uhh Confusion?

[Brendan713]

I am a little unsure if i am reading this correctly but the 89 TTA with a 3.8L V6 was the fastest third gen produced or was it the GTA? could some one be so nice to clarify/explain it?



The fastest 3rd generation Trans Am was the 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am. It was selected to pace the 1989 Indianapolis 500, and Pontiac marketed a pace car replica, designating all 20th Anniversary cars as such.
1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am T-Top(TTA)

The 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indianapolis 500 pace car replica, (TTA for short), was based on the GTA, but had a high pressure turbocharged and intercooled Buick 3.8L V6, originally developed for the Buick Regal Grand National. 1,555 TTA's were produced, including 39 hardtops and 3 convertibles. The TTA was the quickest Trans Am to date. With a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 13.4 seconds, it was "the quickest 0-60 sprinter available in any US production-car showroom – at any price."[7] The top speed reported by Motor Trend Magazine was 162 mph. It had the highest top speed of any American car available at any price, and the highest top speed of any Trans Am ever built.[8] With better acceleration than the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach, they were considered to be a performance bargain. They were however, the most expensive Trans Ams ever made. Including the option package discount, the MSRP was about $32,000 for a T-top model with leather seats. A buyer could buy three standard Firebirds or one Corvette for the cost of a Turbo Trans Am. The convertible Turbo Trans Am, of which only three were made, cost as much as $38,823.[9]

[LTb1ow]

lulz fast third gens...

[12secondv6]

v6 was the fastest

[deadtrend1]

TTA was the fastest

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

v6 was the fastest

TTA was the fastest

:stupid:

[NastyEllEssWon]

the firehawks will give them a run for their money....especially the custom order green 383 :nod:

[Featherburner]

Technically, the 91-92 Firehawk was the fastest but was a limited production.

[deadtrend1]

Technically, the 91-92 Firehawk was the fastest but was a limited production.


wasn't 92 the first year?

[Featherburner]

wasn't 92 the first year?Pretty sure some were 91.

[NastyEllEssWon]

yeah the firehawks started in 91 but were order only. i think they only made like 25 firehawks in 91 and like 200 in 92?

[BonzoHansen]

Technically, the 91-92 Firehawk was the fastest but was a limited production.

as if TTAs were not limited production?

[deadtrend1]

yeah the firehawks started in 91 but were order only. i think they only made like 25 firehawks in 91 and like 200 in 92?

no, there are 25 thirdgen firehawks. 27 ordered, 2 cancelled. 24 were Formula's, 1 was a Trans AM since it was a convertable.

[Featherburner]

as if TTAs were not limited production?True, but we're talking 1500 or so, compared to 25. Big difference.

[Featherburner]

yeah the firehawks started in 91 but were order only. i think they only made like 25 firehawks in 91 and like 200 in 92?
25 between 91 and 92. 201 in 93.

[Frosty]

the firehawks will give them a run for their money....especially the custom order green 383 :nod:

But the TTA still wins due to ridiculous potential. :)

[LTb1ow]

But the TTA still wins due to ridiculous potential. :)

So the fastest third gen... was a V6? http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/images/smilies/facepalm.gif

[Tru2Chevy]

Yes, 25 total 3rd gen 'hawks, and I might be wrong but I believe they were all actually '92s. IIRC, program started in '91, but they only ended up building a couple of test cars that were crushed.

And yes, I think a '92 'hawk would give the TTAs a real good run for their money. They were rated 350hp / 390tq IIRC, and all had the ZF 6 speed.

- Justin

[deadtrend1]

Yes, 25 total 3rd gen 'hawks, and I might be wrong but I believe they were all actually '92s. IIRC, program started in '91, but they only ended up building a couple of test cars that were crushed.

And yes, I think a '92 'hawk would give the TTAs a real good run for their money. They were rated 350hp / 390tq IIRC, and all had the ZF 6 speed.

- Justin

I just want a T-Ram. So I can sell it for tons of $$$$$

[Tru2Chevy]

Yea, definitely. They claim the T-ram alone will boost L98 output by 45hp with no other changes.

- Justin

[Frosty]

So the fastest third gen... was a V6? http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/images/smilies/facepalm.gif

...and ironically a ton faster than a LT1 ;)

[V]

it was fast because it was turbo... a refined grand national motor basically.

[baddest434]

...and ironically a ton faster than a LT1 ;)

ziiiiiiiiiiiiiing :rofl:

[Featherburner]

...and ironically a ton faster than a LT1 ;)Actually, on par with a 93 Firehawk but you're right faster than the rest of them.:lol:

[BigAls87Z28]

TTA was one of the fastest Fbodies, ever, not counting COPO cars. TTA's vs an LS1 car would be the closest match.
So...it took GM 10 years to develop a fbody to match the power...of a V6 third gen. BTW, the Firebird was the heavier of the two Fbodies.

[Featherburner]

TTA was one of the fastest Fbodies, ever, not counting COPO cars. TTA's vs an LS1 car would be the closest match.
So...it took GM 10 years to develop a fbody to match the power...of a V6 third gen. BTW, the Firebird was the heavier of the two Fbodies.I see 1/4 times for the TTA of 13.5 so some LS cars are faster by a lot.

[LTb1ow]

TTA was one of the fastest Fbodies, ever, not counting COPO cars. TTA's vs an LS1 car would be the closest match.
So...it took GM 10 years to develop a fbody to match the power...of a V6 third gen. BTW, the Firebird was the heavier of the two Fbodies.

So why are you swapping in an LS1 rather than some sweet ass turbocharged V6 engine that makes turd gens run stock LS1 times? :?:

[qwikz28]

what the heck is a T-ram. sounds like an offering from Dodge

[V]

i think its a special dual filter air intake

[Frosty]

it was fast because it was turbo... a refined grand national motor basically.

Yup, different heads/manifolds and slightly bigger/longer rocker arms among other little differences.


I see 1/4 times for the TTA of 13.5 so some LS cars are faster by a lot.

It really depends on the driver, they've gone 12.9-13.0 in stock form. That's not saying every one will run 13.0's just like not every LS1 is some 12.8-12.9 factory freak.

[Frosty]

So why are you swapping in an LS1 rather than some sweet ass turbocharged V6 engine that makes turd gens run stock LS1 times? :?:

Don't hate that a smaller motor with no opti is faster than your car stock for stock...it's OK....your fragile ego can take it.

:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::moon:

[LTb1ow]

Don't hate that a smaller motor with no opti is faster than your car stock for stock...it's OK....your fragile ego can take it.

:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::moon:

I already have come to terms with it, hence, I threw the LS1 out there. Brought out the big guns. :rofl:

[deadtrend1]

what the heck is a T-ram. sounds like an offering from Dodge

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr39/FirebirdGTAboy/SLP%20T-RAM/P1010037.jpg

[V]

ah ok... that thing, but they had special intakes too right?

[Featherburner]

i think its a special dual filter air intakeIsn't it an intake manifold?

Edt: tim is too fast.

[Frosty]

I already have come to terms with it, hence, I threw the LS1 out there. Brought out the big guns. :rofl:

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[deadtrend1]

ah ok... that thing, but they had special intakes too right?

yes, they had a dual filter intake that went across the radiator. SLP offered them for a long time then poof. No more.

T-Ram
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s145/willi44225/imagew2.jpg

with intake
http://image.highperformancepontiac.com/f/14597381/hppp_0904_08_z+1992_pontiac_firehawk+engine.jpg

[Frosty]

They can pull in some BIG $$$$. I know someone that had 2 of them, not sure if he sold them or not.

[V]

so this "creation" just on ebay now lol.... only $1,250

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/82-92-Camaro-Firebird-TUNNEL-RAM-uses-stock-TPI-harness-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b245dcb7QQitemZ17049 4647479QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

[BigAls87Z28]

They are big money because the molds, plans, and everything else went up in flames at SLP engineer in the early 90's I believe.

[deadtrend1]

so this "creation" just on ebay now lol.... only $1,250

Thats kinda .. not the same. :lol:

[NJ Torque]

I've always said it... TTA is the only 3rd gen I would own...

[Savage_Messiah]

v6 powah!

[Blacdout96]

They are big money because the molds, plans, and everything else went up in flames at SLP engineer in the early 90's I believe.

Why not send one over to Taiwan (Chinese metal is too cheap to last) and have replica's made, it's not NOS, but it also wouldnt cost $1200.
Taiwan is responsible for manufacturing complete muscle car bodies for people to build. I belie ve I saw the factory while taking a train on my second day there. I looked out the window at a parking lot at a factory, and there I saw what looked like a 71 Nova ,and several other muscle car bodies!! I wanted the train to have a malfunction so I could get a closer look.
v6 powah!

If only our head port work was alot better from the factory, our cars would have so much more potential without a turbo, but as far as being one of the fastest F-bodies, WOOT!!


FYI, If I remember correctly, wasent the TTA manufactured from the factory with the 3.8T motor, where as the Firehawk was sent to SLP to be transformed, so really the Firehawk was a aftermarket performance car that obtained those numbers right? As to where the TTA made those numbers right outta the factory line.

[deadtrend1]

Why not send one over to Taiwan (Chinese metal is too cheap to last) and have replica's made, it's not NOS, but it also wouldnt cost $1200.


Hey yea, I'll put that on my list of things I'll wait for aftermarket companies to come out with at a reasonable price. Yep, right under the BBK TPI intake. :rofl:

[Frosty]

FYI, If I remember correctly, wasent the TTA manufactured from the factory with the 3.8T motor, where as the Firehawk was sent to SLP to be transformed, so really the Firehawk was a aftermarket performance car that obtained those numbers right? As to where the TTA made those numbers right outta the factory line.

Yes and no. PAS in California built the motors, shipped them back to GM, they were installed at GM's plants then the car would be shipped to PAS for testing/QC/etc.

[WildBillyT]

FYI, If I remember correctly, wasent the TTA manufactured from the factory with the 3.8T motor, where as the Firehawk was sent to SLP to be transformed, so really the Firehawk was a aftermarket performance car that obtained those numbers right? As to where the TTA made those numbers right outta the factory line.

IMO, if it wasn't done at a GM factory then it's not factory. Just like the 1969 Crossram is not factory.

[Blacdout96]

Yes and no. PAS in California built the motors, shipped them back to GM, they were installed at GM's plants then the car would be shipped to PAS for testing/QC/etc.

Did they build the 3.8T or the Firehawk motor?

IMO, if it wasn't done at a GM factory then it's not factory. Just like the 1969 Crossram is not factory.

I agree. SLP to me is like Shelby, a company that took factory cars, upgraded them, and sold them in the same dealerships as factory cars.

And 69 crossram :drool:

[Frosty]

Did they build the 3.8T or the Firehawk motor?



The 3.8...the took the GN motor and made the changes(heads, manifolds, intercooler etc), they built the motor and then sent them back to GM.

However the car was fully assembled at the GM plant.

[BigAls87Z28]

SLP at one point was a tier 1 supplier to GM. I don't believe they were at the time of the first hawks though.

[WildBillyT]

SLP at one point was a tier 1 supplier to GM. I don't believe they were at the time of the first hawks though.

But was their stuff done before final assembly or after?

[Frosty]

But was their stuff done before final assembly or after?

After.

[Featherburner]

IMO, if it wasn't done at a GM factory then it's not factory. Just like the 1969 Crossram is not factory.While this is true, I wouldn't say no to a Yenko, Dick Harrel, Dana, Baldwin Motion, Fred Gibb car that was done before the COPO program was utilized.:nod:

[Blacdout96]

While this is true, I wouldn't say no to a Yenko, Dick Harrel, Dana, Baldwin Motion, Fred Gibb car that was done before the COPO program was utilized.:nod:

Oh lord no! Baldwin Motion 70 1/2 :drool:

[WildBillyT]

While this is true, I wouldn't say no to a Yenko, Dick Harrel, Dana, Baldwin Motion, Fred Gibb car that was done before the COPO program was utilized.:nod:

ABSOLUTELY. :nod:

In no way does this detract from the stuff that they all did. In some cases, dealer/modifier cars ARE in fact "factory" like the '68 COPO novas that Gibb ordered. No other dealer got 'em.

But if you want to say "factory" then it should actually have left the factory that way. Much like how "showroom stock" means paper air filter and stock tire size/brand.

[BigAls87Z28]

But was their stuff done before final assembly or after?

At first GM shipped the cars to SLP Engineering's center in Mich to do some WS6/SS mods. Then I think at some point, SLP was just making the parts and GM was putting them on in St.Therese.

[NastyEllEssWon]

up until 99 the ss and ws6 stuff was done by slp. then gm took it in house in 00.

[sweetbmxrider]

ordering a car at the dealer is definitely different then going to a company and ordering a car to be modified

[edpontiac91]

Bone stock these cars ran 13.50 @ 103 mph. There were WAY UNDERRATED AT THAT TIME (250 HP). If you look at my sig, you'll see that with bolt-on mods ONLY and a set of Gatorback shaved "S" compound tires, the car ran a best of 12.18 @ 115 mph. There was no computer tune, just an adjustable boost control that let me run 20 lb of boost in all the gears instead of the factory setting of 16 lb in 1st/ 14 lb in 2nd and 12lb lb in 3rd. If you figure the weight of the car, that translates into about 450 hp and all from a 3.8 V/6 stock block. One hellva sleeper. It did handle better also because of less up front weight and still got 28 mpg on the highway with the stock 200 R4 trans. These GTA's were actually modified near the Van Nuys plant AFTER they were fully built where they stripped out the motor and trans and brakes. Then the baffled gas tank went in, the motor, the trans, the boost gauge in the tach pod, the REAR seat headrests (from the notchback), the dual/dual chrome exhaust tips and the 1LE brakes and aluminum driveshaft. At that time it was the ONLY GM vehicle that could do 0-100-0 and still not have any brake fade after 10 straight runs. The dealer also had to pay over $7,000 UP FRONT before they would ship the car. This was the cost of all the mods that this outside source performed.