In a period when high-performance capabilities were in a downward spiral among many of the past greats, the second-generation Trans Am certainly tried hard to be a standout among its peers in turbo form during this bland era. While the brute force wasn’t on par with some of the T/A monsters of the past, it was still a decent offering for the early eighties, providing enthusiasts with 210 horsepower from its turbocharged V8 in 1980, then dropping a bit to 200 in ’81. Located in Tacoma, Washington, this 1981 model here on eBay could use some work, but it appears to be largely original. So far, 21 bids have taken the price to $9,001, and while the seller mentions that $13,900 will buy it right now, I’m not spotting anywhere in the listing to make that happen.
Not long before the Turbo T/A came around, the 455 had been available in the Trans Am until 1976, with the 400 continuing until 1979, though it was a limited-quantity option in its final year. For 1980, the 301 was the standard engine, with a Chevy-sourced 305 also a possibility, along with the turbocharged 301. In its two years of production, the Turbo Trans Am offered 340-345 lb-ft of torque depending on whether it was 1980 or ’81, which wasn’t all that bad considering this was still the malaise era. The seller states that the original engine is still under the hood here and reports that it runs well and starts easily, with this F-Body said to handle, drive down the road, and stop properly.
This one also features one of the more desirable exterior finishes, with Starlight Black paint and the gold decals along the body. The seller estimates that around 75% of the paint is original, but cautions potential buyers that it’s wearing thin in some areas. There are also a few dings, chips, and scratches present, but the panels are said to be straight with no visible rust or bubbling, so it’ll be up to the next owner to decide whether this Pontiac looks good enough for a while or if respraying it is a front-burner priority.
Inside, the components are described as mostly original, but the seller is forthcoming about the need to redo the entire interior. The seat fabric is torn, and there’s some staining in here that could possibly be attributed to leaking T-Tops, though that’s not confirmed. However, despite the flaws inside and out, this one still appears operable as is. How do you see moving forward with this 1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am, in the near future and in the long run?
Floor mats ? ? ? who needs floor mats . Buick type wheels on a Trans Am ?
I have to wonder what happen to the original wheels. This car has had a tough life it appears.
at least 4k to do the interior. what a poor wheel choice. they are not Buick wheels.
Pontiac’s 455 was not a big block, as a matter of fact the block dimensions of the 301 and the 455 are nearly identical.
It’s amazing to me that so many people don’t realize that the Pontiac V8 regardless of cubic inches is the same block in all of them.
Yes sir!
The major difference in Pontiac V-8’s are the smaller crank journals on all but the 421,428 and 455 blocks. (larger journals)
Externally almost all identical, water pumps, pulley set ups varied some through the years as well as mounting holes for engine mounts into frames. Some exhaust manifold bolts and valve cover heights varied some also.
We just installed round port aluminum heads with factory HO exhaust manifolds on our ’71 455 HO installed in a ’64 Lemans, had to trim the A/C blower housing and remove passenger side valve cover to clear
Same engine with cast iron heads fit without issues…
Hmmm
lol
That’s a really weird color combo. My suspicion is that the car maybe was originally starlight black but did not have the gold eagle and decal package but rather have the five color red eagle and decal package. Never seen gold decals with a red interior. But who knows? The seller says that the paint is 75% original…