J0hn_J0hn08

iTrader: (2)

hey guys i searched but couldnt find anything for the 1989 year.

Im trying to verify that my car is an original trans am, and im wondering what wheel options came stock for trans ams in 89? could they have 15" wheels?

what about the ws6 package? was that strictly 16" wheels that year? what should i look for to verify if its a ws6?

I found a performance suspension emblem on dash, but that could of easily been added on, my door sticker reads 15" wheels, but my vin appears to have the trans am code.

No rpo sheets in the car at all, couldnt find any so im bummed.

All i have checked so far

-Door sticker reads 15" wheels
-has performance suspension emblem
-rear drum brakes
-non posi 10 bolt.
-305 tbi motor, l03
-fender vents
-ta hood
-ta tail lights
-vin has the t/a/gta numbers

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

http://www.78ta.com/photo/89ta.htm
This will list what was Standard on this 89 Trans Am and what this car had as options.

JT

iTrader: (1)

To answer your question, 15" rims was standard on the 1989 Trans Am. The G80 RPO code, which is the locking differential, was optional on the Trans Am but not standard (according to my Pontiac literature). Because you have the open (non-locking) differential and 15" rims, I'm 99.9% sure you don't have WS6 as WS6 would have had the G80 and 16" rims.

The Performance Suspension badge does not mean WS6. WS6 cars did have the Performance Suspension badge, however, not all cars with Performance Suspension badge had WS6. That badge was triggered on certain suspension options.

Look for the SPID sticker on the inside wall of the center console lid. Look for RPO code WS6. If the SPID sticker isn't there, you might try entering the VIN into Compnine.com but know that 1989 and older is generally not available on that site.

If the VIN prefix is 1G2FW, it's a Trans Am. GTA and Trans Am shared the same 1G2FW VIN prefix but the GTA didn't have the L03 or 15" rims so it's easy to determine between the two in this case. If the car was a base Firebird, or Formula, the VIN prefix would be 1G2FS.

J0hn_J0hn08

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the reply, so far ive confirmed the car to be a trans am for sure due to vin.

having no rpo codes isnt helping the situation to figure out if its a ws6 or not.

I checked the sway bar upfront and it is just as thick as my 86 iroc if not bigger. What can i check suspension wise to determine if its a ws6?

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

245/50ZR16 Tires,PW716X8 Wheels,Front&Rear Disk Brakes.

JT

iTrader: (1)

Are you sure? In 1988 WS6 did not include rear disc brakes. It was not part of the WS6 and I believe that was still true for 1989.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I could be wrong,I noticed on the example window sticker that the J65 is listed as a separate paid option.

JT

iTrader: (1)

I know WS6 didn't include J65 in 1988 as I have had one for a long time:
http://gtanotchback.com/misc/88tarpo.jpg

Notice the J42 and WS6. I'm pretty sure that continued into 1989.

Remember, this was a change because older ThirdGens did have J65 as part of the WS6 package. You can see one of John's posts, linked below, where he mentions WS6 and J65 changes:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...23-post52.html

timfitz63

Rear disc brakes were optional for 1989, but the option was mandatory equipment with certain powertrain combinations. Mine has disc brakes all around.

bryan.paine8102

I also need help trying to find my rpo codes on a 1989 Gta, there are no rpo codes in the console. just want true confirmation. Any help?

JT

iTrader: (1)

If the SPID sticker is not located in the center console, and you have no original invoice or window sticker, short of finding the buildsheet (which may or may not be in the car and if it is in the car it could be anywhere), you will need to order a copy of the GM invoice from the following service:
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/

Anything short of RPO code confirmation via the SPID, buildsheet, or invoice is purely a guess as the car is 26 years old and just about anything could have been changed. Additionally, the GTA community knows that, for years, there has been some clones (some better than others) since most of the equipment on the GTA was also available on the Trans Am or could be easily added after the fact.