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Anybody have any tips on buying tha I might not know?

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Old 12-21-2000, 12:03 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
Anybody have any tips on buying tha I might not know?

I am going to look at a intersting '87 Formula 350 tonight. It is factory yellow and has the 350 w/ an austarilina 9 bolt factory w/ 3.45's I think. It also has factory 16" rims, unique to '87's. They kinda look like the 15" rims. THe car is a a special build. Anyway, both of us know a good amount about cars, and I personally know 3rdgens real well. I just wanted to know if there are any THINGS IN SPECIFIC that I should check out that I might not know about or I might over look. For example, some poeple might not know to check where the steering box mounts to the frame for stress cracks, or something like that. Thanks a lot,
Justin

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Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
http:// www.community.webtv.net/munks87/JustinsGTApage.com

[This message has been edited by Justin 87 GTA (edited December 21, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Justin 87 GTA (edited December 21, 2000).]
Old 12-21-2000, 02:30 PM
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
One thing you could do; chances are, the front tires are worn on the outside of the tread. That's common to all 3rd gen's. If they're worn down good enough you could probably save $200- "And look, I need new front tires & an alignment."


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
Old 12-21-2000, 02:58 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
Hmmn, good idea. Thanks a lot. Anybody else? -J

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Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
http:// www.community.webtv.net/munks87/JustinsGTApage.com
Old 12-21-2000, 07:00 PM
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Didn't all formulas came with 16" wheels?
Old 12-21-2000, 07:26 PM
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For the price just act really really dumb. My favorite one is "rebuilt transmission? boy, that doesn't sound good"

Make sure the previous owners knew how/where to jack up a car. Smell the tranny fluid dipstick and make sure it doesn't smell burnt. Also check the oil and make sure they didn't throw some heavy stuff in to cover up a rodknock. The rear end should be posi so you could have him jack it up and check. Check for missing suspension components, I've come across my share of sway bar bolts that were missing. The more little stock things you notice like the muffler shield still being bolted to the panhard brace (it's a feat to put in the on bolt so most forget it)is the more you can feel safe that the car is unmolested.

------------------
1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 WS6 Trans Am T-top car
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5 and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration
13.98 @ 101
Old 12-21-2000, 11:23 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
Thanks, we piced it up for $1200. It's got it's share of problems, but it should be nice when we fix it up. Eventually it's getting new paint and a 383. The interior is perfect w/ all stuff working and new carpet. I appreciate the insight. -Justin

------------------
Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
http:// www.community.webtv.net/munks87/JustinsGTApage.com
Old 12-22-2000, 09:18 PM
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Just because the dude is a mechanic doesn't mean he is a good one, or the car is as well maintained as he wants you to believe. TRUST ME

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82 z28 350cid, vortec heads, comp 262h cam, Holley 600cfm carb, 2in twice pipes, MSD ignition, turbo 350 trans, 3.73 posi, manly b&m megashifter
Old 12-22-2000, 09:26 PM
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Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
Look at the bottom of hte oil fill cap see if there is sludge Look at an oil leak at front main seal ,check the pinion seal , check muffler for holes. Make sure it idles nice ,that the lights work ,PW , PL ,E-Brake ,hood shocks and rear shocks ,power hatch motor. Rev the car make sure no black or blue smoke ,watch the oil pressure guage 55 Highway 35-40 Idle. Good Luck
Old 12-22-2000, 09:34 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
Who said he was a mechanic???

------------------
Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
http:// www.community.webtv.net/munks87/JustinsGTApage.com
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