What's new
TurboTransAm.com

Register today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

It IS faster than an 1989 Corvette.

TTA579

South Bay TTA "Barn" Find
I now have first hand experience driving both an unmodified TTA and an unmodified 89 Corvette convertible. The TTA is faster by a surprising margin. Though my experience in the corvette is much more refined than my mid-restoration TTA.

This is just an excuse to say "I bought an '89 Corvette".
 
There are some interesting fit and finish differences between the two cars that made me think the GTA was the better car than the Corvette in the 80's.

While the Corvette has a stiffer chassis that results in better handling and less rattle, it's body panels are secured with very visible screws while the GTA's are hidden in many cases. The interior of the TTA has a much cleaner appearance

The Corvette's digital dash is an interesting addition for a car built in 1989, but it provides less simultaneous information than the Trans Am's gauge cluster. On the other hand, the Corvette is quick to point out exactly how crappy it's mileage is (I'm averaging 11mpg commuting). :)

I'm not a fan of the Chevrolet headlight pull-knob (also found on Camaros).
 
Nice. More pics please. Corvette's are fun! I gotta get one too.

I'll take more photos today.

I've had it a week, picked it up super cheap ($6300) and it just needs a couple of little things: EGR Temp Switch, CCV elbow, intake oil leak repaired, weather stripping, rear speakers.

The previous owner had obviously installed some sort of audio system I don't care for. The e-brake is rigged to show as "always on" though it's disconnected, there's an amp wire running from the battery, and the rear 6x9s are missing. The car came with the optional Bose system, but restoring it would be more expensive than would be worth it. I'll probably fit the same 4x6s and 6x9s I plan on adding to the TTA.
 
I could have told you that sooner, and saved you alot of money. ;)
I use to beat corvettes back in 1989, with my TTA. ;)

George :beach:
 
I could have told you that sooner, and saved you alot of money. ;)
I use to beat corvettes back in 1989, with my TTA. ;)

George :beach:
You weren't going to save me any money, I wanted a convertible. ;)

This purchase also cements my restoring the TTA instead of modifying the crap out of it. ;)
 
Back in the '90s before I had my TTA, I has an '89 Corvette Coupe. Fun car and while not crazy fast, the L98 engine has nice torque down low.

Years later, Corvette long gone, I got the TTA. Much quicker than my '89 Corvette.

A few years after getting the TTA, I had the desire to get another Corvette. This time I got (and still have) a 1988 35th Anniversary Coupe. Fun to drive, but yeah, when it comes to power - no match for the TTA.

Chris
----------
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am #760 (1986 miles)
1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary #1941/2050
1983 Delorean DMC-12
1986 Mustang SVO
1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
1986 Toyota Supra MKII
2006 Pontiac GTO - wife's ride!
 
Nice looking car and can't beat the price for a vert! Hey you can always put a TTA motor in it if you get bored with the power! Anyone seen a 80's vette with a turbo 6 under the hood? Of all the different cars I've seen with turbo 6s in them I have not seen one of these.
 
bros 96 gs callaway #1 of 4
Picture420.jpg

062.jpg

063.jpg

060.jpg


fast car but hard to get in an out an i feel cramped in it ... I like the TTA better

I figure the callaway will run mid 11's
 
bros 96 gs callaway #1 of 4

*pics*

fast car but hard to get in an out an i feel cramped in it ... I like the TTA better

I figure the callaway will run mid 11's

Very nice, I love the colors of the GS. Mine matches the TTA pretty well though.

I'm actually comfortable in the Corvette with the exception of the occasional very warm transmission tunnel. I need to fix the oil leak from the rear china wall (intake valley) before I really stretch it's legs, but for now it's my driver while the TTA is leaking coolant.

DAMNED LEAKS!
 
Last edited:
I figure the callaway will run mid 11's

I'm throwing the BS flag on this play...I creamed a couple of the LT5s one night at the track and I was posting mid 12's.

I know the these LT4's are 383's and all,but 450 H.P. doesn't really add up to mid 11 time slips....sorry...not "trying" to be a dick. But again, we're internet racing.


...
 
I'm throwing the BS flag on this play...I creamed a couple of the LT5s one night at the track and I was posting mid 12's.

I know the these LT4's are 383's and all,but 450 H.P. doesn't really add up to mid 11 time slips....sorry...not "trying" to be a dick. But again, we're internet racing.


...

it was just what I think it would run it has a zf trans 6 speed 450 rwhp and alot of 1 off parts since it was the first... its an lt4 btw ive seen the old zr1's run high 13's with the mercury built engine .... pilot sport 2 are the best tires for street besides mt radials
c4's are also very light ... im not mad or think your a dick he doesnt care what it runs ive the only one whos put it on the 6800 rev limitter ... he bought it as an investment and not many regular gs's came with red interrior.... callaway even made a special body for about 2 or 3 gs's they just sold the body didnt do anything to any of them from what ive seen ... id rather pimp an white c5 z06 my heavy vert 99 ss camaro will run 13.20's granny shifting an its really heavy just regular bolt ons no tune intake or heads never been off.... my GN ran high 14;s first time out sliping trans ... ive driven 14 sec 1/4 cars and 5.80 1/8factory iorn headed closed chamber cars when i was 18 1.32 60ft with the back tires couldnt keep the front end down ... it has real wheelie bars now never been back to the track
 
Last edited:
Fair enough....What I would like to know is though, and maybe you fellas with more SBC knowledge than me is, why do the SBC guys seem to favor the 355s over the 383s? I've only talked to one "expert" and he just said the 355 is much better than the 383 stroker.Never explained why,just made the statment.

On another note, Having owned a couple TPI cars I have to say it's tough to beat one across an intersection, they just are stump pullers with those long intact tracks.Too bad too as they peter out up top.
 
Fair enough....What I would like to know is though, and maybe you fellas with more SBC knowledge than me is, why do the SBC guys seem to favor the 355s over the 383s? I've only talked to one "expert" and he just said the 355 is much better than the 383 stroker.Never explained why,just made the statment.

On another note, Having owned a couple TPI cars I have to say it's tough to beat one across an intersection, they just are stump pullers with those long intact tracks.Too bad too as they peter out up top.

I called him to get me to let me tack it down the track he said no ... or i would wed night an show u footage ... ive seen many lt4 on motor run mid 11's car is strong but i know it isnt any where near my GN or TTA .... im sure u will see it on on barretjackson
 
Last edited:
Very nice, I love the colors of the GS. Mine matches the TTA pretty well though.
Here ya go, maybe he needs a boat to match his car :)
I looked at this boat in person when it was for sale several years back in Midland, now its on a lake about 30 miles away from me. Has a 383 Callaway motor in it also!
MalibuGSCorvetteBoat.jpg

GSBoatRear.jpg
 
nah like i said he plans on takin it to scottsdale arizone for the barret jackson sale ... car come from penn has alot of trohpies from carlise evens an u see the names under the hood.. I did flog it though an said what it felt like but no #'s = no proof u can see it has custom made tips rolled from ss he went to the gs show acuple yrs ago an has a nice pic at the bowlinggreen factory with the other gs's and owners at the factory 06 i think
 
Back
Top