Since the beginning of The Source Page in November 1997, countless inquiries have been received requesting information on virtually all aspects of the Trans Am GTA. There are literally hundreds of areas to cover on these cars, but the majority of requests involve a “core” number of subjects that people want to know more about… whether out of mere curiosity, or the fact that their particular car features the particular option or has the item in question.
Whereas most of this information is in one or more of the other sections of the Source Page, it can be difficult to track down and/or decipher. I’m hoping that this new 2025 relaunch of the website will help some with those issues. So this section has been created to help those who have a question and maybe are looking for a “quick” answer to their inquiry. Hopefully this will cover some of the more common requests, but, as always, if you don’t find the information you are looking for… then by all means contact The Source Page at your leisure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED GTA-RELATED QUESTIONS
Question#1 – “I’ve heard many different ideas, but what exactly does ‘GTA’ stand for?
The name “GTA” was given to the cars by John Schinella of GM Design fame and stands for “Gran Turismo Americano”; an interesting take on the famous Pontiac “GTO” nameplate of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as various European models produced by the famed Italian automaker Ferrari. The name was another way to reference the more international performance flair that Pontiac was trying to introduce into the market with the cars. Schinella also was responsible for the look and appearance of the GTA as well, including the use of cloisonné emblems for identification.
Question #2 – “What is a Notchback GTA?
The Notchback Option (UPC AA8) was an available exterior option for GTAs in 1988 only, and was not available on any other Pontiac (or Chevrolet) F-Body model. Pontiac targeted a more upscale market for the GTAs; the Notchback option was a stylish way to further distinguish the GTA from the rest of the Firebird model line.
Constructed by Auto-Fab, Inc., a GM supplier, the AA8 option consisted of a styled fiberglass decklid and an accompanying flat heated rear window. The Notchback gave a distinctive style (and an unmistakable profile) to the GTA line. The small rear glass was heated, but was not removable. Inside, the rear seat backs were redesigned to accommodate a much larger integrated headrest that rose up flush with the bottom of the abbreviated hatchback; this also served to close off the rear seat from the rear hatch area.
Initially planned as the only GTA rear treatment for 1988, the decklid was then relegated to an available GTA option for the model year; it was abruptly canceled in August of 1988 before the start of 1989 production. According to the Pontiac Dealer Car Distribution Bulletin of August 30, 1988:
“Effective immediately, the GTA Notchback Option UPC AA8, has been canceled. No further orders with this option will be accepted. All preferenced orders have had UPC AA8 removed. No 1989 GTAs will be built as Notchbacks. All stock orders on order will have UPC AA8 removed by Pontiac.”
End of story? Well, not really. GM’s internal UPC/RPO production logs show that a total of twenty (20) ’89 GTAs were built as Notchbacks; some were sent north of the border as late as October of 1988. A total of 718 GTAs (624 U.S cars and 94 Canadian cars) were equipped with the distinctive hatch treatment for 1988. Pontiac UPC records show a single car was built with the option for 1989 in the US.
Question #3 – “Is there such a thing a real GTA convertible?”
Yes, there is, but the issue usually comes down to whether or not the cars were considered “factory-built” or aftermarket conversions. Pontiac had the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) convert 1989 Firebirds ordered with CC1 hatch roofs into convertibles in response to demand for a topless Firebird stemming from Chevrolet’s introduction of the Camaro convertibles in 1987, and for 1989 the conversion process did have an actual GM drop-ship code: 07622. Cars were then drop-shipped to Pioneer Pontiac in Livonia, MI for delivery to ASC for conversion, then sent back out to the selling dealers after completion.
The actual number of 5.7L V8-equipped GTAs converted is not known, but according to online records a total of one hundred fifty-eight (158) Trans Ams and GTAs equipped with the 5.7L TPI engine (a GTA standard feature) were converted into droptops, along with forty-three (43) Formula 350 models. In addition, nine (9) Trans Ams and GTAs equipped with the 5.0L TPI were converted as well. ASC’s actual records were so poorly kept that all that remains today is a barely legible photocopy of a bunch of partial VINs and the locations the cars went to.
The 1991 and 1992 convertibles were also converted by ASC and were not built in-house at the Van Nuys facility. According to Pontiac literature, order sheets, and production records, the only models available as convertibles were base Firebirds and Trans Ams; the GTA was not offered as a “factory” convertible model in 1991-1992. Again, the CC1 hatch roof cars served as the basis for the conversion cars.
ASC also did a healthy business offering convertible conversions for dealers and customers alike on cars AFTER they were built during all years of GTA production; they offered conversions on many contemporary models besides the GM F-Body twins. So, yes, there are “real, live, authentic” Y84 GTA Convertibles out there… but they were not originally built that way. The 1989 GTA convertibles are the only “factory-authorized” GTA drop-tops ever built.
Question #4 – Why do some GTAs have those ugly, “Porsche” style mirrors?”
Initially, the 1987 GTA was introduced as a kind of upscale American international sports coupe; its real marketing target were cars like the Mazda RX7, the Nissan 300 ZX, and the Toyota Supra. The UPC DD9 “paddle” mirrors were already used on export GM cars, as well as providing a direct visual reference to the GTA’s “international” intentions. That style was quite common on many European sports coupes of the day, including those made by Porsche and BMW. The mirrors were mainly discontinued because of production and supply issues, but apparently they also were prone to being knocked off the cars rather easily. Regardless of reasoning, it is a fact that only earlier model 1987 GTAs have them.
Beginning with production the week of January 26, 1987, Pontiac reverted to using the standard DG7 Firebird side mirror on the GTA. I have never seen an actual concrete figure of GTAs that were built with the DD9 mirrors installed. Over the years, two different numbers have been tossed around as to the total number of cars built with the unusual mirrors: either fifty (50) or two hundred (200). It doesn’t seem reasonable that either number would be correct… surely more than 200 GTAs were built between August 1986 and the end of January 1987? Either way, it is certainly a rare sight today to see them on any 1987 GTA. The DD9 mirrors were used on all export F-cars through 1992, but were only used on U.S GTAs in 1987.
Question #5 – “I just ran across a sharp 86 GTA, but Y84 isn’t on the SPI label…”
That’s because it isn’t a real, factory-built Trans Am GTA. The GTA was not introduced until 1987, regardless of many individual claims. There were some 350 TPI “test mule” Trans Ams (and Camaros) around the hobby magazines in 1986 because it was the easiest way to increase power in the F-Bodies and fans were clamoring for that to compete with the Mustang 5.0L V8s. Some GTA-like options were available on the T/A in 1986 as well. However, the actual UPC Y84 GTA option made its debut in 1987. Check out the Authentication section of The Source Page for more details.
Question #6 – “My GTA has drum brakes on the rear axle. What gives? Is this right?“
Yes, it is. In virtually all model years but especially in 1991 and 1992, GTAs were produced with this unusual combination. This option, UPC J42, featured front disc brakes and rear aluminum drum brakes, instead of the usual J65 four-wheel disc set-up. The reason for this was weight restrictions in keeping the cars within federal CAFE requirements, in addition to supply issues at other times. The majority of cars built in this manner were 5.0L GTAs, which in turn were equipped with the CC1 T-tops. The extra bracing used in T-top cars pushed the weight over the allowable limit, so one means of saving poundage was to change the braking setup used on cars. There have been claims that SCCA racing demand in the late ’80s and early ’90s may have led to the shortages as well. More information is available in the Car Distribution Bulletins section.
Question #7 – “I’ve got the digital dash in my GTA……. that’s gotta be a rare one, right?”
The digital dash option, UPC U52, was only available on the GTA in 1987 and 1988, in conjunction with the C67 electronic air conditioning system. In fact, in 1988, this dash set-up was more readily used than the standard analog set-up, with 6,289 cars out of the total production of 11,218 GTAs having this option installed.
Question #8 – “Could you get a 350 TPI GTA with T-tops?”
Yes, and No. In 1987, only 5.0L U.S.sales GTAs could be built with the hatch roofs; they were not available in any Firebird model with a 5.7L engine as noted by the car order worksheets.
Again, this was a weight issue dealing with the CAFE ratings. GTAs destined for Canadian delivery in 1987 were not bound by the same requirements, and were available with the 5.7L engine and T-tops. According to Pontiac order sheets and production records, the only GTAs subsequently available with both the 350 TPI engine and the T-top option were the 1989 model cars; the GTA that year enjoyed a large build number with both options. No definitive reason has ever been discovered that allowed for this production change and there is no mention of it in the ’89 CDBs, but nevertheless it was short-lived. Starting again in 1990, all 350 TPI GTAs were again only available as hardtop cars.
Cars & Concepts (C&C) of Brighton, MI offered aftermarket T-tops that could be ordered thru dealers for new car installations, so again, you could have a 5.7L GTA of any year with the C&C hatch roof; in fact parts for these cars are still serviced through many vendors. But the 1989 GTAs are the only “factory” U.S. GTAs with both the T-tops and the 5.7L engine.
Question #9 – “What is the story with the GTA Kammback wagon? Where can I get one?”
The GTA Kammback wagon grew out of a styling exercise by Pontiac; in attempting to gauge the possible public response to a Firebird-based sport wagon, Pontiac was considering a way to broaden the Firebird’s customer base. Unfortunately, it was never committed to production due to the increased cost it would add to the Firebird’s sticker price.
The idea originated in 1978, with the construction of a second-generation Trans Am that made the rounds on the show circuits. That car was later updated with the new-for-1979 styling and eventually was retired to Pontiac’s own historical museum. The idea again took flight on a pair of 1985 Trans Ams, and then later was updated to the GTA styling in 1986. Pontiac kept the GTA Kammback in its collection until it was sold in 2009, and it was a regular sight at major car shows around the U.S. While presenting as a GTA on the outside (but the with fender vents ID’ing its Trans Am beginnings), the interior of the car featured the AS5 Recaro bucket seats that were optional in 1985 and 1986 instead of the GTA’s AQ9 articulating bucket seats.
Question #10 – “Can you help me? My radio is showing LOC’D on the display, and I can’t get it going again.”
Aren’t theft-deterrent systems wonderful? This little displayed message means that power to the radio has been interrupted, and the Delco-Loc theft system has kicked in to safeguard the radio. Simply push the “MUTE” button on the steering wheel and the display should return to the clock feature and power to the unit will be restored. This feature prevents the radio from being stolen and then installed in another car. The steering wheel controls are all that can reactivate the radio after power to it has been interrupted. Otherwise, it is just a cool, but decorative piece of electronic stereo equipment.
Question #11 – “Did Pontiac make a 350 TPI GTA with a five-speed manual transmission?”
No, GM did not. ALL GTAs from 1987-92 had the four-speed overdrive (700-R4/4L60) automatic transmission if the car was equipped with the 350 TPI engine at the factory. The manual transmission was N/A with the big TPI motor amid warranty fears due to the amount of torque the 5.7L produced and subsequent warranty claims and concerns. Also, there were rumors of problems in certifying the combination for the CAFE requirements as well.
Question #12 – “Why is the 20th Anniversary Trans Am on your page? It’s not really a GTA, is it?”
Indeed….. in reality, it most certainly is. According to Pontiac’s own publications, the 20th Anniversary Trans Ams were “GTA-based” models, and so they too are featured on the Source Page. Apart from the engine, front springs, brakes, and different badging, the 20th Anniversary cars all featured GTA-level equipment as standard fare. All 1,550 cars feature both the Y82 and Y84 codes on their SPI labels.
Question #13 – “Man, I love that Firefox GTA! Did they ever make any of those, and if so, how would you get one?”
The legendary 1988 Firefox GTA was one of several experimental prototype cars commissioned by Pontiac to explore the upper reaches of small-block V8 performance. Built by Prototype Automotive Services (PAS), the Firefox was equipped with numerous special engine and suspension components, and registered many performance benchmarks that are still plenty impressive even today.
The second car, the Firefox II, was built in 1991 by TDM Technologies of Livonia, MI to reflect the restyled look of the Firebird line. The Firefox GTAs were withdrawn from use with the introduction of the fourth-generation Firebirds and were stored for a period of time before being destroyed by Pontiac many years ago. Neither car was ever made available for private purchase before destruction.
The only surviving example of the Firefox’s era is the 1992 twin-turbo Trans Am that Pontiac finally sold at auction some years back. Whereas the Firefox was a normally-aspirated car, this twin-turbo T/A did have some features installed on it that were common to the Firefox as well… including the complex independent rear suspension and ZF six-speed manual transmission.
Question #14 – “Any ideas on why the GTA’s weren’t carried over to the new generation Firebirds in 1993?”
The fourth generation Firebird introduced in 1993 reflected a general trend in the auto industry to downsize and simplify car model lineups. Despite toying with design images for a new GTA, Pontiac returned to the basic model lineups and dispensed with all the option packages prevalent up to that time; the base car, the Formula, and the Trans Am model had been in the lineup for decades. With the fully-contented nature of the regular 1993 Trans Am and the general industry trend away from flashiness, it was really not a huge surprise that the GTA model would fall by the wayside.
Price also no doubt played a role in the GTA’s demise. Whereas the 1992 GTA stickered at around $25,000, the new 1993 T/A went for around $21,000 and had a lot of new features that the GTAs lacked: the LT1 V8, dual airbags, ABS, six-speed manual transmission, etc. The new-model T/As offered value and performance, with an albeit smaller dash of that flash thrown in for good measure.
Question #15 – “My 1987 GTA doesn’t have some of the stuff listed as standard on the later models. What’s up with that?”
The 1987 GTA was not the fully-loaded car of just a single year later. Initially, the GTA package consisted of only eight (8) performance-related options plus the specific exterior appearance package; two separate option value packages were then available at extra cost to further customize the car to the owner’s individual tastes.
For 1988, the model went with its fully-contented roster of options as part of the completion of its elevation to the flagship Firebird F-car. So it is possible to have a first-year GTA without many or most of the options you have come to think of as “GTA equipment”…
Question #16 – “Where can I look to find original items relating to my car? I’ve tried my local GM dealer, but have had no luck…”
Since Pontiac was shuttered by GM after the 2010 model year, you can forget finding anything usable at any GM dealer in this day and age. They were notorious for pitching out everything year-to-year back in the day, even.
There are, however, scores of auto literature dealers in business these days, and many of the best ones can be found in Hemmings magazine, the bible for auto collectors. Many of these companies have vast libraries of original auto literature, ranging from owners manuals to shop repair books… and everything in between. Most can either tell you immediately if a certain item is in their stock, or give you a return call within twenty four (24) hours regarding prices and availability.
Another source for literature and other items are the on-line auction companies, like eBay. These forms of doing business continue to skyrocket in popularity, and on eBay alone there are thousands of pieces of Pontiac-related literature sold daily. These days, there are literature dealers plying their trade in eBay stores offering any kind of literature or documentation you could ever dream of owning. So many excellent items can be found through these type auctions, and patience will usually reap benefits for the selective owner. Just make sure your “clicker finger” is strong and in shape.
Question #17 – “Is it hard to still find performance parts for my GTA?”
Well, it isn’t getting easier as the years go by… let’s put it that way. Even though the newest GTAs have been out of production for over thirty (30) years now, performance parts are still being produced and are available…. you just have to look harder now. The GM small-block V8 is still a favorite with hot-rodders and performance buffs alike; the TPI set-up only adds a “tricked out” look to an older car or truck. So the demand for parts is still very much there.
Most of the major aftermarket companies do business over the Internet and they all still offer many various components. In fact, some aftermarket companies have designed parts/kits to adapt the latest advanced technologies… later-model heads, manifolds, etc… to these popular cars. But sales volumes have forced a lot of companies to move on from our cars to newer and more profitable models.
Another source for a few “go-fast goodies” are the major aftermarket “speed shops”, like Summit Racing and JEGS. These companies used to have sections in their catalogs that featured nothing but performance parts for the TPI engines, but you will find that their inventory is much more directed towards the later LT1 and LS family of V8 engines. Sales volumes drive these retailers too, and sheer numbers will see to it that the TPI parts are not as popular as the newer GM stuff. Still, these places are worth a look.
Lastly, a lot of performance stuff is sold online as well today. Facebook and Marketplace, eBay, various websites and forums are all good places to look for that elusive part you’re dreaming of. Again, be prepared for supply-and-demand pricing but the parts are out there.
So… did a question of YOURS get answered???? I sure hope so
Hopefully this section of the Source Page has helped to find the answers to some of the more common GTA-related questions. Naturally, as needed, the section can/will be expanded to address any other items of interest that come up regularly.
And, again as always, your comments regarding this section and its usefulness are always appreciated… let me know what YOU think about it!