $300. & to have the option to keep parts to fix your car in case of any future damage.
I think you mean 4.125 bore by 3.75 stroke. Just to clerify. I have not seen or heard of a 4.125 stroked SBC.
If you can find one, the 1970-1972 400 blocks have 4 bolt mains, maybe a bit better for higher power levels. The bore is 4.125 on the SB 400.
Rather than chopping up that beautiful TA to save an older and less desirable one, I would take the drivetrain out of the 83, and any better parts you have on it and swap the to the $300 TA and keep it!
It's a 1987 GTA trans am, the digital dash gives it away and them rims. I rather keep this one instead of doing all that work. The rear spoiler you can get a fiberglass one, that rear spoiler is urethane and warps after time. The digital dash will not work unless you use that engine harness, it has like a optic fiber wiring for the gauges and your harness will not work on it. So there is alot of work like I said.
Before you buy anything check the vin to make sure it’s not stolen. And at least get a BOS with a copy of the seller’s Id.
Love it, great deal. My first car was a 1987 formula and it was my favorite car ever.
I agree with most of the people here. It would be worth the trouble to get a new title and restore the 87. Swap the parts to that 83 and all you have is a replica of the more collectable car. Getting a new interior would be less trouble. Just think if you show your 83 at a firebird show in the future and tell the other firebird owners that you had the real bad ass t-am as a donor car to make a replica. They'll all go nutts. Lol!!!
But whatever you do, congrats on getting one hell of a deal. Both cars are pretty awesome and are worth the effort, and this comes from a guy from the enemy camp,... an 80s fox body mustang owner.🙂
A professional restoration would make that car beautiful- it's already a classic .
Get a title for the trans am get a year one catalog and put back in shape. Pontiacs were tuned a bit better than the IROC and Z28 's sharing the F body platform. There might be a torque arm WS6 setup. Trans Am has a lot of potential brother. Your choice though. Great post Good luck!
I would file for title 42 get title and just get a new computer.
So much potential.
I will try and make an update video soon!
If I could get the title to it I’d keep the $300 TA and fix it...I understand what you’ve done to your car but the rarity of the 83 would be worth it...if you could afford it have a GM dealer run a diagnostic test and most of the time it’ll tell you what’s screwed up on it...personally I’d swap the two but I’m a HUGE lover of the Trans Am/Camaro freak but good luck to ya I hope in the future you’d pick to keep the $300 TA and it’ll be running like a dream....good luck....
A great deal. Leave it stock. Don't pimp it out. That car looks like a ws6. That digital guage looks like trouble. Leave it in. I got a 86 ta ws6 paid way more for it but the inside is in great condition and exterior looks good-silver on red. Saw a fiberglass spoiler at Spohn pricey but really nice got it. This is a project car just have to find time to for it. I also have an 86 iroc and a 92 rs.
Well maybe do a little bit. I’d put the Phoenix on the hood like the 70s ones
@@klein2042 It's gotta have the screaming chicken.
jimbo9357 I can’t call it that and take it seriously lol
slowly sort through what you have and fix this car,do not waste time switching it over.
you can sell the crosslace wheels for more,what a score
Nice score man, But not everybody can get that much for $300 im super jealous. I get honda civics for about that that need motor swaps but never a gta or firebird. Super dope 🖒
I love that car so much. Greetings from Switzerland. 😍🥰
Want your money back? I’ll buy it. Everything is fixable. 5.7 tpi. ? I love it. The heavy rubber spoiler is trash. Replace it with a new fiberglass spoiler. It’s calld an arrow-wing.
This video makes me want to buy a third gen. I bought a 4th gen last year though. Maybe I could swap my G6 for a third gen and daily it😂
You got a great deal; if the engine works then use it, if not then sell it. Everything is up to you and not the people looking at the video.😎👍
the original WS6 GTA wheels on it are worth more than $300 already.
I have owned T/A and Firebirds from 67 to 02 I have had GTA
FIRE HAWK
PRO AM and on I have stripped multiples done swaps parts drivetrains wiring and so on
To do the cluster swap all u need is the dash wiring and cluster take bolt out of wiring bulk head the bulk head is were dash harnesses and engine harness are connect u do not have to use the engine harness to swap cluster since your not swapping drive tran if dash is clean take pad off and remove dash with wiring still attached lot less work reinstalling
Wow . Even if u cant get a title .. parts on that car are worth it.
although trans am and IROC z are not bringing big money at this time there are some rare ones out there I would check the VIN number because what you're saying and the way the car presents itself it's y84 WS6. . also you can never get a digital cluster and any car except for the 87 GTA trans am and they stop producing it in the mid 1988 because they were prone to going out and they've got customers wanted to analog gauges
That was a really good price. Lol, I think you actually stole the car for almost barely nothing just about and as far as swapping everything over to the front trans am, I think it would look good with the ground effects and other parts that you need off the other car and keep the spoiler on the first one that you're working on. 👍👍
People around me want 3000 for POS cars
Cars N Guitars Bret Bunton : Same here 😔
Looks better than the one in front of it. Better year for sure.
you should build that car
Actually has a nice stance thats sad ...what a shame i would get a title n carb it n cam n heads n keep it for a cruiser ...ita way to nice to pull apart
Bro, I understand that you want to use parts off of the $300.00 Pontiac but, I would invest in the parts you need for your original & then fix both of them! File for a lost title & if you cannot get a new title then & only then would I strip it down to it's parts! I need a 3rd gen in my life! Growing up in the 80's, watching Knight Rider, Airwolf, A-Team & etc, I always meant to get a 3rd gen but, life & the need of a good running daily pulled me away from my dream car! Now that I am in my upper 30's, I NEED A 3RD GEN ASAP!!! I really want a IROC Z-28 but, I am open to any 3rd gen!!! I want a 73 sb400 to bore .030 over & use a stroker crankshaft, custom piston rods, all forged & MAN DID SHE SCREAM!!!
D.j. B man if I could afford to restore both cars that would be awesome but I simply cannot and don’t have room. I’m about to make a huge move and will be selling the 87 when I get the parts I want off of it.
Cool, those two together will amount to one awesome Trans am. Subbed.
Beautiful, so pleased you got it cheap,hope it runs okay
Despite the interior being rough, the L98 trans am is very much worth you're time and $$$ to either restore or flip to someone who will. That combo of dash, paint, wheels, and motor are hard to find on a non-GTA model of that year. It's a huge bonus that it doesn't have t-tops - it's a pain to upkeep those and prevent leaking. if that car has less than 150,000 miles on it and you just have seats reupholstered and some basic interior stuff, you could sell that car for $4-$5k easily. It would truly be a disservice to hack this car up. That thing is nice piece of history and should be refurbished and registered with PHS.
Ya I’m not parting it out
Wow worth every bit of 300$ can't wait to see where this goes ( following)
Great find man! I bought a 94 3.4l camaro for $300, wish it was the v8 also lol.
I would buy that whole car, would you sell it minus the wheels?
Fix and keep both. Or sell 1 intact. Putting all the new parts on an older car is so played out, lame, and a real shame too because the parts that come off the old one get trashed or lost, making it ever more difficult for later owners to make it right again.
I had to look close I had the same car . Don't hack any more parts up . U could get a lower altinator bracket . The rear spoiler will never hold paint and will ruin any deck lid you attach it to . What ever U do don`t end up with 2 - $300 cars.
Those wheels signify a WS6 handling package. It has bigger anti sway bars, stiffer shocks, faster steering ratio. Ditch the other ‘base’ Firebird.
Jeffro243 B hah I appreciate the comment, but what makes you think the other firebird is a “base” firebird?
The wheels. There’s a sticker in the bottom of the center console, this has all the options listed on it, for service purposes.
Look on it, you’ll see WS4, that’s the code for a base model T/A. See if it has the WS6 code on it as well. Easier still, compare the thickness of both front sway bars. You’ll DEFINITELY see the huge WS6 is much fatter. On the dash also, it’ll have a small plaque on the passenger side that says ‘Performance Suspension’. That’s a dead giveaway for a WS6 3rd gen T/A. I’ve had 3 of these, 2 1986’s, 1 1987 (with the rare digital dash). 2 were WS6’s, one was a base T/A.
Dude, you’d better fix that car up!! Just watched the whole video. I see it has the digital dash. These are rare man!! Most digital dash T/A’s were GTA Trans Am’s!!!!
What year model is it?
Jeffro243 B no I understand that the $300 trans am is not a base model. But you said ditch the other “base model firebird” what makes you thing the 83 is a base model firebird
Yeah, just saw the LS motor you’re transplanting into it. What are you gonna run out back, differential wise? Hopefully you’re gonna get the weld in subframe connectors for it. I have a 2006 GTO making about 550 horses, love my LS, 6-speed!!
As far as the wing goes I wouldn't mess with the rubber one on there ...they made same mount style wing in Fiberglass that's flat that stands up better to heat and I think looks nicer
From what I can see it looks like you got a good deal , but I think you should build up to $300 car. New Wheels alone are worth more than what you paid for the car. From what I can see the body looks as though it's in great shape.
I'm also in Oklahoma, if you wanna do a title 42, I can get you a link for a lady that does them for $150
Damn they are both nice. Ditch the spoiler and get the low rise 84 firebird spoiler. Deff keep that dash, those things are so hard to find. Scrap the body after stripping and make back that 3 hundy easy. Nice find.
(Happy new years) looks like u have a great investment...i too found a 93 mustang lx notchback 2.3l with no title also 200 bucks delivered to my home
Rebuild the 87 trans am. Awesome car! I miss my 86 trans am. As for the spoiler, just sand it and repaint it.
I'd swap the VIN plates but you didn't hear that for me. I can't buy a rusted out pile of parts with a blown up V6 for $300. You stole it for that.
I miss playing with these cars ... But there really cheaply / poorly built and rattle boxes
I rember hating to go over train tracks
Great deal! I hate to see nice birds like that get parted out though. If kept, titled and restored someday it could be worth some $$,$$$.
Damn!! Great car for the money! My son and I have 2 3rd gens 88 TA T-Top 87 Formula350 and a 97 Formula350...and always looking for parts and cars! Trying to undo what GM and the 80's Fuel Economy BS did to these cars!!
Those spoilers weigh a ton.
Dude....you're a damn criminal.....cause you STOLE that Bird!! Well Done!
The car you bought should be restored . Too many of these are disappearing. All the parts for your first project are available without disassembling the (1987 300 dollar) car. There are plenty of bolt on ground effects parts that are easier to install than the factory ones. Getting the holes in the right place is the secret, otherwise the parts will have gaps or waves only a skilled mechanic or body man, can make these look factory. The car you take them off will then be useless because of the holes left in the body. I have salvaged parts from wrecked vehicles, a lot of times the fasteners will break the plastic when removed due to corrosion.The plastic becomes hard and brittle. I have several Firebirds and Camaros none of them in mint condition but I drive them all most have over 200,000 miles. And that is why we build them to drive.
That car won’t run right because it needs the super rare highly expensive high flow mass air flow sensor. The chip makes it run RICH and the mass air flow sensor from factory isn’t sensitive enough to help the metering process. 20 years ago my sensor was $580. I bet it’s cheaper now. That car is sweeter and more valuable than you can comprehend. Do not destroy it. Even with a reconstructed title it is worth money. More than $300 for sure. It needs a ground up restoration and man it would be a badass ride!
Title is in the mail. And will be up for sale soon
You should chase down the title, or get a bonded title. Get busy tuning that engine too!
Spoilers like that have metal inside the Spoiler they get water in them and rot from inside out. I had an 85 Trans Am with that upper console. I love the car you already own. my opinion I would just sell the lower plastics. There's just soo many that have those ground effects from 84 on up I'd take/swap the dash the wheels and body panels if needed but keep the straight spoiler. What year is yours an 83?? The 82 and 83 Trans Ams are badass looking cars so personally I'd take the parts you want the dash would be a nightmare to swap and those wrap around spoilers warp and rot inside out. Definitely the front fenders and wheels
Well turns out I decided not to use anything but the wheels for my 83. But the 87 is running and titled now, so I will be selling it as a full driver.
@@Lsxtransam83 nice and your 83 is awesome I love the 82 83 Trans Ams probably because I'm a huge knight Rider fan lol. The 84 is like the only ones I like with the ground effects but your 83 is awesome I know I was just a bit late with the comment. My 85 looked just like the $300 one but with a straight rear spoiler Thanx for the response. Im subscribed 👍
Wonder if title is clear. Since there isnt one!
Check to see if you can register it. No salvage title? That would be the only reason I'd start taking it apart . Restore both.
That's a smoking good deal!
Have you tried to get the title for the car ? It's not that hard , some states all you need is an notarized letter from the seller and then have a police officer certify the vin and DMV will give you another one. Usually for $200 to $300 bucks. Get the newer Trans Am on the road dude especially with the digital dash .... Both TA's look good by the way. It looks like your going to have fun...
I havnt tried yet, but I will
Solid buy for 300. I took the wing on mine off cuz its trashed just like that one. Making my own replacement. Gonna do a stock car style wing. Old stock car. Now a days they are a little more modern. Swap will be a bitch with the dash. I have the digital dash in mine and it has stopped working. Some things still work others dont. Cant tell the mileage. Id say keeep the analog
Restore them both. Would be a shame to put the 87 dash in the 83 Trans Am. The both are cool stock, not mixed up. But hey it's just my opinion, it's your car! Happy new year!
MotorScotti I’ll be selling the 87 as is, but I want to get it running.
That spoiler was used on kugel firebird that did 308 mph in 1999
Keep it, they are hard to find in that condition for that price. Some spit and polish with a tune up. Then go from there. I miss mine.
Hey, I just found this video, i know its a few years old, and maybe you dont even have either of these cars anymore? BUT, as a fellow DREAMER, i had to tell you what i felt! ( maybe you still have them both! ) : P I saw what im going to say in the comment below mine! Its a trans am not a firebird, and it looks much better than your trans am.. i agree that you should be rebuilding THIS CAR using the parts you need from the one you already had! Its a much nicer looking care ( but that has to be something you think yourself ) to me, this car that you just got for $300 is a BITCHIN car! replace the front seats, maybe even the whole carpet, and the dashboard top, and clean/disinfect/vacume the interior. Go over all the wiring, and gauges, and electronics, and put that SWEET motor you have in your trans am into this one! check the rear on this one, and do a thorough inspection of this car from front to back. IF you KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING? then it shouldnt take you more than $1000 in new parts to clean it up and make it perfect! Plus you can sell out everything else you dont need or want from both cars. That engine 5.7 is still a sought after engine! SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, IS LOOKING FOR IT! so just go over this newer trans am and make a list of whats wrong, and whats right, and take whatever you need and can use from your first trans am and buy whatever else you need that you do not have, and sell everything else you dont need to get some money back! AND ENJOY THIS RIDE! I DEFINITELY WOULD!!!
Excellent deal. Take the parts you want, take the rest to the scrap yard and get some of your money back. 👍
And to add front wheels have deeper offset then rear wheels and that's the only way u can run theme the rear wheels won't clear your front calipers etc and the rear wing is easy fix using a flexible rattle can spray from any parts store like plastidipp etc