H E L P-Possible scam on 88 GTA

Okay guys, I really need some help here!!! I've got what is supposed to be a 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA. Now the problem, a Carfax report and the VIN decoder on ThirdGen.org indicate this is a Trans Am Formula with a 305 TBI. However, I have an engine with a Tuned Port Injection engine along with other GTA only options.

There is no RPO sticker, the car has been repainted. Where would the RPO sticker be on this car? Maybe its under a layer of paint!

Any ideas?!?!?!?!?!?

Where is the engine ID on the block?

Thanks! Jim Smith

Reply to
Jim Smith
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My RPO sticker on my '85 Z28 is inside the console.

I think the eighth number in the VIN would be an F if it's a factory TPI. KennyH

Horsepower is cheaper than therapy.

Reply to
KHanawalt

Original poster:

A couple of ways to verify it.

Easiest way:

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The only way you should verify the vehicle. Give the Vin to them and for $35 they will tell you what you have.

You are looking for RPO code Y84, that is the GTA option to my recollection. If the car is a TBI, your 8th digit will be a Vin code of E. Formulas had that, but I do not believe any GTA's did.

GTA's should be 8th digit Vin F (305 tuned port) or vin code 8, which would be a 350.

Sounds like you got a hodge podge of parts there :(.

Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

Reply to
Bigjfig

Formulas also came with Vin code F. Mine is...

1G2FS21F5JL235XXX TPI 305, 5 speed, and 9 bolt disc rear. Unfortunately someone ripped out the RPO sticker before I got the car. Someday I'll get the PHS package to see what was optioned on it.

...Ron

--

68' RS Camaro 88' Formula Bird

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Newly updated

Some are wise and some are otherwise

Reply to
RSCamaro

Ya true. Formulas came vin F 305 TPI and vin 8 350 as well. (Also 305 TBI, vin E).

Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

Reply to
Bigjfig

Yeah.. which is what I have. :(

Reply to
KITT

Don't feel bad about having a TBI under the hood. You can always upgrade it to what you want and not lose a moments worth of sleep for the TB coming off. Mine isn't exactly the fastest thing out there (174,000 miles) but it handles like it is on rails. I'm not 100% sure but a new cam, used TPI and accessories, and higher fuel pressure will make a large difference in what you have right now. Start reading the 3rd Gen dedicated web sites, there is a whole boat load of upgrades you can make fairly inexpensively. There are just too many easy and inexpensive things to do to it to make it better handling, faster, shorter stopping, etc... Good luck.

...Ron

--

68' RS Camaro 88' Formula Bird

formatting link
Newly updated

Some are wise and some are otherwise

Reply to
RSCamaro

I'm not feeling bad about haivng a TBI.. I'm feeling bad because I was told it was a 350.. but stupid me never checked it out first... (yet another learning experience) But it sure has a hell of a lot more spunk than the Camaro... Drove the 'bird for about a month, then parked it and went back to the Camaro, and I couldn't push the gas far enough to make it perform.. lol... "sigh" I can't wait to rebuild the 'bird to make it "Eat Imports and shit Mustangs".. LOL.. I saw that sticker on the back window of a 4th gen Camaro yesterday. :-)

Reply to
KITT

Sounds like somone dressed up a formula or TA in GTA trim. The only difference besides the 350 is exterior accents. There are no real GTA only options I am aware of.

Reply to
Me

Sure. The Y84 GTA package adds a bevy of things you don't see on other Firebird models of this same vintage.

Original poster:

1) Get the #s off your block behind the alternator pad and post them here. 2) Get your vin # to
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and tell us what they find. 3) Assuming the body and tag #s match the dash vin and we don't have a retag, whatever PHS sends you is the real deal and reality of the situation. Well worth the $35 asking price.

I have it for all my cars and I can tell you I knew the answer well ahead of time. Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 26k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 141k and still going.... '80 T/A project car...

Reply to
Bigjfig

KITT Spilled my beer when they jumped on the table and proclaimed in :

Kitt, you obviously enjoy the car. Besides, it will help you learn how everything fits together and works together. Enjoy it.

NOI

Reply to
Thund3rstruck

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