Topic: 1981 Turbo Trans Am

[krausc9]

Hey I am new to the site and was looking for a little info. I recently acquired a 1981 301 turbo Trans Am. I am wondering what the car would be worth if restored, I have tried a google search and all I can find in that model is special editions. I am trying to figure out if it is worth a total restoration or just get it running and have fun with it? Any input is greatly appreciated. It has been sitting in a garage and not been started in  16 years. there is some surface rust and a crease in the driver door and in the passenger back 1/4 panel. Any help would be wonderful. I'm not sure if i should drain the fluids and see if it starts or would that hurt it? I'm sure it need a rebuild on everything after sitting so long. I tried to upload photos but I can't get them down to 196Kb

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7sra3zqhxpitsql/Jo5yQbM3S9

link to pics

[NWW-79 T/A]

Most fully restored T/A's fall in the 30k range. Turbo cars end up a little less because of the motor. Either way, I think every T/A deserves restored of course, you should enjoy it too.

[oldskoolubr]

$30K Good luck Getting That?!

[krausc9]

Any advice on where to start? Should I drain fluids and try starting??? It was running when parked just couldnt pass emissions. thanks for the help on what its worth!!!!

[ponchonutty]

You would be better off going to www.301garage.com because there's things you need to know about what to do with that turbo.  Those little 301 motors are a great sleeper because people think they are dogs.  Heck, my '80 turbo TA has no problems out running my buddies '79 403 car (both completely stock).  There's a few with really little tweaking running deep into the 12 second range with these cars!!!!  Never thought I would ever consider owning a turbo TA but a V8 sound through a turbo is pretty cool.


BTW, your car looks very complete, it'd be a shame to part it or modify it beyond what you already have.

[ponchonutty]

$30K Good luck Getting That?!

There have been a few highly documented turbo cars going north of $30k on Ebay.  One was a Pace and the other was an SE car.  Granted, $30k would be a little on the high side of things for a regular TA.

[NWW-79 T/A]

A 100% frame off nut and bolt restoration can turn 25-35k on these cars. Look at Trans Am Specialties of Florida, they ask at least that for every car they restore, and sell quite a few. Now, their cars are exceptionally done, and any car wanting to sell in that range needs to be