Bill, your story telling is masterful. Your voice, your attitude, your delivery, are all pure gold. When you were doing the 1985 recap, I was completely enthralled and had forgotten the car sitting in the driveway and the overall point of the video. I could hear my wife in the next room eating breakfast and laughing at your narration during the whole video.
Those taillights are from a later base model firebird. Also the 85 wouldn't have a 3rd brake light. The steering wheel is from a later car as well. An 85 would have a 3 spoke wheel.
Could be a 87 to 90 model year. For 86 only the third brake light was on top of the hatch glass on the outside, then they moved it under the D80 spoiler. Here in Switzerland they officially sold Trans Ams with the standard Firebird taillights as shown on this car, because most European countries don't allow red blinkers. Anyways... Nice car😁
@@MotorScotti Red blinkers are dangerous, US should've mandated orange blinkers instead of that useless third brake light, many american cars had full width tailights anyway for instance old lincolns, they now made comeback on porsche and vw.
In 1985 the only V8 options at the time were the LG4 5.0 carburated, the L69 5.0 HO, and the LB9 5.0 Tuned Port Injection. The only true 5.7 option didn't arrive until 1987 and that was the L98 5.7 V8 which was borrowed from the Corvette of the time.
As I recall, the 350 HO wasn't offered with a stick until 1990, as GM didn't want to do the work to emission certify it until then, when it was obvious that lack of a manual was eating into sales. There were some differences, though, in the 350 HO between the F-Bodies and the Corvette as there is an unwritten rule in the walls of GM: "thou shalt not create a car more powerful or faster than the Vette". John DeLorean kept bumping into that rule 😂
correct. for whatever reason, the 85 TPI was really fast in the TA. i had one that would rip, totally stock. i think they detuned the TPI in 305 for 86- 87, my friends had them, were not as aggressive as the 85.
They were phasing out the HO L69 option in 85. I think it dissapeared mid-year. They wanted the focus on the new TPI. Plus, dealers were pushing the automatic HARD, it added 600+ to the sticker and caused less warranty issues. I wore out the clutch in my TPI 87 formula 5 speed in 9k miles!
I had an '83 Trans Am with the 5.0 H.O. engine and 5 spd. stick. I loved it and I wouldn't mind having that car again. Driving that always felt superior to most other cars on the road.
Good evening Bill from Ron in a very cold and snowy Manchester, hope you are keeping well. Sorry that your weather is muggy. What a fantastic car to do a review on.
Bought a 92 in 92, last month of production for this 3rd generation. British racing green, gold wheels of the design this car has. T-tops. I still have it. Drive it at least once a week in the summer. It's mint. A very magical car!
My love for third gens continues, I still have my 89 IROC and I took it for a spin yesterday because of this video! love your channel! Continue with your great look back to the era of these cars as I pretty much grew up with the same highlights you experience!
Bill, I'm so glad you did this car! I'm actually sitting at home in Massachusetts and I have covid for the first time in two-and-a-half years. I lusted after this machine when I was in high school! I love your input on this car and of the era. I look so forward to your videos. They are a complete history lesson for whatever era the car is from. I love it! The non snowflakes like us truly need someone like you in our lives. I would love to see a Pontiac Fiero GT or formula. The 1988 with t tops are the absolute pinnacle of the design. I know you would do them justice. Also, is there any chance in the future you can take us with you on one of your race weekends? I would love to see that. I am genuinely fascinated, entertained and appreciative of your efforts. Truly my favorite car TH-cam-er and personality. There is just so much to look forward to when you upload. Great Job Ronald Tartaglia Marxist Boston Massachusetts
Boston here too, his car is MINT, when I was a kid, I lived on a small dead end street, and there was a gearhead that lived at the end, he owned a tricked out Nova, and his buddy had a dark green GTA with gold trim and gold honeycombs, if I didnt have my 01 TA ws6, Id be looking for one of these, but manual and t-tops, which would be unbelievably hard, or alotta $$. cheers man
I was a teen in the 80s and these cars were the holy grail of sports/muscle cars I remember the most. With the Smokey & The Bandit car, KITT/NightRider and such, the Trans Ams were surely something special. Thanks for doing this review man!!
Loved 1985 , I was in high school an graduation yr as well for me bill , I had a 1965 ford mustang in great shape an bought a 1978 bandit trans am , bad it for 6 months an a friend was driving us around an it was raining, tops started leakn bad an spooked him, he ran off the road an we hit a convert pipe left front tire did an flipped us over, totally flattened the top , we walked away sore but alive , stayed friends forever , got closer really , always had that connection with my late pal Terry todd from fla , he passed away December last yr 2 weeks before his 54th birthday, , crushed me man , crushed my heart, he had a special place in my heart an still does , I know I'll see him again Bill but I'm OK man , he is near ! But bill I loved these cars much better than even the Iroc z , just beautiful swoopy hood an hatch back , love tha vids Bill any friend did as well , God bless an keep u safe bill , u da man!!!!
It’s a quality custom built Trans Am cause it’s so subtle and yes the 5.7 wasn’t a factory option till 1987. The brace over the engine is a custom addition. Those multi colored taillights are from the base non trans am Firebird.
@@seanparks1629 you drove it while I lived though it. VIN # may indicate that this was an original Firebird customized to a Trans Am. Still better than an original though. 👍
@@Boblib1970 I didn't watch the whole thing. Did it mention if the car hsd 4whl disc brakes? I THINK that would indicate the WS6 suspension option though I'm NO expert on these. I am pretty sure that all of the 87 & up350 powered cars were equipped w/ 4whl discs
I spent the 80's seeing one of these parked across the street. It was the first thing I saw walking out the door every day. Cool car and another great review! Thanks for delivering, Bill. I still can't believe these are collectible now, for the love of....
All of the 3rd Gen F-Bodies had the hatch pulldown. I had a 85, 87, and 89. And those pull downs ALWAYS broke. The 5.7 came out in 87. In 85 you got a 5.0 TPI. The wood dash parts are aftermarket. The factory plastic parts had a grid pattern on them like the gauge faces. It was impossible to put a true dual exhaust under these cars. And finally, yes, these are the cars that brought back the horsepower wars. In the late 80s and early 90s I was wrenching at a high performance shop and I was the 3rd Gen expert wrench. I've modded dozens of these cars.
I had an 87 Trans Am in this exact color scheme with the T-Tops. It had the same black GTA style wheels, but also had the GTA type rear deck spoiler. Bought it brand new, brings back some great memories seeing this car, man I loved that car.
Anyone on here doubting that this is an '85? Everything about this car screams 1989 to me. Three point rear seat belts which came out in '89... Power hatch pulldown.... Third brake light.... Steering wheel.... The dash doesn't have a UQ7 switch block off, but a solid bezel which came out in '89. Plus many more to list.
I was on military leave in 1987. My mom bought herself the 1987 Pontiac trans am blue with the t-tops. I HAD good memories driving it. That is a very powerful car. My mom was happy seeing me driving it. The interior is really comfortable good driving position. Yes it was an automatic but stepping on the gas pedal alone was exciting experience. Sadly I had to go back to Fort Benning Georgia continued my duty. My brother took the car from New Jersey to California and back. Car was destroyed (high mileage,engine never cared for and neglected) she had to get rid of it on a trade in way before I got Out. I E.T.S. in September of 1989.
@@jamesmichaelfrank True he was the black sheep of the family did bad in the pass. He is good now, I love my only brother, but now he's in a wheelchair for life. from a bad thing he did in the pass it finally caught up to him.
Wow, someone mentioning the OHC 6 Firebird Sprint Turismo! That Trans Am is very, very nice! Sounds GREAT, interior is so clean and nice, looks great, love the deep dish Trans Am wheels, but I'd swap out the tail lights. Tail lights aren't correct for an 85 but are for a base Firebird of later on in the 80's. The 3rd tail light on the rear wing spoiler isn't correct for an 85 either. The steering wheel is also incorrect for 85, or any Firebird if I'm not mistaken, it reminds me of the 90 (91?) Grand Am I took off the company car lot for a few months in 91. The fogged rear hatch window is a common indicator of leaky weather stripping, it is common for the t-tops seals to leak so that would be the first place I would start my inspection for such. I had an 84 in 84 from my company's fleet leasing... loved it except it's lack of power, if they offered the 5.7 which they didn't offer until 87 I would've been a little less disappointed but I would still have the car if it had a 385hp 5.7 like this example in the video. Thanks for pegging the dissatisfying 85+ mph speedo ;) and GLWS!
Ha! Thank you. I noticed several of the same inconsistencies as well. It's not Bill's fault, just someone who owned the car and decided to add various years worth of options. It's kind of like the old Johnny Cash "one piece at a time" song lol.
Back in 1985, I had the 305 V8 manual five speed Firebird. Loved that car so much that after having sold it, I tracked it down and bought it back. Really enjoy your channel. Best regards from New Zealand.
Bill, I hope one day you can review a real GTA. IMO, the 87-88 5.7L cars with the digital dash are the pinnacle of 3rd gen badass, especially if you can find one in Black. I lean towards the 87 with the tri-spoke steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, and overhead console. Maybe someday!!
This is my favorite of all your videos. Also love the 84 Z28 you did. Excellent commentary regarding all the inside info going on at GM headquarters. Love all the big brass GM information you provide. Best channel imo
What a fantastic car! They did a really beautiful job on this. Bill, the power pull down on the hatch was put in place on these F bodies because on the first two years so many guys smashed the glass or cracked it when slamming the hatch closed. GM did it so they did not have to continue buying new hatch glass under warranty.
*The 80's Trans-Am is Legendary!* Love it so much. Appreciate that "two-tone" colorscheme as well. Red is not even my color but, i'd still be proud to own one like this.
I’m surprised Bill didn’t utter a word about the wood grain all over the place. While I don’t mind wood or faux wood on dashes if it’s a Caddy, Lincoln, Tbird or any Luxo cruiser I think it looks terribly out of place here! Turned alluminum or faux or real carbon fiber would have set this dash / console off nicely. IMO
I love all Trans Ams! I have a ‘97 that’s a little rough from the previous owner but it’s still fun to drive. Yours is perfect! Thanks for posting this.
Those 4th gens are fun. You've got the last year of the LT1 which was a good engine, I just didn't want to have optispark issues so I opted for a 98 with the LS1 and I've done several modifications including subframe connectors, adjustable panhard bar, koni adjustable shocks, strut tower brace, 17 x 9 snowflake style wheels, girdle for the weak rear end (hopefully holds it together until I build a Ford 8.8 for it) egr delete, smooth bellows, volant ram air intake, port and polished throttle body with a knife edged throttle plate, etc. I know I'm forgetting some modifications but I kept all the factory parts I removed, I'm the second owner.
I framed a magazine ad of this car (minus the wheels) back when it was new. Hangs in my garage to this day despite the Mopars. Always loved the look of the 3rd gen F bodies.
Love your videos ! You are correct in that the 5.7L was not available until the 1987 model year. Also, the car in your video has Firebird taillights instead of the unique Trans Am ones.
I used to have a ‘91 Formula, it had that same dashboard/instrument cluster. I loved it, those big gauges looked so cool especially at night. It lit up that bright amber/orange. Loved that car. 💯😎
My drinking buddy Chuck had one of these back in 88, two incidents I remember well, the first one was leaving the bar after 2:00 am and flying down memorial drive in Chicopee Mass at over 100 mph and passing a cop stopped at a left hand turn lane, I told Chuck to shut off the lights and to down shift so we wouldn’t have the brake lights to give us away, bang the the right turn into a big residential neighborhood near Westover Air Force base, and look for an open garage, which we found pretty quickly. Waited a half hour and took off to live another day. The second one I took the car to get cigs at the 7-11 across town and backing out of the spot I did a hole shot and almost hit a cop driving through the 7-11 parking lot ,he didn’t even bat an eye😬😬😬, the car was fast and fun to drive, we did a lot of stupid sht in our early 20’s, I cringe and laugh thinking about the 80’s. Thanks Bill for jarring my automotive memories
Thanks.. good overviews….. Interestingly, the TA STORY is nice…. I got mine : ordering in OCT 1976, a HURST HATCHES, TA SE 1977/ loaded 6.6 L, and getting in MArch 1977.. Yes the 400:was anemic,( build up a lot)mHATCHES LEAKED.ETC. Great Driving for 15 years ,etc.
I love that car, it has a beautiful look to it. They are very fun to drive. I wish I could own that car, I definitely keep it in my garage where it will be safe. Drive it only on the weekends. What a dream! :)
Love the video… when I was growing up we had an ‘85 in 1985 brand new and loved every minute of it. This one here appears inside and out as a 1987. Who knew?
as usual great review Mr Bill. Can't wait for the next already. Myself I'm a personal luxury coupe guy, but love all types of cars. Here's a kwik list of just my coupes since '95 when I graduated school till today. 87- Olds Cutlass Cierra GT 91- Lumina Z34 95- Thunderbird V8 98- Mustang Cobra 77- Caprice Classic Coupe (bent window) 67- Fairlane 500 87- Honda CRX Si 90- Honda CRX Si 95- Honda Civic Coupe 01- Acura Integra GSR 91-Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 92- Honda Prelude Si 4ws 03- Acura CL Type-s 6mt The cls6 is my current daily, and is staying right here!! Hopefully be looking for a c4 vette if we make it another year and still speaking English. Take care Mr Bill and stay safe!!
I love the body style of the Trans Am as well as the IROC. Too bad these cars were so behind in power and performance for their time. The Mustang , Buick GNX, and all the Japanese cars of the same era were just as fast or if not faster. RX-7 turbo, Starion turbo, Supras, 300zx’s…These cars were my High School Days when sports cars were somewhat affordable.
A year late to this video but wow did this bring some teary eyes of nostalgia. I had a solid red '86 T/A with the black wrap around spoiler and black mirrors. I can't explain how much I loved that car. It had far too dark window tint and at night it was like driving a space ship with the bright orange dash gauges. All my friends would love riding in that car at night with the T-tops popped unless they were riding in the picnic baskets disguised as rear seats lol. Fast forward all these years later and finds me with more medical bills than money and unable to afford any car let alone another one of these beauties. I remember one day when some older guys saw my car pull up and wanted to know how a 21 year old could afford a Ferrari lol. They were pretty surprised that it was a Pontiac. I still wonder if they were kidding because by that time these cars had been out for years although they weren't very common in rural Oklahoma. True this '85 is far from original but how many of us dreamt of swapping our 305's for a 350? I know I did. Somebody did some serious work under the hood with the stiffening bars which aren't on any Firebird/TA that I've ever heard of. Definitely makes me jealous and I no longer have a T/A. I will admit I prefer the factory steering wheel instead of whatever model that one came with. The pockets were "map pockets", a necessity in that era lol. Wow, I do not like that wood grain, I'd replace that with the factory pieces if I owned it. The controls are similar to those on my 86. The one thing I learned from owning two of these is that the door opening pull handles are made of crappy pot metal and will break. It was so bad I actually bought extras to have when they eventually break lol. I think these had limited slip rear ends not posi-trac. Weird it wouldn't bark the tires, even my 305 would do that. I love your car 💕.
There was the Jensen Contraception too, don't forget that one! I was on the Camaro side of the F-Body. Never got to have an IROC though. Ended up with a Mustang after 2 of them... that required less constant maintenance and just worked.
Hey Bill! Love your videos and your grouchy sense of humor! I cant help but comment on the fact that each time I see the headlights lit up on your cars, the headlamp alignment seems SPOT ON! Im curious : Do you insist that the headlamps on the cars you review be perfectly adjusted? If so GOOD JOB! Keep it up and cant wait until your next video!!
Starting in 1985, the Firebird Trans Am felt like the Batmobile. My friend Ben got a 1986 TA as a graduation present. It was firemist dark red, grey cloth interior, t-tops, 305 V8 & 5 speed manual. I loved that car & he still has it, although it's in storage & in need of complete restoration.
It's BEAUTIFUL!!! My absolute favorite car of all time. It depresses me that it's almost forgotten about now. When people talk about classic cars they hardly ever mention the Trans Am. It bugs the heck out of me this car gets ignored by racing/driving videogames too.
I have to agree Bill you are slacking on the videos, I've been looking for more also! I agree also about these Trans Ams how beautiful they where and still are with this example you have here just a beautiful Pontiac. I was a kid when Night Rider came out and I never missed and episode and loved that Black Trans Am with those wheels. I always wondered if those black wheels where actual wheels or hub cabs. Now I know what they are. They sure where nice and looked good, thanks Bill. I think you and I are only a few years in age by the way you talk about cars. I can't get enough of cars I have loved them and known about cars and what every car on the road was since I was 4 years old. My grandparents and parents used to get a kick outta me knowing so much about cars at that early age. Oh those where the days. I've watched you since you first started Bill. Awesome videos always Bill. You take care too!.
Graduated high school in Houston, TX that year. Yeah! Loved these! K.I.T.T was really cool! Velcro box (sooooo 80's!!!!) Pontiac....WE Build EXCITEMENT! I always thought these Popped better than Camero's.
Love these cars, huge fan of them and I'm excited to see one on your channel. I'm one of those crazy 3rd gen Firebird nuts so of course I noticed a bunch of unexpected twists but all in all, a beautiful car. Although the word Frankenstein comes to mind a little bit, I think this thing was tastefully done. I love seeing these on the road especially when they're as clean as this. A whole lot of money was poured into this car. Here is what I noticed on this car. (1) The taillights are from a 86-92 Firebird (or Firebird Formula) since the Trans Am taillights were always given the blackout treatment. (2) These cars didn't have a third brake light in the spoiler until 87. The dead giveaway for an 86 is when the third brake light is found atop the rear hatch glass - none for 85. (3) This one has an 86-92 gauge cluster which fooled me at first. The tach was not from a 350 car or TPI 5 speed car, since they all had an 8k tach with 5500 redline. Most likely from a 5.0L LG4 from 86-87, its 5.0L fuel injected L03 successor 88-92 or an automatic TPI 5.0L 86-92. It makes me think the indicated mileage might not be correct. (4) The 350 first became available in 87 as the top engine on the Firebird/Camaro line so I get the 5.7 badging deal since it is now indeed a 350 car... it makes sense that things under the hood had changed during the life of this car. The Firebird line would all have been single exhaust and not true duals until Pontiac's "N10" dual catback exhaust in1989 on Formulas initially, then later the GTA. But we're so far from the factory setup by now that none of this applies or matters. (5) The steering wheel would have been a 3 spoke rim through 87 and this car has one from an 88-89 Firebird/Formula/Trans Am; not GTA since they had the steering wheel controls standard, unless you got the factory CD player on your 89 GTA...then all birds after 89 had an airbag. (6) The 16 inch black crosslace wheels are most likely from an 88-92 Trans Am or 91-92 Formula. This car would have either come with the "base" 15 inch concave high tech turbo wheels, or optionally the slightly larger flat faced 16 inch high tech turbo wheels. (7) This car has been equipped with 89+ rear shoulder belts. It was lap belts only in the back until 89, though with safety and resto-modding in mind, it makes sense that this had been swapped over. (8) The ignition key appeared to have that little pass-key anti-theft chip in it which I didn't think GM was doing in these vehicles until 1988 but someone will correct me. (9) I didn't think the passenger side pouch had a cover that folded over it but it looks great since these pouches would always sag and look gross (10) I am ignoring the plastic woodgrain and will not mention it at all I will own one of these cars one day. Just hope they remain under the radar a bit longer. I would love to find the right 87 Trans Am with the TPI V8 and 5 speed combo, T-tops and the bird on the hood. Some day. Thanks for all the great content Bill, you sure do come across some incredible and unique cars. The center stack above the radio could have been way better if Pontiac had a better solution for the ugly, needlessly complicated and out of place defrost controls. Looks like such an afterthought.
It also has the wrong rear axle ratio, and the motor is very weak. 3500 rpm @ 85 mph. Too many non stock components, a Carfax would be the first thing to do. I owned an '86 IROC Camaro, this one screams caurion. Definitely not a collector car. It could be a rebuilt [salvaged from 2 wrecked cars].
Glad to see someone else realized this car is cobbled together from parts across multiple years. For all that work done with the aftermarket intake and the expensive exhaust it has a stock engine. Probably the factory 5.0L still. It was popular for a while to simply lie by putting 5.7L/350 badging on the base car. (base was the awful 170hp 5.0L TBI (this car has the air cleaner from that motor). Sounds like a factory cam. No lump to the idle whatsover. Sounds like grandma's butter smooth caprice with the muffler missing. I'm more of a Firebird Formula fan due to the lack of the gaudy ground effects. Hopefully sooner than later I'll find a clean 89-91 Formula 350 or a Formula 305 TPI manual transmission car with T-top.
Bill, I get home from a long week of work, pour some anti Soviet whisky and watch these stupid videos! I love them! Keep it going no matter how shitty the weather or animals are!
Good Evening Bill, almost end of March and it's cold rainy possibly snow 🌨️❄️🌨️🌨️ shitty weather here in South Bend Indiana, thank you for sharing this beautiful Trans Am what a gorgeous car. I enjoy your videos and Crankiness don't change. Till next time my Friend.
I still love the 80s Firebird deeply. In mid 90s I owned a 86 carbureted silver T/A, with the bird Graphic on the hood, and with a few other cars in between I then purchased an 87 Formula Tpi. Both birds where important in the Netherlands straight from the US. My red Formula was awesome. Both cars had some issues and quirks, but regret selling them on a lot. The Formula was a wolf in sheep's clothing as it was basically a T/A but simpler and slick looking with out the skirts. At the time I liked the later T/A's better, but later on got to appreciate the more understated look. I agree with some of the comments that it's not completely original with the wheels and some of other details, which is a shame. Personally not a big fan of the t-top, looks nice but adds weight and compromised rigidity and ride quality. Thanks for your videos Bill, absolutely love them, and it appears we have a very similar car taste. Also loved your Bonneville SSEi review.
I had an '86 IROC-Z28. The 5.7L L98 TPI wasn't available until 1987. Mine had the 5L which I swapped out to a 1986 Corvette 5.7L V8 and 5-spd BW T-5 manual. It doesn't like like this car has the original engine. And I believe the wood dash was an aftermarket add on.
I was born in 85. My favourite year Now that,s a beautiful midd.80,s trans am love it very much the color red fitts to it the style 😍❤👍 great video respect sir 😎👍 i have 3 hot wheels die casts of this awesome beauty in red
I had one in Flame Red Met. The one you have has been heavily modified, tuneport missing has Formula Taillights and GTA Wheels but that is what we did back then. A real blast from the past and sounds Good and looks good. Great video and have fun with it✌🏽
Awesome Video Bill as Always! Although the car isn’t perfect, it still is a great review! Hopefully you can come across a 1984 15th anniversary TA or an 83 Recaro with the L69 powerbuldge hood and 3.73 rear. Keep up the good reviews!
Almost wish I didn't click on this video! I NEVER should have sold my 1989 triple black TA!!! Mine was not the GTA but it was factory ordered with the 5.7 350. I threw headers on her, minor mod to the exhaust and a computer chip. Absolutely loved it! UGH! EDIT: this '85 you're reviewing very possibly came that way from the factory. Just as I mentioned in my comment, my '89 came with the 5.7 and with those exact same wheels.
Bill, your story telling is masterful. Your voice, your attitude, your delivery, are all pure gold. When you were doing the 1985 recap, I was completely enthralled and had forgotten the car sitting in the driveway and the overall point of the video. I could hear my wife in the next room eating breakfast and laughing at your narration during the whole video.
Those taillights are from a later base model firebird. Also the 85 wouldn't have a 3rd brake light. The steering wheel is from a later car as well. An 85 would have a 3 spoke wheel.
And no 350
And those wheels were not available yet.
Could be a 87 to 90 model year. For 86 only the third brake light was on top of the hatch glass on the outside, then they moved it under the D80 spoiler.
Here in Switzerland they officially sold Trans Ams with the standard Firebird taillights as shown on this car, because most European countries don't allow red blinkers. Anyways... Nice car😁
@@MotorScotti Red blinkers are dangerous, US should've mandated orange blinkers instead of that useless third brake light, many american cars had full width tailights anyway for instance old lincolns, they now made comeback on porsche and vw.
@@V8_screw_electric_cars bullshit, I had one, bought it new
Good evening Bill, great to hear from you again, you've been missed.
Thanks, Paulie. l’m not going anywhere. Glad to see you.
Beautiful 85 Trans Am . I like it. 💪🏼💪🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸
In 1985 the only V8 options at the time were the LG4 5.0 carburated, the L69 5.0 HO, and the LB9 5.0 Tuned Port Injection. The only true 5.7 option didn't arrive until 1987 and that was the L98 5.7 V8 which was borrowed from the Corvette of the time.
Yes i was thinking why does it say 85 there was no 350 that year.
As I recall, the 350 HO wasn't offered with a stick until 1990, as GM didn't want to do the work to emission certify it until then, when it was obvious that lack of a manual was eating into sales. There were some differences, though, in the 350 HO between the F-Bodies and the Corvette as there is an unwritten rule in the walls of GM: "thou shalt not create a car more powerful or faster than the Vette". John DeLorean kept bumping into that rule 😂
correct. for whatever reason, the 85 TPI was really fast in the TA. i had one that would rip, totally stock. i think they detuned the TPI in 305 for 86- 87, my friends had them, were not as aggressive as the 85.
100% correct!
They were phasing out the HO L69 option in 85. I think it dissapeared mid-year. They wanted the focus on the new TPI. Plus, dealers were pushing the automatic HARD, it added 600+ to the sticker and caused less warranty issues. I wore out the clutch in my TPI 87 formula 5 speed in 9k miles!
I wish they never got rid of Pontiac
I had an '83 Trans Am with the 5.0 H.O. engine and 5 spd. stick. I loved it and I wouldn't mind having that car again. Driving that always felt superior to most other cars on the road.
Good evening Bill from Ron in a very cold and snowy Manchester, hope you are keeping well. Sorry that your weather is muggy. What a fantastic car to do a review on.
I live about a hundred miles away, its actually been dry & breezy to me.That being said its pouring rain Friday morning & it'll all change soon.
Bill would be cool as hell to hang out with! Cars, Booze, and smokes, plus you’d laugh your Ass off because the guy is funny as hell!
But he doesn't know his years of cars or he's a liar...
Sup up jim. Just enjoy the video.
One of my all-time favorite muscle/pony cars. ANd being an 80's kid, this is my jam for sure. The 2-tone scheme is also CLASSIC.
I agree
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I'll never get old of this guys reviews. " anti soviet whiskey" that's too funny
Bought a 92 in 92, last month of production for this 3rd generation. British racing green, gold wheels of the design this car has. T-tops. I still have it. Drive it at least once a week in the summer. It's mint. A very magical car!
My love for third gens continues, I still have my 89 IROC and I took it for a spin yesterday because of this video! love your channel! Continue with your great look back to the era of these cars as I pretty much grew up with the same highlights you experience!
Bill, I'm so glad you did this car! I'm actually sitting at home in Massachusetts and I have covid for the first time in two-and-a-half years. I lusted after this machine when I was in high school! I love your input on this car and of the era. I look so forward to your videos. They are a complete history lesson for whatever era the car is from. I love it! The non snowflakes like us truly need someone like you in our lives. I would love to see a Pontiac Fiero GT or formula. The 1988 with t tops are the absolute pinnacle of the design. I know you would do them justice.
Also, is there any chance in the future you can take us with you on one of your race weekends? I would love to see that.
I am genuinely fascinated, entertained and appreciative of your efforts. Truly my favorite car TH-cam-er and personality. There is just so much to look forward to when you upload.
Great Job
Ronald Tartaglia
Marxist Boston Massachusetts
Boston here too, his car is MINT, when I was a kid, I lived on a small dead end street, and there was a gearhead that lived at the end, he owned a tricked out Nova, and his buddy had a dark green GTA with gold trim and gold honeycombs, if I didnt have my 01 TA ws6, Id be looking for one of these, but manual and t-tops, which would be unbelievably hard, or alotta $$. cheers man
I was a teen in the 80s and these cars were the holy grail of sports/muscle cars I remember the most. With the Smokey & The Bandit car, KITT/NightRider and such, the Trans Ams were surely something special. Thanks for doing this review man!!
Bill seems cool as hell. Thanks for the video!
*GOD, we gotta love BILL*
I always love the car reviews, but his sense of humor and irony deeply worth everything.
And sure, be careful with the soviets.
Great video and good stopping at the STOP sign at -40:40-
Loved 1985 , I was in high school an graduation yr as well for me bill , I had a 1965 ford mustang in great shape an bought a 1978 bandit trans am , bad it for 6 months an a friend was driving us around an it was raining, tops started leakn bad an spooked him, he ran off the road an we hit a convert pipe left front tire did an flipped us over, totally flattened the top , we walked away sore but alive , stayed friends forever , got closer really , always had that connection with my late pal Terry todd from fla , he passed away December last yr 2 weeks before his 54th birthday, , crushed me man , crushed my heart, he had a special place in my heart an still does , I know I'll see him again Bill but I'm OK man , he is near ! But bill I loved these cars much better than even the Iroc z , just beautiful swoopy hood an hatch back , love tha vids Bill any friend did as well , God bless an keep u safe bill , u da man!!!!
☆☆☆☆
It’s a quality custom built Trans Am cause it’s so subtle and yes the 5.7 wasn’t a factory option till 1987. The brace over the engine is a custom addition. Those multi colored taillights are from the base non trans am Firebird.
You nailed it, even the taillights.I owned an 85 Trans Am back in 1988. 305 TPI with the bird on the hood.:)
@@seanparks1629 you drove it while I lived though it. VIN # may indicate that this was an original Firebird customized to a Trans Am. Still better than an original though. 👍
Also, the car has a 87 or later hatch.
No 3rd tailight on the 85. 3rd tailight on top for 86
Yep I was looking for a comment like this before I posted something redundant. Everything you said is 100% accurate.
@@Boblib1970 I didn't watch the whole thing. Did it mention if the car hsd 4whl disc brakes? I THINK that would indicate the WS6 suspension option though I'm NO expert on these. I am pretty sure that all of the 87 & up350 powered cars were equipped w/ 4whl discs
You were right Bill. There was no 5.7 for this car in ‘85.
“Florida gave up the CoVid a couple years ago…”
we sure did, & never looked back 😁
73,000+ Covid 19 deaths have occurred in Florida in the last 2 years. It's kicking our butts, bad.
*cough*
The shed proves my theory that Penelope is actually Peter. Thanks Bill!
I spent the 80's seeing one of these parked across the street. It was the first thing I saw walking out the door every day. Cool car and another great review! Thanks for delivering, Bill. I still can't believe these are collectible now, for the love of....
Great memory
Watching your videos is the most relaxing thing that I can do before go to bed
Agreed.
Love his sarcasm!
1980's loud and clear with this car.
All of the 3rd Gen F-Bodies had the hatch pulldown. I had a 85, 87, and 89. And those pull downs ALWAYS broke. The 5.7 came out in 87. In 85 you got a 5.0 TPI. The wood dash parts are aftermarket. The factory plastic parts had a grid pattern on them like the gauge faces. It was impossible to put a true dual exhaust under these cars. And finally, yes, these are the cars that brought back the horsepower wars. In the late 80s and early 90s I was wrenching at a high performance shop and I was the 3rd Gen expert wrench. I've modded dozens of these cars.
Another great moment in history Bill...trans am is like you...never gets old.
Hey Bill, glad to see you back for another one. Great 85 Pontiac. The last Pontiac I had was a 06 grand prix gxp 5.3l. Can't wait till your next one!
I had an 87 Trans Am in this exact color scheme with the T-Tops. It had the same black GTA style wheels, but also had the GTA type rear deck spoiler. Bought it brand new, brings back some great memories seeing this car, man I loved that car.
My brother had the blue brand new I was so jealous lol I was 12 lol
What a beauty. Bill your videos just keep getting better and better.
In 85 I was 19. I loved this car. Because of my driving record at that time I couldend afford the insurance on anything like this.
Anyone on here doubting that this is an '85? Everything about this car screams 1989 to me. Three point rear seat belts which came out in '89... Power hatch pulldown.... Third brake light.... Steering wheel.... The dash doesn't have a UQ7 switch block off, but a solid bezel which came out in '89. Plus many more to list.
The gauges too! '85 had the '82-'84 front lit style gauges with a different font and a cable driven speedometer! This one has '86+ electronic gauges.
This car should be worth at least 1 million $$$ it’s my favorite car of my youth… Nice review Bill….
If I recall, the electric closing hatch was made standard because people were slamming the hatches and breaking the glass.
I was on military leave in 1987. My mom bought herself the 1987 Pontiac trans am blue with the t-tops. I HAD good memories driving it. That is a very powerful car. My mom was happy seeing me driving it. The interior is really comfortable good driving position. Yes it was an automatic but stepping on the gas pedal alone was exciting experience. Sadly I had to go back to Fort Benning Georgia continued my duty. My brother took the car from New Jersey to California and back. Car was destroyed (high mileage,engine never cared for and neglected) she had to get rid of it on a trade in way before I got Out. I E.T.S. in September of 1989.
Your brother ! 🤬🤬🤬
@@jamesmichaelfrank True he was the black sheep of the family did bad in the pass. He is good now, I love my only brother, but now he's in a wheelchair for life. from a bad thing he did in the pass it finally caught up to him.
I love when you complain. You make my day every time I watch your videos. Great cars and great narrator.
Another great car review by Bill Curious...
Wow, someone mentioning the OHC 6 Firebird Sprint Turismo!
That Trans Am is very, very nice! Sounds GREAT, interior is so clean and nice, looks great, love the deep dish Trans Am wheels, but I'd swap out the tail lights.
Tail lights aren't correct for an 85 but are for a base Firebird of later on in the 80's. The 3rd tail light on the rear wing spoiler isn't correct for an 85 either. The steering wheel is also incorrect for 85, or any Firebird if I'm not mistaken, it reminds me of the 90 (91?) Grand Am I took off the company car lot for a few months in 91.
The fogged rear hatch window is a common indicator of leaky weather stripping, it is common for the t-tops seals to leak so that would be the first place I would start my inspection for such.
I had an 84 in 84 from my company's fleet leasing... loved it except it's lack of power, if they offered the 5.7 which they didn't offer until 87 I would've been a little less disappointed but I would still have the car if it had a 385hp 5.7 like this example in the video.
Thanks for pegging the dissatisfying 85+ mph speedo ;) and GLWS!
Ha! Thank you. I noticed several of the same inconsistencies as well. It's not Bill's fault, just someone who owned the car and decided to add various years worth of options. It's kind of like the old Johnny Cash "one piece at a time" song lol.
Back in 1985, I had the 305 V8 manual five speed Firebird. Loved that car so much that after having sold it, I tracked it down and bought it back. Really enjoy your channel. Best regards from New Zealand.
Bill, I hope one day you can review a real GTA. IMO, the 87-88 5.7L cars with the digital dash are the pinnacle of 3rd gen badass, especially if you can find one in Black. I lean towards the 87 with the tri-spoke steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, and overhead console. Maybe someday!!
The '87 GTA was the ultimate car of that era. Not the Supra, not the Mustang, not the Iroc!
The GTA is my dream car specifically black on black digital dash in manual, even better if it was a notchback those are so rare, god I can only dream
I've had my GTA for 14 years.
This is my favorite of all your videos. Also love the 84 Z28 you did. Excellent commentary regarding all the inside info going on at GM headquarters. Love all the big brass GM information you provide. Best channel imo
What a fantastic car! They did a really beautiful job on this. Bill, the power pull down on the hatch was put in place on these F bodies because on the first two years so many guys smashed the glass or cracked it when slamming the hatch closed. GM did it so they did not have to continue buying new hatch glass under warranty.
Nice car Bill, thanks for the review. Love the rims on this ride, very nice looking.
Since the day this video came out, it's been in a queue waiting for time to be watched!
I love this car....my uncle had a black on Grey formula...it was epic
*The 80's Trans-Am is Legendary!* Love it so much. Appreciate that "two-tone" colorscheme as well. Red is not even my color but, i'd still be proud to own one like this.
Look it up. 1985 was the best year for movies since 1939. So many classics from one year, and some of my favorites.
My 84 15th anniversary had the 5.0 liter H.O. engine with advertised 190 hp.
I’m surprised Bill didn’t utter a word about the wood grain all over the place. While I don’t mind wood or faux wood on dashes if it’s a Caddy, Lincoln, Tbird or any Luxo cruiser I think it looks terribly out of place here! Turned alluminum or faux or real carbon fiber would have set this dash / console off nicely. IMO
What an amazing video I enjoyed every minute, you are a great story teller!
always enjoy your videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks for taking the time to post them!!!!!!!
I love all Trans Ams! I have a ‘97 that’s a little rough from the previous owner but it’s still fun to drive. Yours is perfect! Thanks for posting this.
Those 4th gens are fun. You've got the last year of the LT1 which was a good engine, I just didn't want to have optispark issues so I opted for a 98 with the LS1 and I've done several modifications including subframe connectors, adjustable panhard bar, koni adjustable shocks, strut tower brace, 17 x 9 snowflake style wheels, girdle for the weak rear end (hopefully holds it together until I build a Ford 8.8 for it) egr delete, smooth bellows, volant ram air intake, port and polished throttle body with a knife edged throttle plate, etc. I know I'm forgetting some modifications but I kept all the factory parts I removed, I'm the second owner.
I framed a magazine ad of this car (minus the wheels) back when it was new. Hangs in my garage to this day despite the Mopars. Always loved the look of the 3rd gen F bodies.
Best looking cars around. Wish I owned one.
Love your videos !
You are correct in that the 5.7L was not available until the 1987 model year.
Also, the car in your video has Firebird taillights instead of the unique Trans Am ones.
A clean third gen will turn heads all day long. Just got the AC working in mine. Thanks for this video Sir.
I used to have a ‘91 Formula, it had that same dashboard/instrument cluster. I loved it, those big gauges looked so cool especially at night. It lit up that bright amber/orange. Loved that car. 💯😎
Dude!!!
Love your Videos, keep them Coming!
Feeding my Nostalgia nicely! These are some really CLEAN Rides ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I never seen anyone go over a car as well as this guy ! Awesome video!
Hes the best no-nonsense reviewer. I like how he doesn't script anything.
My drinking buddy Chuck had one of these back in 88, two incidents I remember well, the first one was leaving the bar after 2:00 am and flying down memorial drive in Chicopee Mass at over 100 mph and passing a cop stopped at a left hand turn lane, I told Chuck to shut off the lights and to down shift so we wouldn’t have the brake lights to give us away, bang the the right turn into a big residential neighborhood near Westover Air Force base, and look for an open garage, which we found pretty quickly. Waited a half hour and took off to live another day. The second one I took the car to get cigs at the 7-11 across town and backing out of the spot I did a hole shot and almost hit a cop driving through the 7-11 parking lot ,he didn’t even bat an eye😬😬😬, the car was fast and fun to drive, we did a lot of stupid sht in our early 20’s, I cringe and laugh thinking about the 80’s. Thanks Bill for jarring my automotive memories
Thanks.. good overviews….. Interestingly, the TA STORY is nice…. I got mine : ordering in OCT 1976, a HURST HATCHES, TA SE 1977/ loaded 6.6 L, and getting in MArch 1977.. Yes the 400:was anemic,( build up a lot)mHATCHES LEAKED.ETC. Great Driving for 15 years ,etc.
I love that car, it has a beautiful look to it. They are very fun to drive. I wish I could own that car, I definitely keep it in my garage where it will be safe. Drive it only on the weekends. What a dream! :)
Love the video… when I was growing up we had an ‘85 in 1985 brand new and loved every minute of it. This one here appears inside and out as a 1987. Who knew?
Many people on this site have noticed that this car has been cobbled together from several others.
That deck lid power pull down was added to stop those large rear windows from shattering when closing.
as usual great review Mr Bill. Can't wait for the next already. Myself I'm a personal luxury coupe guy, but love all types of cars. Here's a kwik list of just my coupes since '95 when I graduated school till today.
87- Olds Cutlass Cierra GT
91- Lumina Z34
95- Thunderbird V8
98- Mustang Cobra
77- Caprice Classic Coupe (bent window)
67- Fairlane 500
87- Honda CRX Si
90- Honda CRX Si
95- Honda Civic Coupe
01- Acura Integra GSR
91-Honda Prelude 2.0 Si
92- Honda Prelude Si 4ws
03- Acura CL Type-s 6mt
The cls6 is my current daily, and is staying right here!! Hopefully be looking for a c4 vette if we make it another year and still speaking English. Take care Mr Bill and stay safe!!
Thanks Bill for the trip down memory lane.
I love the body style of the Trans Am as well as the IROC. Too bad these cars were so behind in power and performance for their time. The Mustang , Buick GNX, and all the Japanese cars of the same era were just as fast or if not faster. RX-7 turbo, Starion turbo, Supras, 300zx’s…These cars were my High School Days when sports cars were somewhat affordable.
A year late to this video but wow did this bring some teary eyes of nostalgia. I had a solid red '86 T/A with the black wrap around spoiler and black mirrors. I can't explain how much I loved that car. It had far too dark window tint and at night it was like driving a space ship with the bright orange dash gauges. All my friends would love riding in that car at night with the T-tops popped unless they were riding in the picnic baskets disguised as rear seats lol.
Fast forward all these years later and finds me with more medical bills than money and unable to afford any car let alone another one of these beauties. I remember one day when some older guys saw my car pull up and wanted to know how a 21 year old could afford a Ferrari lol. They were pretty surprised that it was a Pontiac. I still wonder if they were kidding because by that time these cars had been out for years although they weren't very common in rural Oklahoma.
True this '85 is far from original but how many of us dreamt of swapping our 305's for a 350? I know I did. Somebody did some serious work under the hood with the stiffening bars which aren't on any Firebird/TA that I've ever heard of. Definitely makes me jealous and I no longer have a T/A. I will admit I prefer the factory steering wheel instead of whatever model that one came with. The pockets were "map pockets", a necessity in that era lol. Wow, I do not like that wood grain, I'd replace that with the factory pieces if I owned it. The controls are similar to those on my 86. The one thing I learned from owning two of these is that the door opening pull handles are made of crappy pot metal and will break. It was so bad I actually bought extras to have when they eventually break lol. I think these had limited slip rear ends not posi-trac. Weird it wouldn't bark the tires, even my 305 would do that.
I love your car 💕.
This and the IROC-Z were such iconic 80's beasts, over here in Britain we had the somewhat less amazing Capri and Manta.
There was the Jensen Contraception too, don't forget that one! I was on the Camaro side of the F-Body. Never got to have an IROC though. Ended up with a Mustang after 2 of them... that required less constant maintenance and just worked.
The Capri was amazing to me. Don't know about the Manta.
I was 12 years old in 1985. Broke my heart when Knight Rider got cancelled, and I'm right there with you on longing for a black on black Trans Am.
Hey Bill! Love your videos and your grouchy sense of humor! I cant help but comment on the fact that each time I see the headlights lit up on your cars, the headlamp alignment seems SPOT ON! Im curious : Do you insist that the headlamps on the cars you review be perfectly adjusted? If so GOOD JOB! Keep it up and cant wait until your next video!!
Starting in 1985, the Firebird Trans Am felt like the Batmobile. My friend Ben got a 1986 TA as a graduation present. It was firemist dark red, grey cloth interior, t-tops, 305 V8 & 5 speed manual.
I loved that car & he still has it, although it's in storage & in need of complete restoration.
It's BEAUTIFUL!!! My absolute favorite car of all time. It depresses me that it's almost forgotten about now. When people talk about classic cars they hardly ever mention the Trans Am. It bugs the heck out of me this car gets ignored by racing/driving videogames too.
The Forza games have an 87 GTA. There's also an assetto corsa mod for the same car.
Hi . I had one of these cars . Drove it off the showroom floor. Loved it . Only had one issue.
This guy cracks me up! Great videos!
"Led sweeper in the front!" Lmao Bill hilarious 🤣😆
I have to agree Bill you are slacking on the videos, I've been looking for more also! I agree also about these Trans Ams how beautiful they where and still are with this example you have here just a beautiful Pontiac. I was a kid when Night Rider came out and I never missed and episode and loved that Black Trans Am with those wheels. I always wondered if those black wheels where actual wheels or hub cabs. Now I know what they are. They sure where nice and looked good, thanks Bill. I think you and I are only a few years in age by the way you talk about cars. I can't get enough of cars I have loved them and known about cars and what every car on the road was since I was 4 years old. My grandparents and parents used to get a kick outta me knowing so much about cars at that early age. Oh those where the days. I've watched you since you first started Bill. Awesome videos always Bill. You take care too!.
Graduated high school in Houston, TX that year. Yeah! Loved these! K.I.T.T was really cool! Velcro box (sooooo 80's!!!!) Pontiac....WE Build EXCITEMENT! I always thought these Popped better than Camero's.
Love these cars, huge fan of them and I'm excited to see one on your channel. I'm one of those crazy 3rd gen Firebird nuts so of course I noticed a bunch of unexpected twists but all in all, a beautiful car. Although the word Frankenstein comes to mind a little bit, I think this thing was tastefully done. I love seeing these on the road especially when they're as clean as this. A whole lot of money was poured into this car. Here is what I noticed on this car.
(1) The taillights are from a 86-92 Firebird (or Firebird Formula) since the Trans Am taillights were always given the blackout treatment.
(2) These cars didn't have a third brake light in the spoiler until 87. The dead giveaway for an 86 is when the third brake light is found atop the rear hatch glass - none for 85. (3) This one has an 86-92 gauge cluster which fooled me at first. The tach was not from a 350 car or TPI 5 speed car, since they all had an 8k tach with 5500 redline. Most likely from a 5.0L LG4 from 86-87, its 5.0L fuel injected L03 successor 88-92 or an automatic TPI 5.0L 86-92. It makes me think the indicated mileage might not be correct.
(4) The 350 first became available in 87 as the top engine on the Firebird/Camaro line so I get the 5.7 badging deal since it is now indeed a 350 car... it makes sense that things under the hood had changed during the life of this car. The Firebird line would all have been single exhaust and not true duals until Pontiac's "N10" dual catback exhaust in1989 on Formulas initially, then later the GTA. But we're so far from the factory setup by now that none of this applies or matters.
(5) The steering wheel would have been a 3 spoke rim through 87 and this car has one from an 88-89 Firebird/Formula/Trans Am; not GTA since they had the steering wheel controls standard, unless you got the factory CD player on your 89 GTA...then all birds after 89 had an airbag.
(6) The 16 inch black crosslace wheels are most likely from an 88-92 Trans Am or 91-92 Formula. This car would have either come with the "base" 15 inch concave high tech turbo wheels, or optionally the slightly larger flat faced 16 inch high tech turbo wheels.
(7) This car has been equipped with 89+ rear shoulder belts. It was lap belts only in the back until 89, though with safety and resto-modding in mind, it makes sense that this had been swapped over.
(8) The ignition key appeared to have that little pass-key anti-theft chip in it which I didn't think GM was doing in these vehicles until 1988 but someone will correct me.
(9) I didn't think the passenger side pouch had a cover that folded over it but it looks great since these pouches would always sag and look gross
(10) I am ignoring the plastic woodgrain and will not mention it at all
I will own one of these cars one day. Just hope they remain under the radar a bit longer. I would love to find the right 87 Trans Am with the TPI V8 and 5 speed combo, T-tops and the bird on the hood. Some day. Thanks for all the great content Bill, you sure do come across some incredible and unique cars. The center stack above the radio could have been way better if Pontiac had a better solution for the ugly, needlessly complicated and out of place defrost controls. Looks like such an afterthought.
It also has the wrong rear axle ratio, and the motor is very weak. 3500 rpm @ 85 mph. Too many non stock components, a Carfax would be the first thing to do.
I owned an '86 IROC Camaro, this one screams caurion.
Definitely not a collector car. It could be a rebuilt [salvaged from 2 wrecked cars].
Glad to see someone else realized this car is cobbled together from parts across multiple years.
For all that work done with the aftermarket intake and the expensive exhaust it has a stock engine. Probably the factory 5.0L still. It was popular for a while to simply lie by putting 5.7L/350 badging on the base car. (base was the awful 170hp 5.0L TBI (this car has the air cleaner from that motor). Sounds like a factory cam. No lump to the idle whatsover. Sounds like grandma's butter smooth caprice with the muffler missing.
I'm more of a Firebird Formula fan due to the lack of the gaudy ground effects. Hopefully sooner than later I'll find a clean 89-91 Formula 350 or a Formula 305 TPI manual transmission car with T-top.
Beautiful FB thanks for showing it to us. Dang the 80s were cooler than today😀 Maybe not faster but cooler .
Bill, I get home from a long week of work, pour some anti Soviet whisky and watch these stupid videos! I love them! Keep it going no matter how shitty the weather or animals are!
Good Evening Bill, almost end of March and it's cold rainy possibly snow 🌨️❄️🌨️🌨️ shitty weather here in South Bend Indiana, thank you for sharing this beautiful Trans Am what a gorgeous car. I enjoy your videos and Crankiness don't change. Till next time my Friend.
I love these cars. Thanks for sharing
Love the video! You are flat cracking me up with some of your comments.
MY dream car and a another great review by Bill must see you tube !!!!!
The story and car so great, didn't mind the water lunatic. Good one man
The wheels, the stance, just a nice car to look at.
The 77-78 Bandit Trans Am is my favorite
God, Firebirds looked SOOO much better than Camaros. The last Camaro to out do a Firebird in the looks department was the 69 model year.
I’m crying “…I sat and watched the center cap go flying 400 yards into the woods”. 🤣🤣🤣
I still love the 80s Firebird deeply. In mid 90s I owned a 86 carbureted silver T/A, with the bird Graphic on the hood, and with a few other cars in between I then purchased an 87 Formula Tpi. Both birds where important in the Netherlands straight from the US. My red Formula was awesome. Both cars had some issues and quirks, but regret selling them on a lot. The Formula was a wolf in sheep's clothing as it was basically a T/A but simpler and slick looking with out the skirts. At the time I liked the later T/A's better, but later on got to appreciate the more understated look. I agree with some of the comments that it's not completely original with the wheels and some of other details, which is a shame. Personally not a big fan of the t-top, looks nice but adds weight and compromised rigidity and ride quality. Thanks for your videos Bill, absolutely love them, and it appears we have a very similar car taste. Also loved your Bonneville SSEi review.
I had an '86 IROC-Z28. The 5.7L L98 TPI wasn't available until 1987. Mine had the 5L which I swapped out to a 1986 Corvette 5.7L V8 and 5-spd BW T-5 manual. It doesn't like like this car has the original engine. And I believe the wood dash was an aftermarket add on.
A truly classic car.
I was born in 85. My favourite year Now that,s a beautiful midd.80,s trans am love it very much the color red fitts to it the style 😍❤👍 great video respect sir 😎👍 i have 3 hot wheels die casts of this awesome beauty in red
Beautiful. My girlfriend in high school had this exact car. Totaled it. But it was awesome.
I had one in Flame Red Met. The one you have has been heavily modified, tuneport missing has Formula Taillights and GTA Wheels but that is what we did back then. A real blast from the past and sounds Good and looks good. Great video and have fun with it✌🏽
The 16" lace wheels were optional on trans ams , not just strictly available on GTA.
Awesome Video Bill as Always! Although the car isn’t perfect, it still is a great review! Hopefully you can come across a 1984 15th anniversary TA or an 83 Recaro with the L69 powerbuldge hood and 3.73 rear. Keep up the good reviews!
Thanks for providing a photo of the gorgeous 2nd gen Firebird Bill
which IMHO is better looking than the split-bumper Camaro.
Great video that's a beautiful T/A always wanted one. Take care of it God bless 🙏🏾🙏🏾!!
Almost wish I didn't click on this video! I NEVER should have sold my 1989 triple black TA!!! Mine was not the GTA but it was factory ordered with the 5.7 350. I threw headers on her, minor mod to the exhaust and a computer chip. Absolutely loved it! UGH! EDIT: this '85 you're reviewing very possibly came that way from the factory. Just as I mentioned in my comment, my '89 came with the 5.7 and with those exact same wheels.