86 Trans Am 350 TPI with Opti problems??

[Akodo]

So I'm looking at buying another third gen, cause apparently 2 in my driveway arent enough. The car is an 86 T/A with a 350, TPI. The owner apparently had it looked at, and they told him it was having Opti problems. In an 86? Did they have an Opti?

I didn't think they produced a 350 TPI in 86. I think I need a closer look.

It was getting dark when I looked at the car, so I couldn't get aq really good look, I'm going back this weekend. But did the 86 have an Opti? There was some kind of black verticle connector to the right of the distributor that had a vacuum line running to it that was disconnected, not sure what that is.

Symptoms are the car starts right up, stumbles just a hair while running, almost like its a little out of time, but sounds strong. the INSTANT you take your foot off the gas, it dies. Starts right back up.
Ideas? How much would a third gen Opti be if it does exist? Should I run away screaming?

This car is VERY clean, supposedly a texas car at some point, I could almost believe it. The inner wheel wells and the floorpans look showroom new. One small hole in the drivers side wheel well that looks like it was cut. Has a strange looking aftermarket hood on it, Moroso valve covers, chrome tips. Interior is pretty ragged, but someone added a gta steering wheel, dash bag, and rims.

[98blackbeauty]

If it has a distributor it is not an opti-spark. the opti spark is located behind the waterpump and is driven directly from the cam shaft end. If it has a distributor then its not opti, If it is tuned port Injected then there should be a ECU to control the injectors.
Your right though symptoms sounds like timing vacuum adv. etc.

[MP81]

Yeah - that's funny. They run an HEI distributor.

[meissen]

Yeah, no optispark. Optis are only on LT1.

[Akodo]

Yeah, thats kind of what I figured. I did a little more research, turns out that according to Thirdgen.org, they didn't even offer the 350 TPI until 87, so either its not the original engine (I think it is, given appearance), or its not a 350, its a 305.

But, if that vacuum advance being disconnected is the problem, might be a real sweet pickup for the price ($600).

I feel bad for the guy who bought it. He was told it was a GTA with a 350. It just has the GTA steering wheel and dash parts, no side medallions, and a drum rear end. Ouchies.

[Fbomb]

I can't believe someone would fall for the claim that a plain T/A with the GTA steering wheel is a GTA. When I bought my 86 the guy told me it was a 350 and I knew next to nothing about 3rd gens. If the motor is an 86 it would probably be either quadrajet carb'd or a TBI. I don't think TPI even came around until 87 and it's definitely not a 350 if it has a T5 trans. I would bring a laptop and an extendable mirror and try to get the numbers off the back of the block.

[Gottork]

I can't believe someone would fall for the claim that a plain T/A with the GTA steering wheel is a GTA. When I bought my 86 the guy told me it was a 350 and I knew next to nothing about 3rd gens. If the motor is an 86 it would probably be either quadrajet carb'd or a TBI. I don't think TPI even came around until 87 and it's definitely not a 350 if it has a T5 trans. I would bring a laptop and an extendable mirror and try to get the numbers off the back of the block.

So many people out there have NO clue whatsoever on what to look for, they see a emblem or certain steering wheel, they jump on it. Hell sometimes they get a good sales person that tells them its a special edition that did not come out with a name badge and they buy it. Perfect example I work with a guy who has a 1970 plain old cutlass(ugly interior bench seat column shift no frills) but because someone put a wing on it from a Hurst Olds he thinks its some manufacturer mistake and the car is worth something, honestly some people out there WANNA believe their car is something that was special not just to them..

just my 2 cents..