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It all started back when I was about ten years old (1999)... My parents had me make a "goals list". One of the things on that list was to "Own a Red Trans Am Ram-Air"
I have always casually searched for "the car" since I was 16 years old, the timing was never right however. After I was close to making an offer on big BigRobSS's navy blue metallic WS.6 a few months ago when it was sold, I began to search a more rigorously. I started with the basics, MiFbody, LS1tech, Craigslist, Ebay, Autotrader, Cars.com, etc. I finally found the website "searchtempest.com" thanks to WMCCgary. My dreams of a nationwide craigslist searching site finally came true! I found several cars through the site... until I finally set eyes on an ad titled...
"2000 Trans Am Cheap Perfect Condition Must See !! - $XX,XXX (Rockaway NJ Morris County)"
After thoroughly reviewing the pictures and details on the car, I emailed the seller. A few days had gone by and I was casually searching LS1tech.com's "LS powered vehicles for sale" forum, when I found the same car! So I sent the seller a PM and about 70 emails, 1 CARFAX, 1 CARCHEX inspection and lots of pictures later... I was booking a flight out to New Jersey.
On Saturday September 25, 2010... My Dad and I left for the Detroit Metro Airport at 5:45 am for our 7:30am Spirit Airlines flight to New York's Laguardia Airport. We barely made the flight due to one of the security stations being closed, so the other was handling double the normal amount of people. We made it to our gate as the lady was announcing "last call, we are closing the door".
We were picked up by the seller in New York (my first time there) and driven to Rockaway, NJ where I finally laid eyes on a beautiful Red 2000 Trans AM. I took it for a test drive, signed the title, handed over a check and we began to drive west! It was a beautiful 80* New Jersey dad driving with the T-Tops off and the Borla exhaust roaring.
I am the third owner of the car. The first owner was a middle aged man who unfortunately was forced to sell his pride and joy by his wife, after he suffered a heart attack. The guy I bought it from could not pass up the opportunity to buy a mint condition 36,000 miles bone stock Trans Am. He owned the car for 6 years before selling it to me. He had recently purchased a beautiful 2008 Corvette C6 that was sleeping outside until the garage queen Trans Am sold.
the criteria in my search for "the car" was very strict, and frustrating at times. Kolin (tastyZL1) kept telling me "don't settle". The checklist included... Red, Trans Am, 1998-2002, six speed manual transmission, leather interior, T-Tops, exceptionally clean body and undercarriage, and no extensive modifications. The car was advertised as follows...
The trip back from NJ driving through the mountains with my dad was something I wouldn't trade for the world. This is just the beginning of many great times to be had with the car.
I'd like to thank a few people on this site for "secretely" helping me during the searching mission.
Scott (92conv) was the first person I went to when I began to look at vehicles, because as far as I am concerned, the man knows everything about Pontiacs! He helped me search a ton and gave me lots of great advice and other car options to consider. Thanks Scott!
Jeff (81DaytonaPaceCar) was able to give me some great insight as to where the cars will go in value in the future and pointed out a few things I had not even thought of. He gave me some great advice on the car, that I really helped me feel more comfortable buying this car. Thanks Jeff!
Brian Meissen (meissen), Jonny (Superman09), and Mike Campbell(cOnCePt) all helped me through the CARFAX process and that was a huge help! Thanks guys!
Derek (redfbird99) also gave me his opinion on the car and educated me on out-of-state sales and options for transporting the car. That and our cars are almost twins now. Thanks Derek!
Corey (Detoxx03) was also very helpful in educating me on the US Exotics WS9 hood, which I LOVE! Thanks Corey!
Darren (Darrenscamaro), Liz (MORNINGSTAR2101), Bill (bfranz48154) all reviewed the car and gave a unanimous "YES, GET IT" reaction Much appreciated folks!
And last, but not least... Kolin Mouw (tastyZL1) has always been there and was very instrumental in getting me into the f-body world. Thanks!
And thank you MiFbody!
This thread will document the progress as I change small things on the car... with LOTS of pictures
I hope you enjoy it!
I have always casually searched for "the car" since I was 16 years old, the timing was never right however. After I was close to making an offer on big BigRobSS's navy blue metallic WS.6 a few months ago when it was sold, I began to search a more rigorously. I started with the basics, MiFbody, LS1tech, Craigslist, Ebay, Autotrader, Cars.com, etc. I finally found the website "searchtempest.com" thanks to WMCCgary. My dreams of a nationwide craigslist searching site finally came true! I found several cars through the site... until I finally set eyes on an ad titled...
"2000 Trans Am Cheap Perfect Condition Must See !! - $XX,XXX (Rockaway NJ Morris County)"
After thoroughly reviewing the pictures and details on the car, I emailed the seller. A few days had gone by and I was casually searching LS1tech.com's "LS powered vehicles for sale" forum, when I found the same car! So I sent the seller a PM and about 70 emails, 1 CARFAX, 1 CARCHEX inspection and lots of pictures later... I was booking a flight out to New Jersey.
On Saturday September 25, 2010... My Dad and I left for the Detroit Metro Airport at 5:45 am for our 7:30am Spirit Airlines flight to New York's Laguardia Airport. We barely made the flight due to one of the security stations being closed, so the other was handling double the normal amount of people. We made it to our gate as the lady was announcing "last call, we are closing the door".
We were picked up by the seller in New York (my first time there) and driven to Rockaway, NJ where I finally laid eyes on a beautiful Red 2000 Trans AM. I took it for a test drive, signed the title, handed over a check and we began to drive west! It was a beautiful 80* New Jersey dad driving with the T-Tops off and the Borla exhaust roaring.
I am the third owner of the car. The first owner was a middle aged man who unfortunately was forced to sell his pride and joy by his wife, after he suffered a heart attack. The guy I bought it from could not pass up the opportunity to buy a mint condition 36,000 miles bone stock Trans Am. He owned the car for 6 years before selling it to me. He had recently purchased a beautiful 2008 Corvette C6 that was sleeping outside until the garage queen Trans Am sold.
the criteria in my search for "the car" was very strict, and frustrating at times. Kolin (tastyZL1) kept telling me "don't settle". The checklist included... Red, Trans Am, 1998-2002, six speed manual transmission, leather interior, T-Tops, exceptionally clean body and undercarriage, and no extensive modifications. The car was advertised as follows...
A garage kept 2000 Trans am. It is lightly modded for a daily driver. Perfect drive-ability, reliability, no issues! I would drive it from NJ to Cali and back with no issues!
Only used mobile 1 oil every 3000 miles. The car currently has around 72.5k miles on it.
It is a Manual 6 speed car.
It has the following Mods.
T-tops - Dont leak at ALL!
ls6 intake - $350
ls7 Clutch - $500
QTP Stainless headers - $800
High flow cats - $400
Borla Adjustable Cat back - $900
Strut tower brace - $100
MTI clear lid - $90
Tuned by TTP Performance in NJ 350hp/360TQ to the wheels - $250
12 disc changer!
Hurst shifter
New struts - $400
Raptor shift light (hidden behind the A pillar nothing cut) - $100
WS9 US Exotics Hood with functional heat extractors - $500 for the hood and $500 for the paint blended to match the car.
Only used mobile 1 oil every 3000 miles. The car currently has around 72.5k miles on it.
It is a Manual 6 speed car.
It has the following Mods.
T-tops - Dont leak at ALL!
ls6 intake - $350
ls7 Clutch - $500
QTP Stainless headers - $800
High flow cats - $400
Borla Adjustable Cat back - $900
Strut tower brace - $100
MTI clear lid - $90
Tuned by TTP Performance in NJ 350hp/360TQ to the wheels - $250
12 disc changer!
Hurst shifter
New struts - $400
Raptor shift light (hidden behind the A pillar nothing cut) - $100
WS9 US Exotics Hood with functional heat extractors - $500 for the hood and $500 for the paint blended to match the car.
I'd like to thank a few people on this site for "secretely" helping me during the searching mission.
Scott (92conv) was the first person I went to when I began to look at vehicles, because as far as I am concerned, the man knows everything about Pontiacs! He helped me search a ton and gave me lots of great advice and other car options to consider. Thanks Scott!
Jeff (81DaytonaPaceCar) was able to give me some great insight as to where the cars will go in value in the future and pointed out a few things I had not even thought of. He gave me some great advice on the car, that I really helped me feel more comfortable buying this car. Thanks Jeff!
Brian Meissen (meissen), Jonny (Superman09), and Mike Campbell(cOnCePt) all helped me through the CARFAX process and that was a huge help! Thanks guys!
Derek (redfbird99) also gave me his opinion on the car and educated me on out-of-state sales and options for transporting the car. That and our cars are almost twins now. Thanks Derek!
Corey (Detoxx03) was also very helpful in educating me on the US Exotics WS9 hood, which I LOVE! Thanks Corey!
Darren (Darrenscamaro), Liz (MORNINGSTAR2101), Bill (bfranz48154) all reviewed the car and gave a unanimous "YES, GET IT" reaction
Much appreciated folks!And last, but not least... Kolin Mouw (tastyZL1) has always been there and was very instrumental in getting me into the f-body world. Thanks!
And thank you MiFbody!
This thread will document the progress as I change small things on the car... with LOTS of pictures
I hope you enjoy it!
Good thread!
357ci LT1, cammed, stalled, and driven. 
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