Hey guys,

What would you think about a 79-81 TA as a daily driver? They seem to be findable for around $10,000, and I love the looks. I am also interested in learning about working on cars, and these older TA's certainly appear to be easier to work on than my car now. I know that they aren't exactly greased lightning, but what are the performance numbers like on them? How about gas mileage? I would have this car at college, but I wouldn't be driving it a whole lot. Everything is pretty much on campus, so except for venturing back to my house (about 2.5 hours away), I probably wouldn't be taking it a whole lot of places. If it makes any difference, I have a 97 3.8L Camaro right now.

Thanks for any advice you can give me,
Frank

 

well idk my 78 is pretty tight to drive, before the old engine was ripped out it was getting ok gas mileage, but not great. Maybe like 10 mpg but thats cuz the guy i bought it from pretty much screwed it over. Performance, i couldnt tell you much about, i havent really got on it yet, But working on them is sooo much better than newer cars, more room to work and its pretty stupid proof assuming you dont do anything retarded. I love my second gen its one of the best cars ive ever worked on and driven, as far as the gas mileage goes though, you might want to consider traffic because that may get your milage to drop if its all cluttered

 

My first car was a 1980 Firebird Esprit with the 301 4bbl engine. It wasn't a racecar, but wasn't a total dud either. I got around 20 mpg with it on the highway and 15-17 around town. I currently have a '79 10th anniversary T/A with the 400 4-speed. I get about 14 mpg driving around town and about 18 mpg on the highway. The '79 W72 package (400 4-speed) is rated at 220 hp. I love the 2nd gens, they are my favorite of the four generations. The later second gens can't match the 4th gens performance or fuel economy without mods, but they still handle very well without a punishing ride. They are not out of place on the road today as a daily driver, but their value and lack of replacement parts if in an accident may make you want to reconsider. I drive mine occasionally throughout the summer to work and to cruise ins. I love to see as many 2nd gens as possible saved, IMO they were the best because they were so far ahead of their time. Keep your Camaro as your daily driver and buy a 2nd gen as your classic musclecar.

 

QFT

 

So was 79-81 trans am, the same year as smokey and the bandit? If so i would honestly do anything for one. They are teh sexy...big block power only makes it better!! A guy i know has one that is Orange with the bird graphics and all. I would die for that car!!!

 

Nope.. that was the 77-78 Cars... At least if you mean Smokey an the Bandit one.
I drove my 76 around as my daily driver in my first few years of college. I'm not on my sixth year of college.. and am VERY glad that I have a daily driver thats better on gas, and more dependable.
They are awesome cars, but are just outdated when it comes to daily use. Ofcourse if you don't mine 10mpg, and 220 hp... in 3800 pounds of car then go right ahead.

 

mines about to become a daily driver and i talked to alot of people before i got mine and for short distant driving i've heard it's not bad. plus i love the second gens and how loud and obnoxious they can be. if you get one i'm sure you'll love it.

 

I have been thinking of selling my scooter (Harley) and picking up a 70-81 camaro and what I have learned thus far is that they are prone to rusting. Be very careful before you buy. I have been looking for the forum comprable to this one and thirdgen that has a second generation focus. Look also at that dash pad, not like the later years where the top can be replaced for a few bucks and a few screws. Second gen is 400 for the dash pad and some work to replace.

Remember to look for rust....never buy rust unless it is something worth large cash after restoration and the second gens unless a 70-73 Z28 or RS/SS just will not bring a return worth the effort. NO RUST. ( bought a 67 Chevelle Malibu and then found the rust....cut my loss and sold it)

 

It just depends on where the rust is but he's right if it's just a small part in the trunk or on the rear fender it's not that hard to fix but you will have to repaint it so you have to factor that in so it's all about what your looking to do with it...