1989 Pontiac Trans Am

5.7

Automatic

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Firebird fans, up for auction is a rare bird that many people don't even know exists: a 1989 Trans Am GTA convertible with the L98 TPI engine. This 350 cubic inch engine was standard equipment in the GTA throughout its production, but it was never produced as a convertible thanks to the car's impressive power and handling capabilities-GM engineers felt that the convertible chassis wouldn't deliver the performance Pontiac fans demand. But in 1989, ASC (who built all the ragtop F-bodies for GM anyway) ran a batch of GTA convertibles, just to see what would happen. The result is one of the rarest of all 3rd generation F-bodies, and also one of the most potent. The GTA was the top-of-the-line Trans Am in 1989, loaded with almost every single option Pontiac could throw at it. Because of the performance potential of the L98 engine, the suspension was upgraded, and visual cues were more pronounced, including monochromatic paint. GTAs used body-colored epoxy-filled emblems rather than tape stripes and decals, while a gold Firebird could be found on the rear sail panel. A gold GTA/Firebird combination crest was placed on the nose of the car between the headlights, and "GTA Trans Am" badges were located above the body break line at the back of the front fenders. GTAs did not feature the lower air extractor vents like those used on regular Trans Am models. This Flame Red Metallic GTA convertible has all the standard GTA styling features, and the same easy-to-stow folding top as the standard convertible. Paint is fading but no loss of clear coat and the body is super-clean! The urethane ground effects and spoilers found on the GTAs are in excellent condition as well, with no signs of warping or discoloration, and even the unique rear wing remains in very good shape. This GTA features Camel leather interior which is a perfect compliment to the Flame Red paint and tan convertible top that was replaced just a few years ago. The leather is in exceptional condition, the front seats have been completely redone and the GTA Trans AM Logo has been stitched into the seat and the rear seats are in fantastic shape. The dash is in excellent shape, NO cracks or discoloration! The L98 V8 under the hood is no joke. Stolen from the Corvette, it makes 240 horsepower in this application and a whopping 345 pounds of torque, the headers have been replaced with Dyno Don Headers and a Borla Catback Tunable exhaust has been added to make it really mean and as loud as you would like. (All original part are still with the car).With a crisp burble from the tailpipe at idle and a full-throttle battle cry that made Mustang 5.0s run and hide, this engine is legendary in GM circles for its performance, civility, and reliability. And forget that nonsense about the convertible chassis not being up to the task-ASC, who does all the convertible work for most of the OEMs anyway-reinforced the GTA's chassis when they removed the roof for the conversion. The result is a 100% factory GTA that you'll never see anywhere else. And speaking of chassis performance, this GTA also has the WS6 handling package that included stiffer springs and shocks, as well as those gorgeous gold lace alloy wheels. There are probably a few of these that are homemade concoctions that Trans Am fans built themselves. But this is a real 1989 L98 GTA convertible built by the factory which total only 141 ever made (see production numbers below). People always do a double-take when they see the GTA badges and the big engine in the convertible body, but it is fully documented should anyone ask any questions. Beautifully preserved and an absolute blast to drive! This car is super clean on the inside and straight as an arrow on the outside, NEVER been in an accident!!. Everything works as it should except items listed below. A/C is ice cold, transmission shifts out perfect, motor will put you upright in your seat. Numbers matching car!! Fun to drive and Very Good Looking, a real head turner! 3rd Owner car!! The Problems with the car are as follows: The power door lock on the driver’s side does not completely lock the door, it must be manually pulled back to fully lock. The headlights only work on high beam, no problems with high beams or fog lights, just low beam. The trunk button on the dash does not open the trunk but when opened with the key it has the automatic close feature which works as it should. **The odometer does not turn, it’s showing 88,609 and the Clear Georgia Title shows EXEMPT under mileage**. A few chips in the paint on front nose and hood (shown in pictures). That’s it! Bid with confidence, check out my feedback!! If you have any questions just ask before you buy, happy to answer. GM codes on the car are as follows: AAA : 4-WAY MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTER AM9 : SEAT, RR, SPLIT, BACK, FLDG AQ9 : SEAT, FRT PASS A DRIV, RECL AU3 : LOCK CONTROL, SIDE DR, ELEC A31 : WINDOW, POWER OPERATED, ALL DOORS A90 : LOCK CONTROL, RR COMPT LID, REM CONT ELEC RELEASE B2L : PERFORMANCE PACKAGE & ENGINE PACKAGE V8 5.7LPFI BC8 : ORNAMENTATION, INTR, DR MAP POCKETS B20 : ORNAMENTATION, INTR, LUXURY B84 : ORNAMENTATION, EXTR MLDG, BODY SIDE C49 : DEFOGGER, RR WINDOW, ELECTRIC C60 : HVAC SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONER FRT MAN CONTROLS CC1 : ROOF HATCH, REMOVABLE PANELS, GLASS DC4 : MIRROR I/S, R/V, TILT, DUAL READING LAMPS DE4 : SUNSHADE, REMOVEABLE HATCH ROOF DG7 : MIRROR O/S, LH & RH, REM CONT, ELEC, PAINTED D3Y : GEAR, SPEEDO DRIVEN D42 : SHADE, RR COMPT SECURITY D81 : SPOILER, RR, AERO WING D9B : SENSOR, VEH SPD E5Z : SPEEDOMETER ADAPTER (DELETE) E9Z : SPEEDOMETER KEY (DELETE) FE2 : SUSPENSION SYSTEM, RIDE HANDLING GW6 : AXLE REAR, 3.27 RATIO G80 : AXLE POSITRACTION, LIMITED SLIP IL2 : TRIM-INTERIOR DESIGN JG1 : SHAFT, PROP, ALUMINUM J65 : BRAKE SYSTEM, PWR, FRT & RR DISC K34 : CRUISE CONTROL, AUT0MATIC, ELECTRONIC KC4 : COOLING SYSTEM, HEAVY DUTY ENGINE OIL K68 : GENERATOR,105 AMP L98 : 5.7-LITER V8 TPI ENGINE MD8 : TRANSMISSION, AUTO 4 SPD, THM 700 R4 MX0 : MERCHANDISED, TRANS, AUTO PROVISIONS, O/D NA5 : EMISSION SYSTEM, FEDERAL, TIER O NK4 : STEERING WHEEL, SPORT LEATHER W/ RADIO CONTROLS N10 : EXHAUST SYSTEM DUAL N64 : WHEEL & TIRE,SPARE, SPACE SAVER, ALUMINUM PW7 : WHEEL, 16 X 8, ALUMINUM, DIAMOND SPOKE QLC : TIRE ALL, P245/50ZR16/N BL R/PE ST TL HW4 T93 : TAIL & STOP LAMP, SMOKED T96 : FOG LAMPS – FRONT UB3 : CLUSTER, INST, OIL, COOL TEMP, VOLTS, TRIP ODOM, TACH UF6 : LAMP, INTR, CONSOLE, COURTESY UK3 : ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, ACCESSORY CONT UQ1 : RADIO PROVISIONS, FOR STEREO UT1 : TONE GENERATOR, WARNING UT4 : RADIO, AM/FM-ST CASS, AUTO NR, TOUCH CONTROL, STEERING WHL CONTROL U25 : LAMP, INTR, RR COMPT, COURTESY U29 : LAMP, INTR I/P, COURTESY U62 : SPEAKER SYSTEM, DUAL COAXIAL U75 : ANTENNA, POWER, RADIO VAN : ASSEMBLY PLANT, VAN NUYS, CA V73 : ANTENNA, FIXED WS4 : MODEL CONVERSION, TRANS AM WS6 : PERFORMANCE PACKAGE, SPECIAL WW6 : APPEARANCE PACKAGE, AERO #6 W62 : ORNAMENTATION, AERO PACKAGE Y84 : MERCHANDISED PKG, GTA, TRANS AM 52P : WHEEL COLOR, GOLD MET (91) 6ZX : SPRING, COMPUTER SELECTED, FRONT, LEFT HAND 66I : INTERIOR TRIM, MED BEECHWOOD (91) 662 : TRIM COMBINATION, LEATHER, MED BEECHWOOD (2)(91) 669 : SEAT BELT COLOR, MED BEECHWOOD (9) (91) 7ZX : SPRING, COMPUTER SELECTED, FRONT, RIGHT HAND 74Q : MOLDING COLOR, FLAME RED MET (91) 74U : PRIMARY COLOR, EXTERIOR, VICTORY RED (91) 8NL : SPRING, COMPUTER SELECTED, REAR, LEFT HAND 9NL : SPRING, COMPUTER SELECTED, REAR, RIGHT HAND 1989 Firebird Convertible production figures From 1989 ASC order logs 2 – TURBO TRANS AM (V6 Turbo) 141 – GTA or Trans Am -w/L98 (350 TPI) 42 – FORMULA 350 – w/L98 (350 TPI) 9 – GTA or Trans Am LB9 "F" (305 TPI) 16 – FORMULA – W/LB9 (305 TPI) 4 – Trans Am LO3 "E" (305 TBI) 58 – Firebird or Formula – W/LO3 (305 TBI) 37 – Firebird – W/LB8 (2.8L V6) 10 – Exported 5 – Unknown http://www.gtasourcepage.com/modelfeatures.html