1991 GTA With Transmission Issues - Would You Buy It?

[SkiingOnIce]

Hi all, I've found a 1991 GTA for sale for $2k (but the seller may go lower).

The engine appears ok, and the interior is fine, but the paint is pretty burnt, and he says it won't go into 3rd or 4th gear.

If I could talk him down to $1k, how hard is it to either work on or find a replacement for the 4spd auto transmission in these?

It has a 5.7 L V8 and is on video, idling without any weird sounds.

 

[Pontiac Trans Am]

If you get it for $1000, take it!

That's an easy trans to replace with a new one!!

Thank you,
PTA Staff

 

[ws6transam]

"Back in my day".

When I was still running a 700R4 (before the days of my 6-speed), I could disconnect the transmission and get it on the transmission jack in 59 minutes.

So, doing a torque converter swap took about three hours.

Swapping the whole transmission took about the same length of time.

The first time we did it, it took twice that amount of time.

The trick is having about 30 inches of 3/8 extension rods for your socket set and a good universal for the short-walled socket to get at the upper transmission bolts.

Once you pull the torque arm off and pull off the driveshaft and the crossmember, you can tilt the engine and get at those upper bolts from the back of the transmission.

They are set to about 25 - 30 ft. lb, and once they pop loose, everything else gets easy, from the speedometer disconnect to the TV detent cable to the transmission TC lockup switch connector.

Get a spare driveshaft yoke and put it on the tail shaft to keep it from dripping ATF everywhere.

 

[Knightrider189]

Hi all, I've found a 1991 GTA for sale for $2k (but the seller may go lower).

The engine appears ok, and the interior is fine, but the paint is pretty burnt, and he says it won't go into 3rd or 4th gear.

If I could talk him down to $1k, how hard is it to either work on or find a replacement for the 4spd auto transmission in these?

It has a 5.7 L V8 and is on video, idling without any weird sounds.

Any update?

Did you purchase it for $1,000?


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM