1985 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am review from North America

Alternator went bad at 117,000 miles.

Mass air flow sensor was bad when I bought it.

Thermostat got stuck at 120,000 miles.

Wire fell off of the driver's side headlight relay at 125,000 miles.

Center console came apart, but this is common for the 82-92 Firebird.

Fixed with epoxy resin and some time.

Exhaust had rusted through, couldn't find the Y pipe with the square flange which seemed to be unique for the 85 TA with the TPI system.

Plus, the muffler shops guide books are incorrect, and list a Y pipe that is way too small. So, I bought one for an 86 TA and it worked fine. Just had to use a different catalytic converter.

Only other problem I had with the car is that someone was stealing my wheel center caps. Discovered that the Silver bird center caps can't be bought from the dealer anymore, only the gold ones. I have to come up with a way to prevent people from pulling them off.

I find the 1985 Trans Am 5.0L TPI to be a great car in general.

It runs strong still.

Starts on first turn of the key.

Lots of torque.

Corners really well.

And drives amazingly well on snow and ice for a rear wheel drive car.

I have had many rear wheel drive cars, but this one handles the snow and Ice very well for me. Some slippage on hills but generally it works fine as my daily driver. But, the summers are still better.