tpivette

So ive got some extra cash laying around and ive found two local vehicles for sale that im interested in buying. Well, actually, i can only purchase one. Id be using them for the occasional drive to work, and maybe for a few runs a year down the dragstrip. Here are the canidates:

1987 Trans Am GTA
- black hardtop with black GTA wheels
- 131k on the car
- 3k on both the rebuild 350TPI motor and 700R-4 trans
- 3.42 geared 10bolt rear
- edelbrock shorty headers and ypipe
- hooker catback
- AIR and A/C delete
- needs MAF sensor (i have a spare in my gagage)
$2500

1994 Formula Firebird
- maroon hardtop with C6 wheels and tires (17s tho)
- 150k on the car
- new opti, coil, module, plugs, wires, water pump, timing chain, rear main seal
- hooker shorty headers and ypipe
- hooker catback
- K&N cold air
- trans has shifting issues
$1800

now, the trans on the formula wouldnt be a real issue for me as i can find a used stocker for $100 or less and make it driveable. Ive R&R many auto transmissions before, so the work/labor isnt a concern. What does worry me a little is the 150k miles, regardless of all the maintenance that was done

the GTA looks great, and probably has less issues due to its rebuilt engine and trans... but the wife doesnt really like it as i owned a 86' V6 firebird in the past and she hated that car. Since the GTA resembles it a little (both are thirdgens), she associates it with the old 86' and thinks itll be another peice of crap

opinions?

92GTA

GTA in a heartbeat, don't even have to give it a second thought.

I biased though as I own a 92 GTA.

darbn

I would go with the 94 if you are planning on tracking it. I had an 88 IROC with a 350. Once the car hit 85k, it seemed like every time I put the petal to the floor, something broke. The 94 is a much better built car. That LT1 is bulletproof.

BlackC6LS3

Having owned both cars I would get the GTA in a heartbeat! The LTX engines are terrible. Yes the GTA may be a little slower but I think it looks much better than the Formy. I've had 3 GTA's and they all ran strong, all with anywhere from 105K to 150K miles. The LTX cars I had all had issues with WP's and opti's.

Good Luck with either one.

Rickman

Shoot, at those prices and with your talents, buy 'em both.

I would go with the Formula. The only weak link w the LT1 was the OptiSpark, and now there is an aftermarket solution should you need it. Better car, better platform, better engine, go for it!

Rickman

leadfoot4

I had an '85 Firebird SE w/305 4 bbl. and 700R4, kept it for 10 years, and traded it for the currently owned '96 Z-28 w/LT1 and a 4L60E. Each has their good points as well as their shortcomings. Looks wise, I actually would lean toward the earlier car, but performance wise, I'd take the 4th gen car. Personally, I have no issues with the LT1...

_twisted_

come on buddy - you like my teal turd

~Josh

'94

87 Ragtop

Gotta go with GTA also. But like others I'm Biased If you're going 4th Gen then I'd just look for a 98-2002. Those look better to me and have the LS1

mikem350

I've owned both and if u want fast the LT1 will smoke a tpi...

But any service work on the LT1 (plugs, wires opti) is ridiculous...but that sutff that was changed means that it should be mostly troublefree for many miles!!!

Rohan

Definitely the GTA. There is a really nice TPI to LT1 kit that you can get and make that old L98 scream.

Here's the link to when Popular Hot Rodding did their old Camaro.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ls1/index.html


-Scott

prinzSD455

As an owner of both 3 and 4 gen Trans Ams, I have to go with the n94 Formula. They are also built better than 3 gen f-bodies. My 93 TA currently has 203,000 miles on the original motor and tranny that have not been rebuilt.

prinzSD455

see my above post, opposite of your experience.

tomsws6

put long tubes on it and changing plugs and wires are a breeze......putting long tubes on the driver side is easy but the passenger side can be a pita but you only gotta do it once. Hell your right up the road , id give ya a hand. I put long tubes on my 97 ws6 and it mad e a world of difference.

Mikey Morris

The LT1 since its newer and more reliable.

Rohan

I owned a 94 LT1 Trans Am and an 87 L98 IROC Z at the same time. I bought both cars new and drove them every other day for many years. Never beat them, they never saw the redline and I serviced them religiously. The L98 was by far the better of the two. I had opti-spark problems with the LT1 as well as electronics and cooling problems. Mind you, I had both cars for over 10 years, about the same mileage on them both, and I bought them both new.

Just because the LT1 is newer doesn't mean its more reliable.
It depends on driving habits, where it was stored, servicing. A lot more goes into deciding which one is better than which motor is newer.


-Scott

1320b4you

Your pretty much looking at 30hp difference between the 2 stock. I also wasnt a fan of the '94 formulas, looks wise. To me, gta values are increasing everyday and it was more of a rare model than a regular formula from '94. I am partial to 3rd gens though. Plus you don't need to pull the radio to get to the 2 rear spark plugs..