What Year?

[Storms Of War]

I'm thinking of buying a 4th generation Trans Am. I hear that 94 and 95 had major problems with the optispark system though so i'm wondering what year to buy. I'm still in high school so i can't afford something that's really new but i definitely want a 4th generation Trans Am. Any help would be appreciated.

[briantech]

if you want an early model 4th gen, i'd say go with the 305 HP 1996 or 1997 Formula/TA WS6. If however you like the 98+ body style... well then get a 98 or up. Either way I'd say start out with at least the 305 HP version of whatever style you get.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

"I'm thinking of buying a 4th generation Trans Am. I hear that 94 and 95 had major problems with the optispark system though so i'm wondering what year to buy."

The 93-94 has a non vented OPTI. The 95-97 has a vented OPTI which is marginally better. 98 and up don't have an OPTI.

BTW the non vented OPTI is about 1.5 X the cost of the vented OPTI.
Example:
1993-1994 (non-vented) 10457702 $321.41
1995-1997 (vented) 1104032 $230.97

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I have gone about 50k before changing the opti on my '94. The first time it was done at 60k, and I just had it done recently at 104k. So the average I'd say is 50k.
As far as the year and horsepower goes, any LT1 should be fine...the WS6/SS cars have a little more power with the ram-air system, but a cold air kit + a cat-back exhaust on a standard LT1 should beat it out. I'm not sure how much more a WS6/SS is compared to the standard Z or T/A, but a cat-back + cold air will require an extra $600-$1000 depending on the brands you buy.
The 1993s were probably the most different regarding the LT1 f-bodies. If you want to know the specifics, do a search in the message forum. There are too many to list now. The 94-97 years were really close, with not as much change - with the exception of the vented opti in '95 and the dual cat system in '95 CA cars, '96 all other.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Well, here's my opinion...

If you want a quick car, and can't afford the LS1's, a 96 or 97 Formula is the way to go. The WS6/SS/Firehawk cars add some power and some features, but not really enough to justify the increased cost. The Formula cars are cheap since everyone wants the high-optioned cars. However, since the Formula's have only options which make the car faster, they are quite a bit lighter. For less than $1000, they can easily be made faster than the portly WS6 models. You can even add a Ram Air hood if it's the look your after.

Now, if looks are more important, by all means shop for a T/A or WS6 model (SS or Z28 in Chevy trim). Be aware that these cars are rarer so demand a bit more $$.

My 96 has been rock solid. No problems to speak of. Of course, just when GM gets the motor tweaked just right, they replaced it with the LS1. Early LS1's had some problems. Nothing major, but every new design has some growing pains early on. The last years are by far the best since a lot of LS6 technology found it's way into the F-Bodies. They respond very well to slight intake changes, better than the LT1's IMHO. However, parts cost a bit more for the LS1's...slightly. With the new LS2 coming, I would expect the cost to equalize between the two models.

Either way, buy the car for what you are looking for. Power...looks...etc. Right now, you can really get some crazy deals on used cars. No one wants to bother buying used when new car rates are so low.

[Storms Of War]

Thanks guys. Where can i get a cheap 96-97? I'm looking for a 6 speed and autotrader.com and cars.com have barely any. I don't want something with rediculous mileage because the chances are, the car has been beaten to hell.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Where are you located at?

[briantech]

Learn to love www.ebaymotors.com. Figure out what kind(s) of car you want and do a specific search, then bookmark that page. My search was always (formula, trans am, WS6) from years 1996 to 1998, under $12,000. I'd watch that page every single day for months. After a while you will see trends in the number of cars listed... sometimes they will spike, sometimes there will be .

You just have to be patient and wait... and one day it will just happen, and your car will show up and you'll go get it.

But I strongly endorse ebaymotors. Autotrader just has too many incomplete listings, no details, no phone numbers, or they are all private sellers that dont contact you, or the cars already been sold, etc etc.

[wolfdogs]

why not splurge.......

http://www.renokeo.com/compsell.html

http://www.renokeo.com/hawksell.html

[casey02ws6]

Good luck on a 6 speed in good shape. They are tough to find - but as many have said be patient they're out there. For what it's worth I had a 94 Formula 6 spd and never had a bit of trouble through 75K miles - also put 65K miles on a 96 Z28 - no probs. The WS6 and SS cars are significantly more expensive and probably not worth the premium from a performance stand-point. However, since they are selling for more that also means it should be worth more when you sell it - the premium models hold their value better.

[tabahr]

Use the "advanced search" feature in Autotrader..

Check out these... I really like the second one!!! I've been watching that one for some time now. If I was looking for one, I'd have that one shipped to my door sight unseen.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=1630

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r=&cardist=909

[Storms Of War]

Excellent, thank you. I want to wait until i can afford a 98-2002 but i'm impatient so screw it. I'm looking for an lt1. I've found a few good ones but i still gotta save.

[Mirroredshades]

Wolfman has 2 of the Tastiest machines on the road right now, look at his site.

I love my 96. Strong performance and a good price.

The best advice I can give you is to drive as many as you can. Seat of the pants is the best measure no matter whether its a TA, SS, Z06 or Plain Jane. You can feel the difference.