What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
#51
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Maro-Man the GN in factory trim is speed limited but the ECM mainly because of the the speed rating of the tires.This was rectified with the GNX in better tires and a vastly improved suspension.The GNX is probably one of the fastest cars produced in numbers.But your'e right about the "watching out for the Grandma looking Regals" - little T-Type emblems are hard to see.
The TTA's 3.8 turbo was a hybrid using both GN & GNX parts.The heads used on the GNX gave packaging problems in the F-body.And GM under rated all of them like they did in the late '60s(for insurance among other reasons).I've also seen in print,although at the moment can't quote,that it's been said the TTA was the fastest T/A produced.
The actual '82 Z28 Pacecars had aluminum block 350's to make sure they met the Pacecar criteria.
The TTA's 3.8 turbo was a hybrid using both GN & GNX parts.The heads used on the GNX gave packaging problems in the F-body.And GM under rated all of them like they did in the late '60s(for insurance among other reasons).I've also seen in print,although at the moment can't quote,that it's been said the TTA was the fastest T/A produced.
The actual '82 Z28 Pacecars had aluminum block 350's to make sure they met the Pacecar criteria.
Chances are then the actual 1982 Z28 Pace cars would not have been released to the public because of this, they may have been after the engine was replaced back to its 305 status. Legally GM could not sell them in the modified state becuase the car would have gone through crash tests, and emmissions certification before doing so. There may be a few surviving in Museums, but other than that they would have been crushed or transformed back.
JOhn
Last edited by okfoz; 11-09-2006 at 12:28 PM.
#52
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Granted the Magazines did not have great results a 14.3 quarter mile seems awful slow for how I have seen the perform with little or no modifications. Of course GM may have de-tuned the models that the mags were to sample, as to not let the cat out of the bag, and keep insurance prices down. Anything is possible.
John
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
Engine: Buick 3.8liter Turbo V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
My bone stock TTA has no problem beating LS1 F-bodies. A good friend has an '02 Z28 SS (anniversary), with the 6-speed manual, and optional SLP exhaust and we raced many times. He couldn't believe it - the TTA beat him each time.
On the Buick board, a guy has a '79 T/A, 89 TTA, and an LS1 TA Ram Air(along with a GN). He always says hands down his TTA is the fastest of the bunch.
Chris
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1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1983 Delorean DMC-12
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Car: 89 Turbo Trans Am, '14 Forester XT
Engine: 3.8 Turbo V6
Transmission: 2004-R
Axle/Gears: 3.27
I second that. I have beat numerous LS1s, both stick and automatic, in mine. It's stock down to the AC Delco filter! These cars were severely under-rated from the factory, the brochure says 250hp, but if you read the one for the Corvette, it says 255hp. The un-written rule is that no one has more HP than the vette. Tell you what, take a look here: 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am This is one of the most comprehensive sites out there for the TTA.
I have just about every one of the magazines that had major articles on the TTA. It beat the GNX in the High Performance Pontiac article and beat the 89 Vette in the Corvette Fever article. You really need to drive one to understand........
I have just about every one of the magazines that had major articles on the TTA. It beat the GNX in the High Performance Pontiac article and beat the 89 Vette in the Corvette Fever article. You really need to drive one to understand........
#57
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Well I've never seen a stock TTA run much better than low 13's and at the same track I saw numerous stock late LS1's run in the 12's.
Racing someone and beating them doesnt mean much, I beat a 99 Formula (LS1 ) with a stock LB9 at a dragstrip and have the slip to prove it.
Racing someone and beating them doesnt mean much, I beat a 99 Formula (LS1 ) with a stock LB9 at a dragstrip and have the slip to prove it.
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: The Wicked six'ah
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock 3.08's
I thought this was the fastest third gen..
IROC-Z 350
IROC-Z 350
#61
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: The Wicked six'ah
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock 3.08's
Im talking about the 87 stock iroc, not the 86 Protofab.. after all its the fastest 3rd gen... but not quite stock..
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Car: 1985 Trans Am convertable
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LSD
Well I've never seen a stock TTA run much better than low 13's and at the same track I saw numerous stock late LS1's run in the 12's.
Racing someone and beating them doesnt mean much, I beat a 99 Formula (LS1 ) with a stock LB9 at a dragstrip and have the slip to prove it.
Racing someone and beating them doesnt mean much, I beat a 99 Formula (LS1 ) with a stock LB9 at a dragstrip and have the slip to prove it.
I'm talking timeslips
#63
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
A typical Pontiac Firebird VIN:
1G2FS218xKL212345
A Typical Trans Am or GTA VIN:
1G2FW218xKL212345
THe TTA VIN:
1G5FW217xKL212345
What you will first notice is that the 3rd digit is a 5 instead of a 2, what this means is that the car was a special production. Since the introduction of the 17 number Vin, the following has been true for GM US built cars
1 = USA
G = GM
1 = Chevy 2 = Pontiac, 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 6 = Cadillac
the 5 in this case was a "Specialty category" of some sort, I believe that since it left Van Nuys, was transported to ASC McLaren and then back to Van Nuys to be completed it recieved the special VIN since it was not completly done at the factory.
Its the only explanation I have.
John
1G2FS218xKL212345
A Typical Trans Am or GTA VIN:
1G2FW218xKL212345
THe TTA VIN:
1G5FW217xKL212345
What you will first notice is that the 3rd digit is a 5 instead of a 2, what this means is that the car was a special production. Since the introduction of the 17 number Vin, the following has been true for GM US built cars
1 = USA
G = GM
1 = Chevy 2 = Pontiac, 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 6 = Cadillac
the 5 in this case was a "Specialty category" of some sort, I believe that since it left Van Nuys, was transported to ASC McLaren and then back to Van Nuys to be completed it recieved the special VIN since it was not completly done at the factory.
Its the only explanation I have.
John
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Car: 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am
Engine: 3.8 ltr Turbo
Transmission: 200r4
- Dave
#65
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
I did not realize that Jim Owned a Firehawk... IIRC there was Hawk #1 at the show that year, does he own #1?
John
John
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Car: 87 Buick GN
Engine: 3.8L (231 cid) V6
Transmission: 200-4R
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt G80/ 3.42
A typical Pontiac Firebird VIN:
1G2FS218xKL212345
A Typical Trans Am or GTA VIN:
1G2FW218xKL212345
THe TTA VIN:
1G5FW217xKL212345
What you will first notice is that the 3rd digit is a 5 instead of a 2, what this means is that the car was a special production. Since the introduction of the 17 number Vin, the following has been true for GM US built cars
1 = USA
G = GM
1 = Chevy 2 = Pontiac, 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 6 = Cadillac
the 5 in this case was a "Specialty category" of some sort, I believe that since it left Van Nuys, was transported to ASC McLaren and then back to Van Nuys to be completed it recieved the special VIN since it was not completly done at the factory.
Its the only explanation I have.
John
1G2FS218xKL212345
A Typical Trans Am or GTA VIN:
1G2FW218xKL212345
THe TTA VIN:
1G5FW217xKL212345
What you will first notice is that the 3rd digit is a 5 instead of a 2, what this means is that the car was a special production. Since the introduction of the 17 number Vin, the following has been true for GM US built cars
1 = USA
G = GM
1 = Chevy 2 = Pontiac, 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 6 = Cadillac
the 5 in this case was a "Specialty category" of some sort, I believe that since it left Van Nuys, was transported to ASC McLaren and then back to Van Nuys to be completed it recieved the special VIN since it was not completly done at the factory.
Its the only explanation I have.
John
I think injdinjn meant the 8th digit (engine code) in the VIN....
The 7 on a turbo Buick VIN is the 3.8 Turbo option (LC2)...same as the TTA.
It's been said the TTA is the fastest Pontiac Buick ever built.
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Car: 89 TA
Engine: 3.8 V6
Transmission: 2004R
I second that. I have beat numerous LS1s, both stick and automatic, in mine. It's stock down to the AC Delco filter! These cars were severely under-rated from the factory, the brochure says 250hp, but if you read the one for the Corvette, it says 255hp. The un-written rule is that no one has more HP than the vette.
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Car: 89 TA
Engine: 3.8 V6
Transmission: 2004R
#69
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LS1
If talking about fastest F-body cars ever, the old Yenko Camaro's would be no.1
Camaro wise for 3rd Gen, yes the 91 and 92 Z28's with the 350TPI engine.
Camaro wise for 3rd Gen, yes the 91 and 92 Z28's with the 350TPI engine.
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Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
I wouldn't base racing on the street as a viable way of saying who's car is actually faster, unless it was done mulitple times and both drivers can drive.
I went to the track a few months ago with some friends just to hang out and see if the T5 made the car any faster.
My car ran a 15.2 @ 93mph. ET was the same but mph was up 3mph.
My friend and I swapped cars, he drove my Formula, got a 15.2@93 as well.
He was getting 13.5 @107 in his 02 WS6 all night.
Now, I had never even driven his car before, so the only seat time I had behind the wheel before my first run was the 100 or so feet from the staging lanes to the tree.
My first run was a 13.45@105mph due to me thinking that I would make it to the end in 3rd gear, but I hit the rev limiter at around the 1000ft mark.
Second run was a 13.20 @ 108mph
Third run was a 13.18@109
4th run was a 13.12@109
and then they closed the track due to it being too cold (in reality, I think they closed early since there was only like 50 cars there and the staff wanted to go home).
I bet I could have hit a high 12 on the next couple of passes.
I went to the track a few months ago with some friends just to hang out and see if the T5 made the car any faster.
My car ran a 15.2 @ 93mph. ET was the same but mph was up 3mph.
My friend and I swapped cars, he drove my Formula, got a 15.2@93 as well.
He was getting 13.5 @107 in his 02 WS6 all night.
Now, I had never even driven his car before, so the only seat time I had behind the wheel before my first run was the 100 or so feet from the staging lanes to the tree.
My first run was a 13.45@105mph due to me thinking that I would make it to the end in 3rd gear, but I hit the rev limiter at around the 1000ft mark.
Second run was a 13.20 @ 108mph
Third run was a 13.18@109
4th run was a 13.12@109
and then they closed the track due to it being too cold (in reality, I think they closed early since there was only like 50 cars there and the staff wanted to go home).
I bet I could have hit a high 12 on the next couple of passes.
#73
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Just a few comments...
There are only two 82 Pace Cars that had the 350. Both are still owned by GM and the Speedway. Since they were modified from stock form for the race, they don't qualify. Secondly, it was mentioned before that the TTA was the first pace car to run in stock form. I dispute that and say that the 78 Corvette was the 1st car to Pace Indy with no modifications. It was followed by the 86 Corvette, which needed no modifications.
There are only two 82 Pace Cars that had the 350. Both are still owned by GM and the Speedway. Since they were modified from stock form for the race, they don't qualify. Secondly, it was mentioned before that the TTA was the first pace car to run in stock form. I dispute that and say that the 78 Corvette was the 1st car to Pace Indy with no modifications. It was followed by the 86 Corvette, which needed no modifications.
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Okfoz,
ASC/McLaren did not do the conversions on the 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am.
PAS did.
As for the comment about the 20th TTA being the fastest, even Jim Wangers has stated that.
George
ASC/McLaren did not do the conversions on the 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am.
PAS did.
As for the comment about the 20th TTA being the fastest, even Jim Wangers has stated that.
George
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Car: 89 Turbo Trans Am, '14 Forester XT
Engine: 3.8 Turbo V6
Transmission: 2004-R
Axle/Gears: 3.27
There are only two 82 Pace Cars that had the 350. Both are still owned by GM and the Speedway. Since they were modified from stock form for the race, they don't qualify. Secondly, it was mentioned before that the TTA was the first pace car to run in stock form. I dispute that and say that the 78 Corvette was the 1st car to Pace Indy with no modifications. It was followed by the 86 Corvette, which needed no modifications.
The TTA was able to pace the race just the way it sat on the dealer's lot. But whatever, the car is faster than those two anyways!!!!!
#76
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Who is PAS?
John
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Car: '72 Chevy Nova
Engine: Solid roller 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 8.5" 10-bolt 3.73 Posi
Comparing an LS1 to the TTA is kind of pointless. Stock vs stock it's a good race, put a couple bucks and a paper clip into the TTA and the LS1 gets roasted.
LS1s aren't infallible. I have no problem beating autos on the highway and stay with the 6-speed cars, and I have only a couple of bolt ons and some weight loss.
What does a BONE STOCK TTA dyno at?
LS1s aren't infallible. I have no problem beating autos on the highway and stay with the 6-speed cars, and I have only a couple of bolt ons and some weight loss.
What does a BONE STOCK TTA dyno at?
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Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
We have all had TTA's dyno in the upper 280-300 range when stock :-)
Torque is easily in the 300's.
PAS did the Turbo Trans AM and the Sy/Ty for GM as well.
TTA engine wasnt a GNX engine. It was a regular 3.8T setup modified for trhe reality of the f body engine bay as far as heads go, resulting in the narrower configuration for the available space.
Same goes with the trans, had all the latest and greatest updates Hydramatc could muster (along with the bs 250hp rating to give the trans a warranty)..
later
Jeremy
Torque is easily in the 300's.
PAS did the Turbo Trans AM and the Sy/Ty for GM as well.
TTA engine wasnt a GNX engine. It was a regular 3.8T setup modified for trhe reality of the f body engine bay as far as heads go, resulting in the narrower configuration for the available space.
Same goes with the trans, had all the latest and greatest updates Hydramatc could muster (along with the bs 250hp rating to give the trans a warranty)..
later
Jeremy
#79
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Here is the Advertised "Official" (although inaccurate) information from the 1989 Pontiac Media Kit.
#80
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Car: '72 Chevy Nova
Engine: Solid roller 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 8.5" 10-bolt 3.73 Posi
We have all had TTA's dyno in the upper 280-300 range when stock :-)
Torque is easily in the 300's.
PAS did the Turbo Trans AM and the Sy/Ty for GM as well.
TTA engine wasnt a GNX engine. It was a regular 3.8T setup modified for trhe reality of the f body engine bay as far as heads go, resulting in the narrower configuration for the available space.
Same goes with the trans, had all the latest and greatest updates Hydramatc could muster (along with the bs 250hp rating to give the trans a warranty)..
later
Jeremy
Torque is easily in the 300's.
PAS did the Turbo Trans AM and the Sy/Ty for GM as well.
TTA engine wasnt a GNX engine. It was a regular 3.8T setup modified for trhe reality of the f body engine bay as far as heads go, resulting in the narrower configuration for the available space.
Same goes with the trans, had all the latest and greatest updates Hydramatc could muster (along with the bs 250hp rating to give the trans a warranty)..
later
Jeremy
#81
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Actually from what I understand $400 gets you there...
Since I know nothing about the TTA, I assume that includes a chip an an adjustable pressure regulator...
Since I know nothing about the TTA, I assume that includes a chip an an adjustable pressure regulator...
#82
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Car: 1992 Z03 RS
Engine: (L03) 305TBI
Transmission: TH-700R4
Axle/Gears: bone stock
i didnt bother reading through what everyone has sadi cuz theres alot. and i dont know if yall are talking 3rd and 4th gen just 3rd or all f-bodies, but I THOUGHT the 4th gen Camaro ZL1 was the fastest (or atleast most expensive) from the factory.
#83
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The 4th gen Camaro ZL1 was not a factory car. It was a GMMG modified car. Most of the owners took delivery of the cars at GMMG or thru Berger Chevrolet Performance department. Again, this leads to the question, is a Berger modified car (thru GMMG) considered a factory car? I don't think so because the cars that were modified in the 60's used factory parts. The new ZL1 is full modified. However, GMMG is authorized by GM to make these mods and are fully warranteed just like the PAS cars, the SLP cars, Yenko and such. So who knows. They're all fun!
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Car: 89 TA
Engine: 3.8 V6
Transmission: 2004R
Chip $25
Test pipe w/dump $50
K&N $45
Bleeder Valve $25
5 gal. 110 fuel $30
Dude..........you're good.
I was running 12.7-8's @ 112-113 mph with above on 2.1 60's
Pretty to close to 350
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The 1989 Corvette had 240 hp or 245hp if it had the Z51 package with free flowing exhaust. The same goes for 87 Corvette vs GN, 240 vs 245 and 86 Vette/GN was 230hp vs 235hp GN. The 86 Corvette did eventually get 235 hp, but it was 2/3 of the way through production.
Nevertheless the TTA was under rated.
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When the SLP Firehawks were available, were they available to order at any GM dealership or was it only select dealership that were SLP dealerships?
Last edited by dgoodhue; 11-29-2006 at 06:55 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#86
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
John
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Car: '89 Flame red metallic GTA!!
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
If my memory serves me correctly, Motor trend did a top speed test on a bunch of sporty cars in one of their '89 issues and the TTA was clocked @ 162 mph!!!! In fact the only other vehicle faster I believe was a ZR-1 corvette. I have never read any top speed numbers on the Firehawks.
Also worth investigating in the "nitpicking" category: I believe in '92 you could order your firebird w/ a full SLP package included. I am not sure if the dealer, factory, or SLP installed those - but thats 290hp for an L98. Things that make you go hmmm.....
Also worth investigating in the "nitpicking" category: I believe in '92 you could order your firebird w/ a full SLP package included. I am not sure if the dealer, factory, or SLP installed those - but thats 290hp for an L98. Things that make you go hmmm.....
#88
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: 2004 LQ4
Transmission: T-5 WC
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
The convertible 1LE with a 5.7 5 speed, and heated seats.
#89
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Back in 91 I had money down to order a yellow TTOP 91 1LE formula 305 5sp with the slp stuff and a 5.7 corvette longblock installed from the dealer. I still have the dealer worksheet even !!!
I even toyed with the vert option for that car
Then Dad found out what kinda power it was guna have
anyway I ended up with my kinda not so stock 89 Formula 350
Its been clocked by the bad guys at 187mph.
I even toyed with the vert option for that car
Then Dad found out what kinda power it was guna have
anyway I ended up with my kinda not so stock 89 Formula 350
Its been clocked by the bad guys at 187mph.
#91
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Car: 1982 Recaro T/A
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
How about the slowest ever? I'd say an automatic trans 82 Iron Duke with or without the air conditioning on
#92
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
He was using sarcasm, as there was not a 1LE Convertible, nor were heated seats available in a 3rd Gen, nor was a M5 available with the L98... The closest thing you could get would be one of the three 1989 TTA Convertibles with Leather seating, or the 1 1992 Firehawk Convertible with a 6 Speed, not sure what interior it has though...
John
#93
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Sarcasm only works when other people know your being sarcastic...
He was using sarcasm, as there was not a 1LE Convertible, nor were heated seats available in a 3rd Gen, nor was a M5 available with the L98... The closest thing you could get would be one of the three 1989 TTA Convertibles with Leather seating, or the 1 1992 Firehawk Convertible with a 6 Speed, not sure what interior it has though...
John
He was using sarcasm, as there was not a 1LE Convertible, nor were heated seats available in a 3rd Gen, nor was a M5 available with the L98... The closest thing you could get would be one of the three 1989 TTA Convertibles with Leather seating, or the 1 1992 Firehawk Convertible with a 6 Speed, not sure what interior it has though...
John
#94
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Car: 2004 Chevy Avalanche
Engine: Some that run, some that don't
Transmission: 700R4's, a T-5, and a Turbo 350
Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Are you trying to collect all the VIN numbers? There's a red '89 Formula 350 convertible just a few minutes from my house. It's a red one and still owned by the original owner. I doubt if you have the VIN number for that one. There also used to be a white one running around here in the mid 90's but it was pretty ghettoed out and I would hope it got scrapped a long time ago. The guy with the red one has offered it to me in the past but I didn't buy it. (I'm sure I will sometime down the road.) I just saw him drive by with it the other day so I know he still has it.
#95
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Car: 87 GTA
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Ummmm....Aren't the 91/92 SLPs Firehawks?
#96
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Car: 83 ta
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
I think the 1988 Firebird Trans Am GTA is being overlooked. A book on firebirds by Consumer Guides states "Full-bore performance freaks might be temped by the Banks/Pontiac Twin Turbo GTA, whose 7.5-liter mill delivered a 268-mph run at Bonneville, hitting 283 mph along the way. Now that was one fast Firebird." I would like to see one of those myself. Wonder how many were ordered with that option in 88?
#97
Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Interesting read.
What if a car is advertised at 250HP, but makes 275hp in reality? Which is the number you go by? ....we all know the factory REGULARY publishes inaccurate numbers. ....but then who's dyno do you trust if you go for "real world" numbers. Sooooo many variables, and everyone has a different take on what is "factory", and what isn't.
In my humble opinion, the award for fastest thirdgen goes to the Turbo TA.
Let's all assume for a second that the Firehawk is in fact faster. Just for the sake of argument. Most people you talk to have never even heard of this car. Heck most of us haven't even SEEN one in real life. The chances of going head to head with this car back in the 90's was almost nothing. Nope, in my opinion, this car, regardless of "technicalities", wasn't a "regular" thirdgen. Regardless of "technicalities", this car was built for collectors and racers. The TTA on the other hand, while still limited, is pretty recognizable by most car guys. We've all seen 'em, most of us know someone who had one, or at least knew "that guy" who had one when they came out. (well at least you older guys!!!!) The car was available. It was seen. Mustang, Ttype, 350Z guys all knew what tangling with a TTA was about. The TTA represented the THIRD generation well.
It was the fastest.
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None. -unless you were being sarcastic. Then I'd say about 50. -and they all had 5 speeds!
What if a car is advertised at 250HP, but makes 275hp in reality? Which is the number you go by? ....we all know the factory REGULARY publishes inaccurate numbers. ....but then who's dyno do you trust if you go for "real world" numbers. Sooooo many variables, and everyone has a different take on what is "factory", and what isn't.
In my humble opinion, the award for fastest thirdgen goes to the Turbo TA.
Let's all assume for a second that the Firehawk is in fact faster. Just for the sake of argument. Most people you talk to have never even heard of this car. Heck most of us haven't even SEEN one in real life. The chances of going head to head with this car back in the 90's was almost nothing. Nope, in my opinion, this car, regardless of "technicalities", wasn't a "regular" thirdgen. Regardless of "technicalities", this car was built for collectors and racers. The TTA on the other hand, while still limited, is pretty recognizable by most car guys. We've all seen 'em, most of us know someone who had one, or at least knew "that guy" who had one when they came out. (well at least you older guys!!!!) The car was available. It was seen. Mustang, Ttype, 350Z guys all knew what tangling with a TTA was about. The TTA represented the THIRD generation well.
It was the fastest.
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I would like to see one of those myself. Wonder how many were ordered with that option in 88?
Last edited by Abubaca; 06-27-2008 at 07:30 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#99
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Car: 89 20th Ann. TA
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Re: What was the fastes thirdGen right off the assembly line.
Old thread but still a funny read.
My TTA ran 13.0@105 stock when I bought it with 17K miles. Ran 5 times and it was 13.0 every time. Only thing not stock when it was run that day was the tires. The stock Gatorbacks were replaced with Firestone Firehawks 2K miles earlier.
The first mods I did were:
Thrasher 92 chip, 160 t-stat, ATR MAF pipe, 8" K&N, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, LT1 valve springs, and cat pipe.
It ran 12.6@110 on a crappy 2.0. Coming out way to soft because the tires would be blown off. I put 245 Nitto drag radials on it and it went 12.1@111 on a 1.69. Also had it dynoed that same weekend...318/455 on a dynojet. And still on 93 octane!
HP is OK but torque is KING and the TTA had a lot of it. Especially when modding. Sorry for the long post. Just saying it didn't take much for a TTA to run very well.
TTA or Firehawk...pretty much a toss up.
My TTA ran 13.0@105 stock when I bought it with 17K miles. Ran 5 times and it was 13.0 every time. Only thing not stock when it was run that day was the tires. The stock Gatorbacks were replaced with Firestone Firehawks 2K miles earlier.
The first mods I did were:
Thrasher 92 chip, 160 t-stat, ATR MAF pipe, 8" K&N, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, LT1 valve springs, and cat pipe.
It ran 12.6@110 on a crappy 2.0. Coming out way to soft because the tires would be blown off. I put 245 Nitto drag radials on it and it went 12.1@111 on a 1.69. Also had it dynoed that same weekend...318/455 on a dynojet. And still on 93 octane!
HP is OK but torque is KING and the TTA had a lot of it. Especially when modding. Sorry for the long post. Just saying it didn't take much for a TTA to run very well.
TTA or Firehawk...pretty much a toss up.